A shoestring budget day in Bangalore

  1. 9:00 AM: Visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
    20 minutes (6.2 km) from Bangalore Palace

    Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is a 240-acre garden housing a collection of exotic plants. The garden is home to an aquarium, a glasshouse, and a lake. The glasshouse is constructed on the lines of the Crystal Palace of London, making it an intriguing sight. Entry to Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is only INR 10, so it's a must-see for every budget traveler.

  2. 11:00 AM: Experience the Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
    20 minutes (4.5 km) from Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

    This magnificent palace belonged to Tipu Sultan, who was a great ruler and warrior. The palace consists of teak pillars and balconies, and the entire structure reflects a mixture of Indo-Islamic architecture. Entrance fee is INR 15 for Indian nationals, so it's an excellent place to see on a budget.

  3. 1:00 PM: Enjoy an authentic South Indian lunch at MTR
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

    Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) is a landmark in Bangalore and has been serving the best South Indian cuisine for more than nine decades. You can expect traditional dishes like masala dosa, idli, vada, and filter coffee. The prices are pretty reasonable, so it's an excellent place to try typical Bangalorean cuisine for less than INR 200 per person.

  4. 3:00 PM: Visit the Bangalore Fort
    15 minutes (4.5 km) from MTR

    The Bangalore Fort is a historical attraction in the city. Built-in 1537, the fort was initially constructed of mud brickwork, but the later ruler added more structures, which resulted in a mix of architectural styles from Mughal to British. The Bangalore Fort entrance fee is INR 5 for Indian nationals.

  5. 5:00 PM: Shop at Commercial Street
    15 minutes (4.5 km) from Bangalore Fort

    For those keen to get some shopping done, Commercial street is the ideal location. It is known for its lively street shopping, where you'll find everything at a reasonable price. From clothing to costume jewelry, handbags to cosmetics, Commercial Street has something for everyone. Remember to bargain!

  6. 7:00 PM: Watch a show at Ranga Shankara
    20 minutes (6.1 km) from Commercial Street

    If you're interested in performing arts, Bengaluru's famous theatre Ranga Shankara is the perfect place. The theater is dedicated to showcasing Indian and International theatre acts and dramas and is the ideal venue to see up-and-coming talent for a lower price. Entry fees vary for each show but generally start at INR 150 per person.

  7. 9:00 PM: Have dinner at VV Puram Food Street
    10 minutes (2.8 km) from Ranga Shankara

    Located in VV Puram, Food Street is another food lover's paradise. From authentic South Indian dishes like dosas and idlis to kebabs, chaats, and rolls, there's something for every budget traveler. The prices are reasonable and range between INR 50-200 per food item. So, don't forget to come with an empty stomach.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Lalbagh Botanical Gardens (2 hours, INR 10)
  • Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace (1 hour, INR 15)
  • MTR (1 hour, INR 200)
  • Bangalore Fort (1 hour, INR 5)
  • Commercial Street (2 hours, INR 500)
  • Ranga Shankara (2 hours, INR 300)
  • VV Puram Food Street (1 hour, INR 200)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1230 per person

Useful tips:

If you have an extra day, make a day trip to Nandi Hills or check out the popular 'Art of Living Gurukul' campus. If there's less time available, remove one location from the itinerary or make Commercial Street a shorter visit. Don't forget to bring comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen since some of the places require plenty of walking or are outdoors. And finally, carry enough cash as not all places accept card payments.

0