Welcome to Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, known as the “Silicon Valley of India.” This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Bengaluru for tourists, ensuring you have all the information at your fingertips.
Download the Bengaluru Tourist Map (PDF)
1. Top Tourist Attractions
Historical & Cultural Landmarks
- Bangalore Palace – A stunning Tudor-style palace reflecting the grandeur of the Wodeyar dynasty.
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace – A beautiful Indo-Islamic structure with intricate carvings.
- Vidhana Soudha – The grand legislative building of Karnataka, a must-visit for its architectural beauty.
- ISKCON Temple – A major spiritual center dedicated to Lord Krishna.
- Bull Temple (Nandi Temple) – Home to a massive monolithic bull idol, an iconic religious site.
Parks & Nature Attractions
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden – Famous for its glasshouse and diverse flora.
- Cubbon Park – A green haven amidst the city’s hustle, ideal for morning walks.
- Bannerghatta National Park – Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, offering safaris and a zoo.
Museums & Science Centers
- Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum – An interactive science museum.
- National Gallery of Modern Art – A paradise for art lovers.
Modern Attractions & Entertainment
- UB City Mall – Luxury shopping, dining, and nightlife in one spot.
- MG Road & Brigade Road – The heart of Bengaluru’s shopping and nightlife scene.
- Wonderla Amusement Park – Thrilling rides for all age groups.
- Commercial Street – Best place for budget shopping.
2. Food & Cuisine Guide
Must-Try Dishes
- Bisi Bele Bath – Spiced rice-lentil dish.
- Mysore Masala Dosa – A crispy dosa with spicy chutney.
- Idli-Vada with Filter Coffee – A perfect South Indian breakfast.
- Ragi Mudde with Sambar – A traditional Karnataka delicacy.
- Mangalorean Seafood – A must-try for seafood lovers.
Best Restaurants & Eateries
- Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) – Famous for South Indian breakfast.
- Vidyarthi Bhavan – Iconic for buttery dosas.
- Empire Restaurant – Best for late-night biryanis and kebabs.
- Toit Brewery – Perfect for craft beer lovers.
- Koshy’s – A historic café with great Continental and South Indian food.
3. Local Transportation Guide
- Namma Metro – Best for avoiding traffic, connects major areas.
- BMTC Buses – Affordable and connects all parts of the city.
- Auto-Rickshaws & Cabs – Use apps like Uber and Ola for fair pricing.
- Bicycle Rentals – Available at Cubbon Park and other tourist areas.
- Self-Drive Car Rentals – Available via Zoomcar, Drivezy, etc.
4. Shopping & Markets
- Chickpet Market – Best for silk sarees and textiles.
- Jayanagar 4th Block Market – A mix of street shopping and branded stores.
- Orion Mall / Phoenix Marketcity – Modern malls for branded shopping.
- Brigade Road & Commercial Street – Best for fashion and accessories.
5. Best Hotels & Stays
Luxury Hotels
- Taj West End
- The Leela Palace
- JW Marriott
Mid-Range Hotels
- St. Mark’s Hotel
- The Chancery Pavilion
- Radisson Blu Atria
Budget Stays
- Hotel Empire International
- Zostel Bengaluru (Hostel)
- Treebo Hotels (Multiple Locations)
6. Safety Tips & Emergency Contacts
General Safety Tips
- Avoid isolated areas at night.
- Use verified transport services.
- Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places.
Important Contact Numbers
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- Women’s Helpline: 1091
- Tourist Helpline: 1800-11-1363
7. Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Bangalore Palace.
- Afternoon: Explore Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, and a South Indian lunch at MTR.
- Evening: Shopping at Commercial Street, dinner at Toit Brewery.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore historic sites like Tipu Sultan’s Palace and ISKCON Temple. Enjoy dinner at Empire Restaurant.
Day 2: Spend a fun day at Wonderla or Bannerghatta National Park.
Day 3: Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, shop at Brigade Road, and relax at UB City.
Final Words
Bengaluru is a vibrant city with a mix of tradition and modernity. With this guide, you are all set to explore and enjoy your visit hassle-free!