Bengaluru, India: Tourist Places to Visit

When a friend invited me on a budget South India tour, I eagerly agreed, despite only having visited Kerala before (KOCHI, KERALA). This 9-night, 8-day trip covered everything except meals and entry fees, and our first stop was Bengaluru.

After a 7-hour drive, we finally arrived in Bengaluru, only to face the infamous city traffic. The constant honking, chaotic driving, and maze-like streets made for quite a spectacle. Every driver seemed like a hero of the road, weaving in and out of lanes. It wasn’t the smoothest introduction to the city (MYANMAR ACROSS MAE SAI), but soon we reached our destination: Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Spanning over 240 acres, Lalbagh Botanical Garden is one of Bengaluru’s most iconic and peaceful attractions. Established in 1760 by Hyder Ali, it features over 1,000 plant species from all over the world. The garden’s most notable feature is the Glass House, which hosts an annual flower show inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. This colorful event is a must-see, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

 

During my visit, the garden was especially crowded, as it coincided with India’s Independence Day long weekend and the ongoing Flower Show. Among the swarms of people, we marveled at the vibrant displays of flowers, meticulously arranged to showcase nature’s beauty. The garden offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle, with serene lakes, lush lawns, and vivid flowerbeds, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and tourists alike.

(In this video, we take you on a guided tour through Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru. Explore its lush landscapes, unique flora, the iconic Glass House, and the vibrant seasonal flower show that attracts visitors from around the world)

Shivoham Shiva Temple

By evening, we headed to the Shivoham Shiva Temple, home to a towering 65-foot statue of Lord Shiva. Located on Old Airport Road, this spiritual temple offers a peaceful retreat amidst Bengaluru’s constant activity. We explored the temple’s artificial cave, where depictions of Lord Shiva’s life added to the reverent atmosphere. Visitors can also participate in rituals and ceremonies, including the sacred Abhishekam.

 

Though the queue was long, the spiritual experience inside was worth it. I’m not particularly religious, but standing before the grand statue of Shiva, I felt a genuine spiritual connection - goosebumps included! It was an experience that made me realize the depth of faith in India.

(Take a virtual tour of Shivoham Shiva Temple in Bengaluru, home to the towering 65-foot Shiva statue. Experience the temple’s serene atmosphere, the spiritual rituals, and the peaceful environment that provides a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle).

ISKCON Temple

The next morning, we visited the ISKCON Temple, dedicated to Sri Radha Krishna. Opened in 1997, this modern temple combines traditional Indian architecture with contemporary design elements. Photography was restricted in certain areas to maintain the sacredness of the space, but we enjoyed a leisurely walk from the entrance, climbing the stairs to the main altar. The peaceful atmosphere inside was perfect for prayer and reflection, providing a brief but welcome escape from the bustling city outside.

(Join us for a spiritual journey through the ISKCON Temple in Bengaluru, dedicated to Sri Radha Krishna. This video highlights the peaceful atmosphere, the blend of traditional Indian architecture, and the serene space for worship and meditation. Discover why this temple is an important pilgrimage site in South India).

Bengaluru Traffic Woes

Unfortunately, Bengaluru’s notorious traffic meant we couldn’t cover all the spots we planned. We had to skip a few attractions, but we still enjoyed the main ones. After a visit to the ISKCON Temple, we departed for our next destinations, Mysuru and Coimbatore.

 

(Ms. Nava, a spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at the vibrant age of 58. With over 22 years as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling 365 days a year. However, she embarks on her enchanting 'Zen Journeys' whenever her yoga instruction, coaching, and counseling profits allow her to).