Bangalore and the surrounding area boast lots of interesting attractions, including palaces, temples, botanical gardens and parks. Considered by many to be one of India’s top travel destinations, the city offers up a pleasing combination of the ultra-modern and reminders of the country’s ancient roots. Cubbon Park, set in the city’s centre, features lovely gardens and shaded areas, and also a very popular amusement park; and the Labagh Botanical Gardens, located to the south, is home to an impressive collection of rare tropical plant species. The architecture of the city’s palaces and temples ranges from sleek modern to exotic ancient styles.

Bangalore Palace
Located in the heart of the city, Bangalore Palace was built in the late 19^th century in the Tudor style. It is set amid beautifully landscaped grounds, with both palace and gardens inspired by Windsor Castle in the UK. Highlights of the palace’s interior are its carved woodwork and collection of historic paintings. Visitors can tour many of the palace’s rooms and attend exhibitions and cultural programmes held on the palace grounds.

Bull Temple
Kempe Gowda, a noted local architect of ancient times, was responsible for the design of the Bull Temple, which is one of the most frequently visited sites in Bangalore. The bull was Lord Shiva's vehicle, and is represented here by a statue carved from a single block of granite.

Cubbon Park
The park is centrally located, and provides an area of visual beauty as well as shade from the hot sun. You’ll find literally hundreds of blooming shrubs and trees; an amusement park; and quiet spaces for relaxation. Several impressive structures surround the park, including the Aquarium; the Karnataka High Court, also known as Attara Kacheri; the Government (archaeological) Museum; Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall; the Venkatappa Art Gallery; and the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum.

Fort and Tipu Sultan's Palace
The old fort is in ruin, but parts still stand as a reminder of the local struggle led by Tipu Sultan against the domination of the British. Built by Kempe Gowda in 1537, features of note include the Islamic-style carved arches and the Ganapati temple – which is quite well preserved. Tipu Sultan's Palace, which is situated close by the fort, was completed in 1791, and now houses a museum. The palace is a wooden structure, standing two storeys tall, having carved, ornate arches, pillars and balconies.

ISKCON Temple Complex
This complex blends modern Indian architecture with that of the traditional South Indian temple style, and was built to provide a centre for meditation, instruction and retreat. The complex centre houses a number of multi-media theatres and libraries; and there is accommodation available at the complex for bramacharis, devotees, members and those taking short-term courses that are on offer here.

Labagh Botanical Gardens
The word ‘labagh’ refers to the profusion of red-coloured blossoms of the roses planted in these botanical gardens, situated south of Bangalore. Designed in the 18^th century by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, his son, the garden boasts trees standing today that date from that time. India’s largest collection of rare tropical plants is found here, as is a glass house that’s copied from the Crystal Palace in London. Phone: +91 80 2657 3667.

Shiva Temple
An imposing statue of Lord Shiva dominates this temple site, located just behind the Kemp Fort. Two of the main attractions here are the holy cave and the wishing pool. The cave houses the ornately decorated Jyotir Lingas; and the pool is filled with coins dropped by visitors as they make wishes and chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya' seven times – in the belief that this will make their wishes come true.

Sri Banashankari Amma Temple
Located on Kanakapura road, this temple is one of the most popular in Bangalore – dedicated to and named after the goddess Banashankari. Not only is this an architecturally-striking monument, it is also significant to locals in that there is a belief that hardship and poverty can be alleviated by worshipping here.

Sri Gavi Gangadhar-Eshwara Temple
This cave temple draws large numbers of visitors in January, on Makara Sankranthi day, when a ray of sunlight passes between the horns on the bull statue that guards the entrance to the temple, illuminating the deity (Shiva Linga) within. The construction of the temple and the accurate placement of the statue testify to the astronomical, as well as the architectural, skills of these ancient builders.

Bangalore has gotten the reputation of being one of the most exciting urban destinations in India, offering lots of cultural performances, excellent entertainment in clubs and theatres, nature preserves and unique museums. Whether you’re looking for something to do that’s low-key and restful, such as a visit to Bannerghatta National Park or taking in a traditional theatre performance – or if you prefer the action of amusement parks and the club scene, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied for several days.

Enjoy a spa treatment or massage. Massages and spa treatments are offered around the city, combining the best of traditional treatments and cutting-edge modern trends. Whether visitors are seeking respite from the city’s frenzied pace or looking for the latest in spa offerings, there’s much on offer in Bangalore that blends East and West. SPA.ce, located on Cunningham road in a lovely colonial-style building, is run by an ex-pat from the UK, and is a good example of the quality in spa treatment that’s available here.

Hit the town for a night of clubbing. Known as the ‘Pub City of India’, Bangalore boasts an ever-increasing selection of bars, clubs and pubs that ensure an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. Most venues close at midnight on weeknights, but stay open until the early hours during the weekend. The crowd tends towards the young professional type; and dancing to the latest music at trendy clubs is popular. Kingfisher beer, one of India’s favourites, is brewed here.

Hop on a ride at an amusement park. Anyone travelling with children, or who still enjoys the thrill of amusement park rides, will find plenty of choice in and around Bangalore. Bal Bhavan, one of the most popular fun parks, is located in the centre; and Neeladri Park is a combination of amusement park and water park – also featuring a Roman-style amphitheatre.

Play with the gadgets at Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum. There’s an amazing collection of electronic and scientific gadgets to be found on display at this vast museum, in its many exhibits on communications, digital electronics, virtual environments and innovations in computer software. Visitors have a chance to watch the process of making silicon chips, learn how digital circuits operate, and see demonstrations on the latest in optical and satellite communications.

Spot the animals at Bannerghatta National Park. Just over 20kms from the city and easily reached by car, this national park allows visitors to observe a range of wild animals in their native habitats. The residents of the park include bison, elephants, lions and panthers; and there are also crocodile and snake farms onsite.

Take in a cultural performance. Bangalore Palace hosts a programme of cultural shows and live theatre performances during the summer months. The larger hotels also offer up entertainment in the evenings, often in the form of colourfully-dressed folk dancers; and the city’s theatres stage live performances of modern and traditional works.