BANGALORE THROUGH THE AGES: BEST OF THE CITY IN A DAY

Please Note: Our expert guide will take you to all the sites listed in the itinerary, not just a select few. To ensure an authentic experience, we intentionally avoid overly touristy spots, allowing us to offer you a unique and unparalleled perspective of the city.
We begin our tour at the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden, one of South Asia's foremost botanical gardens. Established in 1760 by Hyder Ali as a private garden, it boasts one of India’s largest collections of tropical and rare trees. We'll explore these unique plants in depth. Lalbagh is also home to Bangalore’s only national monument and the iconic Glass House, built in 1889.
As we leisurely walk through the garden, you’ll learn about Bangalore’s origins—from its modest beginnings to its rise through eras of trade, conflict, and growth, leading to its transformation into a modern metropolis and the world’s IT outsourcing capital.

Next, we visit the Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, one of Bangalore’s oldest and most revered temples, dates back nearly 1,000 years to the Chola dynasty, with 16th-century Vijayanagara-era additions enhancing its grandeur.
Once Inside, admire the intricately carved pillars, ornate gopuram, and detailed sculptures of Hindu deities. The inner chamber houses Nayanar statues, and devotees whisper wishes into the ears of the majestic Nandi statue, guarding the sanctum of Lord Someshwara (lord Shivas local name).

As we explore this fascinating temple, you’ll gain insights into Hinduism too—a religion with a billion followers—its unique attributes, and its diverse gods.

Note: This tour includes a visit to one Hindu temple. Depending on the starting location, we will visit either this temple or the Bull Temple.

Next, we visit the Big Bull Temple, home to a massive monolithic sculpture—one of the largest in India. This temple stands out for several reasons, from the worship of the bull as a deity to its late medieval origins. It also offers a rare opportunity to step inside the sanctum sanctorum—an experience uncommon in most Hindu temples—and receive a blessing from the priest.

As we explore this remarkable temple, you'll also gain insights into Hinduism—a faith with a billion followers—its unique traditions, and its diverse deities.

Note: This tour includes a visit to one Hindu temple. Depending on the starting location, we will visit either the Big Bull Temple or the Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple.

The modest remaining precincts of this once-mighty fort hold more stories of Bangalore than any other part of the city. Admire its massive teakwood doors studded with deadly spikes to repel invading elephants. Marvel at the masterfully constructed granite walls, whose precise stone placements have drawn comparisons to Machu Picchu. Learn about the Battle of Bangalore of 1791, where the local Mysorean army faced off against the British East India Company in a fierce midnight clash that shaped the city’s destiny.

To experience the essence of old Bangalore, there’s no place quite like KR Market. Nestled in the heart of Kempe Gowda’s original town, founded in 1537, this vibrant marketplace feels frozen in time. Here, traders of flowers, fruits, vegetables, groceries, and household goods continue age-old traditions, selling their wares just as they have for centuries. The lively sights, rhythmic sounds, and rich aromas create an atmosphere that is both captivating and unforgettable.

We believe food is an integral part of the Indian tour experience, and there’s no better place to savor local cuisine than MTR—a century-old iconic eatery celebrated for its exceptional South Indian vegetarian dishes. While others patiently queue for a seat, we will skip the lines and dive straight into an unforgettable culinary journey featuring around 20 distinct items, each offering a unique blend of flavors, textures, and aromas.

The state of Karnataka, with Bangalore as its capital, is home to India’s largest state legislature building—the majestic Vidhana Soudha. Uncover the fascinating story behind this unique distinction.
An architectural marvel, Vidhana Soudha is built primarily from granite, marble, and teak wood, blending several prominent architectural styles from across India. As we explore, you’ll gain insight into India’s democratic structure, its system of governance, and the notable figures honored by the statues surrounding this iconic landmark.
Directly across from Vidhana Soudha stands Bangalore’s largest British-era building, constructed in 1868 to administer the region. Once known as Attara Kacheri, or Public Offices, this stately Pompeian red Greco roman structure now serves as the High Court of Karnataka.

The state of Karnataka, with Bangalore as its capital, is home to India’s largest state legislature building—the majestic Vidhana Soudha. Uncover the fascinating story behind this unique distinction.
An architectural marvel, Vidhana Soudha is built primarily from granite, marble, and teak wood, blending several prominent architectural styles from across India. As we explore, you’ll gain insight into India’s democratic structure, its system of governance, and the notable figures honored by the statues surrounding this iconic landmark.
Directly across from Vidhana Soudha stands Bangalore’s largest British-era building, constructed in 1868 to administer the region. Once known as Attara Kacheri, or Public Offices, this stately Pompeian red Greco roman structure now serves as the High Court of Karnataka.

The Bangalore palace is one of the important landmarks of Bangalore. We conclude our comprehensive tour by admiring the exteriors of this lofty building which strikingly resembles an English manor. Discover the story behind this unique architectural anomaly in Bangalore, the Wodeyar rulers and their descendants who still own the palace, and the reasons behind the deteriorated state of its once-glorious interiors and grounds, which were once the center of power in the city.