Discover the Top 20 Tourist Destinations in Bangalore, South India’s Tech City

Bangalore, located in the center of the Indian Peninsula, is the capital of Karnataka, a state that continues to thrive as a bustling IT hub with the third-largest population in India. Unlike many other parts of the country, it’s refreshing to see women enjoying fashion trends like jeans and skirts. In this article, we’ll introduce 20 top attractions that showcase the charm of this dynamic city.
Bangalore can be divided into two main areas: the historic downtown around City Market, and the modern Cantonment district, with its sleek buildings around MG Road. The Cantonment area is home to luxury hotels, upscale shops, and British-style pubs, reflecting the city's rapid growth and cosmopolitan vibe.
As a city where South India’s traditional culture seamlessly merges with European influences, Bangalore offers a variety of sightseeing experiences. Thanks to its location at an altitude of about 920 meters on the Mysore Plateau, the city enjoys a dry and pleasant climate, perfect for exploring its many attractions.

1. Bannerghatta National Park

Located in the southern suburbs of Bangalore, Bannerghatta National Park is a safari park that excites adults as well. You board a dedicated bus to tour the park, where you can feel as if you are in the middle of India's wilderness, home to wild animals.
You can see Indian wildlife such as deer, elephants, lions, and white tigers up close, so close that you can almost feel their breath. There is also a regular zoo attached, where Indian native birds and reptiles like the king cobra are kept.
This is a tourist spot not only popular with foreign visitors but also with domestic Indian tourists, so we recommend taking your time to enjoy it.

2. Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, established during the Mysore Kingdom in the 18th century, originally began as a private garden. Spanning a vast 96 hectares, it is a beautiful and expansive garden that cultivates a rich variety of diverse plant species.
Since its inception, the garden has meticulously gathered and propagated plants from around the globe. Today, visitors can marvel at over 1,500 species, including both exotic and indigenous plants. Among these are rare flowers and trees from Europe and the Middle East, with some trees over 100 years old.
As a botanical treasure trove, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is a popular destination for families in Bangalore. Particularly between March and July, the gardens are a vibrant display of colorful flowers, offering a truly breathtaking sight.

3. Cubbon Park

Bangalore is often referred to as the "Garden City," and one key reason is the presence of "Sri Chamarajendra Park” or commonly known as "Cubbon Park," this expansive park features thousands of tree and plant species, blending the elegance of British garden design with Indian architectural beauty, attracting both tourists and locals alike.
Within the park, symmetrically laid-out walkways meander through rocky outcrops, wooded areas, and bamboo groves. The park also houses important government buildings, including the Vidhana Soudha, a public library, and the high court.
Cubbon Park serves as a peaceful retreat for Bangalore’s residents, especially in the early mornings when it's filled with people walking, jogging, or practicing yoga. For visitors, starting your day with a stroll through the park can be a refreshing experience.

4. Vidhana Soudha (State Legislature Building)

Vidhana Soudha is a four-story building constructed in 1956 as the new government office of the Mysore state, in the Neo-Dravidian style. It is located in the government district north of Cubbon Park and currently serves as the legislative building of Karnataka state.
Vidhana Soudha is built of granite and porphyry, with one dome at each of its four corners. At the top of the building is a monument of the four-headed lion, which is also featured on India’s national emblem. The building exudes an air of dignity and strength, creating a solemn impression.
It is also a popular tourist attraction in Bangalore, and during the day, many visitors can be seen taking commemorative photos in front of it. On weekends, the building is illuminated for one hour in the evening, creating a fantastical sight with its dazzling lights.

5. Karnataka State Museum

Founded in 1886, the Karnataka State Museum is one of India's oldest museums, showcasing collections from the Mysore Kingdom era and rare artifacts from the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro. Its diverse exhibits include Indian miniature paintings, the rich history of Bangalore, Buddhist sculptures, Indian stringed instruments, and knives excavated from Mohenjo-Daro. The museum's star attraction is a collection of Hindu deities’ stone sculptures displayed on the first floor. Among them, the 2,000-year-old stone reliefs from the Sannati dynasty (1st–2nd century) found in Gulbarga, northern Karnataka, continue to enthrall visitors.
You’ll also find ceramic jars and animal figures excavated from Arikamedu near Puducherry, as well as exquisite miniature paintings on the second floor. This museum is an ideal destination to explore India's rich history and cultural heritage, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.

6. National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) has three locations in India: Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai. As a cultural landmark, it showcases Indian art from the early 18th century to the present, reflecting the nation’s artistic spirit.
With over 500 works by Indian artists, the gallery displays paintings, sculptures, graphic designs, and photographs depicting the evolution of modern Indian art. Visitors can also view original sketches by the Nobel Prize-winning poet, Rabindranath Tagore.
Housed in the former palace of the Mysore royal family, the gallery offers a tranquil setting with spacious halls. Surrounded by fountains and reflective pools, it’s a peaceful place to appreciate art at your own pace.

7. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

The Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is a popular destination where visitors can interact with exhibits showcasing diesel engines, steam engines, and generators. Designed as an "interactive" space, the museum allows guests to physically operate mechanisms like springs, gears, and engines, providing a hands-on learning experience, especially for children eager to explore the fundamentals of machinery.
While it is a frequent destination for school field trips in India, adults will also find the exhibits engaging. Visiting with family can enhance the overall experience, making it fun for all ages.

8. City Market

For those who want an authentic and bustling Indian experience, "City Market" is a must-visit. Also referred to as "K.R. Market (Krishna Rajendra Market)," it's the city’s central hub, offering everything from household goods to a vast array of other items—like a lifeline for local living.
A standout feature of City Market is its vibrant flower market. Rows of colorful flowers create a scene that feels almost like a painting. At the Flower Market, you can find flowers priced lower than in other parts of the city, and you'll witness many people weaving garlands. These garlands are essential in Indian culture, used in weddings, funerals, and daily rituals.
It’s a unique spot where the everyday life of South India meets an artistic spectacle.

9. 1MG Lido Mall

Bangalore, often referred to as the IT hub, is home to numerous foreign corporations. This has contributed to the city developing several shopping malls that cater to residents' daily needs.
Known as "one of the most livable cities in India for expats," Bangalore offers a comfortable environment for foreigners to stay.
One of the newer additions to the shopping scene is "1MG Mall." Situated on the well-known MG Road in the heart of the city, this mall may not be a major tourist hotspot, but it is a convenient multi-purpose shopping center where you can find everything from clothing to furniture for everyday living.

10. St. Mark's Cathedral

Located near the eastern end of Cubbon Park, "St. Mark's Cathedral" was completed in 1812 and is a historic tourist attraction in Bangalore. It was severely damaged by fire in 1923 but was rebuilt in 1927.
Modeled after St. Paul's Cathedral in London, this beautiful church is built in a colonial style, and at first glance, it may even appear like a white-walled palace. It is a must-visit spot in Bangalore's historical sightseeing.

11. Prasanna Krishna Temple

The "Shri Prasanna Krishna Swamy Temple," conveniently located near Bangalore Central Railway Station and bus terminal, is a Hindu temple established in 1844. The temple is renowned for its vibrant, colorful decorations, predominantly in blue and red, which reflect the essence of Hindu culture. It attracts not only Hindu devotees but also numerous tourists.
Within the temple, you will find statues of Hindu deities as well as past rulers of Bangalore. These figures are beautifully adorned with lavish garments and ornate accessories, making the interior a must-see for visitors.

12. Snow City

Snow City is an indoor amusement park located about 5 kilometers north of central Bangalore, where visitors can enjoy a snowy experience. This expansive 12,500-square-foot park creates artificial snow from purified water, ensuring a safe and fun environment for everyone.
The park offers a variety of exciting attractions, including a 10-meter-high snow dome, snow showers, ice climbing, sledding, ice basketball, ice dancing, and even a snow castle, providing entertainment for both kids and adults alike.
It's especially popular among tourists and locals from South India, where snow is a rare sight.

13. Innovative Film City

Innovative Film City is a world-class amusement park with 27 attractions, including India’s first-ever dinosaur park, a haunted mansion, and one of the country’s largest roller coasters.
Main attractions include "Cartoon City," known for its thrilling roller coasters, "Dino Park," where you can experience life-sized dinosaurs, "Mini Golf," which is perfect for family fun, and the spine-chilling "Haunted Mansion," offering a wide variety of exciting activities.

14. Wonderla

Wonderla is one of the top-rated amusement parks in India, known for its 61 exhilarating rides that cater to both kids and adults alike.
The park boasts state-of-the-art attractions, including India’s first reverse-loop roller coaster, "RECOIL," along with heart-pounding rides like water coasters. You can also enjoy a unique experience in a rain-themed dance club where you can groove to the music as if you're dancing in the rain — a fun nod to India’s love of dancing.
An amusement park visit is a special adventure in India, so why not add Wonderla to your travel plans with your loved ones?

15. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

Located approximately 3 km southwest of Bangalore's city center, Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple is a sacred cave shrine devoted to Lord Shiva, where a "Shivalinga" is housed.
The temple is renowned for its mystical natural occurrence. Every year, on a specific day in January, a beam of sunlight streams through the horns of the Nandi statue at the entrance, illuminating the "Shivalinga" inside the cave for about an hour. This awe-inspiring sight draws thousands of Hindu devotees from various regions, eager to witness the divine event.

16. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

Located just south of the City Market, this palace and part of the surrounding walls, completed in 1791 by Tipu Sultan, ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, remain as popular tourist attractions.
Tipu Sultan, renowned for his courageous resistance against British colonial expansion during the Mysore Wars, is often referred to as the "Last King of India." He spearheaded numerous modern reforms in the kingdom, including the establishment of a centralized bureaucratic system and the introduction of county governance. He is also noted for his diplomatic efforts to forge strong international relations.
The palace itself is a rare two-story wooden structure in the region. On the first floor, you'll find a photo exhibition showcasing Tipu Sultan's history and key landmarks. Another unique feature of the palace is its rare black color scheme, which is an uncommon sight in Indian architecture and a major draw for visitors.

17. Bull Temple

The Bull Temple, a Hindu temple in the Dravidian architectural style, was built in 1537 by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore.
The temple's main attraction is a striking statue of a cow, standing 4.5 meters tall and 6 meters wide, carved from a single piece of rock.

In India, cows are revered as sacred animals, and in Hinduism, bulls are famous for being the divine vehicle of Lord Shiva. According to a local legend tied to the temple:
A farmer, frustrated by a bull devouring his crops, struck the bull on its head. The bull then transformed into stone and grew larger by the day. Worried, the farmer prayed to Lord Shiva, who advised placing a trident on the bull’s forehead. This stopped the bull’s growth. To honor and pacify the bull’s spirit, the Bull Temple was constructed.
The Bull Temple is located in the Basavanagudi area, about 4 km south of Bangalore City Station. You can reach it by following the path next to the Dodda Ganeshana Gudi Temple, which houses a shrine to Lord Ganesha.

18. Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace is a majestic and beautiful palace that blends English Tudor style with Scottish Gothic style. With benches and fountains in the courtyard, it feels like visiting a European palace, making it a prominent tourist attraction in Bangalore.
The building was once used as the residence of a British admiral and later served as the working palace for Indian royalty. The interior and exhibits are particularly beautiful, showcasing chairs and cabinets that were actually used during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Visitors can also glimpse royal grandeur in the interior columns, chandeliers, and decorative mirrors.

19. Nandi Hills

Located about 60 km north of Bangalore city. It is a beautiful hill with an elevation of 1,479 meters. To reach the top, you climb 1,175 stone steps. The hill is named "Nandi Hills" after the bull, which is considered the vehicle of Shiva, because the shape of the hill resembles a reclining bull when seen from afar.
With an average summer temperature of 22.3°C, it is a popular tourist destination as a summer retreat. It was once visited by historical figures such as Tipu Sultan of the Mysore Sultanate, Gandhi, and Nehru.
Due to its great views, many tourists come to take photos of the sunrise. You can also often see Indians coming for picnics, but if you bring food, be cautious of monkeys.
In addition to the Nandi statue, Nandi Hills has a temple dedicated to Shiva, which is impressive with its 1,000 stone pillars.

20. Shiva Temple

The "Shiva Temple" offers a one-of-a-kind experience, almost like a theme park. Its stunning feature is a towering 20-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva meditating with the majestic Himalayas in the background, creating a breathtaking sight. As Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and creation, holds great significance, the temple attracts many devotees.
This is a unique experience, so if you're in Bangalore, it's worth a visit.

◎ Summary: Bangalore, where India's heritage and Western influence

In this article, we showcased 20 must-see spots that highlight the allure of Bangalore, the IT capital of South India. As a hub for global giants like Google and Microsoft, Bangalore has seen rapid growth in recent years.
This modernization has led to more Western influences—like fewer women wearing saris—becoming visible across the city. Yet, Bangalore still radiates a strong 'Indian' essence, making the fusion of Indian tradition and Western influence one of its standout features. Whether you’re already captivated by India or looking to explore its rich culture, Bangalore is an ideal destination to consider for your next trip.