Things to do in Bangalore

Bangalore is a young city but one that boasts a rich history. This paradox is reflected in many aspects of India’s Silicon Valley. We explore things to do in Bangalore to ensure you get a complete experience o fall it’s contrasts.

1. Hop on. Hop off

Cheap and comprehensive tours of the city are offered by KSTDC. These half-day and full-day tours cover Bangalore’s most important landmarks. Another full day tour called Bangalore Rounds is available to tourists for Rs. 250. But for people who prefer to have a more spontaneous tour of the city private cabs are readily available. All homestays can arrange such rides for a reasonable price with a guarantee of safety and efficient service.

Hop-on-in-bangalore

2. Tour of temples

There are innumerable revered temples in Bangalore, prime amongst them are temples like the Bull Temple, which is built in Dravidian architecture. It is famous for the enormous statue of a bull that’s carved from one massive boulder. Located in Rajajinagar and in the midst of picturesque surroundings is the ISKCON Temple. The Krishna temple also serves as an important centre of vedic and spiritual learning.

Tour-of-temples-in-bangalore

3. Houses of meditation and spirituality

Bangalore is the hub of the Art of Living foundation. Their ashram attracts countless people from all across the world just like The Ramakrishna Ashram, located in Gandhi Bazaar. It is a vast sanctuary, which exudes peace and tranquillity. The Maha Bodhi Society Temple is another famous site for peace-seekers and meditation. The temple’s main shrine is a replica of Bodh Gaya’s revered stupa and houses precious Buddhist literature.

4. Monuments and historic sites

Bangalore is filled with examples of great architecture and rich history. Foremost amongst such sites are Bangalore’s Vidhana Sabha (The State’s Legislative House), Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Palace. The Bangalore Palace was built by Mysore’s Maharajahs and was only recently opened to the public. The Palace has suffered due to years of neglect which is very evident. In contrast, we have Tipu Sultan’s Palace, which is over 220 years old and served as a lavish summer retreat for the king.

Monuments-and-historic-sites-bangalore

5. For the family

Cubbon Park is an enormous green oasis, which is spread in over 300 acres. It serves as a lovely picnic spot and has many recreation activities such as a children’s park, a toy train, a theatre and much more. Lal Bagh is another place where a family outing can be hosted. Built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, the sprawling garden is considered the most charming and romantic in the country. It has lovely lotus ponds, fountains, glass houses and historic stone formations. A recent addition to the city is the Lumbini Garden. Located along the Nagvara Lake, the park offers enjoyable activities such as boating, a wave pool and a children’s park. In Bangalore, one will also find the Wonder La Amusement Park, India’s largest amusement and water park. The park is home to many thrill and water rides as well as rain dance sections. Fire crackers and laser light shows in evening are a delight to watch.

For-the-family-in-bangalore

6. Wildlife watch

The Bannerghatta National Park is a sanctuary where one can find wild animals like migrating elephants, bison, wild boar and if one is extremely lucky, the elusive leopard. The sanctuary is a refuge for rescued animals and also houses a crocodile farm and a butterfly park.

Wildlife-watch-bangalore

7. Nightcrawl

Bangalore is a young city and pubs, restaurants etc have become an integral part of its nightlife. Many upcoming local bands make their debut at the local pubs many of which are famous patrons of live music. Staying at a local homestay will help enormously in finding the latest, happening hotspot of activity.

Nightcrawl-in-bnagalore

Camping in India – Sleep under the canvas

If embarking on a journey to India, gather up all your adventurous spirit as the country is going to throw an array of experiences at you! Be it the cultural milieu, diverse festivals and cultures, the palate tingling food, the variety of wildlife or some serene places amidst valleys and clouds. Get prepared to be consumed by the multiplicity of experiences.

Camping in India

Apart from the cultural perspective which fascinated most travellers in India, the country offers a wide range of adventure activities as well. The different kinds of topographies in the country present vistas of a unique kind. For the adventure lovers, this gives them an opportunity to explore destinations by foot and find shelter under the canvas. Here are some fabulous options to camp out and feel the wind in the open expanses of India.

Camping in Rishikesh

One of the first few destinations which popularised rafting as an accessible adventure activity in India also made way for camping by the River. Ganga and Tons are the two rivers that flow in the region and make for a great companion after pitching a tent at night. Many camp sites have come up in the last decade, which offer basic to luxury camping facilities. This is a great way to get the kids outdoors in a safe and well equipped facility. Also enjoy the gurgling waters of the river for a thrilling rafting expedition.

Camping by the river Ganges

Camping in Spiti

The lush green hills of Himachal Pradesh are an extremely inviting option for trekkers and outdoors enthusiasts. Most small villages make great base camps for off-beat hiking trails. Spiti is one of the more unexplored regions of Himachal, owing to its pleasant isolation from air connections. This dissuades many travellers so only the interested ones make an effort to get here. The raw beauty of Himachal lies in the high passes, mighty mountains and extremely untouched villages. Camping here is a delightful but not an easy option.

Spiti - perfect Camping site

Camping in Binsar

Based in Uttaranchal, Binsar and other villages of Garhwal and Kumaon, are the first steps who are inspired to venture close to the Himalayas. Lying in the foothills of these glorious mountains, Binsar and adjoining villages are also not too easy to traverse. It has lately become a bikers’ paradise who want to rough it out and pitch their stays enroute to mountain tops and remote villages.

Camping on Mountain top , Binsar

Camping in Wayanad

The south of India is usually wrongly represented by only temples or sunny sandy beaches, whereas, parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are replete with undulating mountains and lush green expanses of vegetation. One such delight is Wayanad, based in the North East of Kerala. Wayanad is known for its abundant wildlife and forest cover, thus naturally becoming a good choice for hikers and campers.

Camping in North East Kerala

Camping in Nilgiris

Like Wayanad, the Nilgiris range of mountains in the South West of India is a haven for tea and coffee plantations. Recently, places like Sakleshpur, Coonoor, Ooty and Masinagudi have gained an adventure status for weekend goers from Bangalore. These are great places to pitch yourself a comfortable stay.

Camping in South West India - Nilgiris

Camping in Rajasthan

Another destination with an unexpected camping tag, Rajasthan has infact, provided luxury camping options for ages. These camp sites are mostly in the middle of the desert but are well equipped with food and water along with attached bathrooms. Cultural shows are organised by these camp sites.

Swiss Tent Camping in Rajasthan 

Camping in Ladakh

This region offer some of the most scenic landscapes to its visitors. There are numerous trekking trails and plenty of places to camp out and experience the wonder of the natural landscape. The region is bound by mountains and popular camping spots include alongside the river banks, fed by the mountain glaciers. Camping is only advisable during the summer months.

Camping by mountain and glaciers

How to arrange your camping trip

Many homestays will be able to assist with camping arrangements and may be able to help with tent and equipment hire and arrange a guide or porter if required. They can send you on your way with a delicious packed lunch and look after your luggage while you spent a night in the wild, before welcoming you back with a hot bath and hot dinner!

Camping Homestays

Some homestays, such as Citrus County in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, offer luxury tents as part of their accommodation.

How to Pick a Travel Agency

The trip of a lifetime can take a lifetime to plan unless you know how to pick a travel agency.
A common misconception is that travel agencies add to the cost of your trip. In truth, finding and using a good travel agency to plan your trip usually saves you time, money, and frustration. So how do you pick a travel agency?


Ask around!
The best way to find a good travel agency is through word of mouth. Ask your family and friends who they’ve used and then ask them about their trip. How did they travel? Where did they stay? Was their trip enjoyable? Getting a few referrals from friends helps you to know in ahead of time what to expect from a particular travel agent and helps you weed out the good from the not-so-good as well.

Are you a member?
Many clubs and organizations offer travel services for their members and many corporations have established relationships with travel agencies that their employees can use. “Members only” travel plans frequently offer the best values.

Compare
Shop a couple of experienced firms. Travel agencies come and go like any other businesses. The ones that stay in business add experience and know-how to each trip they plan. Make your first inquiry with a travel agency a listening experience; judge how well the agent listens to you and how comfortable they make you feel.

A good travel agent will ask you to outline your trip. They’ll ask where you’re going and why, how you’d prefer to travel, how long you plan to stay, and what your travel budget is. Be open and honest with your answers. A good agent will readily put together a sample itinerary that describes availabilities in transportation, accommodations, and estimated costs.


If you feel like you’re getting the “hard sell” or the travel agency tells you there’s only package available, keep shopping. You can always go back if you find that they’re right!

In addition to finding the best rates in lodgings and transportation, an experienced travel agent can also give you some helpful tips about your destination and here’s the bonus— generally it costs nothing to use a travel agency! Because they can buy in volume, travel agencies get discounts on prices for both tickets and lodgings!

For travel made easy, use the services of a travel agency to make your outing a time to remember well!