Bangalore- A City Full of Surprises: Busting Common Travel Myths

Most of us primarily regard Bangalore as a thriving tech city. Although there is some truth to that statement, there is so much more to the city than meets the eye. The Silicon Valley of India offers job opportunities to thousands of job seekers, yet it is also a place for quaint food stops, impeccable parks, museums, and monuments.  

Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure thrill seeker, the city can cater to the eclectic tastes of each traveler. Let’s find out more about the gorgeous city of Bangalore and bust a few enduring myths about the historical city, one myth at a time!

 

Myth #1: It is just a modern city 

 

Whenever you think of a tech city, what comes to mind? A city of high-rise buildings with gleaming glass and chrome finish, also known as a concrete jungle! But Bangalore is one of the rare cities that boasts a juxtaposition of the past and the present. So, while there is a bewildering array of modern buildings dotting the city, there is also a historical haven in the most unexpected places in the city.

Sounds intriguing? Well, the truth is a traveler needs to spend more than a couple of days of the week to seek out historical sites and the hidden gems of the city. Visit the famed Bangalore Pete area, the ancient Sri Someshwara Swamy temple in Ulsoor, or trace the history of Lalbagh Garden from 1760 and so much more! But what if you want to go beyond the conventional and discover the legacy of the British presence in the city?

 

Well, then, the British Heritage Tour is the perfect option for you. Hidden Gems Tours curates trips for tourists who seek something beyond the regular historical destinations. This tour delves deep into the prominent historical landmarks and takes a sneak peek into the bygone era that left an indelible impression on the Bangalore cityscape. 

 

 


Myth #2: Explore the city via a bus, auto, cab, or metro only

 While commuting around the city is easy with a wide variety of commuting options like cabs, buses, or metro, one of the easiest ways to discover the hidden gems of the metropolis is by walking! Along trails or streets, you can go on walking tours to discover lesser-known nuggets from the past or authentic South Indian restaurants, all while exploring the artistic hub.

 

 

Hidden Gems Tour conducts invigorating walking tours with a plethora of options for walking enthusiasts. One of the walking tours is the Malleshwaram Heritage Walk which takes you through an area that’s filled with old-world charm. The tree-lined streets and labyrinthine gullies make for an exciting experience. Soak in the culture and art of the locale, visit a beautiful lake and an ancient temple complex, and wander around the fragrant bazaars of this one-of-a-kind neighborhood.

This is just one walking tour; there are five others to choose from! The British Bangalore Walk, In the Footsteps of Rajas and Sultans, Days of the Raj Walk, Lalbagh Heritage And Food Street Walk, and Ulsoor Heritage Walk.  Each tour throws light on the layered history of a fascinating city.

 

Myth #3: Not many diverse spots to explore in and around the city

 There is an enduring myth that there is not much to explore in and around Bangalore! After a few days of spending time in the city, visitors tend to get bored with the same old restaurant and shopping-hopping itinerary. Well, it’s a myth, and Hidden Gems Tours busts the same with a fascinating trip to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belur and Halebidu. 

 

Visitors can embark on an exciting journey back in time, visiting these fascinating monuments that are about 200 kms away from Bangalore and a mere 17 kms from each other. Belur and Halebidu are the best-known temples of the Hoysala dynasty. These temples give a splendid insight into Hindu temple art from the 12th century. They are famous for their magnificent architecture and carvings. 

 

 

 Get an attractive package from Hidden Gems Tours for an immersive experience to study the past of Bangalore, delving deep into the rich history with the Bangalore through the ages tour. Discover hidden gems like historical temples, palaces, heritage buildings, markets, statues, a Fort, etc., that give a sneak peek at the city’s evolution.

 Similarly, there is the British Heritage Tour, Lepakshi and Nandi Hills Tour, Poetry in Stone Tour, The Best of Mysore/Mysuru, and Somenathpur & Srirangapatna in a Day Tour, all geared toward discovering the hidden gems around a historic city.

 

Learning the history, the food, the market! Great for solo travelers. Praveen takes you on a tour through history and knows about plants, trees, culture, and food. The colors of the market, the friendly people, and the awesome lunch. Best thing I did on this trip! Safe for women traveling alone.” – Kimberly_C, Sept 2023

 

 

Myth #4: Only get to experience ordinary site-seeing adventures

 

While you may have tried every vehicle in the book to explore a city like Bangalore, have you tried running through the scenic hotspots of the city? Now, tourists can explore the less-known alleys of Bangalore by going on running tours. It’s not your regular adventure but an exhilarating way to check out the city’s popular spots, historical landmarks, and hidden gems.

Hidden Gems tour’s Bangalore Rocks & Parks Running Tour takes travelers on a historical evolution of one of the most history-steeped locales of the city. Climbing the oldest rock formations at the Bugle rock formation in Basavanagudi hits a different high. The Cantonment Running Tour is another fascinating touring option to explore the Garrison town of Bangalore. Learn about the significance of the well-preserved British-era buildings and marvel at the impressive structures.  

 

 

 Not Your Cliched Tours – Hidden Gems Tours Offers an Invigorating Journey for the Curious Traveler

 

Busy restaurants with ghee-laden dosas, the wafting aroma of fresh filter coffee, bustling markets, and magnificent historical monuments, there is much to explore in Bangalore. Whether it is your first time visiting the garden city or you are on a journey to re-discover the little-known local-approved places of the vibrant city, Hidden Gems Tours ensures you pack in a lifetime of memories in the few days you choose to spend in the city.

 

We promise to curate a diverse set of experiences for our customers. If you are a sucker for off-the-beaten-path destinations, want unique experiences, and love to capture the true essence of traveling, then book a tour with Hidden Gems Tours today.    

 

References:-

    1. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-idea-that-used-to-be-bangalore/article19747712.ece
    2. https://travel.earth/guide-to-commute-in-bangalore/
    3. https://www.treebo.com/blog/bangalore-is-famous-for/
Duration
12 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

THE BEST OF MYSORE/MYSURU, SOMNATHPUR & SRIRANGAPATNA IN A DAY

An action-packed day tour where the journey is as exciting as the destinations.

Typical itinerary:

Stop At: Ramanagara

We believe food is an integral part of an Indian cultural experience; hence we start our tour early and detour from the highway to visit a traditional eatery serving authentic local breakfast. Here our accompanying guide will take you through a sumptuous culinary experience.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Silk Cocoon Market

We visit India's largest silk cocoon market - a sight to behold. From our accompanying expert guide, learn the history of the famed Mysore silk and the complex stages of creating a silk garment from scratch.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Keshava Temple, Somnathpur

We get off the highway for an extended detour through lush countryside to reach this stunning Hindu temple( a ruin) from 1268 AD. It is nominated as a UNESCO heritage site and awaiting accreditation. Some of humankind's most exquisite stone carvings and sculptures are here. Our accompanying expert guide will introduce its history, Hinduism, its pantheon of gods, and the context of each beautiful carving.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Mysuru/Mysore Palace

We explore this bejeweled palace, among the most visited sites in India and the home of one of the wealthiest individuals in the world in its heyday – the Maharaja of Mysore. From our accompanying expert guide, learn about the Wodeyar rulers and their incredible contributions to putting this region on the global map as we leisurely survey and explore the interiors & exteriors of this dazzling palace.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Devaraja Market, Mysore

Our accompanying expert guide will take you through a stroll inside an 1880s market stuck in a time warp. As you take a walk back in time, marvel at the sights, smells and sounds of the shops & people in the bazaar selling the choicest fruits, flowers, vegetables, bangles and local produce such as Jaggery, Attar, Masalas etc.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Srirangapatna

From Mysore, we drive to the historic river island of Srirangapatna. Here we break for a relaxed and sumptuous lunch at a picturesque setting by the gurgling waters of the River Cauvery.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dariya Daulat Palace - Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Srirangapatna

Our final stop is the exquisite 1780s wooden palace of Tipu Sultan, where every inch of its interiors has delicate frescoes and murals of evocative battle scenes, floral and geometric patterns and portraits. Our accompanying expert guide will provide context to each hand painted artwork and regale you with stories of the valiant efforts of this ruler, the Tiger of Mysore, against the colonial powers of the time.

Duration: 45 minutes

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₹15,000
Duration
8 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

BANGALORE THROUGH THE AGES TOUR

Bangalore gives you the impression of a modern new city, yet if you scratch the surface, you will uncover a storied past dating back over 1000 years.

In this tightly paced tour, we will visit interesting sites of different eras – Historical Temples, Palaces, Heritage Buildings, Markets, Statues, a Fort, a Museum, a lush Park, and more and learn about their significance and contribution to the making of Bangalore.

It’s a tour of the story of Bangalore – from its modest origin in pre-medieval times; to the era when it was just another place compared to its more illustrious peers, now long faded into oblivion, to the fascinating times when the city was traded, and gifted like a commodity; then fought over and retained like a shining possession; right down to the times when it reached an inflexion point and came into its own as a modern mega city.

This is by no means an ordinary sightseeing trip, but a true journey of exploration with engaging commentary sprinkled with interesting facts and anecdotes. A tour is sure to stimulate your mind and invigorate your senses.

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₹10,000
Duration
4 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 8

BANGALORE THROUGH THE AGES – HALF DAY TOUR

Bangalore gives you the impression of a modern new city, yet if you scratch the surface, you will uncover a storied past dating back over 1000 years.

In this tightly paced tour, we will visit interesting sites of different eras – A lush park, A historic temple, the oldest Market of the city, and the centre of state government to learn about their significance and contribution to the making of Bangalore.

It’s a tour of the story of Bangalore – from its modest origin in pre-medieval times; to the era when it was just another place compared to its more illustrious peers, now long faded into oblivion, to the fascinating times when the city was traded, and gifted like a commodity; then fought over and retained like a shining possession; right down to the times when it reached an inflexion point and came into its own as a modern mega city.

This is by no means an ordinary sightseeing trip, but a true journey of exploration with engaging commentary sprinkled with interesting facts and anecdotes. A tour is sure to stimulate your mind and invigorate your senses.

from
₹7,000
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 8

BANGALORE ROCKS & PARKS RUNNING TOUR

Our running tour explores the historical evolution of the former pleasure gardens of the Muslim rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore; one of the oldest and culturally rich localities of the city; a fascinating cave temple that has features like none anywhere else

Come get to climb some of the oldest rock formations this side of the Vindhyas – right here in the heart of the city. Marvel at the sight of a hundred flying foxes at close quarters, an enormous stone Bull, a serene mission, and much more

We wrap up this gentle 6km run with yummy Benne Dose and traditional filter coffee at an iconic eatery.

from
₹4,000
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

ULSOOR HERITAGE WALK

Come take a stroll through quaint bazaars and by lanes of one of the oldest localities of Bangalore.

Watch a way of life frozen in a time warp.

Explore a magnificent ancient temple of unknown origin with its tall juggernaut and Gopuram.

Get to know the layered history of a centuries-old lake; a watch tower with stories of its own and a magnificent memorial fit for a king.

Lose yourself inside a leafy British regiment church with murals and memorials which tell a tale of another era.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

MALLESHWARAM HERITAGE WALK

Join us as we walk the neighbourhood often referred to as the cultural heart of Bangalore.

Having been home to Nobel laureates, Diwans, artists, and scholars it has a vibrant atmosphere unique to itself.

Visit a placid lake with expansive views and lovely walkways, filled with the laughter of children.

Explore a delightful temple complex dating back to the 1600s with its majestic gopuram, lush garden, and stepped water pool.

Meander through colourful bazaars filled with the heavy scent of jasmines, tuberoses, fresh fruits, and sweet incense.

Marvel at a way of life unique to the locality.

Stops also include a center for culture, beautiful homes of a bygone era, and more.

We pause midway for some hot South Indian snacks and wrap up the walk with fine-filter coffee under a canopy of tall trees in a charming heritage site.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 8

DAYS OF THE RAJ WALK

Join us on a leisurely walk in what was known as the Civil and Military Station during the reign of the British.

Stops will include Landmark buildings, Memorials, Statues, etc on MG Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road & Museum Road.

Our tour explores the fascinating history of this area from its origin as a British army garrison; blossoming into a full-fledged township larger than the original town; to its transformation as the Central Business District of Bangalore.

We wrap up the walk with breakfast in one of the oldest remaining eateries in this part of town.

Duration
12 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

LEPAKSHI AND NANDI HILLS WITH ACCOMPANYING GUIDE + BREAKFAST + LUNCH

A fascinating day trip exploring an array of cultural, historical, and natural wonders of India

Our first stop is for a sumptuous South Indian breakfast. We then quickly make our way to a quaint town to explore an amazing medieval temple having India’s biggest Nandi bull; Snake sculpture and the largest hand-painted fresco. It is the home of a few mysterious hanging pillars too

We then move on to watch skillful workers create silk thread out of silk cocoons at a cottage sericulture workshop. Get to know the various stages in the creation of fine silk cloth that this region is historically famous for. The next stop is a pottery workshop where you can try your hand at making a custom urn or a pot of clay. A visit to a quaint century-year-old train station stuck in a time warp, follows.

We then move on to explore a remarkable 9th-century Hindu temple frozen in time. It is the oldest one in the Bangalore region. Learn about the fabled empires of South India that have left their marks within its boundaries.

The region is home to one of India’s handful of Biodiversity Heritage sites. We explore his remarkable 800-year-old Tamarind trees grove. The gnarled tree trunks and extraordinary root suckers propping the old trees are a botanical marvel.

Our final stop is a visit to the ramparts of a couple of forts from the 16th and 18th centuries. Get to know about the valiant 18th-century warrior and statesman, Tipu Sultan and his indelible impact and contributions.

We are back in Bangalore by about 6 pm.

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₹14,000
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

LALBAGH HERITAGE AND FOOD STREET WALK

Join us for an invigorating walk and talk in the largest man-made work of art in Bangalore.

For a few centuries, the Lalbagh Botanical Garden has acted as the lungs of the city, providing a refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life for residents and tourists alike.

The park is a treasure trove of delights with astonishing layers of history associated with it which we uncover in the walking tour.

We will walk along the neatly manicured greens, enjoy the exquisite architectural details of the fine structures within it, and marvel at stories of its glorious trees and plants.

The tour ends at the famed food street of Bangalore where you will eat till you drop a dazzling assortment of vegetarian delicacies unique to the place.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 8

THE CANTONMENT RUNNING TOUR

The run Starts and Ends at Cubbon Park, Queens Statue, Bangalore.

Join us on a running tour through the garrison town that Bangalore cantonment was once upon a time.

Get to know the significance of the magnificent British-era buildings along this route, remarkably well preserved to this day.

Artillery Road, Cavalry Road, Infantry Road, Brigade Road – Why such names? Come Discover.

All this and more on a run like none other.

Distance: 5 km in 90 mins with several stops along the way. Bring water (Recommended).

Duration
12 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

POETRY IN STONE TOUR

In this awe-inspiring journey, you will discover that stone was clay in the hands of a breed of legendary sculptors, the likes of which are no longer around.

We will visit one of the ancient world's tallest free-standing sculptures created over a millennia ago, then gaze at idyllic countryside scenes that will invoke the meaning of life and such thoughts.

We will move on to marvel at the best collection of stone works not seen anywhere else in the world.

At an ancient temple that doubled up as a dance platform with exquisite statues of voluptuous maidens, surely inspired by the dancers themselves.

And at a 12th-century temple whose walls are covered with hundreds and thousands of exquisite carvings of gods, animals, flowers, mythical beasts, and patterns, sure to leave you speechless

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₹16,000
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 8

BRITISH BANGALORE WALK

Join us as we take a walk back in time exploring the rich history hidden in the hedges and araucarias of the lush garden of Cubbon park.

Get to know the significance of the magnificent British-era buildings in its precincts – a beehive of activity to this day.

Who are these 5 people with their statues in the park? Learn about their history and contribution.

Stroll through the main British-era thoroughfare, past a garrison church as we wrap up the walk with a splendid South Indian breakfast.