Bangalore, also referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, is a city of contrast. On the one hand are tech parks and café glamour. On the other are the centuries-old secrets contained in its forts, palaces, and temples. If you think Bangalore is just home to tech companies and coffee franchises, kindly think again. This city has deep historical roots – just waiting for you to discover it!
From the grandeur of Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace to the tranquillity of Lalbagh Botanical Garden, there is something alluring around every corner, that is filled with stories of kings, warriors and colonial rulers. So, put on your brave hat and come with me as we discover the best historic places in Bangalore, each unique and waiting for a story to emerge.
1. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
If walls could talk, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace would tell tales of bravery, strategy, and royal opulence. The beautiful wooden palace made entirely of teakwood was the magnificent summer palace of the famed “Tiger of Mysore.”
As you enter, you’ll be greeted with exceptionally carved arches and floral pattern pillars featuring Persian inscriptions, along with a small museum that has some of Tipu’s memorabilia, including his famous sword. This is where old and new meld marvelously into one site.The Indo-Islamic architecture, not to mention the greenery in its gardens makes Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace one of the top heritage places in Bangalore.
Location: Tippu Sultan Palace Rd, Chamrajpet, Karnataka
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners approx.
2. Bangalore Fort
Originally built as a mud fort by Kempegowda I, the founder of Bangalore, it was rebuilt in stone by Hyder Ali. Now mostly ruins, the fort’s Delhi Gate still exists and essentially represents a fabled passage to another time when battles and British conquests raged outside of it.
Within the fort, the remains of an old armory, a temple, and even a graveyard can be found. If you’re a lover of history, you could imagine the fort in its glory (and, could actually feel the relevance of Tipu Sultan’s own footprints). If you are a heritage buff, you would love it!
Location: Krishna Rajendra Rd, New Tharagupet, Karnataka
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Bangalore Palace
Have you ever envisioned yourself as one of those royalty in the castles from the fairy tales? If you visit Bangalore Palace, you can! Built in the style of Windsor Castle in England, and its mixed architecture is Tudor and Scottish Gothic.
Once you step inside, you will love the Victorian furniture, chandeliers, and paintings. May and June features music and marketplace festivals, so it is a wonderful mix of history and culture. The audio-guided tour ride will explain the palace’s original royal days.
Location: Vasanth Nagar, Near Mount Carmel Institute of Management.
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹230 for Indians, ₹460 for foreigners
4. Devanahalli Fort
Only a short drive from Bangalore is Devanahalli Fort – the birthplace of Tipu Sultan. Built in the 16th century and bounded by a moat, this hidden historical film is a great asset to history lovers.
Today, historical sites are no longer monuments to empires and wars only; we can learn other stories. With that, Hyder Ali’s Fort fort’s massive walls, ancient temples, crumbled bastions, and chronicled British sieges. Nearby the fort, the Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple provides another layer to this trip with its spirituality.
Location: Devanahalli (35 km from Bangalore)
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. St. Mary’s Basilica
The magnificent St. Mary’s Basilica is the oldest church in Bangalore and a shining example of neo-Gothic art. Peaceful, with numerous spires, magnificent stained-glass, and its impressive interior draw people in for another spiritual experience.
Built in the 1800s, The basilica has a special presence in December when lit for Christmas with an impressive number of competitive lights. Whether one is a believer or just appreciates architecture, you cannot be disappointed after seeing such a wonderful building.
Location: MF Norrona St, Shivaji Nagar
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
6. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Who said all historic places are only concerned with kings and wars? The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a tribute to India’s scientific ancestry. The planetarium was built in 1989 and features a dome-like structure. As with the Basilica or any massive dome-like structure, they have to provide mind-blowing astronomy shows.
Perfect for families and space enthusiasts, the planetarium takes you on a cosmic journey through time. Do not skip the 3D shows and telescope observations as well, these are an absolute delight.
Location: Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, Teen Murti Marg
Timings: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, ₹60 for kids approx.
7. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
A 9th-century cave temple sculptured out of a single rock is a wonder in its own architectural and astronomical right. Every year, on Makar Sankranti, the sunlight shines through the temple’s windows to illuminate the Shiva Linga; people from all over come to witness this miracle.
The underground tunnels of the temple (now closed) add to its mystery and allure, what a great stop to make for both spiritual seekers and history buffs.
Location: Gavipuram Extension, Kempegowda Nagar
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
8. Vidhana Soudha
No trip to Bangalore is complete without seeing Vidhana Soudha, the largest legislative building in India. Isn’t it magnificent when it is lit up on Sundays! It is truly breathtaking!!
While we can’t go into the building, to see the stone pillars, domes and designs is outstanding outside the building. A perfect spot for photography!
Location: Ambedkar Veedhi
Best Time to Visit: Evenings (for lighting)
9. St Mark’s Cathedral
St. Mark’s Cathedral is one of Bangalore’s oldest churches and encapsulates a lot of the colonial spirit. The white walls, stained glass and shady interiors make the cathedral one of the only places to find calm in the otherwise busy city market.
The church was established in 1808, the architecture is beautifully British, and it remains an active place of worship.
Location: MG Road
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
10. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Last on the list, but certainly not least, Lalbagh is not just a garden, but a living 200-year heritage. Lalbagh literally means “the red garden” and it was created by Hyder Ali, who was later expanded by Tipu Sultan. The park is 240 acres and showcases rarities of plants featuring amazing selections of flora, glasshouse and ancient rocks.
The bi-annual flower shows are a visual feast, and the park is definitely one of the must-see places in Bangalore.
Location: Mavalli, Lalbagh Road
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 approx
Wrapping Up
From lavish homes in splendor to shrines in the distant past, historic sights in Bangalore offer an exciting glimpse into the past. History buffs, fans of architecture and the merely curious will find experiences they will not soon forget at many of these locations.
So the next time you are in Bangalore, don’t waste your time in a cafe or a mall; explore the rich timeline the city has to offer!
Which of these historic sites are you most excited to see? Let me know in the comments!
