Bangalore Travel Guide
Plan your visit to Bangalore, Karnataka: the best time to go, how to reach, what to see, and practical, current tips from the Way to India Travel Desk.
When to visit Bangalore
Bangalore has the mildest big-city weather in India, so almost any time works. The pick is October to February, cool and clear.
- October to February: cool and clearThe most comfortable months, about 20 to 30 degrees, pleasant by day and cool in the evenings. This is the peak season and the loveliest time for the gardens and a Nandi Hills sunrise.
- March to May: warm but manageableWarmer, with April the hottest in the mid-30s, though Bangalore's height keeps the evenings pleasant. Still an easy time to visit, especially compared with the rest of South India.
- June to October: the green monsoonShowers, heaviest later in the season, but the city and the surrounding hills turn beautifully green. Carry an umbrella and plan indoor time for the wettest afternoons.
At about 900 m, Bangalore is cooler and gentler than almost any other big Indian city, which is exactly why it suits families and older travellers, and why it makes such a comfortable base for the rest of South India.
Arriving in Bangalore, and the airport time to allow
Bangalore's airport is large and modern, but it sits well north of the city. Knowing the distance and the traffic keeps the trip stress-free.
- Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)About 35 to 40 km north of the city, so allow 45 to 90 minutes by road depending on traffic. Terminal 1 is mostly domestic; the newer, garden-like Terminal 2 handles international and some premium domestic flights, with a free shuttle between them. Always leave plenty of time for your flight out.
- Airport bus or taxiThe BMTC Vayu Vajra airport buses are cheap and frequent (about 150 to 350 rupees, roughly every 30 minutes, around the clock). A taxi from the central MG Road area is about 1,000 to 1,500 rupees for a sedan; use the prepaid counter or an app rather than a tout.
- The metro, and what is not ready yetThe Namma Metro Purple, Green and newer Yellow lines are a good way to beat traffic in the city, though crowded at peak times. The airport metro line is still under construction and not open yet, so there is no train to the airport for now.
Frequent nonstops land at Bangalore (BLR, Terminal 2) from Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Bangkok, which is how much of the Gulf and Southeast Asia diaspora arrives.
Bangalore has a growing set of long-haul nonstops (to cities such as London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and San Francisco) and easy one-stop connections through a Gulf hub. Confirm the current routes when you book.
One of the best-connected airports in the country, with frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai and every major city, plus good train links into the central stations.
Gardens, palaces, and what you actually pay
Bangalore is a city of gardens and easygoing landmarks rather than headline monuments. A morning in the parks and a palace or two is the classic day.
- Lalbagh Botanical GardenThe beautiful old botanical garden with its glasshouse and famous flower shows around Republic Day and Independence Day. Open about 6 am to 7 pm; entry is free in the early morning (about 6 to 9 am) and a nominal fee of around 50 rupees for adults (about 20 for children) applies later, with a small camera charge. Lovely and cool first thing.
- Cubbon Park and Vidhana SoudhaCubbon Park is a large free green space in the heart of the city, perfect for a morning stroll. Beside it stands the grand Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, admired from outside and floodlit on Sunday evenings and holidays.
- Bangalore PalaceThe Wodeyar royal family's Tudor-style palace, open about 10 am to 5:30 pm daily. Entry is around 270 rupees for Indians and 500 for foreign nationals, including an audio guide, with a separate camera charge.
- Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace and moreTipu Sultan's elegant teak summer palace is open about 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, around 15 rupees for Indians and 200 for foreign nationals. The large ISKCON temple and the Bull Temple are also easy, rewarding stops.
Lalbagh and Cubbon are at their best soon after opening, when the air is cool, the light is soft, and Lalbagh is free. It also means you beat the traffic, which builds quickly through the morning.
Onward from Bangalore: the gateway to South India
Bangalore is the natural base for the whole south, from Mysore and Coorg to the wildlife parks and the coffee hills.
- MysoreAbout 145 km and 3 hours by a good road or train, with its magnificent illuminated palace. The classic first add-on, often paired with Srirangapatna and the Brindavan Gardens.
- Coorg (Kodagu)About 250 km and 5 to 6 hours, the green coffee-and-mist hill country, lovely for a relaxed two or three nights. The favourite weekend escape from the city.
- Wildlife: Bandipur, Nagarhole and KabiniSome of India's best wildlife parks for elephants, gaur and a chance of a tiger or leopard are within a few hours, often combined with Mysore or Coorg.
- Further afield: Hampi and ChikmagalurThe extraordinary ruins of Hampi and the coffee hills of Chikmagalur are longer trips from Bangalore, by overnight train or a longer drive, for those with more time.
Signature experiences in Bangalore
Beyond the sights, these are the experiences the city is loved for, and how to enjoy them.
- The craft-beer and pub sceneBangalore is India's craft-beer capital, with dozens of microbreweries clustered in Koramangala, Indiranagar and Whitefield. An easy evening pub crawl among places like Toit and Windmills is a quintessential Bangalore night out.
- A dosa and filter-coffee trailStart the day the local way with a crisp masala dosa and a strong filter coffee at an old institution such as MTR, CTR or Vidyarthi Bhavan. A delicious, very Bangalore breakfast.
- Sunrise at Nandi HillsAbout 60 km north, a popular pre-dawn drive up to watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds. Open from about 6 am; go early on a weekday, as weekends are very crowded.
- Gardens and a gentle strollAn early walk in Lalbagh or Cubbon Park is one of the nicest things to do in the city, especially for families and older visitors who enjoy the cool morning air.
- Shopping and cafesBrowse Commercial Street and Brigade Road, or the smart boutiques of UB City and Indiranagar. Bangalore's cafe culture is excellent for a relaxed afternoon.
Mistakes to avoid in Bangalore
Bangalore is easy and friendly; a little planning around traffic is all it takes.
- Do not cut your airport time fineThe airport is 35 to 40 km north and the traffic is unpredictable, so leave well ahead, especially in the evening peak. A missed flight from underestimating the drive is the classic Bangalore mistake.
- Do not expect a metro to the airportThe airport metro line is still being built. For now use the Vayu Vajra bus, a prepaid taxi or an app cab, not a train.
- Do not battle traffic at peak hoursPlan sightseeing and drives outside the morning and evening rush, use the metro where it goes, and keep cross-city hops to a minimum. Mornings in the gardens are perfect for this.
- Do not haggle with an auto when an app is easierAuto-rickshaw drivers may quote high or refuse the meter. An app cab or auto (including Namma Yatri) shows the fair fare upfront and saves the negotiation.
Bangalore for every kind of traveller
Bangalore rewards very different visitors in different ways. Here is what it offers you, and the one tip that matters for each.
- CouplesEasygoing and stylish: a microbrewery evening, a rooftop dinner, a morning garden walk, and a Nandi Hills sunrise or a weekend escape to Coorg.
- Families with childrenGardens, the Bannerghatta zoo and safari, and good science and aerospace museums keep children happy, all in a mild climate. Build around the traffic and the days are easy.
- Senior travellersOne of the gentlest Indian cities for older visitors: the mild climate, the flat green parks, and the calm ISKCON temple. Plan drives outside the rush hours and Bangalore is very comfortable.
- FoodiesA dream, from the old dosa-and-filter-coffee institutions to the craft-beer scene and a sophisticated global dining and cafe culture. Come hungry.
- Backpackers and budget travellersGood hostels in Indiranagar and Koramangala, the metro and Vayu Vajra buses for cheap transport, and superb, affordable street food and local breakfasts.
- First-time visitors to South IndiaThe ideal soft landing: mild weather, an easy city, and short hops to Mysore, Coorg and the wildlife parks. A comfortable place to begin a southern trip.
Bangalore for NRI and overseas visitors
Home to a vast tech diaspora and blessed with mild weather, Bangalore is the comfortable gateway to South India for visiting families and first-time travellers alike.
- Arrive at Terminal 2International flights use the garden-themed Terminal 2. Take the Vayu Vajra bus or a prepaid or app taxi into the city, and allow for the 35 to 40 km drive, which can be slow in the evening.
- A comfortable base for visiting familyWith its mild climate and easy pace, Bangalore is a gentle place to visit parents and grandparents and to start a South India trip. Many in the Gulf and Western diaspora have family here.
- Gateway to the southFrom Bangalore the whole south opens up: Mysore and Coorg within a few hours, the wildlife parks, and onward to Kerala or Tamil Nadu. An easy, rewarding place to begin.
- Gentle and senior-friendlyThe cool weather, the flat gardens and the calm temples make Bangalore one of the easiest Indian cities for older travellers. Just plan car journeys outside the rush hours.
Tour packages that visit Bangalore
Every journey below is private, hand-crafted and fully customizable. Tell us your dates and we tailor the itinerary, the pace and the priests or guides around you.
6D / 5NBangalore Mysore Ooty Kodaikanal Tour Package
- Visit Famous Brindavan Garden
- Visit Bandipur National Park
7D / 6NBangalore Mysore Ooty Tour Package
- Visit Vidhan Sudha
- Visit Nandi Temple
6D / 5NKarnataka Temple Tour
- Adi Subrahmanya Temple
- Shree Abhaya Mahaganapathi
4D / 3NKodaikanal Holidays
- Visit Coakers Walk, Green Valley View
- Visit Bear Shola Falls, Kurunji Temple
7D / 6NCoastal Karnataka Tour
- Visit the Vidhana Soudha
- Gommateshvara Bahubali statue
13D / 12NSouth India Tour
- Visit Shore Temple
- Visit Manakula Vinayagar Temple
8D / 7NMunnar Ooty Kodaikanal Tour Package
- Visit Doddabetta Peak trek
- Visit Tea Gardens
5D / 4NBangalore Mysore Coorg Tour Package
- Visit Tipu Sultan’s palace
- Visit Bangalore Palace
3D / 2NBangalore To Ooty Package
- Visit Ooty Lake
- Visit Doddabetta