See

Although Bangalore is not known as a tourist city, there is still a lot to see. If you only have a limited amount of time in the city, you should consider taking a tour.

Typically, the city tours do NOT include entry fees into the attractions. Bangalore, as with the rest of India, has a habit of charging foreigners a lot more than locals. For example, Tipu Sultan's Palace, which is on the half-day tour, charges Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 100 (or US$2) to non-Indians.

I Cycle, 660/4, 5th Main Road, Vyalikaval, Bangalore - 560 003, ☎ +918861102597, [58]. 10AM - 6PM. The outskirts of Bangalore city is a cyclists delight. You can either rent-a-cycle and ride on your own or even ride with the ICYCLE team on a weekend. (ICycle@ICycle.in)  edit

Landmarks

Vidhana Soudha - The legislative House of the State of Karnataka, this granite building was built by Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, Chief Minister of the then Mysore state 1951 to 1956. The then Prime Minister Sri Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru laid the foundation on 13 July 1951. It was built at an expenditure of Rs 18.4 million. Marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing building not only in Bangalore but in India. One of the interesting feature of this building in grand stairs in its front. The grand stairs has a flight of forty-five steps 62 m (204 ft) wide 21 m (70 ft) deep giving a direct access to the foyer of first floor leading to an Assembly Chamber. The architecture of the building is based on Dravidian style, comprising richly carved bases and capitals for pillars, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, heavy pediments domical finials, etc; At the same time, the construction has been on modern designs, making use of the present-day materials like steel, reinforced cement concrete glass, plastic, etc.

Vikasa Soudha - Is it possible to gild a lily? Well you judge for yourself. This ultra modern construction, adjacent to majestic Vidhana Soudha built in the same classic style, is supposed to come fitted with the latest gizmos to help govern the state. It was inaugurated sometime in February 2005.

Seshadari Iyer Memorial is a distinctive building constructed of red sand stone in Cubbon Park. It houses a public library and the Bangalore High Court, while the grounds include a children's recreation area with a toy train, fairground and theater.

Bangalore Palace was constructed by the Maharajahs of Mysore. For many years the building was neglected as a tourist attraction, but is now open to the public. After much renovation, it is a fine structure to visit, if overpriced. The fee is Rs 225/450 Indian/Foreigner and Rs 625 to take photos even of the exterior. This includes an excellent audio guide which describes most architecture and artifacts in detail, though no mention is made of the numerous nude paintings.

Tipu Sultan's Palace, which dates from about 1790, is the summer retreat for Tipu sultan. The two story structure is made mostly out of wood with finely embellished balconies, pillars and arches. Timings: From 9:30am to 5:30pm, All days of the week. Tickets are Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners.

UB City

Temples

The Bull Temple, located in Basavanagudi, is a typical Dravidian style temple, and is famous for its mammoth bull statue that was carved from a single boulder. Legend has it that the temple was built to appease a marauding bull that stole local crops, and that the offering was effective with the bull subsequently leaving the area. Since then, local farmers have held an annual festival to express their gratitude.

The Maha Bodhi Society Temple, (see 'Learn' section) is a relatively new structure, with the main shrine built as a replica of the historic stupa at Bodh Gaya. The temple grounds are very peaceful, and visitors are welcome to stroll around. In addition, the temple houses an excellent library of books on Buddhism, many of which are in English.

ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, ☎ +91 80 2347 1956, +90 80 2357 8346 (fax: +91 80 2357 8625), [59]. 3:45AM-8PM. Temple built on a hillock in Rajajinagar atop scenic surroundings, is a perfect blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony. The huge cultural complex was built to promote vedic culture and spiritual learning, and abounds with shops selling devotional items and souvenirs. The annual Krishna and Balarama Rath Yatra is attended by thousands.  edit

Maruthi Mandir, a Hanuman Temple is located just opposite - 5 min drive from ISKCON temple, in the gate of Mahalakshmi Layout. This is a rock hill with huge idols of Hanuman and Mahalakshmi temples. The annual festival of Hanumad Jayanthi during December is very attractive.

Gavi Gangadeshwara Cave Temple, located in Gavipuram, adjacent to Basavanagudi, was built by Kempe Gowda. This temple with four remarkable monolithic pillars is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple also has a rare idol of Agni god of fire. The annual festival is on Makara Shankranti and thousands of devotees flock to see the suns rays fall on the Shivlinga. The temple timings are: 7AM-12:30PM and 5PM-8:30.

VenkataramanaSwamy Temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. This ancient temple was built by Maharaja Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar and is situated next to the summer palace of Tipu Sultan.

Lord Shiva Temple behind Kemp Fort, Airport Road

Dodda Ganapathi - one of the oldest temples in Bengaluru, is situated adjacent to the Bull Temple.

Vasanthapura,in South Bangalore, is a small hillock with an ancient temple dedicated to Sri Vasantha Vallabharaya Swamy.

Shiva Temple (Shiv Mandir), Old Airport Road. This temple has a massive monolith of Lord Shiva, located in the middle of an artificial pool. There is a cave-like walk through behind the statue. It is extremely crowded on the festival of Maha Shivaratri. One can't see or feel any kind of Bhakti in this temple, because at each move inside the temple there will be a person located for collection of money which creates such a disturbance for the concentration on Bhakti. On each step the devotees will be concentrating on the money boxes (Hundi in Kannada)/people standing to ask money as offerings. After coming out, one feels as if one has come out of a commercial Shiva temple. So sad to say this. Entrance - Rs.150, camera fee Rs.25, slipper stand fee - Rs.5.  edit

Banaswadi Hanuman Temple, constructed in the Dravidian style, attracts a large number of devotees especially on week-ends. It has smaller temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Shiva and Ganapathi within the walled compound.

Babusapalya Dodda Ganesha Temple,located on the outer ring road at Babusapalya,Kalyan Nagar(near by Banaswadi) has a Beautiful 60 feet tall Ganesha statue. The temple is dedicated mainly to Lord Ganesha, though it also includes temples of Lord Shiva, Annapoorneshwari and Subramanya Swamy.The annual celebrations during Ganesha chaturthi attracts large crowds to the temple.

Ragi Gudda is a famous Hanuman temple abode in the Jayanagar 9th block, South of Bangalore. The temple is situated on a mammoth rocky hill, and has very attractive chain of temples like Spathika Shiva, Ganesha and scenery within the premises. This is a very crowd attracting place during the period of Hanumad Jayanthi in December. You get mahaprasadam meals on Saturday between 12 noon to 1 pm.

Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple located in RajaRajeshwari Nagar, just before Kengeri on Mysore Road is a famous temple dedicated to Godess Parvathi (RajaRajeshwari). It was built by a reknowned spiritual guru, Sri Sri Sri Tiruchi Mahaswaigal. Built in the ancient style with stones, the temple is very spacious. One can feel the peace and satisfaction when visited. Week ends are very crowded.

DakshinaMukhy Nandeeshwara Temple, located in the heart of Bangalore is very ancient temple. This is on Sampige Road in the Malleshwaram area. The speciality of the temple is that, the natural (mineral) water flows from the mouth of Nandi (naturally) which is above a ShivaLingam, and pours all over the year as Abhishekam by nature itself. This water, after Abhishekam is taken by devotees as medicinal water, believed to cure many diseases. People from all over the world take this water in small containers with a lot of trust and devotion.

Mukti Naga temple [60] in Bangalore is world's largest monolithic statue of Lord Naaga, about 16 feet tall and 36 tons of weight. The Mukti Naga temple which is run by Shri Subrahmanya Seva Trust, is situated in a serene ambience of Ramohalli, a village on the outskirts of Bangalore city.

Meenakshi Sundaram Temple, Bannerghatta Road, (after Indian Institute of Management), South of Bangalore. Beautiful, spacious temple devoted to Sri Meenakshi Amma. Built in ancient style with stone structures, this place is very cool and mind refreshing place to see. You will feel that you are in a temple at Tamilnadu, when in this temple.

Timings: Monday thruough Saturday: 6:30AM to 12:30PM & 4:00PM to 8:30PM Friday: 6:30AM to 1:00PM & 4:00PM to 8:30PM Sunday: 6:30AM to 1:00PM & 3:00PM to 8:30PM

Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, There are many Ramakrishna Ashrams in Bangalore, but the special and central one is in Gandhi Bazaar - the place of temples in Bangalore. This mutt contains a vast meditating hall, a beautiful park, a vedic school and many more facilities. Sri Sharada Devi had meditated on a location in the park in this boundary. This location is preserved as a monument. A stone on which Swami Vivekananda had sat when he visited Bangalore is also kept as a monument. This is a calm and peaceful place for the people who enjoy the meditation.

Churches

Holy Trinity Church, located at Trinity circle at the east end of the MG Rd, is a major landmark in Bangalore. It was built in 1851, for the British Regiment stationed in Bangalore. Built in the English Renaissance style, the church can accommodate 700 people and is regarded as the largest "military" church in southern India. It has a congregation of over 450 families.

St. Mary's Basilica, St. Mary's Basilica is a basilica located in the Archdiocese of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the oldest church in Bangalore and is the only church in the state that has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica. It is famous for the festivities held during the St. Mary's Feast in the month of September each year, an event that attracts a number of devotees from in and around Bangalore.The basilica has been built in Gothic-style with arches, ornamental motifs and stained glass windows.Multiple columns and tall spires of the basilica can be seen from quite a distance. The stained glass windows were removed during World War II and were subsequently restored in 1947.

Shelter House Church, Bannerghatta Road, Arekere . The service is conducted in English and starts from 9:30AM in the morning.

St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral is located in the Archdiocese of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the head church in Archdiocese Bangalore. It is the most decorated church in the city and boasts of very historic artifact. It also is the biggest of churches in the city. It is located in the central part and in the heart of city (Promenade road, near Coles park) It also has a huge premises within which there are 3 schools inside it, St. Anthony's boys school, St. Aloysius boys school and St. Rock's girls school. The whole locality is surrounded by a more schools like St. Francis Xavier's girls school, St. German's boys school, Goodwil girls school, Nehru school, RTC school.

Infant Jesus Shrine, The Infant Jesus shrine is located in Viveknagar, Bangalore. It is now known as a place of pilgrimage. Thousand of devotees from all faiths throng the shrine on Thursday. The podium is raised above road level with steps and ramp on either side. The interior of the church is so designed that wherever people are seated they will feel that the altar is facing them. The main mural which is 6x9 meters replicates the nativity scene in the nativity church of Jerusalem.

See in Mysore

Mysore Palace at night

Mysore Palace. Intricately carved rosewood doors and ceilings some with inlaid ivory work, marble figurines, collections of caskets, paintings of the members of the royal family and other objects of personal use exhibit such opulence,though age as worn them out a bit with slight discolouration. On Sundays and national holidays between 7:00PM-7:45PM the palace is illuminated by close to 100,000 bulbs. Entry is through the south side. Cameras must be left at the cloak room, now there are no charges to deposit the cameras.Shoes must be left before the entrance for free.Out side palace photography is allowed Rs. 50 for indian nationals, Rs. 200 for foreigners.

Brindavan Gardens. and Musical Fountain at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. Nice garden full of fountains, in the neighbourhood of Mysore. At 7PM the "musical fountain" light and music show begins. If you want to go here via bus, name of the bus stop is : Main Bus Stand ,KR circle. Chamundi Hills, ☎ +91-821-259-0027. 24 hrs, inquire for various service timings at temple. has a temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari (or Chamundi). The huge Nandi sta top are available. Atop the hill, Goddess Chamundi's idol is placed in a beautiful temple with marvelous architecture. It is a plastic free zone. Air Conditioned Volvo buses are available to Chamundi Hill and back from the city bus stand every twenty minutes. The charges are very nominal. Rs. 20 for regular queue (typically longer) . Rs 100 for shorter queue.

Tipu Sultan's Palace

Jagmohan Palace and Art Gallery. A former palace that has been converted into an art gallery featuring famous works by various Indian artists. Has an extensive collection of Ravi Varma paintings. Unfortunately, it is pretty poorly maintained. 30 rupees for Indians, 120 rupees for foreigners.  [check]

Lalit Mahal Palace. Also a former palace but now a five star hotel, visitors should go around afternoon tea time as they serve a great British high tea. It is located near Chamundi Hill.  [check]

St. Philomenas Church. A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers.  [check]

Parks and Gardens. Mysore has about 180 parks and playgrounds. Most of the residential areas have their own small parks: e.g. Ambedkar Park in Jayanagar has a 500 metre perimeter footpath. The newly built Andolan Circle Park has a walking track that takes five minutes for one round. This park is near Kuvempu Nagar. But many Mysoreans prefer to walk around the many lakes which pepper the landscape such as the central Kukarahalli Kere by the University where the journey around is about 4.5 kilometres. Another is the Lingabudhi Kere which has a beautiful footpath with bamboo forests and again takes more than 20 minutes for one round. This park it is a desirable neighbourhood to the southwest called Rama Krishna Nagar, 5km away from the city centre.  [check]

Datta Peetham. Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Avadhoota Datta Peetham is an ashram in Mysore. It has beautiful gardens with bonsais among other plants. You can buy some herbal tea for an infusion, grown in the gardens.  [check]

Mysore Zoo. We-M 8AM-5:30PM. is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Closed on Tuesday. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and since then millions of people have enjoyed its wonderful animals and spectacular grounds. The zoo has a very successful breeding program and houses animals from more than 40 different countries and there are many native Indian animals as well, including Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, giraffe, fallow deer, Himalayan black bear, Gaur (Indian bison), white peafowl and African rhino. The zoo is also home to many other exotic creatures from around the world like Branary sheep, giraffe, hippos and gorillas. The zoo also encompasses Karanji Lake, which attracts several species of migratory birds during the breeding season including painted storks, pelicans and darters. Other attractions include the botanical Garden with 35 species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad. Visitors can treat themselves to snacks and tender coconut that are available inside the zoo. Excellent mementos are available in a souvenir shop. Vehicle parking is available in an open area opposite the zoo. The parking fee collected is Rs.50/- for bus, Rs.30/- for mini-bus or tempo, Rs.10/- for cars and Rs.5/- for two wheelers. Rs.40 for adults, Rs. 10 for children over 5, Battery Operated Vehicle Tour Rs. 100/-, Rs.20/- for camera.  [check]

Karanji Kere. is a small lake inside the city.This is a favorite spot of romantic couples. You can go for a small trip of boating.The lake is sorrounded by green trees and you can also see various variety of birds like pelicans and painted storks on the island in Karanji kere. In local language Kere means Lake and thus a Lake by the name of Karanji is called as Karanji kere. The Area is now named as Nature park. The park has an aviary which hosts Peacocks and other species of colorful birds. Little inside, there is a tall watch tower, from where one can see entire lake and birds on tree tops. At the end of the walk way there is a butterfly park.  [check]

Jayalakshmivilas mansion, Manasagangotri. It was built by H.H. Vani Vilasa Sannidhana ( Maharani Regent of Mysore: 1895-1902) for her daughter Jayalakshammanni. ( Eldest daughter of HH Chamaraja Wadiyar - Maharaja of Mysore:1881-1894). It has around 200 rooms, an exotic dancing hall and a kalyanmantap with intricately carved wood pillars.It is converted into a museum and it stores artifacts pertaining to local folk performing arts, tools and object of various artisans and other archaeological findings. Princess Jayalakshmmanni was married to her maternal uncle. Dewan Sir M. Kantha Raja Urs. After independence their son-in-law Sirdar K. Basavaraj Urs sold the property to University of Mysore for starting its post graduate center and the then Vice Chancellor Dr. K.V.Puttapa christened the place as Manasa Gangothri. Free.  [check]

Happy Man Park. The Happy Man Park near Kamakshi Hospital, some three kilometers from the Railway Station, is a very popular hangout of children and parents. The park is quite compact in size but contains a mini zoo and many hens and ducks roam around the lawns freely. The park is landscaped with a little stream and ‘wooden’ bridges. Some kind of radio or music is played through little loudspeakers scattered around the park. The Park is open from 4.30PM to 9.00PM and the crowd is quite big around six p.m. It is also open for a while in the morning for the benefit of joggers. The main attraction of the park is a statue of a ‘Happy Man’ with a pot belly. The statue resembles Maitreya or Laughing Buddha, quite popular in Southeast Asian countries.  [check]

Sand Museum. Claiming to be India's first Sand Museum, there is a wide range of sand sculptures here in various themes, from local Mysore culture, to world civilizations and different types of wildlife. All of this located in a very small area. Worth seeing, but doesn't take much time to browse through. Also quite shabbily maintained by the family of the sculptor. Can be combined with the Chamundi Hill visit since it is very close to the hill base. Entry fee of Rs. 40 for adults and Rs. 20 for children.  [check]

Museums

National Museum on Natural History, Near Nandhini Dairy, [7]. Tue-Sun 10 A. M. to 5 A.M.. Has exhibits on plants, animals and geology of the southern region of India 

Folk Art Museum. Founded in 1968 and located in the university of Mysore campus in Jayalakshmivilas Mansion at Manasa Gangorti, the museum has over 6500 folk art and folklore articles on display and exhibits arts and crafts from all over the state of Karnataka, majority being Yakshgan and Puppet art. 

Rail Museum. Exhibits vintage locomotives as they were in use. The second of such museum set up after the Rail museum in Delhi. The Musium is located near to railway station, The major attraction of the musium is the wagon used by Queen of Mysore. There is a small Toy Train. The musium is smal one and can be visited while arriving or leaving Mysore during working hours. 

Oriental Research Institute. Formerly known as the oriental library is was started in 1891 and contains over 33,000 palm leaf manuscripts - the most famous of which is the Kautilya Arthashastra. 

Melody World. Estd.in October 2010, this unique wax museum is based on musicians and musical instruments from all over the World.