The first stop on our tour is the stunning Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens. This 240-acre garden is home to over 1,800 species of plants and trees, it offers the perfect respite from the bustling city. The garden houses the largest collection of tropical plants, biennials, and cacti in the country, including the famous glasshouse which is a replica of the London Crystal Palace. The garden also offers a serene lake, which you can tour on a rented boat. With a rich history dating back to the 18th century, this garden is a must-visit when in Bengaluru.
The second attraction on our tour is the fascinating Bull Temple situated in Basavanagudi. This temple is dedicated to the demi-god Nandi, Lord Shiva's mount and features a massive idol of a bull, carved out of a single granite block. The temple is located on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the city around, thanks to its elevation. It is said that the bull was carved from a single boulder in the 16th century and the temple was built around it by Kempe Gowda, Bengaluru's founder.
In the afternoon, we head to Commercial Street, perfect for those who enjoy shopping and exploring. Commercial Street is thought to be Bengaluru’s most bustling and dynamic street market, with vendors selling everything from traditional dress to electronics. It’s a fantastic place for bargain finds and really embracing the local hustle and bustle. Prepare to haggle and bring your A-game with you to this shopper's paradise!
Our first stop for day 2 is the stunning Bangalore Palace in Vasanth Nagar. It was built in the 19th century by the Wodeyar dynasty and is a perfect example of Tudor-style architecture. The palace has elegant woodcarvings, colourful stained glass window panes, and dados, with ornamental ceilings, cornices, and the parquet flooring. The palace houses massive gardens and courtyards, perfect for a relaxing stroll in between your tour. In addition, Bangalore Palace has become home to many concerts, events, and exhibitions in recent years, making it even more enticing to visit, especially on weekends, when the palace is lit up with floodlights offering a touristy entrancing experience.
Next stop is the National Gallery Of Modern Art (NGMA). It’s home to a vast collection of modern art, including hundreds of paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The galleries are ranging from Indian traditional arts with the more recent ones to contemporary arts and western classical artworks. Founded in the year 1908, there’s so much too appreciate at the NGMA especially for art lovers who admire culture and modern creativity.
End your busy tour in the iconic MTR Bangalore restaurant for dinner and a treat! The traditional South Indian cuisine offered at this restaurant has retained its quality and taste since its inception in 1924. There is plenty to choose from including their speciality dosas, the delicious bisibelebath, mouth-watering sweets and savouries. You'll have plenty of choice and a long (and memorable) meal as the perfect end to this exciting Itinerary.
If you're tight on time, consider omitting Commercial street or even NGMA for more time at Bangalore Palace and Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens. If you're looking to add more activities, consider visiting The ISKCON Temple or Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. Don't be afraid to try more street food, Bangalore is a hub of street food identities where you could taste them all in a single go. Make sure to bring sunscreen as the Bengaluru weather sometimes can be quite humid. Wear comfortable shoes to savor long walks even throughout the attractions on our tour.