BANGALORE  SIGHTSEEING PLACES LIST – MUST VISIT 5 SITES

BANGALORE SIGHTSEEING PLACES LIST

In a country like India, with it’s extremities of temperature ranging from very hot summers and cold winters, I am grateful to be living in that part of the country and in a  city that  enjoys  a salubrious weather  throughout the year –  Bangalore in South India.

Initially, when I first moved  here , years ago, I was pleasantly surprised by  rains lashing the city perpetually every evening, this phenomenon  though  has waned now with the effects of global warming and urbanization. For tourists coming to India, Bangalore or the `garden city’   is a  must  visit destination.

So here is Bangalore Sightseeing Places List

BANGALORE’S BOTANICAL GARDEN – LALBAGH

 Owing to its mild, tropical climate, Bangalore is endowed with   immense  greenery. The huge verdant  parks  like  Lalbagh  gardens and Cubbon Park are testimonies,  and  are few of  the top places to see!  As  also the numerous  lush gardens, which are  oasis of fresh air,  dotting  every neighbourhood .

Bangalore has changed substantially over the years, constantly evolving,  growing into a cosmopolitan centre. Also known as the Silicone valley’ of India,  due to it being the software hub of the country.  Over the past decade, as I have witnessed, from being a quaint and peaceful  paradise,   to a glitzy metropolis.…with people from all over the world visiting for work or for leisure! 

BANGALORE SIGHTSEEING PLACES LIST – BEST  PARKS   IN BANGALORE

LALBAGH BOTANICAL GARDENS

One of the top places to see in  Bangalore , are  the  glorious Lalbagh Botanical gardens.  Having  the most precious legacy –   founded  in the eighteenth century by the Mughal  rulers Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan,  they were the gardens of the royalty! The park is quite well  maintained , blooming,  with an array of colourful,  aromatic  flora and fauna.

 Highly  recommended  is the  guided tour of the sprawling premises, that takes tourists around  in an electric buggy car. The high points of this tour is  that you get to know about some of the most exotic and unique collection of plants, trees and flowers in the park .  This tour halts  at vantage points, like the Crystal Palace and the serene lake, allowing  people to disembark,  click  pictures and revel in the verdant atmosphere.

CUBBON PARK

Spread over 120 hectares,  the emerald green cover of the immaculate Cubbon Park is where the city  breathes literally.  Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul  by soaking in it’s invigorating  aura…..take a stroll or merely lounge for a while on the well manicured lawns; it’s a good idea to have a picnic here !  Surrounding the park are the restored neo-classical,  grand  structures of the High Court and State Central Library.

BANNERGHATTA  NATIONAL  PARK (WILDLIFE SANCTUARY)

 Experience the fascinating world of wildlife at the zoo.  Tucked away  in South Bangalore, close to the Bannerghatta forest,  this  place  is  worth a visit specially for wildlife enthusiaists and children.  Apart from myriad species of animals and birds, the sanctuary  has some other  splendid attractions .

• Tiger safari – this is an enthralling encounter  and a top place to see, as the enclosed jeep takes tourists  inside the forest for spotting  the  majestic and  rare white tiger .
• Elephant ride – equally thrilling is the elephant ride within the precints of the sanctuary.  Specially kids thoroughly enjoy the experience of perching  themselves on these gentle beings, their faces gleaming with joy and awe.
• Butterfly Park –  not to be missed and like the cherry on the cake is another surprise at the zoo – a multi hued butterfly park .

TOP PLACES TO SEE 

VIDHAN SOUDHA

The magificient  structure of the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Soudha)  is an iconic landmark of Bangalore and one of the top places to see! Made of granite, with intricate stone carving work, the exquisite  building and the surrounding  lawns  looks all the more resplendent, glowing like a jewel,  on weekend evenings and public holidays when it is  floodlit.  

MAHATMA GANDHI MARG (M.G. ROAD)

Tap into the vibe of Bangalore by exploring the city in the night.  M.G. Road , Brigade Road and the neighbouring  Church Street  are the upmarket areas  in the heart of Bangalore . You can feel the pulse of the vibrant metro here. There are pubs, discotheques , restaurants, shops, gaming areas,  galore ,  for an exciting, unforgettable experience !

BANGALORE PALACE

BEST  PLACES TO SHOP  IN BANGALORE

PHOENIX, ORION AND UB MALL

Out of the numerous malls that have mushroomed in the city I would certainly vouch for the posh  Phoenix Mall in Whitefield and Orion in Malleswaram. They’ve got everything that you are looking for – be it  window shopping or purchasing from the plethora of  top brands, having a bite,  gaming, movies  or merely having a great time,  your spirits would surely be uplifted here!  If you are searching for an out of the world , luxurious shopping experience ,  head to the  opulent UB mall. Not only is the ambience and décor of the mall  stupendous,  all   international  brands, e.g., Prada, Gucci, YSL are available here.

CAUVERY EMPORIUM

Travellers with a penchant for local, ethnic stuff would be delighted to visit  `Cauvery’ – a chain of  State government owned Emporiums, having  branches on Mahatma Gandhi  road and Jayanagar, which are well known localities of Bangalore.  Karnataka being  famous for sandalwood , there are a whole range of exquisite handicraft products like carved  statues, figurines;  artefacts made of fragranted , pure sandalwood ; perfumes,  jewellery and a lot more. `Cauvery’ showcases the rich culture and heritage of Karnataka.

TASTE OF THE LOCAL CUISINE – MTR

To get  a taste of authentic south Indian cuisine, it is ideal to step into the legendary  ` Mavalli Tiffin Room’  or MTR on Lalbhagh Road . Though  interiors may not be very impressive , it  gives the  feel of an era gone by,  and  scores high on cleanliness and hygiene.  Relish the steaming  idli, dosa, sambhar, chutney or opt for the sumptuous meal ! And not be missed  is the piping hot  filter coffee, a speciality of this region ! Except for Monday, the restaurant is open on all other days.

NORTH  INDIAN FOOD

 North Indian food buffs , have plenty of  options. Check out  the tastefully decorated `Jamavar’ restaurant at the swanky five star hotel, Leela Palace, on Old Airport Road. Gorge on their   lip smacking curries, assorted Indian breads, tandoori starters, and end with some delicious dessert. Bangalore has a fine blend of the traditional and modern. 

Hope you enjoyed this article on `Bangalore Sightseeing Places List’.

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