Bangalore’s historical sites are unique and are loaded with tales, stories, histories, and beautiful architecture.
They educate people about the city’s traditional, religious, political, and cultural history.
At the same time, they represent the architectural expertise of some of the earliest dynasties.
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The contributions of successive dynasties that ruled over Bangalore, such as the Kadambas, Hoysalas, Chalukyas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Mughals, and the British, shape Bangalore’s rich history.
The breathtaking and majestic monuments located here serve as a reminder of that era and the events that occurred.
In this article, you will get to know about the following historical places you can visit in and around Bangalore,
Let’s see each of these places in detail…
1. Tipu Sultan Summer fort
| Location | Chamrajpet, Bengaluru |
| Timings | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Entry fees | INR 15 per person |
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace is at the top of the list of historical sites to visit in Bangalore.
This royal palace is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. It use to serve as the summer residence of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.
The palace is two stories high and made of wood, mortar, stone, and plaster.
The ceilings and walls of the palace, like those of other Indo-Islamic structures throughout India, feature beautiful floral patterns, and the arches have an intricate design.
The Summer Palace also has a museum on the ground floor and is an excellent treat for anyone interested in learning about Tipu Sultan and his reign.
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Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali’s clothing, coins, weapons, silver utensils, and crowns are displayed here.
The museum also houses several paintings depicting important people and historical events, including a 200-year-old oil painting depicting the storming of Srirangapatna.
The palace is surrounded by a large garden area.
Tipu Sultan’s summer palace was constructed between 1778 and 1784 AD.
It is also known as Dariya Daulat Bagh.
The construction of the palace was started by Hyder Ali (Tipu Sultan’s father) and finished by Tipu Sultan.
The burial ground of Tipu Sultan is also located near the palace.
2. Lal Bagh
| Location | Mavalli, Bengaluru |
| Timings | 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Entry fees | Adults: INR 25 (After 8:00 AM) Children below 12 Years: Free Camera: INR 60 |
The historical significance of this botanical garden is evident from the fact that the Lal Bagh was founded during the reign of Hyder Ali in 1760 on 40 acres of land.
It was later expanded to 240 acres by his son Tipu Sultan.
Lal Bagh, or ‘Red Garden,’ got its name from the abundance of red roses found here.
The garden has many attractions, including a beautiful glasshouse, a rare collection of ancient trees, and some rare tropical plant species.
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This botanical garden & its famous glasshouse is a major draw for photography lovers.
Lal Bagh hosts an annual flower show and is home to a variety of flora. It also has a lake and an aquarium.
Tipu Sultan imported and planted trees and plants from all over the world, and Lalbagh Botanical Garden now has one of the world’s largest collections of rare plants.
This garden is home to a variety of birds, including Myna, Parakeets, Crows, Brahminy Kite, Pond Heron, Common Egret, and Purple Moorhen.
3. Bangalore Fort
| Location | New Tharagupet, Bengaluru |
| Timings | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Entry fees | INR 15 per person |
The Bangalore Fort was built as a mud fort in 1537 by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, and was rebuilt in 1761 by Haider Ali.
Bangalore Fort, which has a significant historical significance, is admired by all visitors, particularly history buffs.
This imposing structure has witnessed many historic events, including the struggle of the Mysore Kingdom against the British.
The fort’s walls are adorned with Islamic inscriptions and murals depicting Tipu Sultan’s contempt for the British.
The main attractions within the fort complex are the Summer Palace, Fort Church, and Ganpati Temple.
Bangalore Fort is also known as Tipu Sultan’s fort and ‘The Rash-e-Zannat’, which means the Envy of Heavens.
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The fort takes you through the various architectural styles, their influences, and evolution, and it has its own share of history rooted deeply in the fascinating stone structure.
It represents the architectural creativity and brilliant works of the Mysore rulers and is one of India’s most popular monuments.
This palace showcases the brilliance of Indo-Islamic architecture prevalent in India at the time.
4. Gavi Gandhewsara Temple
| Location | Gavipura, Bengaluru |
| Timings | 6 AM – 8 PM |
| Entry fees | Free |
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a popular Hindu temple and is also one of the most interesting historical sites in Bangalore.
This majestically designed ancient cavern temple exhibits one of the country’s finest examples of rock-cut architecture.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates back to the 9th century. The intricate designs carved into the rocks will leave you spellbound.
Certain aspects of the temple’s architecture involving astrological perspectives are a complete mystery.
The temple is thought to have been carved out of a large monolith rock in the 9th century.
Kempegowda I, the founder of Bangalore, renovated and expanded the temple later in the 16th century.
The Gavipuram Cave Temple is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. The temple’s inner sanctum is housed within a cave carved out of the rock.
The granite pillars in the temple’s forecourt are its main attraction.
5. Venkatappa Art Gallery
| Location | Ambedkar Veedhi, Bangalore |
| Timings | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Entry fees | INR 10 per person |
*Entry fees are subject to change.
The Venkatappa Art Gallery, as the name suggests, exhibits the finest work of K. Venkatappa, one of the grand and celebrated artists.
This two-storied art gallery & museum was opened in 1975.
The government of Mysore decided to build a gallery to display paintings, musical instruments, and the work of various artists in 1996.
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Apart from Venkatappa’s well-known paintings of the Ooty sunrise, the dazzling Nilgiri hills, picturesque Church Hill view, and other contemporary artists’ works are now on display at the gallery.
The work of other well-known artists such as M.F. Hussain, Rekha Rao, and Vasudev is also noteworthy.
Artworks dating back to the Stone Age provide visitors with a clear understanding of ancient craftsmanship.
The museum displays a variety of sculptures, exquisite wooden work, antiques from the Harappan civilization, and much more that will undoubtedly amaze history buffs.
With its numerous exhibits and displays, Venkatappa Art Gallery provides a glimpse into the glorious past.
The gallery’s extensive collection attracts visitors from all over India.
Paintings from the Hoysala, Gandhara, and Nolamba periods, exquisite wood carvings, phenomenally carved sculptures, geology and art specimens, and ancient musical instruments are some significant exhibits.
Some of the rare artworks on display date back to 2000 BC too.
There is no doubt that every historic enthusiast should visit Bangalore at least once in his or her lifetime to appreciate the beauty of these historic monuments.
You can also know about the rich culture and history of Bangalore.
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