Bangalore Through the Ages: Best of the City in a Day

In this comprehensive Bangalore tour, you will explore the city’s top landmarks and hidden gems, including the historic Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple or Bull Temple, India’s renowned Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the bustling KR Market, the remnants of Bangalore Fort, Bangalore Palace, the Government Archaeological Museum, an Anglican church, and the iconic Vidhana Soudha and High Court, which serve as seats of government. Enjoy lunch at a century-old iconic restaurant while learning about the historical significance of these sites and their role in shaping modern Bangalore. By the end of the tour, you will gain a deep understanding of Bangalore’s transformation from its humble origins to its status as a global technology hub.

From the very start, we want you to know that this is the most comprehensive Bangalore Tour available, offering an unparalleled collection of sites and experiences. Unlike other tours, we’ll visit every location listed, ensuring you see it all—not just a select few.

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 this centuries-old historic temple, where the towering *gopura* (gateway) has stood like a sentinel, witnessing the city’s evolution and the changing landscape around it. As we explore this fascinating temple, you’ll gain insights into Hinduism—a religion with a billion followers—its unique attributes, and its diverse gods, while seeking the blessings of the deity within.

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 this temple, home to one of the largest monolithic bull sculptures in India. Discover the fascinating origins of this centuries-old temple and delve into the essence of Hinduism—a faith with over a billion followers. Learn about its unique characteristics, diverse deities, and traditions while seeking the blessings of the deity.

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

The modest precincts of this once-mighty fort hold more stories of Bangalore than any other part of the city. Learn about the Battle of Bangalore in 1791, where the local Mysorean army faced off against the British East India Company in a fierce midnight clash. Marvel at the expertly constructed granite walls, whose stone placements have been compared to those at Machu Picchu, along with the intricate stone carvings, stucco artwork, and massive wooden doorways that have gracefully withstood the test of time.

Next, we head to the oldest part of the city, where KR Market, seemingly frozen in time, embodies the spirit of old Bangalore. Here, traders of flowers, fruits, vegetables, groceries, and household items have been selling their wares in much the same way as they did centuries ago, when the market first emerged. The sights, sounds, and aromas, along with the bustling energy, are sure to captivate you. Bangalore is the floriculture capital of India, and there’s no better place to experience this than at KR Market.

We believe food is an essential part of the Indian tour experience, and there’s no better place to immerse yourself in local cuisine than MTR, a century-old iconic eatery renowned for its exceptional South Indian vegetarian dishes. Here, you’ll enjoy around 20 different items, each showcasing unique tastes, textures, and aromas. While locals patiently queue for a seat, you’ll skip the lines and dive straight into this unforgettable culinary journey.

After lunch, we explore the British township, established in 1806, just a few kilometers from the original city. Our visit begins at the largest military church in South India, where notable figures like Winston Churchill once came to pray. The church’s walls hold fascinating stories, offering a stark contrast to the sites we’ve visited earlier in the day. This site provides insight into why Bangalore has evolved into the city it is today.

The majestic Vidhana Soudha is the largest state legislature building in India, despite not being located in the largest state. Discover the amusing reason behind this unique situation.

Constructed primarily of granite, marble, and teak wood, the building showcases a blend of several prominent architectural styles from across India. You’ll learn about the important personalities commemorated by the statues surrounding this impressive structure.

Directly across from Vidhana Soudha stands the stately Pompeian red building, constructed in 1868. Once known as Attara Kacheri, it housed various administrative departments of the Mysore kingdom and now serves as the High Court of Karnataka.

Our comprehensive tour of the city concludes at Bangalore Palace. We will explore the exterior of this stately building, which has served as the Bangalore home of the Wodeyar rulers of the Mysore kingdom since the 1870s. Discover the intriguing story behind the palace’s British-inspired architecture, complete with battlements, turrets, and ivy-clad granite walls.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers.
• Dress code is smart casual
• Language English only
• A maximum of 8 people per booking
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
• Wheelchair not accessible
• Minimum age is 2 years

• Bangalore Through the Ages
  Add
  Duration: 8 hours
  Pickup included

• Experience more of the city’s fascinating landmarks and hidden gems than with any other tour
• All entry Fees
• Enjoy the tour with a dedicated expert guide, not brief local guides at each site
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Central Bengaluru area
• Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan

• Visiting Tourist trap monuments and shops
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Personal Shopping

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• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for participants with back problems

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 – 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Hidden Gems Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Kolkata.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 337 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.