Planning to Visit India's Silicon Valley? Fun Things to Do in Bangalore to Get the True Flavour of this Happening City (2020)

Bengaluru previously called Bangalore can trace its history back to 1537 when Kempe Gowda a local chief built a mud fort here. It did not see further development until 1759. The Maharaja of Mysore gifted Bengaluru to Hyder Ali, who then reconstructed the fort in 1761. The British established their cantonment in 1809, thereby changing the name from Bengaluru to Bangalore. It also served as the headquarters for the British administration from 1831 to 1881.

Bengaluru gained its reputation as a science and technology centre quite early in the 19th century when it became the first city in India to have electric street lights. Later in the 1940s, HAL or Hindustan Aeronautics Limited made the city their home. By the 1990s, the state had a strong education system and liberal economic policies that allowed it to be a stronghold for the still budding Information Technology (IT) sector earning the name “Silicon Valley of India”.

Bengaluru is a beautiful mix of the old town and modern suburbs with many parks dotting the entire city. Hence the name “Garden City”. It is a self-contained city with many industries, educational institutions, sports academies, stadiums, vineyards and breweries, just to name a few.

With Bangalore being a prime centre for the industrial revolution, it has several escapades for the younger generation to blow off their steam. Arcades, escape rooms, paintball arenas, trekking and adventure sports, just to name a few.

Is solving puzzles your favourite pastime? Are you into action thrillers? Do you binge-watch shows like Prison Break and Stranger Things? Or maybe you like supernatural shows like Vampire Diaries! Here is your time to experience one via Escape Room, Koramangala, Bangalore. Being the pioneer of escape rooms in Bangalore, they are sure to satisfy your hunger for adventure. With various rooms like Taken, Prison Break, The Panic Room and The Vampire Chronicles, you get your choice of action. If you’d want some time away from everything, Escape Room has that too via Prison Inside You. Book your room for ₹ 600.00 per person via Escape Room.

Are you tired of the monotonous life? Looking to break away from everything and get lost in the beauty of nature? But bored with all the usual options? Why not try caving? Anthargange is a beautiful hill range in the Kolar district of Karnataka about 70 km from Bangalore. The range gets its name from the spring that flows through the rocks in the mountains. It houses a Kashi Vishweshwara Temple halfway through the trek. The trek isn’t as difficult but has many caves along the way. It is ideal for caving, spelunking, rock climbing, camping, etc. You can also opt for a day trip with BMC Adventures for ₹ 1,297.00 per person.

With roots in the 15th century and later as an integral part of the British empire, the city is deeply rooted in religion. It has many temples, churches and mosques if you so desire to go on a spiritual journey.

The young and hip city has quite a lot of places of religious significance. One of them being the St. Mary’s Basilica, which is as old as the city itself. The current structure was built in 1875 after the older one was destroyed by communal riots. The church attained its Basilica status in 2006. Built in the shape of a cross, the church is in Gothic-style with massive stained glass windows, ornamental motifs, spires and arches, designed by a French architect. Just outside the church is the small shrine with a beautiful 6 feet statue of Mother Mary holding Baby Jesus. The church is open to devotees all through the year from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Looking to seek solace in religion? Your first stop should be the Nandi Temple in Basavanagudi. Constructed in the 16th century during the Vijayanagara empire, the temple is one among the oldest in the city. It is dedicated to Nandi and houses one of the largest Nandi statues, measuring 4.5 meters tall and 6 meters long, it is carved from a single granite. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the Nandi Temple has some intricate stone carvings. It is of great mythological significance and is visited by devotees all year long. The entry is free and it is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Being a city with centuries steeped in history, Bangalore also boasts of a few palaces, all lavish and grandeur.

Ready for a day of royal fun? Your first stop should be the Bangalore Palace in Vasanth Nagar, Bangalore. Inspired by the Windsor Castle, the then King Chamaraja Wadiyar built the Bangalore Palace in 1887. The palace is a mix of Tudor and Scottish Gothic architectural styles with wooden interiors. Surrounded by a massive garden, it is a two-storey structure with towers, parapets, Roman arches and vine-covered walls. The palace also boasts of famous paintings from the 18th and 19th century, the most famous of them all is by Raja Ravi Varma. Open throughout the year, the charges are ₹ 230.00 for Indians and ₹ 460.00 for foreigners. Visiting hours are from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Bangalore is synonymous with its famous ruler, Tipu Sultan. It’s only right that you pay a visit to his summer palace nestled in Chamrajpet, Bangalore. Initially built by Kempe Gowda, the palace was later used by Tipu Sultan as his summer getaway. Constructed as a part of the Bangalore Fort, the palace dates back to the 15th century. Adjacent to the palace is the Venkataramana temple. Built in the Indo-Islamic architecture, the palace is something else with its stone staircases and intricately carved columns, most of which are teak wood. The tickets are priced at ₹ 15.00 for Indians and ₹ 20.00 for foreigners. Visiting hours are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Bangalore, though bustling with life and activity, is full of parks and green spaces making it one of the most beautiful cities in India. Hence the name, “Garden City”.

Safari in the middle of a busy city? Bannerghatta National Park is a rejuvenating experience, complete with a one-of-a-kind safari in the untouched wilderness. Apart from the safari, it also boasts of a butterfly house and an elephant sanctuary. The butterfly house hosts around 48 different species of butterflies and is around 1 km long. Also, the elephants in the sanctuary are not tied up and are allowed to roam free. The rich flora and fauna make it desirable among nature aficionados. Though open all through the year, September to March is the best time to visit the park. The ticket prices start from ₹ 90.00 depending on the service you choose from. The zoo hours are from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm while the safari hours are from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Built as a private sanctuary by the then ruler, Hyder Ali, the Lalbagh Botanical Garden was first conceptualised in the 19th century. The garden was further developed by Tipu Sultan, who then developed the Lalbagh's horticulture. Spread over 240 acres, the botanical garden is home to 1,854 species of plants, many migratory birds and aquatic birds. While there, do not miss the botanical garden, glasshouse, topiary, flower clock, Lalbagh lake, tree fossil, pigeon house, bonsai garden, bombax tree, Kempe Gowda tower and the Lalbagh rock just to name a few. During Independence Day and Republic Day, the botanical garden hosts an impressive flower show. The park timings are from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm on all days of the week with a ticket charge of ₹ 20.00.

What’s a trip without shopping? Bangalore is famous for its shopping in both streets and malls.

Commercial Street is Bangalore’s answer to shopaholics! The street has stores of all kinds, branded and otherwise. From trinkets to trendy western wear, shoes, home decor, lifestyle products, you can get just about anything. Visit the Hi-Street Mall and Mahaveer Mall for cosmetics and beauty products. Prachi’s Home Linen has a beautiful collection of lifestyle products at affordable prices. Next is Vashi’s House of Jeans for a pair of great-fitting jeans. Then, there is Asiatic Arts & Crafts for souvenirs and handicrafts. Finally, save some time for the Ibrahim Saheb Street running parallel to Commercial Street. It has shop after shop showcasing ethnic wear of all kinds and colours.

MG Road is a haven for every shopping addict. With big brand showrooms all along the road, it is perfect for a window shopper. You can also find high-end boutiques in the same line. But just off the road is Brigade Road, famous for street shopping. The lane is occupied by small retailers peddling their wares. Do not be deceived by the small shops. They hold stylish jewellery, trendy shoes and export surplus clothing. Though everything is affordable, you might have to bargain. The lane also has fast-food outlets like KFC and pubs like Pecos. Do not miss visiting the Dubai Plaza and the Tibetan Plaza.

Bangalore being steeped in history has been ruled by the Vijayanagara empire, Mughal empire, Wadiyar dynasty and finally the British empire. The history is evident in the forts dotted everywhere in the city and outside it.

Located near the birthplace of Tipu Sultan, Devanahalli Fort was built by the Gowda family. Spread over 20 acres, the fort has many ancient temples and ruins of old houses. It is situated about 35 km away from Bangalore and is one of the famous forts in the state. The fort has witnessed various battles, and the damages though repaired are still visible throughout various structures. The fort is one-of-its-kind and is an architectural marvel rarely seen otherwise. It is open at all times, however, the temples are open from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Nandi Durga (Fort) is a hill fortification that dates back to the Chola empire and later under the Vijayanagara empire. The current fort was built during Tipu Sultan’s reign. It has seen many battles, the most famous being the first war against Tipu Sultan by the British empire. After the capture of the fort, it was a summer resort for the British officials. When there, do not miss the Amruth Sarovar, Tipu Drop, Horse Way, Nallikyai Basavanna, Gavi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, and Tipu’s Lodge. Being a hill fort, you get to see diverse flora and fauna endemic to the region. The timings are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and the entry fee is ₹ 10.00 per person.

Bangalore is a cultural melting pot of people from various states and regions. The reflection of the same can be seen in the food. Bangalore is a foodie’s dream; Everything from traditional Karnataka dishes to burgers and even Sunday roast is available in the city.

Is your trip even complete without a visit to MTR or Mavalli Tiffin Room? First set up in 1924, MTR is an important part of Bangalore’s history. Serving traditional Karnataka cuisine, the restaurant is famous for idli, dosa and such. It is said to have invented the infamous Rava Idli. The restaurant is open from Tuesday through Saturday. It opens at 6:30 am to serve breakfast and closes at 11:00 am. It reopens again at 12:30 pm till 9:00 pm for snacks and dinner.

Established in 1940, Koshy’s Bar and Restaurant is an integral part of Bangalore. So much so that they had the privilege of hosting Queen Elizabeth II and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the past. The restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes with everything from the popular filter coffee, bacon and sausages, prawn biryani, pagodas and sandwiches. If you are around here on a Sunday, you get to try their Sunday roast complete with stuffed chicken, gravy and potato. Koshy’s is open from 9:00 am to 11:30 pm every day.

Tired of staying at the same hotels and resorts every time you visit Bangalore? Why not stay at these unique resorts and boutique villas for a break from everyday life?

Have you ever wanted to get back to being primitive but with all the latest inventions? If so, Guhantara Cave Resort is the place for you. Situated 35 km away from Bangalore, the cave resort is a first of its kind in India. The resort offers quite a lot in terms of luxury gymnasium, massage, spa, health club, etc. Apart from that, there are outdoor games, indoor games, swimming pool, bonfire, etc. With rooms starting at ₹ 5,000.00 per night, you can book the room from their website - Guhantara.

Have you ever wanted to live surrounded by green trees in an eco-friendly environment? Mango Mist is just the place for you! Surrounded by lush nature, the eco-friendly cottages are charming and beautiful. The resort provides the guests with adventure games like archery, ladder climbing, Burma bridge, land zorbing, rock climbing, zip-lining, to name a few. And then there is the swimming pool, private pool, party pool and kids pool. Or you could relax in a fish spa and enjoy your time in the abundant mango orchard. Check out more details on Mango Mist Resorts.

Are you looking to spend some time being one with nature? Look no further than Our Native Village, Hesaraghatta Village. Situated about 37 km away from Bangalore, Our Native Village boasts of organic food and farm activities. The resort offers a wide variety of fun activities including bullock cart ride, pottery making, kite flying and not to mention the swimming pool. Kids also get to enjoy games such as gilli danda, catapult, etc. Rooms start at ₹ 4,500.00 and can be booked via Our Native Village.