The city of Bengaluru, often spelled Bangalore, is one of India’s most prosperous megalopolises. Tourists, students, and professionals from all over the country and the world flock there to experience the local culture and work in the booming IT industry. Bangalore is a metropolis with several monikers; it is often called the “Silicon Valley of India” and the “Garden City,” among other things. Bangalore has numerous important tourist attractions both within the city and within a few kilometers of it, despite its reputation for bars and restaurants. Popular tourist destinations in Bangalore include the Cubbon Park Zoo, Bangalore Palace, Lalbagh Gardens, MG Road, State Protected Monuments, and the Bull Temple.
Day outings and weekend excursions to nearby destinations like Nandi Hills and Horseley Hills are easy to arrange from Bangalore. There are, however, many other interesting and unusual destinations in Bangalore that are worth your time. This is a rundown of 11 of Bangalore’s most unique attractions and activities:
Devanahalli Fort, An Iconic Structure with a Five-Hundred-Year Past
Moreover, Devanahalli Fort, one of Bangalore’s finest, has been there for 500 years. The beautiful Devanahalli Fort is located outside of Bangalore, yet while most people are familiar with the Bangalore Fort, only a small fraction of them really make the trip to see it. It’s one of the best historical sites in the area, and unlike Bangalore Fort, much of it is still standing. The Saluva Dynasty established it in 1501, but Hyder Ali eventually took control. His renowned son, Tipu Sultan, was also born in the fort. It is roughly 37 kilometers from Bangalore to the Devanahalli Fort, which has a massive 20 acres of land. Highlighting one of Bangalore’s most singular excursions, the fort’s architecture is a must-see.
Incorporates Cultural and Natural Elements (Nrityagram)
Nrityagram, located close to Hesaraghatta Lake around 30 kilometers from Bangalore, is one of the interesting and secret spots to explore in Bangalore. This contemporary Gurukul, founded in 1990 by Odissi dancer Protima Gauri, is more of a community than a school. This unassumingly beautiful spot is ideal for a weekend away from the concrete jungle, where you can reconnect with nature and culture.
Odissi, Mohiniattam, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Manipuri are only some of the classical dance styles taught here. One of the most unique things to do in Bangalore is to explore this mystical and stunning universe. The area is notable for its well-kept gardens and its ancient temples.
The Huge Banyan Tree Is Stunningly Old
This 400-year-old tree, known as the Dodda Alada Mara, can be found in the village of Kethohalli, about 30-40 kilometers outside of Bangalore. More over 250 meters in diameter, this solitary tree is actually a tangle of thousands of smaller and larger trees joined together by their aerial roots. Labyrinths produced by the massive roots, complete with walkways and brightly painted benches, are among the most interesting sites to visit in the vicinity of Bangalore. It’s populated by numerous different kinds of monkeys and birds.
If you’re looking for the largest banyan tree in the state, look no farther than the Big Banyan Tree, which also happens to be the fourth largest banyan tree in the entire country. This Bangalore hotspot is not only a great site to see the sights, but also to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic.
The Sky Is the Limit at Jakkur Aerodrome
Jakkur Aerodrome, located just 16 kilometers from the heart of Bangalore, is one of the best destinations in the area for adventurers. Flying above Bangalore in a microlight or airplane is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, making this attraction one of a kind in the city. Also available are one-day programs from Jakkur Aerodrome that cover topics including flight theory, aviation regulations, flight communication, and more. On Saturdays and Sundays, the public can go flying between 6:30 and 9:30 in the morning. The experience may only be had by one person at a time, thus booking in advance is required. Parasailing is only one of many adrenaline-pumping activities available to visitors of Jakkur Aerodrome.
Bangalore’s Wrestling Pit/Restaurant Gardi Ustad Pehlwan Kale
In this century-old wrestling pit, hungry competitors may slug it out for a plate of biryani and a scrumptious shami kebab. One of the last places to perform kushti (traditional Persian wrestling), this akhara (wrestling pit) in the heart of Shivajinagar dates back 110 years. This gardi, however, becomes a restaurant in the afternoons, dishing up tasty biryani and kebabs. There is nothing fancy about the decor, but the wood-fired biryani more than makes up for it. Wrestling rings that have been used into seating spaces with blankets are a unique and endearing feature of the venue. Unquestionably, there are one-of-a-kind, unforgettable opportunities in Bangalore that you shouldn’t pass up.
Mayo Hall, an Elegant Public Structure
Further, Mayo Hall, a red colonial edifice, stands out among the glass and steel of Brigade Road’s newer structures. Originally built in a more neutral white, the structure was painted a Pompeian red to better blend in with the High Court of Karnataka. To commemorate Lord Mayo, the fourth Viceroy of India, it was constructed in the 1800s. One of the city’s most popular tourist destinations in this fascinating remnant of another age, which has stubbornly resisted the surrounding modernization. The Kempegowda Museum and government offices share the building, which features elaborate furnishings, chandeliers, stone arches, and Tuscan columns. Several other notable structures, including Raj Bhavan, Vidhana Soudha, and Puttanchetty Town Hall, have been modeled after this one due to its innovative design.
Blossom Book House
Moreover, Blossom, one of the most well-liked bookstores in Bangalore, is not the most out-of-the-way place you could visit. Further, Blossom, located on Church Street, opened in 2001 and is the largest second-hand bookstore in India. One of the most popular destinations for bookworms, this bookstore has shelves upon shelves upon shelves of books filling every available space. You can find books on any topic that interests you, from history to fiction, cooking to gardening. That’s how successful it is; they just opened a second store not far away.
“Malgudi” in Malleswaram And Basavanagudi
You may be familiar with RK Narayan’s ‘Malgudi Days,’ either through reading the short stories or seeing the TV series. You’ve come to the right place if you’re curious about the author and the work they’ve produced. Although Narayan claims the town is made up, he has explained that the name is a portmanteau of two of his favorite neighborhoods in Bangalore: Malleswaram and Basavanagudi.
Tree-lined alleys and beautiful traditional heritage residences are just two of the ways these areas have preserved their historic allure. CTR in Malleswaram is the spot to go if you’re craving some delicious masala dosas. You should visit a veena store if you’re craving a crispy vada or a fluffy idli. The Bull temple is the most well-known of many ancient temples in Basavanagudi. As there are so many excellent institutions and restaurants here, there is usually a lively atmosphere.
Independence Park
Independence Park, housed on the site of the former Bangalore Central Jail, is rumored to have been modeled after London’s Hyde Park. This fascinating spot in Bangalore serves as a forum for political rallies and is a symbol of India’s independence. Construction of this prison began in 1866, and it served as a holding facility for those who demonstrated against or opposed British control.
But, as the inmate population grew too large for the facility, they were sent elsewhere. Just the outside of the original Prison has been altered throughout time; the many original features are still in place. Some remnants of the past can be seen in the walled-in cell yard. It also features a Prison Museum, as well as the remnants of barracks and a watchtower. Aside from the Book Museum and the Sculpture Court, there are also the People Courtyard and the Water Fountain. This is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting spots in all Bangalore.
Pyramid Valley
In addition, Pyramid valley is one of the best places to go if you want to relax and unwind. In Kebbedoddi, a suburb of Bangalore, you’ll find the largest meditational pyramid in the world at an international meditation center. The campus is 28 acres in size and serves as a meditative hotspot. Almost five thousand people can be accommodated in the 102-foot-tall Maitreya-Buddha Pyramid. The facility also hosts workshops and seminars on topics including meditation and spirituality.
There is a decent selection of spiritual books that can aid with unwinding in their library. Located in a verdant valley with nearby streams and rolling hills, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and reflect. If you’re looking for some peace & quiet in Bangalore, this is a must-see attraction.
Turahalli Forest, a City Forest 11
Bangalore’s last remaining forest is located in the Turahalli Forest Area. In the north of Banashankari and not far from the Kanakapura Road, you’ll find this area with winding paths, mini-hills, and thick foliage.
Bicyclists love this protected woodland despite the fact that cars aren’t allowed there. To get the most out of Turahalli woodland, it’s recommended that you take a car up to the entrance. Leave your car here and go for a stroll in the woods to take in the local flora and fauna. Outdoorsy types can also find a wide variety of day excursion options, including hiking and rock climbing. It’s one of the best and most unusual places in all Bangalore to find some quiet time to yourself.