Top Things To Do In Bangalore (part 1/2)
Updated: Apr 21
Bangalore, renowned as the "Silicon Valley of India", primarily attracts business travellers from all over the world, as there are so many offices of multinational corporations. It's not the top destination for touristic purposes, as people mainly visit other regions of this huge and rich from a historical perspective country, such as New Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur, Varanasi or Kolkata.
However, Bangalore is not only about busy business meetings and corporate vibes: the city encapsulates a rich tapestry of culture, history, and vibrant experiences.
If you are lucky and your company decided to send you to Bangalore for a few days, or you are a tourist who would like to check out this city, this post might be useful for you.
It's based on my recent impressions - during my business trip to Bangalore at the end of February 2024 - I spent there a week but didn't manage to cover everything that was there in my to-see list. Nevertheless, I adored this city and looking forward to coming back.
What are the best things to do in Bangalore? I hope my post will help you to find answers to this question.
What You Need To Know
Before you make all the necessary arrangements and come to Bangalore, you need to know that the traffic in this city is a complete nightmare, and it NEVER gets better. In most cases, you will need to spend at least 1 hour driving for 10-15 km, and it can complicate your life a lot, especially if your hotel is not located close to the Old City.
If you are coming for a business trip, that will be your case: most probably you will be based somewhere close to your office. Therefore, make a list of priorities and focus on 2-3 places or activities that you want to see/do in this city, as you might not be able to travel before or after working hours a lot.
If you are a tourist, then it will be easier: you will have plenty of time to explore Bangalore, and 2-3 days would be more than enough.
Bangalore Palace
Priority No. 1 from my list was visiting Bangalore Palace, which was constructed in 1887 by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar and now stands as a real historical gem in the heart of the city.
The palace was inspired by the architectural styles of England, evident in its tall towers, ornate windows, and intricate details. Architect John Cameron, influenced by the design of the Windsor Castle, created this royal residence.
The ticket costs Rs 240 for locals and Rs 480 for foreigners (normal practice in local museums), and it's prohibited to take photos inside, so have to believe me that it's as beautiful inside as from the outside and worth visiting.
Once you step inside, you'll find a glimpse of the past with vintage furniture, old photographs, and artefacts showcasing the regal lifestyle of the Wodeyar family. The Durbar Hall, adorned with delicate craftsmanship, adds a touch of grandeur to the palace.
The surrounding gardens have witnessed numerous historical events and continue to serve as a venue for cultural gatherings. We were witnesses of a fancy wedding ceremony, that was taking place at the same time as we were visiting the palace.
Shopping at Malleswaram Area & Commercial Street
Your journey to Bangalore will not be complete without visiting vibrant areas such as Malleswaram Area or Commercial Street, where you can find everything from fresh local products to traditional textiles and hand-made souvenirs.
Malleswaram
Malleswaram, located in the northwestern part of Bangalore, is renowned for its unique atmosphere and vibrant shopping experience.
The heart of Malleswaram's allure lies in its bustling marketplaces. Stroll through the vibrant streets, and you'll find a lot of shops offering everything from fresh products to traditional textiles. The market buzzes with energy, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. It's not just a place to shop; it's an immersive experience, where the sights, sounds, and smells come together to form a vibrant tapestry of daily life.
Whether you're exploring the local markets for authentic South Indian spices, traditional attire, or unique handicrafts, Malleswaram provides a diverse and rich shopping area. The area's unique blend of old-world charm and modern convenience makes it a great destination for those seeking a distinctive atmosphere and a memorable shopping adventure in the heart of Bangalore.
Commercial Street
Commercial Street is a bustling and iconic shopping district located in the heart of Bangalore. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse retail offerings, and lively street scenes, Commercial Street is a favourite destination for visitors.
This popular shopping hub is characterized by a mix of traditional and modern stores, featuring everything from clothing boutiques, jewellery shops, and footwear stores to bookshops, and handicraft stores.
The street is lined with a variety of eateries, cafes, and street vendors, adding to the overall energetic ambience.
Rickshaw Experiences & Jayanagar Market
Rickshaw
In India, rickshaws are generally referred to as auto-rickshaws or simply "autos". Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation for short distances within Bangalore, though I have experience of sitting in them for more than 1 hour during the heavy traffic - it was extreme!
To hire an auto-rickshaw in Bangalore, you can usually find them waiting at designated auto stands, near major transportation hubs, or by flagging one down on the street. Also, you can order them even in Uber or local apps for transportation. I recommend having cash with you, alternatively, you can pay with local payment apps, but you need to Google to learn more about them.
One of my longest rides in the rickshaw was 15 km from my hotel in the eastern part of Bangalore to Jayanagar Block 4 in the southern part. It was during the peak hours, and it was an incredible experience. Highly recommended!
Jayanagar
Jayanagar (to be precise, its 4th block) is known for its vibrant markets and lively atmosphere. It's a bit far away from most attractions and interesting spots to visit, so I would not recommend prioritising this place.
This place has a variety of local markets and is not spoiled by tourists at all, which is reflected also in attractive prices. You can find there anything from fresh products, and sweet cane juice, to traditional clothes and craft bags.
I'm not done yet with writing about Bangalore - the second part of this post is coming out soon!
If you do not want to miss the final post about Bangalore and overall want to stay informed about my upcoming adventures, you can subscribe to my email list (use the button on the page) and follow me on Instagram.
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