48 hours in Bengaluru

The capital of Karnataka, Bengaluru boasts all the characteristics of an ideal modern Indian city - bustling technology hubs, well laid-out parks and lush green expanses, thriving markets and several spots for art and culture to flourish. Bengaluru enjoys the unique transition from a sleepy cantonment during the British era to a modern cosmopolitan. The city is also considered one of the most popular destinations from where to venture into the hill stations and coastal towns of South India.

Day 1 Morning

Start your day bright and early amidst nature at Cubbon Park. One of the most popular green spots in the city, this 300-acre open space boasts numerous jogging tracks, recreational benches, and flora and fauna. Take in the fresh air and let the peaceful surrounding envelope you.

8 am: Dig into a hearty breakfast at one of the many South Indian restaurants. There is one close to the park. Take your pick from mouthwatering dosas (delicate crepes), melt-in-mouth idlis (steamed rice cakes), crispy vadas (deep-fried lentil dumplings), delectable utthapams (a thick crepe) and more.

10 am: Take a 15-minute drive from the park to reach the historic Tipu Sultan Palace. An intricately decorated two-story structure was built in 1791 as the summer abode for Tipu Sultan. A museum here displays the life, conquests and achievements of the king.

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Tipu's trail

Day 1 Noon

Next stop is the Lalbagh Botanical garden (about 2.5 km away). Touted as one of the most scenic green spaces in the state, it is home to as many as 1,854 species of plants, including a few rare species from around the world. The main attraction here is the palatial Glass House, which is believed to have been constructed to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria’s grandson, Albert Victor in 1889.

2 pm: Less than two kilometres away lies the famous Nandi Temple. It is also called the Bull temple as it is dedicated to the Nandi (bull god), the vehicle of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most popular attractions in the city owing to its structure, which boasts the Dravidian style of architecture and the four-m-high idol of the bull.

4 pm: The next stop shuold be the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. Established in 1989, it features a state-of-the-art hybrid projection system for a better understanding of the solar system and organises monthly star-gazing and astronomical programmes and science movie screenings. Regular shows are played in English and Kannada, so check the schedule before your visit.

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Drone Video | Aerial View | Bengaluru City | Incredible India

Day 1 Evening

After an interesting session of science, step out for an evening stroll down to the neighboring Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park (barely two minutes away). A popular recreation spot for locals, its main attraction is the musical fountain that is a sight to behold when it’s at play. Show timings as generally between 7 pm and 8 pm.

8 pm: Head to the Vidhan Soudha (about a kilometre away). Housing the Secretariat and State Legislature, it is constructed entirely of granite and porphyry, making it an awe-inspiring sight. This landmark is illuminated every day from 6 pm to 8.30 pm.

10 pm: Cap off your day with a sumptuous and filling meal at Chandu’s Military Hotel, one of the outlets of the city’s legendary military hotel chains (a 12-minute drive from Vidhan Soudha). Raagi muddles (soft balls made with ragi millet and mad with lentil curry), mutton chops (a mutton dish prepared with chilli and spices) and bheja pepper fry (a classic recipe of goat’s brain cooked with an assortment of spices) are the specials here.

Day 2 Morning

Head to Bengaluru’s KR Market, bright and early as it is in the wee hours of the morning that this space transforms into a business centre for flowers. From rare orchids and a dozen varieties of roses to delicate lilies and jasmines - it is a haven for photographers.

8 am: Avenue Road that leads out from the market is lined with food carts that offer simple yet delicious plates of idlis doused in chutney and rice dishes. Walk to the back of the KR Market for shops that sell a host of metal objects: from second-hand workout equipment to electronic lamps and more.

10 am: Next on the list is the noted Bangalore Palace . Built in 1887 in the Tudor style of architecture with Scottish-Goth influences, this opulent mansion served as the residence of the Wadeyars, an influential family of South India. The first thing you’ll notice is the vine-covered facade that clearly breaks the caramel-coloured exterior in half. Inside, you’ll be treated to displays of the palace’s lavish designs, hunting trophies and numerous photographs of the royal family and a gorgeous collection of portraits.

Day 2 Noon

For some cool and fresh air, visit the nearby Ulsoor Lake (about 17 minutes away). Located in the heart of the city, its attraction includes its tranquil waters, options for boat rides and cruises, and pristine environment dotted with trees that offer plenty of shade.

2 pm: Make your way to the Shivoham Shiva Temple (about 20 minutes away). The main attraction of this shrine is the 65-foot-tall idol of Lord Shiva seated in a yogic posture. An attraction of this temple is the Pratyaksh Ling, which remains submerged in the waters of the Manasa Sarovar and appears during the aarti (a fire ritual) and disappears when it’s over.

4 pm: Next, head to the HAL Aerospace Museum (about 10 minutes away). Its showcases trace the journey of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and display several fighter jets, helicopters and commercial aircraft, among others.

Day 2 Evening

About 23-minutes away lies the historic Opera House. Although the original British-era charm lingers on in the architecture and design, this landmark is today replete with exciting tech like VR experiences and a surround sound (involving three or more speakers) home theatre zone that can be booked for film screenings.

8 pm: Bengaluru is one of the few cities in the country that encourages both traditional theatre and stand-up comedy as art forms and offers several spaces for budding artistes. You can catch either at one of the several cultural spaces, and even small clubs, across the city at night.

10 pm: End your two-day tour of the city with good food and drinks at one of the numerous upscale restaurants. For an unforgettable experience, visit one of the highest roof-top restaurants in the city, which offers sweeping views of the city lights twinkling in the night.