Best Places to Visit in Bangalore for a Weekend Getaway
Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is a city that seamlessly blends modernity with heritage. As the capital of Karnataka and India’s tech hub, Bangalore is famous for its pleasant climate, lush green parks, vibrant nightlife, and historical landmarks. If you're planning a weekend in Bangalore, you'll find an array of attractions catering to different interests—whether you love nature, history, adventure, shopping, or food.
This detailed guide explores the top places to visit in Bangalore over the weekend, including their highlights, travel tips, and unique experiences.
Day 1: Exploring Nature and Heritage
1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden – A Green Escape
Start your weekend with a refreshing morning at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, one of India’s most beautiful botanical gardens. Established by Hyder Ali and later expanded by Tipu Sultan, the garden spreads over 240 acres and houses over 1,800 species of plants, trees, and flowers.
Highlights:
- The Glass House, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, is the main attraction. It hosts the annual flower show in January and August.
- The Lalbagh Rock, estimated to be 3,000 million years old, offers a panoramic view of the city.
- Exotic plants from Persia, Afghanistan, and France are cultivated here.
Best time to visit: Early morning for a peaceful experience.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults, Free from 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
2. Bangalore Palace – A Royal Experience
Next, visit the grand Bangalore Palace, built in 1878 and inspired by England’s Windsor Castle. The palace is known for its Tudor-style architecture, Gothic windows, and exquisite interiors.
Highlights:
- Wooden interiors with intricate carvings and vintage furniture.
- The palace has over 30,000 paintings and historical artifacts.
- The open ground outside often hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹230 for Indians, ₹460 for Foreigners
3. Cubbon Park – The Lungs of Bangalore
Cubbon Park is a 300-acre green oasis in the middle of the bustling city, perfect for a relaxing stroll, photography, or reading under a tree.
Highlights:
- Statues of famous personalities like Queen Victoria and Sir Mark Cubbon.
- Houses the Karnataka High Court, State Central Library, and Vidhana Soudha.
- Home to over 6,000 trees and exotic plant species.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a peaceful experience.
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free
4. MG Road & Brigade Road – Shopping and Entertainment Hub
MG Road and Brigade Road are the heart of Bangalore’s shopping, dining, and nightlife scene.
Things to Do:
- Shop for clothes, books, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
- Visit Blossom Book House for rare books.
- Enjoy a cup of filter coffee at Indian Coffee House.
- Experience Bangalore’s vibrant pub culture at places like Pecos, The 13th Floor, and Toit.
Best time to visit: Evening to explore shopping and nightlife.
5. VV Puram Food Street – A Foodie’s Delight
End your day with a food walk at VV Puram Food Street, famous for its authentic Karnataka street food.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Benne Dosa (Butter Dosa)
- Ghee Paddu (Soft dumplings)
- Chowpatty-style Vada Pav
- Holige (Sweet flatbread)
- Mysore Pak (Traditional sweet)
Best time to visit: 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Day 2: Adventure, Spirituality, and Offbeat Attractions
6. Nandi Hills – A Breathtaking Sunrise Spot
Wake up early and drive 60 km from Bangalore to Nandi Hills, a hill station famous for its spectacular sunrise, trekking trails, and historical sites.
Highlights:
- Tipu’s Drop, a historic cliff with a tragic past.
- Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, an ancient temple atop the hill.
- Cycling and trekking trails for adventure lovers.
Best time to visit: Early morning for sunrise.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
7. Bannerghatta National Park – Wildlife Adventure
For a thrilling wildlife experience, visit Bannerghatta National Park, just 22 km from Bangalore. It is home to tigers, lions, elephants, and a butterfly park.
Things to Do:
- Go on a safari to see wild animals up close.
- Visit the butterfly park and reptile park.
- Take a short trekking route inside the park.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹80 for zoo entry, ₹400 for safari
8. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath – Art and Culture
For art enthusiasts, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is a hidden gem. It houses a vast collection of paintings, folk art, and Mysore-style artwork.
Things to See:
- Traditional Tanjore paintings and Mysore silk art.
- Contemporary Indian and global art exhibits.
- Art workshops and cultural events.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
9. Innovative Film City – A Fun-Filled Experience
If you're traveling with kids or love theme parks, Innovative Film City (40 km from Bangalore) is a great place to spend the afternoon.
Highlights:
- Wax Museum and Dinosaur Park
- Mirror Maze and Haunted Mansion
- Adventure Sports and Go-karting
Timings: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹600 per person
10. ISKCON Temple – A Spiritual Retreat
End your weekend with a visit to ISKCON Temple, one of the most beautiful Krishna temples in India.
Things to Experience:
- Spiritual chants and meditation sessions.
- The grand Darshan of Lord Krishna.
- Delicious prasadam and sweets from the temple kitchen.
Timings: 4:15 AM - 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Bonus: Offbeat Weekend Getaways Near Bangalore
If you have more time, here are some offbeat weekend getaways near Bangalore:
- Chikmagalur (240 km) – Perfect for coffee lovers and nature enthusiasts.
- Coorg (250 km) – Famous for its lush landscapes and waterfalls.
- Mysore (150 km) – Rich in history, palaces, and culture.
- Savandurga (60 km) – One of the largest monolith hills in Asia, great for trekking.
Conclusion
Bangalore offers a perfect mix of nature, adventure, history, shopping, food, and nightlife—making it an ideal weekend getaway destination. Whether you're a local or a traveler, these places promise an exciting, refreshing, and memorable experience.
Have you visited any of these places? Let us know your favorite Bangalore weekend getaway in the comments!
