Museums
Bengaluru's range of museums is truly diverse. You can expect to find exhibitions on aviation and space travel, motorcycles and Mahatma Gandhi. There's even one devoted to the human brain. Perhaps the most famous is this one, however.
Established in the 1860s, this deep-red Neo-Classical building houses a remarkable collection of archaeological and geological finds - fitting for one of the oldest museums in all of India. The museum’s 18 galleries showcase rare coins, jewellery, and even Neolithic pottery and ancient weapons, some dating back over 5,000 years.
Kasturba Gandhi Road, Bengaluru 560001.
Art galleries
Bengaluru has a wealth of fine and decorative artworks spread across its museums and galleries, but the city isn’t stuck in the past - it also shows off contemporary art by the daring talent of today.
National Gallery of Modern Art
It may have a classical exterior complete with slender white columns, but step inside the National Gallery of Modern Art and you'll be face to face with avant-garde works ranging from miniature portraits to surrealist landscapes. You’ll need more than a couple of hours to fully explore this sleek and dazzling gallery.
49 Palace Road, Bengaluru 560052.
Historic landmarks
Thanks to its tumultuous history. Bengaluru isn't short on historic landmarks. The city’s architectural range accurately reflects its diverse cultural heritage, and makes for fascinating and educational sightseeing. Bengaluru Fort
Bengaluru Fort was built in the early 16th-century, as a mud fort to mark out the territory of what would become modern Bengaluru. It took on a different role in the 18th century - where it was replaced with the imposing stone structure that still partly stands as the site of a fierce battle between Britain and India. Today, you can wander through the ornately decorated Delhi Gate, and gaze at the war-battered barracks and ivy-clad ramparts.
Chamrajpet, Bengaluru 560018.
Situated near the city centre, Bengaluru Palace looks like it's been transported from Europe, as it looks remarkably like some fairy tale castle, complete with stained glass windows and fortified turrets and towers. Many concerts and events take place in the grounds, so be sure to check the palace calendar.
Palace Road, Bengaluru 560052. Temples
Bengaluru is flush with picturesque temples and churches, which span centuries of magical architectural design and religious tradition.
Bengaluru’s ISKCON Temple beautifully blends smooth stone architecture with sleek modern facilities. This vast cultural complex overflows with flower-laden shrines, gold-studded idols and shimmering pools. There are many welcoming Vedic celebrations and festivals held year round, where chants, dancing, and live music make for an unforgettable experience.
Krishna Hill, Bengaluru 560010.
