Reasons to travel to Bengaluru

The Spooky Factor

I had heard about Bangalore's many weird mysteries. It was time to scratch my paranormal itch. One late evening, I visited (not alone!) the Kalpalli Cemetery near Old Madras Road, a famous spooky spot. The cemetery was already scary, and the place gave an extremely eerie feeling. People speak of seeing a mysterious figure here at night, but we didn't wait that long! Other spooky places include the century-old Victoria Hospital near the City Market whose friendly ghost makes your food disappear. You can also visit Terra Vera, an abandoned colonial house on St Mark's Road, with a long history of strange happenings, screams, inverted crosses, and spectral music!

Delicious Street Food

We decided to dig into Bangalorean street food to chase away the heebiejeebies from the cemetery. Good food can make you forget everything else! We beelined to the food hubs at VV Puram Food Street for authentic South Indian food. They served everything from lip-smacking butter masala dosa, fluffy idli, and crisp vada, to sweet dal holige. You can also visit Brahmin's Coffee Bar and Central Tiffin Room for proper South Indian fare. But if you like North Indian delicacies, head to Jayanagar, whose street food joints offer savoury dishes. Try out unique items like chocolate sandwiches and blackcurrant gapagap.

Tipu Sultan's Summer Retreat

Though I missed Tipu's Drop, I am glad I visited Tipu Sultan’s summer palace within the city. Constructed in 1791, this two-storied, teakwood building features many wooden pillars that allowed air to circulate freely during the warmer months. I was transported in time while on the wooden interiors, intricate ceilings, and wall designs. Make sure to visit the historic balconies where the sultan held state meetings.

The Garden City

My first stop was the iconic Cubbon Park – the city's lungs and the reason Bangalore is called the Garden City. The cacophony and pollution became a distant memory as I relaxed in the park's fresh air.

Cubbon Park is green almost everywhere. I saw several people jogging on its many walkable paths, lying on the lawns, or chatting on benches. I settled on the grass with my favourite book. But my friend, an avid gardener, excitedly walked around admiring the trees and flowers.

If you're also a plant lover, come here to appreciate the park's 6,000 indigenous and exotic plant species, as well as various birds, lizards, and squirrels. You can also enjoy meditation, laughter therapy, and yoga, or just pack a picnic for a beautiful and relaxing day under green boughs.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

The Lalbagh Botanical Garden was next in my tour of Bangalore's greens.

It was spring, and blooming flowers created a myriad of colours that left me speechless. In autumn, however, the park turns fiery orange from falling leaves, creating a fairytale-like picture. This is because of the 1,854 varieties of plants, medicinal herbs, and flowers from around the world in the garden!

Soon I saw the Kempegowda Watchtower, one of four historical watchtowers marking the boundary of Bangalore. It looked down on the prehistoric Lalbagh Rock, a national geological monument.

Do you know this rock was formed 3,000 million years ago?

Other attractions I loved were a tranquil lake with a bridge and mini waterfall, the Hibiscus Garden, and Bonsai Garden. Check out the Glass House – built in 1890 – which hosts flower shows around Republic Day and Independence Day.

The Place Where they Shot Sholay

Quick, which is the most iconic Bollywood film?
You answered Sholay, didn't you?

Many scenes from Sholay were shot in Ramnagara. Even before reaching the place, I could see the famous cliffs and tall rocks from the car. They had served as the hideout of Gabbar and his minions.

I was lost in fangirl mode as I walked all day taking selfies at various shooting spots. Only later did I learn about the campgrounds here.

I was too tired for camping, but you can plan better and enjoy various activities like canoeing, trekking, zip-lining, rappelling, and trekking.

Many other campgrounds near Bangalore offer adventure activities. You can visit the popular ones at Anthargange, Bananthimari Betta, Bheemeshwar, Camp GeeDee, Chikmagalur, Doddamakali, and Manchinbele.

Thrilling Rides at Adventure Parks

Although adventure parks scare me, my friend took me to Wonderla Bengaluru – one of the largest and most popular amusement parks in India. Despite shaking with fear, I decided to ride the roller coaster, one of the biggest in the country. My heart almost stopped at the first drop, but the adrenaline rush was worth it! Then, I gained enough confidence to ride India's first reverse-looping roller coaster – the Recoil. Visit this park to experience its 60+ thrilling rides, including water rides like the lazy river, wave pool, and rain disco.

A Beer Lover's Paradise

One weekend, I joined a group that organises pub crawls. I had always wanted to participate in Bangalore's tradition of bar hopping and pub crawls. The city has bars and pubs in each nook and cranny, serving crafted beer and artisanal brews. The pub crawl was not too expensive and had an easygoing vibe. I had many interesting conversations with locals and other beer lovers. You can check Bangalore's online portals and social media groups for information on upcoming pub meetups. Also visit UB City, MG Road, Malleshwaram, Indira Nagar, and Koramangala to experience Bangalore's pub culture.

Exciting Wildlife Safari

I couldn't wait to visit Bannerghatta National Park once I learned it had white tigers. This sanctuary houses hundreds of protected flora and fauna and is a corridor for wild elephants. My first stop was the jungle safari to see the animals up close. But don't worry! I was safe in a caged bus. We spotted Indian gazelles, deer, wild boar, and a variety of birds. Going further, I saw a leopard, a Bengal tiger, a herd of elephants bathing, and yes, even a white tiger! The park has many other attractions. Visit the zoo, snake park, crocodile farm, prehistoric creatures park, museum, and eateries. You can book a day trip to Bannerghatta National Park that includes a meal and a safari.

Incredible Sunrise and Views

On a cool morning, I drove up to Nandi Hills, 4,851 feet above sea level. This hill fortress is close to a literal paradise, surrounded by misty clouds, giving it an ethereal vibe. Named after Shiva’s loyal devotee, Nandi Hills is a famous sunrise point. I entered through an arched gateway and walked up the stone staircases lined with wildflowers. The stellar views of the valley took my breath away.

Many Hindu temples line the slopes of Nandi Hills. On the way back, I visited the Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple guarded by a massive statue of the Nandi. I didn't have the time, but you can also visit Tipu’s Drop when returning to Bangalore. It is the rocky outcrop from where prisoners were thrown to their death.

Summing Up

Bangalore provides hundreds of reasons to visit the city. Come here if you are a nature seeker, pub hopper, history buff, ghost hunter, street food fan, shopping lover, or adventure enthusiast. Bangalore has something for everyone!