Bengaluru (Bangalore) Tourism And Travel Guide

Bengaluru, the capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, is one of country’s mega cities, made quite trendy by its benevolent seasons, the lush landscape of greenery and lakes all around.

There is never a dull moment when you are in Bengaluru, for the city has it all, a modern urbane milieu amidst pubs and rock bands, a commercial locale that whets your appetite for shopping, a scenery that lures you into taking long nature walks , boating on the lakes or clambering over the ancient geological formations and some of the most ancient temples you’d have ever seen.This Indian Silicon Valley is on the Forbes list of the 'Next Decade’s Fastest Growing Cities,' no wonder, as some of the most significant IT and Biotech companies are in Bengaluru. If you’re interested in visiting the Garden City, our travel and tourism guide should help you plan a good trip to Bengaluru.

Bengaluru is a very well connected city and has easy access by air, rail or road to neighbouring states. The best way to reach Bengaluru would be to take a train to the city.

By Air:

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport serves domestic and international flights from most Indian cities, and countries like the UK and UAE. From the airport, you can board the VayuVajra fleet of airport shuttle buses that are available to and from the Kempegowda International airport to various points in the city.

By Train:

Bengaluru’s KSR City Railway Station is the main train station to the city, while some trains halt at Yashwantpur, Bengaluru Cantonnment or Bengaluru East too. Trains from most major cities around the country depart and arrive at the City Railway Station. The Kempegowda Bus Stand and the KSR City Metro Station are close to the train station and you can use the bus or metro rail to and from the railway station.

By Road:

A good number of private and government interstate buses ply to Bengaluru. You could also drive your vehicle or hire a taxi. 

Getting Around:

Bengaluru has a good fleet of buses for transport in and around the city. Check the KSRTC app for bus stations. You can also use Bengaluru’s Namma Metro, the third longest metro network in India, that serves as a rapid transport system across the city, with both underground and elevated platforms. Then there are the usual taxis, auto rickshaws and share bicycles.

Situated at the centre of the Mysore Plateau, Bengaluru lies 3020 ft above sea level and thus enjoys a pleasant and equitable climate. The ideal months for a visit are from October to March. Read on to know why!

Summer(March-May):
Summer’s not very hot, but could occasionally get warmer than usual, mainly due to global warming. Intermittent summer showers, also called April or Mango showers are likely.

Monsoon(June-September):
There may be rains and occasional thundershowers, more so in the evenings. The landscape turns green and lush. Though outdoor activities are difficult during the rains, you can go on a long drive through the tree lined avenues or take a longer drive to the lakes. 

Post Monsoon(October-December):
It still does rain on and off from the northeast monsoon. If you’re in Bengaluru, get to the Shivanasamudram or Hogenakkal waterfalls that are so lovely to watch, with misty clouds and the spray of monsoon rainwaters. 

Winter(January-February):
Winter has warm clear days and chill nights. It’s just the right time for all sorts of outdoor adventures and tours.

Temples:

There are quite a number of very old places of worship in and around Bengaluru that are must-see in your itinerary. The Rama Temple at Ramadevarabetta Hill at about 50 km from Bengaluru, Omkar Hill Temple, the Gothic styled St.Mary’s Basilica with its ancient stained glass windows and one of the oldest mosques - the Jamia Masjid, dedicated to Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, are all places worthy of a visit.

Trekking:

Bengaluru’s lush plains and elevated grasslands offer ample scope for treks. Take short treks to Ramanagara, which has 7 hills for you to trek upon or Skandagiri, which gives a beautiful hilltop view of the rising or setting sun. 

Adventure Sports:

If it's the adrenaline pumping sports that you’re after, try Paragliding, Rock climbing or Pool Kayaking at Bheemeshwari or Ramanagara. Go off on a wildlife safari or take a coracle ride across the Cauvery as it flows down waterfalls and through gorges, rapids and dense forests.

Sanctuaries:

Visit the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary at Ramanagara, about 70 km from Bengaluru. The Sanctuary is an echo-sensitive zone that is home to endangered Indian Long-Billed and White-Backed Vultures.

Weekend Getaways:

There are so many places around Bengaluru which are ideal for a weekend trip with a big group. At Mekedatu, about 2 hours away from Bengaluru is Sangam, the place where the river Arakavathi merges with Cauvery. Close by is the Chunchi Falls that cascades down into a pool, which runs full during monsoon, but a little dry during summers. You might not be allowed close to the pool, but you can enjoy a coracle ride on the Sangam.

Pubs and Parties:

Bengaluru’s the in-thing, the Pub capital of the country. If you are an avid night-owl, you’re going to have a fun night out in Bengaluru. There are hundreds of taverns including sports and game bars, wine houses and dance clubs, pubs, breweries and beer houses which are some of the best ways to enjoy the night life of Bengaluru. Sip a drink, shake a leg or visit the movies at the city that is bustling and full of verve even after sunset. 

When the tired and starving 11^th century Hoysala King Veera Ballala arrived at a town and was served a pot of boiled beans by a kindly old woman, the gratified king called the place Benda Kaala Ooru or town of boiled beans and that’s how Bengaluru was named, a name fit for a city for foodies. The delectable Rava Idli that was born in Bengaluru joins a long string of Bengaluru’s best - the Bun Nippats, Cold Stone Ice Cream and Benne (Butter) dosas. You can dunk your idli into piping hot sambhar at a veggie joint or go in for a chicken sausage at an American Café, with equal elan!