Bengaluru Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Bengaluru

Nicknamed the Garden City, Bengaluru mixes green spaces and historic landmarks with a modern, cosmopolitan buzz.

• Lalbagh Botanical Garden — A historic garden laid out in the 18th century, with a Victorian-style glasshouse, ancient trees and popular flower shows around national holidays.
• Cubbon Park and Vidhana Soudha — A large leafy park in the heart of the city, next to the grand granite building that houses Karnataka's state legislature.
• Bangalore Palace — A Tudor-inspired royal residence with turrets, carved woodwork and landscaped grounds.
• Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace — An elegant 18th-century teak palace near the old city market area, linked to the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.
• Basavanagudi and the Bull Temple — A traditional neighbourhood home to a huge monolithic Nandi statue and classic South Indian eateries.
• Nandi Hills — A hill retreat around 60 km north of the city, popular for sunrise views above the clouds.
• Mysuru day trip — The former royal capital, about 150 km away, is famous for its illuminated palace, silk and sandalwood.

Best time to visit Bengaluru

Thanks to its altitude, Bengaluru is pleasant for much of the year. The most comfortable period is October to February, when days are warm and sunny, evenings are cool and rainfall is low. This is also the busiest time for visitors and weddings, so hotels can fill up.

March to May is the hottest stretch, with warm afternoons, although temperatures stay milder than in much of India. The south-west monsoon brings regular showers from June to September, and further rain often falls in October and November; the city stays green and travel is still very possible, but heavy downpours can worsen traffic.

Major festivals include Dasara in September or October, celebrated with great splendour in nearby Mysuru, Deepavali in October or November, the Karaga festival in spring and the Kadalekai Parishe groundnut fair in Basavanagudi towards the end of the year. Dates follow the Hindu calendar and change annually.

Getting from the airport

Kempegowda International Airport is at Devanahalli, roughly 35 to 40 km north of central Bengaluru. Journey times depend heavily on traffic, so allow extra time, especially during weekday rush hours and on the return trip to the airport.

• Taxis and app-based cabs — Official airport taxis and app-based cabs operate from designated pick-up zones; the trip to the city centre usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Airport buses — Air-conditioned buses run by the city transport corporation connect the airport with many parts of the city, including the centre and major tech districts, typically in 1 to 2 hours.
• Hotel transfers — Many hotels can arrange a car to meet you in the arrivals hall, which is convenient for late-night arrivals.

Use only official counters or designated pick-up areas, and agree on the fare method before you set off.

Where to stay

Bengaluru is spread out and traffic can be slow, so it is worth staying close to where you will spend most of your time, or near a metro station.

• MG Road and the Central Business District — Central and well connected, close to Cubbon Park, shopping streets and the metro; a good base for first-time visitors.
• Indiranagar — A lively residential area known for restaurants, bars and boutiques, suiting travellers who want nightlife and dining.
• Koramangala — A young, energetic district with start-up offices, cafés and eateries, popular with business and leisure travellers alike.
• Whitefield — The eastern technology corridor, practical for business travellers visiting the tech parks there.
• Malleshwaram — A traditional neighbourhood with temples, markets and classic vegetarian restaurants, ideal for a more local experience.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Traffic can be very heavy, so use the metro where possible and allow plenty of time for road journeys. App-based cabs and auto-rickshaws are widely available; ask auto drivers to use the meter or book through an app.
• Payment — Mobile and card payments are common in shops and restaurants, but carry some cash for small vendors, markets and temples.
• Tipping — Tipping is appreciated rather than required; around 10 percent in restaurants is common if no service charge has been added.
• Etiquette — Dress modestly when visiting temples and remove your shoes before entering; use your right hand for giving and receiving items.
• Health — Drink bottled or filtered water and choose busy food stalls with high turnover.
• Entry requirements — Most visitors need a visa for India, and electronic options exist for some nationalities; check official government sources before you travel.