Garden City Weekend: Bengaluru's Heritage & Green Spaces
From Royal Palaces to Botanical Wonders
Trip Overview
Discover Bengaluru's unique blend of royal heritage, lush gardens, and vibrant culture in this perfectly paced three-day itinerary. Known as India's Garden City, Bengaluru offers magnificent botanical gardens, grand palaces, and fascinating museums that showcase both natural beauty and technological innovation. This weekend journey takes you through the city's most iconic landmarks while allowing time to savor South Indian cuisine and experience the relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere. You'll explore centuries-old forts, stroll through expansive green spaces, and discover quirky attractions like brain museums and tree fossils. The itinerary balances structured sightseeing with leisurely exploration, perfect for soaking in the city's pleasant climate and friendly vibe.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Royal Heritage & Botanical Beauty
Where to Stay Tonight
MG Road or Indiranagar (Mid-range hotel in the central business district)
Central location provides easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and public transportation for the next two days
Science, Nature & Spiritual Heritage
Where to Stay Tonight
MG Road or Indiranagar (Same accommodation as Day 1)
Staying in the same location eliminates check-in/check-out hassles and keeps you centrally located
Historic Forts & Natural Wonders
Where to Stay Tonight
Near airport if departing early, otherwise same location (Transit hotel or same central accommodation)
Choose based on departure time - airport hotels offer convenience for early flights
Practical Information
Getting Around
Bengaluru offers multiple transportation options including the metro system connecting major areas, auto-rickshaws (insist on meter or negotiate fare beforehand), and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola which are convenient and affordable. For the Big Banyan Tree, hiring a taxi for half-day is most practical. The metro is excellent for reaching central attractions, while walking is pleasant in areas like Lalbagh and around MG Road. Budget approximately $10-15 daily for local transportation. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, so plan accordingly.
Book Ahead
Bengaluru Palace tickets can be purchased on arrival. Check Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium show timings online and arrive early. Most other attractions don't require advance booking. Book accommodation in advance during peak season (December-January) and during major festivals.
Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes, light cotton clothing, sunscreen and hat, reusable water bottle, modest clothing for religious sites, light jacket for evening (October-February), umbrella during monsoon months, camera for gardens and architecture
Total Budget
$130-180 for 3 days (excluding accommodation and flights)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels in areas like Koramangala or Indiranagar ($10-15/night). Eat exclusively at local South Indian restaurants and street food stalls. Use public buses and metro instead of taxis. Skip Bengaluru Palace or visit only the gardens. Many parks and the basilica are free. Pack lunch from local bakeries. Total budget can be reduced to $25-35 per day.
Luxury Upgrade
Stay at five-star heritage hotels in the city center. Book private guided tours of Bengaluru Palace with exclusive access. Enjoy high tea at colonial-era clubs. Hire a private car and driver for all three days. Dine at upscale restaurants featuring regional cuisine with contemporary presentations. Include spa treatments and rooftop sundowner experiences. Add a cooking class focusing on Karnataka cuisine. Budget $150-250 per day.
Family-Friendly
Add Snow City Bengaluru for kids to experience artificial snow and winter activities. Spend more time at Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum with its interactive exhibits. Include Jayamahal Park for playground facilities and open spaces. Visit Butterfly Park earlier in the itinerary when kids are more energetic. Choose family-friendly restaurants with diverse menus. Consider shorter visits to each attraction with more breaks. Many parks have designated children's play areas perfect for energy release between cultural sites.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Bengaluru