Known as the capital city of the southern state of Karnataka, Bangalore (also known as Bengaluru) is the beating heart of India’s tech industry, and it’s exploding with cool places to go and see, from Ulsoor Lake to the KR Market.
Bangalore is fast becoming one of the best places to fly to in India because it offers something completely different from the other major cities. Where else in the country do creative innovation and traditional India rub shoulders?
With so many interesting tourist attractions and destinations in Bangalore, choosing which ones you’d like to see can be overwhelming, so Kiwi has written up five of the best vacation ideas for beautiful Bangalore to help you.
Let’s get planning your holidays.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Bangalore?
Bangalore is gifted with a mild climate regarding Indian standards throughout the year.
To get the most out of your trip to Bangalore, consider traveling during the winter months, between October to February. Temperatures range between 16°C and 31°C. Although it’s the winter season, it never gets cold enough like temperatures for skiing, so you’re safe, even around Christmas time.
March to the beginning of May is considered the shoulder season; during this period, the weather is still nice, but it begins to get more humid as the monsoon season is only around the corner. Temperatures range from 20°C and 33°C.
If there was one time of year to avoid Bangalore, it would be the summer months between June and September. Just as May comes to a close, the monsoon season has arrived, with temperatures between 22°C and 33°C, but it’s much more humid and the warmest time to visit. If you’re not a fan of the rain, you should miss your Bangalore vacation until the weather clears up. But if you don’t mind a shower or two throughout the day, go for it. The monsoon season doesn’t mean it will rain all day, every day; it’s usually just for an hour or two.
Five Places To Travel And Spots To See In Bangalore
- Cubbon Park
- MG Road
- Richmond Town
- The Bangalore Racecourse
- Koramangala
Cubbon Park - A Location Providing Peace And Tranquility
The peaceful Cubbon Park is sometimes referred to as the lungs of Bangalore for its sense of calm and for being the place to go for a break from the city’s chaos. Basing yourself near Cubbon Park opens the door to endless adventures, from taking a tour of the Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technical Museum to wandering through the charming State Library.
Cubbon Park - What To Do There
Take a walk through Cubbon Park itself - Spanning over 300 acres; the blissful Cubbon Park is where rich flora and fauna come together and create a soothing atmosphere. Wander through the space to seek out historic buildings, admire a creative ecosystem, or have a picnic by the Lotus Pond as the sounds of city horns slowly fade away in the background.
Check out some masterpieces at Venkatappa Art Gallery - Comprising of over 600 paintings; the Venkatappa Art Gallery is an impressive display that everyone should see on their trip to Bangalore. It was named after the city’s most successful artist, K. Venkatappa, and now houses some outstanding works from the painter himself and other famed artists.
See Central Public Library with your own eyes - Housing over 3,140,000 books, the Central Public Library in Cubbon Park is the largest library in the state of Karnataka. The building itself catches the eyes of every passerby due to its bright red color. Step inside and look through the packed shelves. Who knows, you might find your next read.
What To Eat And Drink At Cubbon Park
Idli Vada - Bangalore’s signature breakfast Idlis Vada has two parts to it; Idli is a yummy rice cake made with steamed batter, rice, and black lentils. The second piece is Vada, a fried snack similar to dumplings; add two together, and you have a fine dish on your hands.
Masala Chai - Adding milk to black tea is an English tradition that made its way to the Indian shores during colonial times, and Indians have put their own spin on the concept. Masala Chai is drunk all over Bangalore and throughout India. The warm beverage consists of black tea, sugar, spices, whole milk, and either cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, or black pepper.
What To Know Before Visiting Cubbon Park
- While Cubbon Park is a quiet space, sometimes local events are held there, so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, research beforehand to see if anything is on during your visit.
- Cubbon Park is closed every Monday and every second Tuesday of each month, so don’t show up on any of those days, or you’ll be disappointed.
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The charming city of Bangalore from above where it looks less busy © Getty Images
MG Road - The Best Area For Families And Couples
MG Road is the primary passage that goes straight through Bangalore’s city center and is a great base, especially if you have never been to Bangalore before. Lined with luxurious hotels, tasty restaurants, and hip coffee shops, you’ll never be stuck for something to do when you’re on MG Road.
What Are The Best Things To Do At MG Road?
Take a boat ride on Ulsoor Lake - The delightful Ulsoor Lake is one of the largest in Bangalore, spanning over 50 hectares, and has a radius of around 3 kilometers. Boat tours of the lake are readily available and are an excellent way to see the surrounding outdoor area. Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of boats, you can walk around it.
Experience the 1 MG-Lido Mall - Live the Bangalorean shopping experience by hitting up the 1 MG-Lido Mall. Home to high-end shops, international brands, a mega cinema, restaurants, and a kid’s play zone, you could easily spend the day there and never be bored.
Rangoli Metro Art Centre - This cultural space was set up by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation and now comprises of 3 unique art galleries and exhibitions waiting for lovers of fine paintings and sculptures. While you’re admiring your favorite works, you can leave your children in the play area for them to blow off some steam.
Best Food And Drinks To Try At MG Road
Bun Nippat - Nothing beats a delicious Bun Nippat after a long day in Bangalore. This enticing nibble contains a deep-fried masala nippat, a crispy bun, onions, cheese, and the secret sauce that Bangloreans refuse to let any outsider know about. Bun Nippats are sold at almost every street food stall on MG Road and are particularly enjoyed by college students after a day of study.
Kaapi (Indian Filter Coffee) - There’s no better way to lift yourself up in the morning than a Kaapi, a traditional Indian filter coffee that’s served in a stainless steel filter. Kaapi is insanely strong, sweet, and has a bubbly head on the top, unlike a standard cup of coffee.
Tips For Tourists Visiting MG Road
- As the day goes on, MG Road becomes increasingly crowded, so if you’re not a fan of busy areas, plan your visit in the morning.
- Don’t be frightened if various vendors are approaching you on the street, it might seem intense at first, but it’s just how they do business.
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Richmond Town - One Of The Beautiful Places Where A Unique Cultural Blend Is Evident On Every Corner
Offering an unmatched vibe and a fascinating display of Banglorean culture, Richmond Town is a bustling neighborhood popular among expats. Gorgeous parks and sports fields encircle the adorable residential area with tiny rivers, shopping centers, and many educational institutions. Plus, there are so many iconic places of interest nearby, such as St. Patrick’s Church, the Blossom Bookhouse, and the list goes on.
Which Are The Best Things To Do In And Around Richmond Town?
Marvel at St. Patrick’s Church - Constructed in 1841 in honor of the Virgin Mary, St. Patrick’s Church got its name from a group of Irish troops stationed near there many years ago. As you walk inside the church, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing display of architecture and creative stained glass finishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Bangalore.
Go watch a cricket game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium - Are you or your travel buddy a cricket fan? The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is the home pitch of the Karnataka cricket team and holds up to 40,000 occupants. Sometimes even the national team plays there. You might be there when a game is on if you’re lucky enough.
Check out the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium (KSHDCL) - One of the top places to visit around Richmond Town is the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium (KSHDCL). Promoting Karnataka’s traditional craftsmen, this store sells all kinds of creative goods you can take home to your family as souvenirs. Seeing how they assemble their products is astonishing.
The colourful City Mlower Market in the heart of Bangalore © Getty Images
What To Eat And Drink In Richmond Town
Palappam - A yummy treat that Indians love to bake around Christmas is Palappam, sometimes called appam. These are a type of pancake cooked on a pan and made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. The end product is a thin, crispy pancake-shaped snack often eaten with a vegetable stew.
Paneer Soda - Paneer Soda is a refreshing iced beverage consisting of soda, sugar, water, and rose essence. This drink originates from southern India and is relatively easy to make on your own, but various vendors will have stalls in Richmond Town selling their own mix.
Must-Know Tips For Visiting Richmond Town
- When you visit any religious sites of importance in Richmond Town, make sure you cover up, or else you might be refused entry.
- To have any tourist attraction to yourself in Richmond Town, visit early in the morning as Indians tend to leave the sightseeing until the afternoon.
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The Bangalore Racecourse - A Great Location To Stay Where Fun Activities Are In Abundance
Bangalore’s Racecourse is a superb spot to base yourself on your trip if you plan on doing some of the city’s well-known activities, like the Vidhana Soudha and the National Gallery of Modern Art. After a fun-filled day of touring the city, get back just in time for a nightcap in one of many high-end bars in the district. It’s no wonder everyone is starting to stay near the Bangalore Racecourse when visiting the city.
What You Should Do Near The Bangalore Racecourse
Watch some racing at the Bangalore Racecourse - The Bangalore Racecourse is pretty small at only 85 acres, but that doesn’t infringe on the exciting competitions held there throughout the year. With over 1040 stables, several walking rings, a training school, and a track, everything you need is there to gain an insight into the horse racing world.
Update your photo album at Vidhana Soudha - This rectangular-shaped building was constructed with mostly Bangalore Granite and a floor area of a whopping 47,000 square meters. Save your visit until after dark, and you’ll soon realize why the structure is seen as one of the most stunning buildings in the world by night.
Admire some work at the National Gallery of Modern Art - Displaying over 14,000 pieces of modern artwork, the National Galler of Modern Art is an avid artist’s heaven. Enjoy a collection filled with works produced by big names such as Raja Ravi Verma, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, and more.
Food And Drink Everyone Will Love Near The Bangalore Racecourse
Mangalore Buns - Those who love bananas won’t be able to get enough of Mangalore Buns. They’re fluffy pieces of deep-fried bread mixed with banana and flour and commonly served with some coconut chutney on the side. If you’re stuck for something to eat around breakfast time, Mangalore Buns are a tasty, affordable go-to.
Lassi - Coming from the northern Indian state of Punjab, Lassi is a yogurt-based beverage made from sugar, water, cardamom, mango, or strawberry. Say you struggle with spicy food; Lassi is a lifesaver to bring down the intensity of the burn.
Essential Bits Of Information To Know Before Visiting Bangalore Racecourse
- If a time comes when you have to take a tuk-tuk ride somewhere, negotiate a price with the driver before you depart to avoid being overcharged upon your arrival at your final destination.
- Always check how much change you’ve been given back after making a purchase. Some opportunists around the Bangalore Racecourse area are notorious for trying to trick tourists by giving them back less change than they’re owed.
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Koramangala - A District Filled With Clubs Blaring The Loudest Music
Koramangala is a trendy district where tech workers and students base themselves when they arrive in Bangalore for the first time. Everywhere you walk, you’ll find nightclubs, bars, and hip clothing stores catering to the youth. Several big hotel chains and boutique guesthouses have established themselves throughout the neighborhood, so you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of accommodation.
Things To Do In And Around Koramangala
Go temple hopping - Even though Koramangala has undergone extreme modernization in recent years, it still holds its fair share of traditional Hindu temples. A notable one is the Ayyappa Seva Samiti, displaying a traditional wooden prayer hall decorated with flashy colors.
Attempt to free yourself from an Escape Room - Escape Rooms burst have taken major Indian cities by storm in recent years, and Bangalore is no different. Go deep underground with a group and take on multiple tasks and challenges in order to find a way out of the chamber before time runs out.
Unwind at Footworks - Most Indian people hit the beaches by the sea in warm places like Goa to take a break from everyday life, but in Bangalore, you don’t have that luxury, so instead, visit Footworks, a foot massage space specializing in Chinese foot reflexology, the perfect experience for honeymoons.
Dishes And Drinks To Sample At Koramangala
Puliyogare - Also known as Pulihora, this dish is adored all over southern India and is consumed all over homes in Bangalore, mainly during breakfast time. Its contents include steamed rice, tamarind juice, peanuts, coconut, coriander, chillis, peppers, and mustard.
Toddy - This alcoholic drink is made with sap from palm trees, which explains why it’s also called coconut or palm wine. For an authentic experience, look out for a toddy shop in Koramangala specializing in making the beverage.
Tips For Visiting Koramangala
- As you fly into Bangalore Airport, be mindful that it’s over 40 kilometers from Koramangala, so plan accordingly.
- Like the rest of India, don’t expect things to go according to plan when you’re in Koramangala. It can be chaotic at the best of times, but that adds to the adventure.
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