Places in Bangalore - Important Places to visit in Bangalore

Bangalore is now officially called Bengaluru. Many love Bangalore for it's weather conditions throughout the year. Big BDA parks (Bengaluru Development Authority) in each and every area with lots of greenery are unique. In each park you might get to see Children playing, Adults walking and exercising, Elders chatting and doing Yoga, very happening place in morning and evenings. Bangalore is also known as "Silicon Valley of India". Every year many students arrive here, in search of jobs.

In this blog post, I have covered all the important places one might be interested to visit with beautiful photographs.  Enjoy reading and don't forget to add your comments at the end of this post.

You might also be interested to read my other blogpost on "Weekend breaks or Day trips from Bangalore" which covers all the places around Bangalore, that you can visit on a day or over weekends. Click the link to read more.... http://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2014/07/weekend-breaks-or-day-trips-from.html

 

What is covered in this blog (Totally around 50+ places in Bangalore)

1. Eleven Important places in Bangalore with photos, details with Google map link
2. Five Interesting events in Bangalore you might want to check
3. Fifteen different places you might be interested to check
4. Nine other holy places
5. Five famous meditation centers
6. Five other places that you might be interested
7. Big shopping areas
8. Other places for walking, jogging, relaxing and bird photography
9. Famous Lakes for walking, jogging, relaxing and bird photography
10. Some tips to plan your visit

Before I start, I would like to add few notes which might be useful. Use Google maps to know the following :
1. To find the location. Search exactly the names (or) click the map links provided directly
2. Use the directions tab in "Google Maps" and choose the "Bus" to know the bus route numbers and the bus stop names. Local bus transport is the cheapest option.
3. To know the distance from your current location, so that you can double check the Auto fare. (sometimes you might get cheated by Auto meter)

Temples of Bangalore

There are multiple historical temples in Bangalore which are close 1000 to 2000 years old. Do you know there was once a tunnel of 47Km length from Hebbal Anandha Lingeshwara temple Kalabhairaveshwara cave to Nandi hills ? This is no more now due to urbanization. Read more about these temples in my exclusive blog - Temples of Bangalore

https://myjourneysinindia.blogspot.com/2019/06/temples-of-bangalore.html

Important Places in Bengaluru (11 places)

1. ISKCON Temple (The International Society for Krishna Consciousness)

This is located on Hare Krishna Hill near Yeshwantpur. So beautifully constructed. Theppotsava will be so beautiful to watch, but it might be so crowded. Visit their official website for the festival dates.
Official Website: http://www.iskconbangalore.org/
Google Map Link: ISKCON Bangalore



ISKCON Temple at night

ISKCON Temple at dawn

2. Big Bull Temple Basavanagudi

This is the temple dedicated for the Nandi or Bull, vahana of Lord Shiva. The Nandi here is so huge and 15 feet in height and 20 feet long. During Mid-November, there will be a Groundnut festival which is very famous in Bengaluru. Locally this is called Kadlekai Parische. Many
Groundnut sellers come here and sell their harvest.  Adjacent to the temple, there is a big well maintained garden which attracts many visitors as well. You get to see thousands of bats over the trees there. There is also a Bugle Rock garden adjacent to the temple.

More details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodda_Ganeshana_Gudi
Google map Link: Big Bull Temple

3. Lalbaugh Botanical Garden

This is the famous tourist attractions in Bengaluru. This is a 240 acres garden and might take about atleast an hour to explore. Early morning walks are special and it is so crowded in early mornings. There is a beautiful Glass house where the annual flower show happens, there is a Japanese garden, Lake, huge clock and figures of seven dwarfs which attracts kids. Overall a good place to relax and enjoy the nature, trees and plants.

Official Website: http://www.horticulture.kar.nic.in/lalbagh.htm
Google Map Link: Lalbaugh Botonical Garden



Glass house at Lalbaugh Botanical Garden

Tall pine tree at Lalbaugh Botanical Garden

Flower show at Lalbaugh Botanical Garden

4. Vishveshwaraya Science Museum

One of the must visit for kids, this has Engine Hall, Dinosaur Corner, How things work, Space corner...etc. You can also buy the science kits from here for simple experiments for kids. This has four floors and each floor has various display.

Official Website: http://www.vismuseum.gov.in/
Google Map Link: Vishveshwaraya Science Museum



Engine Hall at Vishveshwaraya Science Museum



Wright brothers aeroplane Vishveshwaraya Science Museum

Dinosaur Corner at Vishveshwaraya Science Museum

5. Cubbon Park and Govt. Aquarium

Cubbon park is yet another park in the centre of the city which is about 300 acres with variety of trees and plants. This is at the end of the famous MG.Road and opposite to Chinnaswamy cricket stadium. Both lalbaugh and cubbon park add more greenery to the city. There is a big aquarium and also a Toy train which kids will love. Perfect place for early morning walk and relaxation. Vishveshwaraya science museum is just few hundred meters from here.

Official Website: http://www.horticulture.kar.nic.in/cubbon.htm
Other details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubbon_Park
Google Map Link: Cubbon Park and Govt Aquarium

6. Vidhana Soudha

This is a beautiful building of state legislature of Karnataka. You can only view from outside and not allowed inside. Opposite to this is a High court building which is again a beautiful building.

Official Website: http://kla.kar.nic.in/vds.htm
Google Map Link: Vidhana Soudha

7. HAL Aerospace Museum

This is one of the must visit place in Bengaluru if you are interested in flight models. There is a big hall that displays motorized cross section of models of aero engines and some real engines are also on display. Kids might love this place.

Official Website: http://hal-india.com/Heritage%20Centre%20and%20Aerospace%20Museum/M__20
Google Map Link: HAL Aerospace Museum

Main Hall at HAL Aerospace Museum



Flight model display at HAL Aerospace Museum

HAL Aerospace Museum

Medicinal plants and scientific names display at HAL Aerospace Museum

Entrance HAL Aerospace Museum



Map guide display HAL Aerospace Museum

8. Bannerghatta National Park (Zoo), Butterfly Park and Safari

One of the famous tourist attraction in Bengaluru and known for Lion/Tiger Safari and Butterfly park. If you choose to go on a Safari, you get to see Lions, Tigers in their natural habitat, so close from a secured van. Lion and Tigers are left in an open enclosure with entrance/exit gates. If you buy a safari ticket you get the free entrance to the Zoo. Butterfly park is also in the same campus where you get to see varieties of butterflies.

Official Website: http://bannerghattabiologicalpark.org/
Google Map Link:  Bannerghatta National Park




Isn't it so beautiful? 4 baby elephants are well protected and surrounded by mothers, in Bannerghatta National Park



Beautiful butterfly at Butterfly Park at Bannerghatta National Park



Beautiful butterfly at Butterfly Park at Bannerghatta National Park

Lion resting in shade, shot during Lion Safari at Bannerghatta National Park

9. Wonderla Amusement Park

This is just 28 Kms from Bengaluru, and main tourist attraction. Heavily crowded on weekends.

Official Website: http://www.wonderla.com/
Google Map Link: Wonderla Amusement Park

10. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

The projector at this planetarium projects the night sky on the dome as seen by naked eye. This projector can also project the pictures of constellations. This projector at this planetarium is not only used for shows but also for teaching astronomy.

Official Website: http://www.taralaya.org/
Google Map Link: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

11. Nandi Hills

Very close to Bengaluru and approximately 1.5Km above the sea level, this is a beautiful location to relax. Many come here for Paragliding as well. The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple on top of the hill is the famous temple. On the way you might find vineyards.

Official Website: http://www.horticulture.kar.nic.in/nandi.htm
Other details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandi_Hills,_India
Google Map Link: Nandi Hills

Interesting events in Bengaluru

1. Air show - during Feb 14th once in 2 years (http://www.aeroindia.in/Default.aspx)
The last Airshow was on this year around Feb 14th. Check the link above for all details.

2. Lalbaugh Flower show - During Aug 15 and Jan 26. This is one of the best ever display of flowers and plants you can ever see in Bangalore. Colorful flowers.

3. Carnatic Music Festival - Every year at Fort High School during end March to April (1 month) (http://ramanavami.org/)

4. Kadlekai (Groundnut) Festival - Mid november near Basavanagudi Bull Temple
Kempe Gowda is the founder of the Bengaluru.

5. Karaga Festival  - This happens in Dharmaraya swamy temple near Chikpet during April/May, particularly on the first full moon day of Chitra month in Hindu calendar. Refer wiki for more details https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangalore_Karaga

 

Other Temples (15 different temples)

1. Anjaneya Temple in Mahalakshmi Layout (Opposite to ISKCON) - Very Big statue of Anjaneya with Vada Malai (Vada Garland) 
2. Someshwara Swamy Temple Ulsoor (Refer wiki) - Very old temple for Lord Shiva
3. Lord Subramanya or Murugan Temple Ulsoor - Very old temple for Lord Subramanya
4. Surya Narayana Temple Domlur (Refer temple website) - Beautiful temple in Domlur for Surya Narayana (Sun God)
5. Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple, JP Nagar (Refer temple website)  - Anjaneya Temple on a small hill. Very beautiful temple on a small hill.
6. Shiva Temple in Old Airport Road (Refer temple website) - Beautiful and Amazingly big statue of Lord Shiva, very good attraction.  
7. Banashankari Amman Temple - Small Temple for Amman
8. Sringeri Subramanya Temple, Shakti Hills, Rajarajeshwari Nagar (Near shakti hill resort) - Beautiful temple on small hill with attractive structure which depicts the face of Lord Subramanya.
9. Shri Rajarajeswari Temple - Tamil Nadu style temple tower and structure, beautiful temple for Goddess Rajarajeshwari.
10. Parshwanath Sushil Dham - Amazing carvings and sculptures on pure Marble. Very attractive temple, just before the Karnataka border toll plaza on Hosur road.
11. Big Hanuman statue, Agara circle - Very big and colourful statue of Lord Anjaneya.
12. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Bannerghatta Hills - This is one of the beautiful temples on a small hill and the view from here is good.
13. Meenakshi Temple, Bannerghatta Road - Tamil Nadu style temple tower and structure. Temple tower has multiple colorful beautiful sculptures.
14. Cave Temple, Opposite to Meenakshi Temple, Bannerghatta Road - This is a cave temple.
15. Annamma Devi Temple (Famous for Karaga festival during Mar-April) - Karaga festival is famous here. Refer wiki for more details.

Entrance of Parshwanath Sushil Dham



View of Parshwanath Sushil Dham



Big Anjaneya statue at Agara circle



Sringeri Subramanya Temple Bangalore



Sringeri Subramanya Temple Bangalore



Sringeri Subramanya Temple Bangalore

Beautiful view of the entrance, Parshwanath Sushil Dham



Big Shiva Statue at Shiva Temple, Old Airport road



Big Ganesha Statue at Shiva Temple, Old Airport road

 

Other Holy Places

Note: Refer link in brackets are the official websites and the main link is the Google Map link.

1. Hudson Church (in Hudson circle) - Church interiors and Bell (Refer site)
2. St Andrew's Church in Cubbon Road (Refer site)
3. St Andrew's Cathedral in MG Road (Refer wiki)
4. St Patrick's Church in Brigade road (Refer site)
5. Trinity Church, Trinity circle, east end of MG Road (Refer site)
6. St. John's church in St john's church road, frazer town (Refer site)
7. St Mary's Basilica in Shivaji Nagar (Refer site)
8. Jamia Masjid, Kalasi palayam
9. Jumma Masjid, OPH Road, Shivaji nagar

 

Famous Meditation Centres

• Pyramid Valley, Kanakapura
• Art of Living Ashram, Kanakapura
• Ramakrishna Math, Basavanagudi
• Brahmakumaris Raja Yoga centre and meditation, Gottigere
• Sri Satya Sai Ashram, Kadugodi, Whitefield (Refer site)

 

Other interesting places you might want to check

• Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain and Park (Opp to Nehru Planetarium) Refer official website : http://www.horticulture.kar.nic.in/music.htm
• Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery (right next to Vishveshwaraya museum)
• Fun world, Snowcity in Palace grounds near TV Tower
• Innovative Film city on Mysore road
• Jakkur Flying Club, visit their official website for more details: http://gfts.kar.nic.in/

 

Big Shopping Areas

M.G. Road and Commercial Street. You might like to check the Cauvery Emporium in MG Road which has sandalwood, Brass and Bronze artifacts.

 

Other places for Walking, Jogging, Relaxing and Bird photography

Arakere Forest
Dorasanipalya forest campus, Arakere Mico layout, Bannerghatta Road (5:30 AM to 8AM and 5:30 to 6:30PM)
Google Map Link: Arakere Forest (Ask for the entrance from here, as this is not the exact point but very close point)

Turahalli Forest
Turahalli, Kanakapura - trekking, bird watching, rock climbing, cycling

Famous Lakes for Walking, Jogging, Relaxing, Bird photography

• Madivala Lake (No walking or Jogging, but boating)
• Kaikondarahalli Lake - Good walking and jogging path - Bird watching, Sarjapur Road
• Lalbaugh Lake - Bird watching, walking, jogging
• Sankey Tank - Good for walking, Bird watching
• Ulsoor Lake - Jogging, walking, boating

 

Some tips to plan your visit

1. Lalbaugh Botonical Garden will take about 1 to 1.5 hours to walk around inside. Big bull Temple is close to Lalbaugh so you can combine.
2. ISKCON and Anjaneya Temple are in same location, just opposite to each other. ISKCON might take around 1 to 1.5 hours and the other temple will take around 30 minutes.
3. Vishveshwaraya Science Museum and Cubbon park are on the same road (Kasturiba Road). Both these are at the end of M.G.Road. From Cubbon Park, Vidhana soudha is just 250 meters away.
4. Commercial street is just 500 meters from M.G.Road.
5. Nehru planetarium and Indira Gandhi Musical fountain are very closeby and near RajBhavan.
6. Bannerghatta National Park, Safari, Butterfly Park and Zoo will take the whole day. So plan better. On the way, but just before this Zoo you will find the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple on Bannerghatta Hills.
7. HAL Museum and Lord Shiva Temple on old airport road can be combined.
8. Nandi Hills is on the way to International Airport road and will take atleast about 3 to 5 hours. Jakkur Flying club will be on your way to Nandi Hills and on the right side of the road.
9. Wonderla needs a full day to enjoy all the rides. So plan accordingly. This is on Mysore state Highway.
10. Innovative Film city is also on the way to Wonderla on Mysore state highway

Most importantly, Bengaluru has narrow roads and expect heavy traffic all the times. Even for a kilometer it might take 15 minutes sometimes. So plan accordingly. Avoid peak hours on weekdays i.e. 8AM till 10:30AM and 5PM till 8PM.


Visit also the blogpost on "Weekend breaks or Day trips from Bangalore".  

Hope you enjoyed reading the blog and checking photos. Share with your friends and add your comments, suggestions on the comments box below.