Things to do in Bangalore (Bangalore)
Bangalore is a great starting point for a South Indian trip, be it to Kerala or Tamil Nadu. To start your journey to India, you can fly to Bangalore with various UK airlines; British Airways, Air India, Kingfisher Airlines, Qatar, Emirates … The British called it Bangalore when they used the city as a base in the days of the Raj. Officially, and since 2006, the city returned to the old name of Bengaluru, but many still think of it and refer to it as Bangalore.
A lively mix of ingredients, Bangalore has quiet green areas, surrounded by a booming industry and heavily trafficked. It also has a reputation as the center of the information technology industry in India and as a place that offers cosmopolitan cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Bangalore has always been one step ahead and was the first Indian city to have street lighting and is the home of Hindustan Aeronautics. However, its name according to the Lonely Planet, translates as ‘boiled bean town’ (!)
If you want to get away from the busy streets on your trip to India, you can retreat to the botanical gardens. The Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are spread over acres of parkland dating back to 1760. It has beautiful old glass houses reminiscent of Kew Gardens (but inspired by the original Crystal Palace), flower shows, a bandstand where you can see the local police gang on a Sunday. You can take a buggy for a guided tour to enjoy the interesting mix of plant and tree life. Flower and horticulture shows are typically inside the glass houses in the run-up to Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15). There is a peculiar floral clock surrounded by Snow White and her friends, the seven dwarfs! This was a gift donated by a watchmaker and is a great local attraction.
If it’s a bit of culture you’re after on your Indian holiday in Bangalore, why not visit some of the city’s palaces? Bengaluru or Bangalore Palace were built in 1880 and were inspired by Windsor Castle. Complete with castle turrets and formal gardens, it is often featured in movies and is a popular venue for weddings and celebrations. Inside is a collection of nude portraits, as well as family photos of the Wodeyars and the current Raja is still in residence.
If you feel like relaxing, you can take a trip to Ulsoor Lake during your trip to Bangalore. It is right off MG Road in Bangalore and is a popular place to relax. You can have a picnic on one of the small islands or take a boat on the lake.
Bangalore’s Dravidian style ‘bull temple’ contains an impressive black granite Nandi (bull). It is more than 4 meters high and more than 6 meters long. Local legend suggests that this monolith was built to appease a bull that ate all the peanuts of the villagers in their fields. This worked and now the farmers have an annual peanut fair to show their gratitude next to the Bull temple.
The Dodda Ganesha temple is also worth a visit during your trip to India in Bangalore and contains an equally impressive idol of Ganesha, the elephant god. Similarly, a visit to the Iskon temple is also worthwhile and would be a real highlight of your trip to Bangalore. Its lavishly decorated interior is filled with vibrant colors and is particularly popular for its extravagant shrine to Krishna and Radha.
Cubbon Park is another great place to visit in Bangalore during your trip to India. Within its large green space, you will find giant bamboo, groves within formal gardens, and many marble statues. There is also an old bandstand and pond, and a library located inside a neoclassical building in the middle of the park. In addition to the Central State Library, this park also has two museums, an art gallery, and an aquarium, enough to keep you busy during your Indian vacation in Bangalore.