Travelling to Bangalore? Don't Forget to Visit these Places
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
It is a wonderful garden located in Bangalore and is nationally and internationally renowned center for botany. It is genuinely a heaven for all the nature lovers. It lies on an area of 240 acres of land in the heart of the city. This makes it even more interesting.
It contains over 1800 species of plants, including rare ones of French, Persian and Afghani origin. The garden has attained the status of a Government Botanical Garden.
Along with finding information on exotic plants here, it is also a great place to just relax and unwind. For a city which is hustling and bustling with people and traffic, Lalbagh can offer you immense peace and calm. The flower show happens from January to August and that is the best time to visit this place.
Bangalore Royal Palace
Bangalore Royal Palace is an architectural beauty. It has an old world charm to it. You will surely love the whole vibe of the place. The palace was built back in the year 1878.
This palace is huge as it spreads around 45,000 square feet. The architecture of this palace is a mix of tudor and Scottish gothic. The palace has a wooden structure and the interior of the palace reflects the royal culture of that times.
The palace is a great tourist place. Although, apart from that, the palace hosts a couple of rock shows and different cultural events. Also, the administration rents the palace for various wedding functions. The king of this palace had an inspiration from the Windsor Castle of London.
If you want to explore the place properly, you will require 4 hours. The palace stays open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. The entry ticket for an Indian is Rs.230 and for a foreigner is Rs.460. You can also rent the audio guide if you want to.
Tipu Sultan's Palace and Fort
Tipu Sultan was a famous and powerful leader from Bangalore. Thus, if you are into history, it is a good idea to go check his Palace in Bangalore. It is a great example of Indo-Islamic architecture. This palace was often used by the ruler as a summer retreat.
Tipu Sultan used to literally call this place as, "Abode of happiness". The palace contains magnificent arches, luxurious balconies, ornamental frescoes and excellent motifs. You will surely get a hint of the spectacular lifestyle of Tipu Sultan while exploring this palace.
Bangalore is a modern city. It has pubs and malls to move around. However, if you wish to slow your time down, then surely visit this palace. All these places still retain the old world charm of the past. The palace is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Not to Forget: The Local Markets of Bangalore
Bangalore has the best of local and international brands in various malls. However, Bangalore is not just about malls. Thy city is home to various local markets where you can literally shop till you drop. Also, bargaining is possible in all these markets.
Commercial Street
A must visit place is the commercial street. It is literally a paradise for street shoppers. You can find costly and cheap, both kind of clothes here. Although, the quality is equally good of both the types of clothes. You can also find imitation jewelry, sports goods and footwear.
Chickpet
Chickpet is another shopping market which is very famous in Bangalore. It is one of the oldest commercial districts in the city. The place is super famous for silk sarees. The locals swear by the quality of the sarees here. It is also a wholesale market for dress materials.
Brigade Road
Brigade road is another destination which is a shopper's delight. Shops sell fancy electronic accessories, clothes, jewelry and even footwear. Even Jayanagar shopping complex is great if you want to buy spices, flowers and local condiments.
Best Malls in Bangalore for Shopaholics
Orion Mall
The layout of Orion Mall mall is really different. Stepping in to it will surely give you a very different vibe. The stores in the mall are well spread as it is huge. The mall is a great place to hangout even on weekends. Some malls really get crowded during weekends. However, this one is big enough and so, you will not feel overcrowded.
The best part of the mall is outside. It has an artificial lake with fountains. You can really choose to spend sometime here after a tired day of shopping. The lake hosts boating as well. You can actually have a fun day out with your friends here. Also, there is a pathway around the lake where you can chill and walk around.
The outside of the mall looks beautiful at night. Also, there are a lot of sitting places around the lake. Apart from that, the mall has various international brands which have great collection. You will definitely love shopping here.
UB City
UB City is actually India's first luxury mall. It is located in the Central business district. It literally has a total build up area of 16 lakh square feet. It also boasts the largest triple level parking system. The mall is literally a treat to just stroll around.
Visiting this mall can be called a shopping trip to Europe. This is because it contains all international brands and designer outlets. So, it is a good idea to take enough time while visiting this mall. It is huge and you will need some time trying out clothes from various stores.
This is literally a complete mall in itself. It has some fine dine restaurants and even pubs. This mall offers a complete nightlife on its own. Also, the rooftop has a swimming pool as well. You can literally plan a whole day at this mall. Make sure to visit it once, when you are in Bangalore.
Phoenix Market City
It is one of the biggest malls in Bangalore. It has a lot of options of brands available. It also has some local stores which sell affordable clothes. Phoenix Market city is a complete family mall.
You will find clothes for men, women and kids here. Also, you will find jewelry and footwear here.They also have a gaming zone for kids. Apart from that, the mall has various restaurants and cafes too. You can surely chill for a bit and grab a bite after shopping.
The mall hosts a lot of events on the weekend as well. It is a good idea to visit the mall on the weekend. Also, the mall has has handcrafts market outside the patio. It is a good idea to visit the mall's food courts as well.
Mantri Square Mall
This is again a great mall. It is spread across 1.3 million square feet and accommodates a wide range of shops and branded stores. The Mantri Square Mall has a lot of different facilities and is well equipped for kids as well as elderly and handicapped people.
The stores are great. Some of them are budget friendly as well. Thus, it is a good idea to check all the stores of the mall. The mall also offers various food options. Hence, you can relax after a tiring shopping day.
It is a good idea to visit the mall in the morning hours as it can get busy in the evening. Also, it lies in the heart of the city and so, getting a parking spot might be a problem. It is a good idea to take a cab to this mall so that, you do not have to worry about the parking. The mall is open from 10:30 AM to 11 PM.
Handpicked Malls for Foodies
VR Bengaluru
The mall is popularly called as the black box because of its building. It lies on the Whitefield road. It is a super swanky place. Also, the makers do not actually call it a mall because it is really luxurious. Thus, it is a good idea to visit this place at least once.
VR Bengaluru has international brands like H&M, Muji and Superdry. All the stores have amazing collections and thus, you have to visit all your favorite brands here. They have a concept store for Adidas originals as well. This store is a must visit for sure.
On the food front, this mall is super amazing. They have outlets serving cuisines like Punjabi and Andhra. The mall also serves continental food like Chinese, Middle eastern and Italian. Also, make sure to try the Churros from Gobble me up. The mall has a movie theater and a spa too. You can relax in one of those after your shopping sprees.
Forum Mall
Forum Mall was one of the first full-fledged malls of Bangalore. It is located in Koramangala which is an amazing area in Bangalore. You will find a lot of college students and families hanging out here. This mall is literally spread across five floors.
It contains various brands like Calvin Klein, Call It Spring, United Colors of Benetton and Rattrap. You will surely have a lot of fun shopping here. They also have an amazing landmark store which contains stationery, books and music essentials.
Also, this place has Kalmane Koffees which serves some amazing things. Make sure to try their Kaapi Blue Grass for sure. The mall has a kids timezone too which can keep your kids engaged. Apart from that, the mall contains an outlet of Flight 4 Fantasy. It is basically a flight simulation center that lets you experience virtual flying.
Garuda Mall
Garuda Mall is an amazing option to visit when in Bangalore. It is situated on the Magrath road, close to MG Road. You have plenty of store available here. Also, the stores have everything from Levi's, Forever 21 and Jason among others.
The mall also contains outlets like Nike, Metro, The Body Shop and William Penn. Thus, it can fulfill all your shopping needs. Apart from that, the mall has a lot of food joints as well. You can definitely choose to try some of them.
They have amazing outlets like Kobe Sizzlers and Vinny's Pizza. You can literally satisfy your taste buds with it. It is also possible to grab a drink at Street Mama too. If you have a sweet tooth, then the mall has Gelato Italiano as well. The mall has a bowling alley and a Scary house as well.
Inorbit Mall
Inorbit Mall is a franchise mall and is found in various cities of India. However, it is an amazing mall which provides various options for shopping, entertainment and food at once.
It offers the usual brands like Lee, Levi's and even Celio. The mall also contains handcrafted products from Craft World. Apart from that, it has handwoven fabric from Cannanore. The mall also contains an outlet of Crossword which sells books and stationery.
The mall contains a space known as, "The Awesome place". It is a studio which is designed for families to chill and play. The best place to go if you have kids. The mall also hosts various events on a regular basis.
Apart from that, the mall has a food court with various fast food joints. It also has some high end restaurants including 4 Seasons. It is a Hyderabad based restaurant which serves the best biryani. They serve Lebanese and Arabic specials too.
Malls with Varied Entertainment Options
New Forum Value Mall
New Forum Value Mall is a great mall as it has 100 different brands. The mall also ranges on three different floors. The best part about this mall is its laid back ambiance. The mall has an open and airy space area.
The mall has an engaging play area right outside. The entrance of the mall contains a jungle gym, kid rides and even a trampoline for all the little ones. Thus, you can take your kids and go for shopping as they will really have fun here.
Apart from that, the mall has a large open air bookstore. It is a treat for all the book lovers. You can actually indulge in a book reading after your shopping spree is done. The mall contains chains of restaurants like McDonalds, KFC, Krispy Kreme and MTR.
Royal Meenakshi Mall
Royal Meenakshi Mall is one of the best malls that is located in the South Bangalore. It has a lot of things that will attract you to come back and visit this mall again. It has some amazing stores like HyperCity, Shoppers stop and Mama Earth which can fulfill all your household needs.
Apart from that, there are stores like Wrangler and Mogra pet that will satisfy the fashionista in you. Apart from that, the mall also has stores like Max and Reliance Trends which offer clothes on a budget.
The mall has some amazing food options like Punjabi and Chinese. It also has outlets of TGIF and Intalia Pizza. The mall contains a theater which is the Cinepolis. It has great sound and picture quality. Thus, this mall offers a full package in itself.
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Best Malls in Bangalore for Varied Interests of Travelers
Bangalore is a lively city with people from all around India. It is best explored through the many malls the city houses. So, don't forget to check them out on your next visit to Bangalore.