With pleasant weather all year long and some of the most stunning tourist destinations in the southern parts of the country, Bengaluru stands out as a prominent tourist destination. People from all over the country visit the IT Hub of India. But there’s more to the city than the advancements it has made in the IT sector in recent decades. Bengaluru is also the largest metropolitan and capital city of Karnataka with a population of over 8 million people. There is just a lot about this city that will keep amusing you.
To ensure you understand all the beauty that this city has to offer in terms of tourism, we have put together an elaborate guide. This Bengaluru travel guide will give you everything there is to know about tourism in the city.
History And Culture Of Bengaluru
Before Bengaluru became a city of commerce, IT, and activities, it was a lush green jungle. The city has gone through a lot to evolve as one of the leading metropolitan cities in all of India today. According to historians, Bengaluru was founded in 1537 by a local chief of Vijaynagar. With that, the development of the newly found city into a metropolitan city began. By the end of the 1600s, the city had several tanks, temples, and other monuments being built.
Many rulers and dynasties tried to rule Bengaluru until 1807 when the East India Company made Bengaluru, then Bangalore, its military base station. This is also the time when it became a prominent trading and manufacturing center of the Mysore region. This development continued even after the Independence period when universities, hospitals, telecommunication industries, and other sectors were constantly growing. The emergence and development of the telecommunication sector in the city led to its elevated economic development in the 1960s.
Soon the city of Bengaluru was called ‘Silicon Valley’. The city now had ample job opportunities as well as an IT sector that was constantly undergoing development. This continues to this day with many businesses still in the underworks and consistently evolving. Tourism in the city has also improved drastically, adding to its economic development.
How To Get To Bengaluru
By Air
Kempegowda is an International airport in Bengaluru that connects it with some of the prime cities across the globe. Along with being an international airport in one of the biggest metropolitan cities in India, it’s also the third busiest airport in the country. The airport is just 36 km away from the Bengaluru city center. Once at the airport, you’ll find ample transportation services that you can avail of to get to your desired destination anywhere in the city.
Some of the Indian cities that the Kempegowda International Airport is connected with are Patna, Ahmedabad, Goa, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Srinagar, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Varanasi, and many more. National airlines like Jet Airways, IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Air Asia provide regular fights to all of these and more cities within the country from Bengaluru and vice versa.
By Train
Bengaluru is a city well connected with almost all of the prime cities of India via rail routes since it was a prime manufacturing and trading center in the 1800s. Bengaluru City Railway Station and Yeshwantpur Junction are the two major railway stations in Bengaluru that connect it with the rest of the country. All of these aspects considered, traveling to Bengaluru by train is one of the most convenient routes.
Mangaluru Express, Netravati Express, Matsyagandha Express are regular weekly and monthly trains from Mumbai to Bengaluru. The Mysuru Express, Lalbagh Express, and Brindavan Express are some regular trains that connect Chennai with Bengaluru. The capital city of Delhi has Kongu Express and Bangalore Rajdhani connecting the city to Bengaluru. Once you reach either of the stations, you’ll get ample rickshaw and pre-booked taxi services that will help you get to your destination as desired.
By Road
The national highways and expressways that run through Bengaluru make traveling by road a good option for tourists from across the country. NH 48, NH 75, and NH 44 are the three major highways connecting the city of Bengaluru with the rest of the country. A road trip to Bengaluru is quite a good idea if you’re planning for it. The city has well-maintained roadways that can be accessed easily and make traveling convenient for all.
Best Time To Visit Bengaluru
Bengaluru enjoys pleasant weather all year long. The weather in winters can be comfortably cold with an average temperature of anywhere between 12°C and 29°C. This makes it the perfect time to visit Bengaluru and have a nice winter vacation with family and friends. Besides, the month of December is delightful in the city with the pleasant weather and holiday spirit. The Christmas celebrations are on another level in the city as it’s all lit up with warm lights. The city is bustling and buzzing during this time of the year and this is exactly when most tourists visit the IT Hub.
The summers can get a bit humid and the monsoons are no good for the Bengaluru traffic for the tourists. Hence, visiting the city anytime between November to February seems ideal for the perfect winter vacation in this part of South India.
Getting Around Bengaluru
When it comes to getting around the city of Bengaluru, the city has very limited options that enable you to travel around the city as the traffic has a reputation to maintain. The local bus system is one reliable service that you can avail of when you want to travel within the city. There are ample private buses that you can book or even use the state bus system namely the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to travel to places located close to Bengaluru.
Taking a cab can be extremely expensive in the city. You can opt to travel by the local auto-rickshaws as well if you can navigate via maps on your phones. This is another affordable and reliable way to travel within the city and explore different places. One other thing you could possibly do is hire a rental car for yourself and your family. You’ll not only end up saving money but also be able to travel across the city whenever and however you like.
Breaking Stereotypes About Bengaluru
“Bengaluru has nothing to offer to travel and adventure enthusiasts”
It’s a common misconception that the IT Hub of India has limited places for explorers and adventure seekers. As a tourist and adventure enthusiast, you’ll find ample outdoor opportunities in and around Bengaluru for yourself. Some of these fun adventures are trekking at Kudremukh or Kunti Betta, microlight flying at Ramanagara, wildlife safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park, parasailing in Jakkur, go-karting at Meco Kartopia, etc.
Go Check Out
Bangalore Palace
Bangalore Palace was inspired by the grand architecture of the Windsor Palace of England. It was built in the late 1800s by Chamaraja Wadiyar, ruler of the Wadiyar Dynasty. It’s one of the most visited destinations in Bengaluru. The towers, majestic architecture arches, and lush green lawns add to its beauty. There is a basic entry fee that is charged when visiting and the palace is open for visitors on all days. One thing to note is that the royal family still resides in the palace and has their private section of the palace closed for visitors.
Ulsoor Lake
Ulsoor Lake is a highlight of Bengaluru that most people fall in love with when visiting. The lake is located in the heart of the city and makes for a picturesque backdrop for Insta-worthy pictures. You can go on a boat ride in the lake and also go for a walk along the track that is located around the lake. Ulsoor Lake is quiet which is great to have time away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life of Bengaluru.
M.G Road
One of the most worthy places for sightseeing in Bengaluru is M.G Road. It’s one of the most populated and crowded streets of Bengaluru. It’s the destination for all things adventurous and recreational that you need during your vacations. Your trip to Bengaluru will be incomplete without visiting M.G Road. You can shop here, engage in some sightseeing, eat in some fancy restaurants, have a good time with friends around the city and much more. There is nothing that this street does not offer. It’s a classic example of what living in Bengaluru is like. So make sure you visit M.G Road at least once when visiting Bengaluru.
Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens
The Lal Bagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru is one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of India. The greenery and blooming flowers in the garden are spread across 240 acres of land. With more than 1,800 species of plants, herbs, and trees in the garden, you’ll have a pleasant time here. For all the nature lovers, you can take a long stroll in the gardens and have a look at all the blooms and trees. The glass architecture of the garden was inspired by the Crystal Palace of London and was built by Haider Ali.
Summing Up
Bengaluru might not have the best reputation for traffic, but there are way many things that make this tech city a standout. It perfectly blends culture with innovation, making it a dream for those who live here. With scenic parks, temples, and tech spaces, Namma Bengaluru is definitely worth visiting!
FAQs
Is Bengaluru Good For Tourists?
Bengaluru, the IT Hub of India, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the southern parts of the country. Other than its IT sector, Bengaluru is also known for its historical monuments, adventure sports activities, lakes, camping grounds, and other touristy places around the city.
Does Bengaluru Have A Beach?
No, Bengaluru does not have any beaches as it’s a landlocked city in the state of Karnataka. But if you move a little away from the main city, you’ll find some beautiful beaches in the neighboring towns.
Why Is Bengaluru Famous?
Bengaluru, as mentioned previously, is known as the Silicon Valley of India. It’s very well known for its leading IT sector that is booming in the country. Besides, it’s also known to be one of the most famous tourist destinations in India.
Is Bengaluru Expensive?
It is an expensive city to live in. When it comes to traveling in Bengaluru, it’s not that bad as you can adjust and manage your budget as you please. There are a lot of affordable accommodation and transportation services available locally in the city for travelers on a budget.
How Many Days Are Enough For Bangalore?
A 3-day trip is sufficient to explore the city in depth. You can easily cover Tipu Sultan’s Palace, various museums, Cubbon Park, MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, Bangalore Palace, Ulsoor Lake, and Commercial Street in 3 days.
What Is The Famous Food Of Bangalore?
Bangalore is famous for its scrumptious South Indian breakfast like idli, vada, dosa, masala dosa, coconut chutney, and sambhar. These south Indian delights are easily available, affordable, and exceptionally tasty.
