Best things to do in Bengaluru

Admire the imposing complex of ISKCON Temple Bangalore, one of the largest ISKCON temples, known for its modern architecture. The spacious temple was built in 1997 by Madhu Pandit Dasa, the president of the International Society for Krishna Conciousness in Bangalore. Climb the steps on Hare Krishna Hill to reach the temple and join the devoted pilgrims in paying their respects to the deities. Upon exiting the temple, you’ll encounter an array of shops offering a range of souvenirs, books, and local delicacies.

Colorful blooms and lush greenery come alive at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Commissioned on the orders of the former ruler of Mysore, a local kingdom, the gardens trace their origins to the second half of the 18th century. You can explore the extensive grounds that stretch for more than 97 hectares (240 acres), admiring centuries-old species of trees and a number of collections exhibiting different floral varieties. Join a guided tour to learn more about the origins of the complex and the plants themselves.

Treat yourself to a spot of indulgence at UB City, home to upscale shops, offices, and apartments. Split across four sprawling towers, the site covers 5 hectares (13 acres), including 66 floors and a rooftop helipad. Prepare yourself for a mammoth retail experience at a complex hosting over 40 nationally and internationally acclaimed brands. In addition to informal and fine dining options, the complex contains a 1,000-seat theater, offering an eclectic mix of artists and performances.

At Cubbon Park, take a stroll through one of Garden City's natural havens. Experience the park's history by visiting the surrounding monuments, buildings, and statues of famous people. Created in 1870 by the British Major General, the park has experienced a gradual expansion over time, reaching the area of about 1.2 km sq (0.5 mi sq) today. Admire the abundant plant and animal life as you walk on well-laid-out paths and motorable roads. Besides going to nearby restaurants, you can also bring your own food and have a picnic.

Explore the constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums at Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, which houses various industrial projects and engines. Opened by the first Prime Minister of India in 1962, the family-friendly complex features entertaining and educating activities. Visit the dinosaur corner, a "flyer simulator" which shelters a 1:1 scale replica of the Wright Brothers' plane, or head to one of seven themed exhibition galleries. Learn interactively about humanity's scientific achievements and failures. With almost 1 million visitors per year, the museum can get quite crowded.

Discover the rich and varied wildlife of Bannerghatta National Park on a bus or jeep safari. The reserve, established as a national park in 1974, offers the chance to see some of the region's plants, and the animals that inhabit the dense forest. Visit the small zoo and butterfly park, see the elephants roam free in their fenced part of the park, or embark on a safari into the herbivore and carnivore zones of the forest. Exploring the forest, you might encounter deer, monkeys, bears, white and Bengal tigers, or even lions.

Fun for all ages awaits at Wonderla Amusement Park, filled with thrilling roller coasters, water slides, and gentle rides for children. Get your adrenaline pumping on some of the more exciting rides, or relax and splash around in the wave pool. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the range of activities in this spacious amusement park, while you’ll find numerous eateries and basic facilities at your disposal as well.

Commercial Street remains arguably the busiest and liveliest shopping area in Bangalore. Locals and tourists pack the street and its side alleys browsing the wide selection fabrics, jewelry, books, and handmade souvenirs. While there, you can visit the largest food market in the city, an ideal place to learn about and taste some street fare, like bhutta, pani puri, and chana jor garam.

Join the crowds down Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road, the commercial center of town. A whole host of stores and malls line both sides of the broad street, selling international and domestic brands in the worlds of fashion, entertainment, homewares, and food. If you're looking for a bite to eat, the main street offers a good place to start, and you have plenty of options on the adjoining side streets as well. With the metro line whizzing overhead and crowds of tourists and locals here at all hours, the road puts you in the heart of the city's contemporary life.

Nestled among beautiful gardens, Bangalore Palace often serves as a venue for concerts of world-renowned artists. The exterior, which features elaborate wood carvings and many turrets, is reminiscent of the Tudor-style architecture, while the interior boasts Victorian, Neoclassical, and Edwardian furniture. The 19th-century palace includes 35 rooms decorated floral motifs, cornices, ceiling paintings, and stained glass. The palace complex also features an amusement park.

One of the city's major landmarks, Bull Temple pays tribute to Nandi, the faithful attendant of the Hindu deity Shiva. Constructed during the 16th century, the temple features the iconic pyramidal architecture found commonly in historic sites across India, with added ornamental carvings of figures and deities. According to local legend, the temple originally came about as an attempt to appease a wild bull that wrought havoc on the area's crops. The temple's standout feature is a statue of Nandi, a 4.5 m (15 ft) tall figure carved out of a single piece of solid granite and surrounded by idols that depict other gods riding chariots.