Lalbagh Botanical Garden to Nandi Hills: 5 Best Places to Visit in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: India's Garden City With its vibrant technology scene, cosmopolitan cafes, lush gardens, medieval heritage and friendly locals, India's Silicon Valley seamlessly blends history

Bengaluru: the garden city of India

With its vibrant technology scene, cosmopolitan cafes, lush gardens, medieval heritage and friendly locals, India's Silicon Valley seamlessly blends history and modernity into an energetic urban experience.

Let's discover the top 5 attractions that you must include in your Bengaluru itinerary for an unforgettable encounter with its iconic sights.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden of Bengaluru: Lush green oasis

Spread over 240 hectares right in the city center, Lalbagh is one of India's most beautiful public gardens since 1760 with more than 1,854 species of flora. Admire the Glass House, inspired by London's Crystal Palace, and enjoy the tranquil views as you stroll past flower beds, lotus pools, berry bushes and shady trees.

Don't miss seeing one of the oldest tropical plants: the strangely branched double coconut palm. Visit during Republic Day and Independence Day, when elaborate floral scenes draw crowds. The biennial flower show in January and August with cultural programs is also a great success.

Insider tip: Take part in free guided morning walks organized by the authorities to learn the park's rich history.

Bangalore Palace: Discovering Turrets and Tudor Arches

Sprawled across 430 hectares behind flower-laden gates in North Bangalore, this elegant palace in the style of England's Windsor Castle was built in Tudor style in 1887 by the region's Wodeyar dynasty rulers.

It is still the residence of the city's royal family. Explore the furnished royal interiors on an audio tour for insight into the British influences on the decor, in addition to valuable souvenirs such as paintings, swords, hunting trophies and family photos. Don't miss the private Durbar Hall with elephant motifs, marble floors and a teak ceiling. The palace grounds are also an excellent location for lively concerts!

Top tip: Visit on Sunday mornings for vintage car rallies and superbike gatherings on the outer lawns.

Cubbon Park Bengaluru: Green lung area for locals and tourists

In the heart of the Central Business District, yet with a tranquil charm, lies over 300 hectares of lush landscapes known as Cubbon Park since 1870. There is something for everyone with curved walkways under the canopy of blooming gulmohar trees, cultural centres, children's play areas, open-air amphitheater where music events are held and the colonial building of the Attara Kacheri High Court overlooking the green vista.

The park's historic library and city museum also offer peaceful indoor enrichment. Visit the lively local snack bars dotted around the park for hot bajjis and filter coffee along the way!

Don't miss: the musically dancing fountains at the imposing red Gothic-style state library.

Vidhana Soudha of Bengaluru: Major seat of the state legislature

No first-time travel guide to Bengaluru is complete without a visit to the imposing neo-Dravidian granite building that has housed the legislative chambers and the state secretariat since 1956.

Spared during weekday working hours, on Sunday morning you can visit the intricate floral carvings, four impressive domes representing four legislative houses, grand staircases and beautiful interiors under expert guidance. The colossal structure remains beautifully illuminated even after sunset.

Fun Fact: Vidhana Soudha contains motifs from all major Karnataka temples that symbolize cultural unity!

Nandi Hills Bengaluru: Breathtaking views and Tipu Sultan's summer retreat

Located at an altitude of 1,400 metres, just 60 kilometers north of Bengaluru, near the charming town of Nandi, the verdant Nandi Hills are highly regarded for their serene hiking trails, stunning sunrise views and the remains of Tipu Sultan's historic summer palace. Feel refreshed as you stroll past the temples of Parvathi and Yoga Nandeshwara and enjoy stunning aerial views of clouds sweeping over lush valleys below, in addition to spotting endemic birds.

Don't miss the visit to Tipu Sultan's grand seasonal residence, built in the 18th century, especially if history interests you.

Best spot: Sunset point next to Tipu's Drop cliff offers unparalleled panoramas, in addition to an interesting tragic legend!

Beyond the top five: more great things to do

From ancient architectural wonders like the Hazara Rama Temple to vibrant shrines like ISKCON and 19th-century neoclassical metropolis structures like the Bangalore High Court to natural escapes like Big Banyan Tree and Hebbal Lake – this bustling metropolis offers delightful diversity in addition to top attractions.

Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan allure of Bengaluru

With an innovative start-up scene, green gardens, old-fashioned bazaars, luxury hotels and warm, hospitable people: sink your teeth into India's Silicon Valley, beyond the tech campuses. Savor local flavors at ethnically diverse eateries, meditate amid hidden gems of heritage, feel inspired by youthful exuberance and come back positive, recharged by the infectious spirit of Bengaluru.