Touching down at Kempegowda International Airport introduces you to a city where high-tech ambition meets the unhurried charm of old gardens. As you travel from the outskirts into the heart of Bangalore, the air cools under a thick canopy of rain trees, revealing a landscape of colonial architecture and glass skyscrapers.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
This vast park has a glass house inspired by London's Crystal Palace and houses a collection of tropical plants. It is a quiet space where the city's history as a horticultural centre comes to life during early morning walks.
Bangalore Palace
The Tudor-style wooden carvings and floral motifs of this royal residence mirror the architecture of Windsor Castle. It has fortified towers and battlements that stand as a reminder of the city's regal past and the private lives of the Wodeyar dynasty.
Cubbon Park
Located in the central business district, this green lung is a sanctuary of bamboo groves and flowering trees. It provides a soft contrast to the surrounding traffic and houses the red-brick High Court and the State Central Library.
Basavanagudi
This old neighbourhood maintains the traditional soul of the city through its ancient temples and spice markets. You can visit the Bull Temple, which has a massive monolithic statue of Nandi, to experience the local spiritual atmosphere.
Malleswaram
Walking through these streets allows you to see the heritage of the city through its traditional flower markets and old conservancy lanes. It is a place where the scent of jasmine and the sound of temple bells define the daily rhythm of life.
Commercial Street
This energetic shopping district is a maze of narrow alleys filled with textiles, jewellery, and local street food. It is the best place to feel the modern pulse of the city and see how residents spend their social evenings.
Vidhana Soudha
The grand Neo-Dravidian architecture of this legislative building is a sight to see, especially when it is illuminated at night. It is a symbol of the city's political importance and architectural ambition.