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Map of Bangalore
There are city tours that can show you the city efficiently if you are short on time. Typically, tours do not include entry fees into the attractions. Bangalore, like the rest of India, has a habit of charging foreigners a lot more than locals for attractions. For example, Tipu Sultan's Palace, which is on the half-day tour, charges ₹15 for Indians/SAARC and ₹200 for non-Indians.
Cubbon Park area
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- 1 Attara Kacheri, Dr Ambedkar Rd (metro: Vidhana Soudha ). A two-storey neoclassical red-painted stone and brick building, hosting the High Court of Karnataka. It was previously a secretariat of eighteen departments, built under the reign of king Devaraja Wadiyar II in 1701. The main structure of the building is surrounded on all sides by porticoes and verandahs. The entire building is surfaced with plaster and painted with red ochre.
- 2 Kingfisher Towers, UB City. Probably the most famous high-rise residential building in Bangalore, despite not being the tallest in the city. The top of the building is occupied by a mansion, which is one of the few instances of a "building atop a building" in India.
- 3 Government Museum, Kasturba Rd (metro: Cubbon Park ). Established in 1865, the museum is flanked by the Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum and the Venkatappa Art Gallery. It is an archaeological museum with a rare collection of archaeological and geological artefacts, including old jewellery, sculpture, coins and inscriptions. The museum is also home to the Halmidi inscription, the earliest writing in Kannada (450 CE).
- 4 Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), 22, Kasturba Rd (metro: Cubbon Park ). Su-Th 10AM-6:30PM, F Sa 10AM-7:30PM. This museum presents 4 exhibitions (2 free and 2 paid, ₹150) and contains a café, restaurant and library over 5 stories. It's well worth a visit and takes about 2 hours. 2 free exhibitions, 2 paid exhibitions (₹150 combined).
- 5 Seshadari Iyer Memorial, Kasturba Rd (metro: Vidhana Soudha ). A distinctive red sandstone building, hosting the State Central Library.
- 6 Venkatappa Art Gallery, Kasturba Rd (metro: Cubbon Park ).
- 7 Vidhana Soudha (Karnataka Legislative Assembly), Dr Ambedkar Rd (metro: Vidhana Soudha Purple ). This granite building houses the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka. It was built during the tenure of K. Hanumanthaiya, Chief Minister of Mysore State (1951–1956). A marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture, and one of the most imposing buildings in India. One of the interesting features of this building are the grand stairs in its front. The steps of the grand stairs are 62 m (203 ft) wide and 21 m (69 ft) deep, giving direct access to the foyer of the first floor leading to an assembly chamber. The architecture comprises of Dravidian richly carved bases and capitals for pillars, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, heavy pediments domical finials. At the same time, the construction uses modern designs, making use of present-day materials like steel, reinforced concrete, glass, and plastic. General public and tourists are not allowed to enter the ground or the building. It can only be viewed from the road and footpath outside the boundary walls.
- 8 Vikasa Soudha (metro: Vidhana Soudha Purple ). Located next to Vidhana Soudha, built in the same classic style. It was inaugurated in 2005. General public and tourists are not allowed to enter the premises. It can only be viewed from outside the boundary walls.
- 9 Visvesvaraya Centre (Visvesvaraya Towers) (metro: Cubbon Park ). A government office complex, built on the site of the house of Sir M. Visvesvaraya after his death. Initially constructed for the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), it was later bought by the state government to house government offices. The brutalist architecture of this high-rise building at Cubbon Park area stands in sharp contrast to the neoclassical architecture of Vidhana Soudha, Attara Kacheri and the General Post Office. The general public is not allowed into the premises, unless they have an appointment at one of the offices.
- 10 Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum (VITM) (metro: Cubbon Park ), ☏ +91 80-22866200, [email protected]. 10AM-5:30PM (closed in Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali). Contains many fun learning activities and exhibitions that can be enjoyed by adults and children. Most exhibits are based on simple science, but some have industrial applications. For general visitors entry fee is ₹40. Some groups receive discounts (organised school groups, BPL Category when showing valid BPL card, etc). Entry is free for military and police personnel in uniform, the physically challenged, and children below 5 years of age. There is also a 3D show costing an extra ₹25 (for general public).
Forts and palaces
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- 11 Bangalore Fort (Tippu's Fort) (metro: Krishna Rajendra Market ). Built in 1537. A small part with massive granite walls, big gates, a dungeon and a small Ganesha temple is still intact. Check out the stone carving high up on the wall to your left after entering the massive wooden door. Free.
- 12 Bangalore Palace, Palace Rd, Vasanth Nagar (local: Bangalore Cant ). Built by the Maharajas of Mysore. For many years the building was neglected as a tourist attraction but is now open to the public. This is a run-down building with paint peeling on the interior and is generally a tourist trap to be avoided. ₹100/450 for Indians/foreigners and ₹675 for a still camera. This includes an audio guide that points out rooms, photos and other things.
- 13 Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Albert Victor Rd (metro: Krishna Rajendra Market ), ☏ +91 80 2670 6836. daily 9:30AM-5:30PM. Dating to about 1790, it was the summer retreat for Tipu Sultan. The two-storey structure is made mostly out of wood with finely embellished balconies, pillars and arches. It contains a small museum with information on Tipu Sultan. ₹20 for Indians/SAARC/BIMSTEC citizens and ₹250 for foreigners (tickets only available online, you will need a phone with a QR code scanner and mobile data).
Museums and art galleries
[edit]- 14 Gandhi Bhavan, Kumara Park E. The museum consists of a gallery with rare photographs of Mahatma Gandhi and letters written by him, a library and an auditorium. It serves as a venue for meetings organised on Gandhian values in Bangalore.
- 15 HAL Aerospace Museum, Airport-Varthur Rd, ☏ +91 80 2231 8341. Daily 9AM-4:30PM. India's first aerospace museum. Run by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a large aerospace company. It showcases the growth of the Indian aviation industry and HAL for six decades. The museum houses displays of various aircraft and helicopters, aircraft engine models, flight simulators, a mock Air Traffic Control Tower and exhibit of Indian aviation history.
- 16 Indian Music Experience Museum, Brigade Millenium Ave, 7th Phase, JP Nagar (opposite Wood Rose Club), ☏ +91 96866 02366, [email protected]. 10AM–6PM (closed M). The only interactive music museum in India with exhibits on traditional and contemporary Indian music. The museum also hosts a learning centre to learn music. ₹250 for persons over 12, ₹150 for senior citizens.
- 17 Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. a visual art complex with 18 galleries, 13 of which carry a permanent collection of paintings, sculptures and folk art. The folk art collection showcases Mysore paintings and leather puppets.
- 18 Kempegowda Museum. 9AM–5PM (closed Su). A government museum dedicated to Bangalore's founder Kempe Gowda. It is housed in the Mayo Hall, which was built in memory of Lord Mayo, the 4th Viceroy of India. This two-storey building is known for its ornate furniture and architecture. It is adorned by chandeliers, Greek cornices, Tuscan columns, stone arches, wooden floors and beautiful furnishings. The building itself offers a panoramic view of the city's Parade Grounds and Ulsoor Lake on one side, and the Bangalore Race Course and Brigade Grounds on the south. Free.
- 19 National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), 49, Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Rd. Sa Su 11AM-7:30PM, Tu-F 11AM-6PM. The National Gallery of Modern Art houses an auditorium, café, shop and exhibitions of modern and contemporary art in a beautiful building. The gallery organises and hosts talks on art and culture by speakers, seminars, film screenings as well as workshops and guided walks throughout the year. ₹20 for Indian citizens, ₹500 for foreigners.
- 20 National Military Memorial. A memorial-cum-museum dedicated to the personnel and families of martyrs who have died in the service of the nation. The collection in the museum include mockups of missiles like AKASH, Prithvi and BrahMos and space launch vehicles like PSLV.
- 21 NIMHANS Brain Museum, Hosur Rd. A rather unusual museum with a collection of several different human brains.
Places of worship
[edit]Temples
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- 22 Art of Living Temple, Double Rd (near Cricket Coaching ground), ☏ +91 9448386061, [email protected]. The ashrama is the international headquarters of the Art of Living Foundation. The ashram is spread over 65 acres and was established in 1986. They conduct frequent yoga and Ayurveda programs.
- 23 Banaswadi Hanuman Temple (between Sri Uma Maheshwari Temple and Bethel Church, northeast 5 km (3.1 mi) from centre). Constructed in Dravidian style, attracts a large number of devotees, especially on weekends. It has smaller temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Shiva and Ganapathi within the walled compound.
- 24 Chokkanathaswamy Temple. W 6:00AM–11:30AM and 5:45PM– 8:30PM, Sa 6:00AM– 12:30PM and 5:45PM–9:00PM, otherwise 6AM–11AM and 5:45PM–8:30PM. A 10th-century Chola temple with inscriptions in Kannada and Tamil.
- 25 Dodda Ganeshana Gudi (Bull Temple), Bull Temple Rd, NR Colony, Basavanagudi (Majestic: 43A-E, 45A-E, Shivajinagar: 34A-F, 37A-F, Jayanagar/Vijayanagar: 60A-K (Ramakrishna Ashrama)). A typical Dravidian-style temple, 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.
- 26 Dharmaraya Swamy Draupadi Devi Temple (in the heart of Bangalore). One of the oldest temples of Bangalore and also the smallest, the Temple is in existence since the times of Kempe Gowda. It is on S.P. Road close to Corporation Circle, behind the LIC building. This temple is famous for the Annual Karaga Festival held every summer. The Presiding Deity is Dharmaraya (Yudishtra) & Consort Draupadi making it a unique one of its kind.
- 27 Dodda Ganapathi. One of the oldest temples in Bangalore, it is adjacent to the Bull Temple. The temple is famous for the huge monolith structure of Lord Ganesha, who was worshipped by the villagers to save them from the Bull that was damaging their crops in the area. The Bull Temple is a few metres away from this temple.
- 28 Gavi Gangadeshwara Cave Temple, Gavipuram, Kempegowda Nagar (right north of Hanumantha Nagar Park, north of Ramanjaneya Temple, in Gavipuram, adjacent to Basavanagudi). 7AM-12:30PM and 5-8:30PM. 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 Sankranti and thousands of devotees flock to see the sun's rays fall on the Shivlinga.
- 29 ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple (ISKCON Bangalore), Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd (metro: Mahalakshmi Green , Sandal Soap Green ), ☏ +91 99860 77269. 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.
- 30 Maha Bodhi Society Temple, No. 14, Kalidas Road, Gandhi Nagar (northwest rim of Freedom Park). 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.
- Maruthi Mandir, Mahakalshmi Layout (5 min drive from ISKCON temple). A Hanuman Temple is opposite, 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.
- 31 Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, Bannerghatta Rd (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.
- 32 Mukti Naga Temple. Contains the world's largest monolithic statue of Lord Naaga, about 16 feet tall and weighing 36 tons. The Mukti Naga Temple, which is run by Shri Subrahmanya Seva Trust, is in a serene ambience of Ramohalli, a village on the outskirts of the city.
- 33 Ragi Gudda, Jayanagar 9th block (South of Bangalore). This is a famous Hanuman temple abode. The temple is 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 noon-1PM.
- Someshwara Temple, Halasuru (close to Halasuru Police station; metro: Halasuru Purple ). Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest temples of the City. The inner sanctum santorum is said to have been built in the 8th century by the Cholas who ruled this place, the outer Praharam during the Hoysalas of the 11th century while the front hall construction and the Gopuram during the Vijayanagar Empire of the 15th century. The structure resembles the various changes the temple has gone through during the period with major additions and renovations done for preserving the temple. Free.
- 34 Shiva Temple (Shiv Mandir), Old Airport Rd (close to Vishweshwara College and Total Mall), ☏ +91 80 2522 8444. This temple has a massive monolith of Lord Shiva in the middle of an artificial pool. There is a cave-like walkthrough 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 collecting 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), and people standing to ask money as offerings. Free entrance, camera ₹25.
- Shree Guruvayurappan Temple (at Nettigere, Bangalore South). A Kerala style temple located in Kanakapura Road. A small and nice temple which gives a great vibration of peace and tranquility. Only traditional attire is allowed to enter the sanctum (dhotis for men and sarees for women).
- Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple (in RajaRajeshwari Nagar, just before Kengeri on Mysore Road). A famous temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi (RajaRajeshwari). It was built by a renowned 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.
- Sri Ramakrishna Ashram. There are many Ramakrishna Ashrams in Bangalore, but the special and central one is in Gandhi Bazaar, an area with many temples. 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 sat when he visited Bangalore is also kept as a monument. This is a calm and peaceful place to meditate.
- 35 Vasantha Vallabharaya Temple ( Majestic 210E, 210R Shivajinagar 210G , Market: 210, 210D, 210E, Electronic City/Kengeri : 378) In South Bangalore, close to Sai Baba Temple, Eashwara Temple, Anjaneya Temple, off Vasantapura Road). A small hillock with an ancient temple dedicated to Sri Vasantha Vallabharaya Swamy.
- VenkataramanaSwamy Temple, Visveswarapuram district (metro: National College Green half km W). A fine example of Dravidian architecture. This ancient temple was built by Maharaja Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar and is next to the summer palace of Tipu Sultan.
- 36 Champakadhama Temple, Bannerghatta, close to Bannerghatta circle (Bannerghatta/Jigani/Anekal buses via Bannerghatta Road). An old temple dedicated to Lord Champakeshwara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Name stands because of the presence of the "Champaka" flowers in the area that was used for worship. A small temple, dedicated to Lord Narasimha is on the hillock. A small Kalyani is present behind the Temple, close to the borders of the Bannerghatta forest in about 700 m walk from top of the Hillock. Visit to the Tank is prohibited in Wintry evening and late evenings owing to presence of elephant movement
Churches
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- 37 Holy Trinity Church (at Trinity circle at the east end of the MG Rd). This church 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.
- 38 St. Mary's Basilica. The oldest church in Bangalore, and the only church in the state which 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 devotees from in and around Bangalore. The basilica is 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.
Gardens
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- 39 Dodda Alada Mara (ದೊಡ್ಡ ಆಲದ ಮರ; Big Banyan Tree). A giant 400-year-old Banyan tree about 28 km (17 mi) from central Bangalore. This single plant covers 3 acres and is one of the largest of its kind. Buses can be taken from Majestic to Kengeri and then from Kengeri to Doda Alada Mara. There are direct buses from K. R. Market to Dodda Alada mara which stops just beside the tree. The tree is the natural home of a large number of monkeys and you should be careful with food, water, camera bags, and anything else that can be snatched away.
- 40 Lalbagh Botanical Garden (metro: Lalbagh Green ). Built during the reigns of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the botanical garden is home to numerous wild species of birds and other wildlife. The garden also has a lake adjoining a large rock is home to some water birds. Flower shows are conducted every year during the week of Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August) to educate people about the variety of flora and develop public interest in plant conservation and cultivation.
- 41 Mahatma Gandhi Botanical Garden (within the University of Agricultural Science campus).
Do
[edit]Indoor activities
[edit]- 1 Bangalore Town Hall (Sir K. P. Puttanna Chetty Town Hall), 112 JC Road. A neoclassical building. The structure features a flight of steps leading to the entrance porch resting on Tuscan columns with identical columns extending on either sides. The auditorium has two floors with a total capacity of 810 seats.
- 2 Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore Association for Science Education, Sri T. Choudaiah Road, High Grounds (opposite Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain, Near Raj Bhavan), ☏ +91 80-22379725, [email protected]. 12:30-4:30PM (closed M and second Th). A very good planetarium for adults and children alike. Shows are offered in Kannada and English. Each show is about 30 minutes long. There are about 200 seats available for each show. A ticket can be used only for the show mentioned on the ticket, and is non-refundable if you miss that show. ₹35 for adults and ₹20 for school students and children (up to 16 years), children below 3 years are not allowed inside the Sky-Theatre.
Outdoor activities and sports
[edit]- Adventure clubs: Bangalore is bestowed with rock climbers, aqua sportsmen and aero sportsmen. There are several clubs, including Nature Admire, Care, Spark, KMA, Capture, Mars, Angel, Wildcraft and Adventure Works.
- Camping, Savandurga, Gunjoor Lake, Bhimeshwari, Rangaswamy betta.
- Cave exploration, Savandurga, Anthargange, Siddarabetta.
- Cycling. Art of Bicycle Trips organises bicycle tours in and around Bangalore. The tours combine cycling with Indian art, culture and heritage.
- 3 Fun World. An amusement park on the Bangalore Palace grounds.
- Hiking, Nandi hills; Rangaswamy betta, Bhimeshwari - Muttati.
- Hill Climbing, Savandurga, Makalidurga, Kavaledurga (Skandagiri), Kabalidurga, Siddarabetta, Nijakal betta, Shivgange.
- Sports clubs. The Koramangala Club in Koramangala, and the Swimming club at the National Games Village (NGV), have facilities such as swimming pools and tennis courts.
- 4 Trash Trail, Daily Dump, ☏ +91 80 41157311, [email protected]. On this journey through the story of waste, you will meet people who silently clean up and transform all the stuff we throw away. In the process, you will visit places you haven't imagined existed!
- Ultimate Frisbee. Although in a nascent stage, Ultimate Frisbee games are held on Tu Th Sa mornings starting 6:30AM. The teams comprise of players of all skill levels.
Parks and stadiums
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- 5 Chinnaswamy Stadium, Mahatma Gandhi Rd (Cubbon Park ), ☏ +90 80 4015 4015. With a capacity of 40,000, this is the home of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), which has a large and loud following. The IPL season typically is from March to May every year, matches are played in the evenings and last around 3 hours. Scour the daily newspapers for ticket information - tickets sell out a week before.
- 6 Cubbon Park (Sri Chamarajendra Udyanavana) (opposite to Chinnaswamy Stadium, Cubbon Park ). A nice forested area in the city centre. The entrance from Queen's Statue forms the tourist attraction owing to the presence of the Government Aquarium and Bal Bhavan, a play area for kids. Puttaani Express a small toy train for kids, runs inside the Bal Bhavan, attracting kids from far and near. For attractions around the park, see the Cubbon Park area subsection of See.
- 7 HMT Area, BEL Junction (18 km (11 mi)). This area is dotted with parks and green layouts. Examples are General Ayyappa Park and Kittur Rani Chennamma Park. The J.P.Park is nearby. Lodges are available at Mathikere and Jalahalli.
- 8 J. P. Park (Jayaprakash Narayan Biodiversity Park), Mathikere, Near Yashwanthpur Railway Station (11 km (6.8 mi)). The third largest park in Bangalore, covering 85 acres. There are many statues of animals and provision for children's' games. The park includes four lakes, 25 acres of lawns, over 250 varieties of trees and shrubs (including select exotic and aquatic species, and a nursery), a nature centre, an exhibition plaza, and an amphitheatre.
- Lumbini Gardens. A public park on the banks of the Nagawara Lake in Bangalore, Karnataka. It contains an eco-friendly boating park and a 12,500 square foot artificial beach and children's pool.
- 9 Sankey Tank. A pleasant lake
- 10 Sree Kanteerava Stadium. A multi-purpose stadium with a running track, a volleyball court, and two outdoor rock climbing walls.
Lakes
[edit]- 11 Hebbal Lake (at the interchange of NH 44 and NH 75, local Hebbal ). One of the three lakes created in 1537 during the rule of Kempe Gowda.
- 12 Ulsoor Lake (Halasuru lake). One of the biggest lakes in Bangalore, and it and has several islands. There's a watch tower on Ulsoor Lake with a Chinese bell.
Fairs & exhibitions
[edit]- 13 Aero India. Held in the second week of February every alternate year (the next one is in 2027), this is Asia's premier air show. Spanning 5 days but open to the public only on the last 3 days (F-Su), the show at Yelahanka Air Force Base in the northern part of Bangalore comprises a defence exhibition and air show. Fighter jets from around the world are on flying and on static display. Normally, there are two air shows every day - one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Tickets can be purchased online or at select outlets - scan the newspapers for more information. (Purchasing a ticket at outlets requires you to show a photo identification and tickets are non-transferable. For the 2011 edition, Pakistani nationals were not permitted to register via the website.).
- 14 Chitra Santhe (Paintings market). An annual exhibition, held on the first Sunday of every year in January, the Chitra Santhe on Kumara Krupa Road (near Golf Course) brings together artists from all across Karnataka. Paintings, pottery, and sculpture are all on an exhibition-cum-sale. The road is closed to traffic on that day, making it possible to have a leisurely stroll, admiring and buying the items. Prices range from ₹100-20,000. Bargaining is recommended, but not too hard. Pay a fair price. (Credit cards and foreign currency are rarely accepted, so carry sufficient cash in Indian currency).
- 15 Kadlekai Parishe (Peanut fair). Every year, sometime during the months of Nov-Dec, the area around Bull Temple Road in South Bangalore hosts a peanut fair. Centuries ago, the villages in and around this area used to cultivate peanuts and the custom was to dedicate the first crop to Nandi (the Bull at the temple). Although the villages of yore are today residential areas, the tradition continues as peanut farmers congregate to sell their crop. The 2 day traditional fair has many stalls that sell peanuts, trinkets, bangles, pottery, dolls etc. There are also a number of food stalls.
- Flower Show (Biannual). 9AM to 5PM. A bi-annual affair at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens Bangalore, during the Independence Day (August 15th) & Republic Day (January 26th). Various companies display their floral exhibits in this period, normally held from a week before the above-mentioned days. The main epicentre would be a Rose arrangement representing a theme, or a heritage structure, which attracts major crowd from around Bangalore. ₹50 entry fees.
- Mango Mela. 9AM to 5PM. An annual affair, at the beginning of the summer season, the season for the king of fruits. Normally, Mangoes (raw & ripe), cultivated in the Bangalore rural districts as well as neighbouring Kolar and Chikballapur districts are brought and kept for show as well as sale during this period, at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens. A must-visit for mango fans. ₹30 entry fees.
Arts and theatre
[edit]- 16 Concerts at Bengaluru Palace Grounds. Check the local listings to see if any concerts are happening. Most international acts happen at Bengaluru Palace Grounds and the venue has hosted Metallica, The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Joe Satriani, Mark Knopfler, Aerosmith, Sting, Uriah Heep, Lamb of God, Megadeth, Machinehead, Scorpions among others.
- Rangashankara, 36/2, 8th Cross, J.P. Nagar, 2nd Phase, ☏ +91 80 26592777, +91 80 26494656. Evening shows start at 7:30PM. Many local groups perform here, although more often shows are presented by traveling groups touring India. Quality of the performances varies, but most plays are worth seeing, especially the ones by Indian playwrights or directors, as they can show you an Indian (or non-western) perspective. Shows are in various languages, so it is a good idea to double-check whether the play is in English before buying or reserving (blocking) tickets. Tickets cost ₹45–100.
Movies
[edit]Take in a movie at one of the innumerable theaters around the city. Some multiplexes:
- Cinemax (Bangalore Central, Bellandur).
- Cinepolis, Royal Meenakshi Mall, Bannerghatta Rd; ETA Mall, Binny Pete; Forum Shantiniketan, Whitefield.
- Gopalan Cinemas, Arch Mall, Mysore Rd,. Gopalan Mall, Mysore Road; Gopalan Mall, Near Jayadeva Hospital, Bannerghatta Road ; Gopalan Mal;, Old Madras Road, Near Baiyappanhalli Metro Station
- Inox theatre, Bangalore Central, JP Nagar, Fame Cinemas, MG Road, Forum Value Mall, Whitefield, Garuda Mall, Magrath Road, Lido Mall, Ulsoor, Mantri Square, Malleshwaram, Garuda Swagath Mall, Jayanagar.
- PVR Cinemas, Nexus Mall, Koramangala, Orion Mall, Malleshwaram, The Phoenix Market City Mall, Whitefield; Vega Mall, JD Mara signal.
- Bangalore Film Society. A club membership (around ₹500/year) is typically required for entrance. Foreign film series and cultural events.
- Urvashi Theatre (Urvashi), Lalbagh Road, Bangalore (near Lalbagh Main gate & MTR). A cool remodified theatre that allows a 1st hand experience in watching movies. One of the oldest theatres and important landmark of the City
- Sampige Theatre (Sampige), Sampige Road, Malleshwaram; Next to Mantri Mall. One of the oldest theatres of Malleshwaram, and an important landmark.
Spa & massage
[edit]| Massage or Prostitution Beware that many of the "Massage" classifieds in local newspapers may be fronts for prostitution. Prostitution is illegal and if caught in a raid, you may end up spending a night in the cooler before being eligible for bail. Most legitimate spas and massage parlours have detailed websites and are run professionally. |
Massages & spas are very much a part of Bangalore's east-meets-west culture, new ones spring up across the city all the time.
- The 5th Element, Inner Ring Rd (near Dell office). Spa. All practitioners are from Thailand and offer authentic Thai massage, scrubs, and wraps.
- Aroma Home Spa, Brookefields, ITPL Main Rd (near Whitefield). Natural eco-friendly products in use. Hydrotherapy massage in addition to therapies suited to individual needs.
- Ayur Sukha (Malleswaram.). Very nice, clean and professional spa in a nice neighborhood. 1 hr basic Ayurvedic treatment (massage and steam) is about ₹1,000.
- SPA.ce, Cunningham Rd. Run by an expat Brit offers a variety of massages, scrubs, and facials.
- Sundaythespa, No.627/628, 5th Cross Road, 15th Main, 80 Feet Road, 4th Block, Koramangala Layout, ☏ +91 80-25520757, toll-free: +91 80-25520758, [email protected]. Incorporates Ayurvedic, Indian and East Asian practices, offers professional services by well-trained staff.
Learn
[edit]- 1 Alliance Française de Bangalore, Thimmaiah Rd, Kaverappa Layout, ☏ +91 7899562404. 9:30AM–5:30PM (closed S). Offers French language courses.
- 2 Goethe-Institut (Max Mueller Bhavan), 716, CMH Road, Indiranagar 1st Stage (from M.G. Road: go down Old Madras Road; turn right before the Epidemic Diseases Hospital onto 100 Foot Road; at the next traffic light, take a left onto CMH Road), ☏ +91 80 25205305. Offers German language courses, organises cultural events and has a library.
Hinduism
[edit]- The Art of Living, Kanakapura Road, Udayapura, ☏ +91 80 67262626, +91 80 6726262627, +91 80 6726262628, [email protected]. The campus is also the focal point of many service projects such as rural development and education, organic farming initiatives, scientific research into the benefits of ‘Sudarshan Kriya’ While at the ashram, one cannot miss the Satsangs that are held every evening. Satsangs are gatherings where scattered minds unite through music, meditation, and wisdom to experience a higher state of consciousness. People from all over the world who know different languages participate in the singing of bhajans, or the repetitive chanting of a word or a verse.
- ISKCON, ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple,Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, ☏ +91 80-23471956, +91 80-23578346, fax: +91 80-23578625. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in Bangalore city is huge cultural complex that was inaugurated in 1997 to carry out the vision of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, to promote Vedic culture and spiritual learning. ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-chandra Mandir attracts visitors from different parts of the world and it is more than a place of rituals. However, due to the huge flow of foreign visitors, it has mostly become a heavily commercialized place and less of a religious centre.
Buddhism
[edit]- Choe Khor Sum Ling, Ashwini, No. 24, 1st Floor, Domlur Layout, ☏ +91 80 41486497, [email protected]. This Tibetan Buddhist meditation and study centre is in Domlur Layout near Shanti Sagar Restaurant on Airport Road. CKSL is a centre for the study and practice of Mahayana Buddhism following the lineage and example of Lord Buddha. The Centre, whose name means 'The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma' was founded in 2003 by Lama Zopa Rinpoche under the guidance of HH the XIVth Dalai Lama. The Centre offers courses in various Buddhist meditation techniques and teachings on different aspects of Buddhism. Teachings are offered free to the public and are conducted in English or in Tibetan (with translation in English). In addition to regular teachings, every few weeks the Centre invites senior Lamas to give talks on important aspects of the Buddhist path. Such talks are also accompanied by instructions and initiations by the Lama into different meditation practices.
- Maha Bodhi Society, 14 Kalidasa Road, Gandhinagar, ☏ +91 80 2250684, [email protected]. This temple has a very active schedule. There are teachings on the Dharma in English on the first two and last Sundays of every month from 9:30-11:30AM, while on the 3rd Sunday there is a meditation retreat. Anyone is welcome to attend. The temple also has a good library and a beautiful garden - a great place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis outside.
- Thubten Lekshey Ling (Dharma Subhashita), ☏ +91 98 80296930, [email protected]. Nyingma Tibetan Buddhist meditation centre founded by the late His Holiness Pema Norbu (Penor) Rinpoche. The centre is close to MG Road on Ulsoor road, on the side of Manipal Centre. The centre conducts meditation classes, spiritual discourses and advanced study programs. Weekend teachings in meditation and philosophy are offered by lamas from Namdroling Monastery, Bylakupee.
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