If you only have one day to explore Bangalore, trust me — it’s totally possible to soak up its best vibes! I recently did a one-day tour of the city, and here’s my honest, real review of every spot I visited, with all the little experiences and travel tips you’ll need.
Morning at Lalbagh Botanical Garden
I started my day early at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a place that truly embodies the serenity of Bangalore’s green spaces. The morning air was fresh, with a slight chill that made the walk around the garden perfect.
I took my time exploring the Glass House, which had an elegant, Victorian-style architecture. While there weren’t any grand flower shows happening at the time (as I visited during the dry season), the flower beds and old trees provided plenty to admire. I even spotted a few monkeys playing around, which added a natural charm to the place.
The garden is known for its massive lake and is a haven for bird-watchers, which was evident as I saw a variety of birds swooping across the calm water. I recommend you stroll through the entire garden if you have the time, as it’s large, and each corner offers something special to take in.
Experience Tips:
• The buggy ride is available for those who prefer a less strenuous visit. It’s a 40-minute tour and worth considering if you’re short on time.
• Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the garden covers quite a large area.
Time Duration: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
A short ride from Lalbagh, I arrived at Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, located near KR Market. While the palace is not as grand as the one in Mysore, it’s an intriguing piece of Bangalore’s history. The wooden pillars and intricate carvings stand out, telling tales of Tipu Sultan’s reign.
I had high expectations for this place, but to be honest, it felt a bit underwhelming in terms of exhibitions. There’s a museum inside, but it’s quite modest, and the most interesting feature was the wooden tiger sculpture, a replica of the one in the British Museum.
Experience Tips:
• Keep an eye out for the small paintings and inscriptions about Tipu Sultan’s life.
• Photography is allowed, but they might charge a small fee if you’re using a DSLR.
Time Duration: 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM
Bangalore Fort
Since it’s so close to the palace, I decided to swing by Bangalore Fort, a landmark from the 17th century. The fort is relatively modest and the walls are the main attraction. There’s not much else to see except a couple of arched entrances and the remains of the fort.
If you’re not a fan of old structures, you could probably skip this one, as the site doesn’t offer anything particularly remarkable. However, for someone with a love for history and architecture, it’s a decent spot to stop by and take a few quick photos.
Experience Tips:
• It’s best to combine your visit to the Bangalore Palace with a quick stop here, as it’s literally around the corner.
• The fort is mostly an open space, so avoid it during peak afternoon heat.
Time Duration: 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace was the highlight of my entire day. I’ve always heard about it, but experiencing it firsthand was a whole different level. The palace is royal, with grand staircases, exquisite paintings, and luxurious furniture. You’ll feel transported back to the days of the Wodeyars when you step inside.
I opted for a guided tour to learn more about its history, which I highly recommend. The guide took us through the ballrooms, the throne room, and the private quarters, detailing how the palace was used in the past. You can imagine the opulence of this place just by walking around.
Experience Tips:
• Be mindful that some areas inside the palace are a bit dusty and require some maintenance.
• There’s a photography fee inside, so make sure to ask about it before taking your camera out.
Time Duration: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Break at Empire Restaurant
After all that walking, I needed a hearty meal. I made my way to Empire Restaurant, a Bangalore institution known for its tasty kebabs and rich biryanis. The chicken kebabs and ghee rice were just perfect — tender and flavorful, served with tangy chutney.
The atmosphere at Empire is casual and lively, with a mix of locals and tourists. It was the perfect stop to rest and recharge before continuing my exploration.
Time Duration: 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
Post-lunch, I visited the Visvesvaraya Museum to fuel my curiosity. This place is like a treasure chest for anyone interested in science and technology. From interactive exhibits to the history of industrialization in India, the museum offers hands-on experiences that are fun and educational. I especially enjoyed the physics experiments, where you could test out different concepts like sound waves and electricity.
Experience Tips:
• The museum is great for kids and adults alike — don’t miss the space exhibit and dinosaur models.
• There’s a small canteen on the top floor if you need a snack.
Time Duration: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Evening at UB City Mall
To end my day, I made my way to UB City Mall, a stylish and upscale destination in Bangalore. While it’s a shopping mall, it’s so much more than just stores. The mall has luxury brands, fancy cafes, and even a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city.
I spent a couple of hours window shopping and then relaxed with a cold drink at one of the cafes overlooking the busy streets. The atmosphere here is luxurious yet laid-back, and it was the perfect spot to wind down.
Experience Tips:
• Visit in the evening when the lights are on, and you can enjoy the vibrant, high-end feel of the place.
• The food court and restaurants offer a great variety if you’re still hungry.
Time Duration: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
