Bangalore Through the Ages Tour: Best of the City + Lunch & Guide
In this comprehensive Bangalore tour, you will explore the city’s top landmarks and hidden gems, including the historic Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple or Bull Temple, India’s renowned Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the bustling KR Market, the remnants of Bangalore Fort, Bangalore Palace, the Government Archaeological Museum, an Anglican church, and the iconic Vidhana Soudha and High Court, which serve as seats of government. Enjoy lunch at a century-old iconic restaurant while learning about the historical significance of these sites and their role in shaping modern Bangalore. By the end of the tour, you will gain a deep understanding of Bangalore’s transformation from its humble origins to its status as a global technology hub.
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Bangalore Through the Ages
Duration: 8 hours
Pickup included
What's included in Bangalore Through the Ages Tour: Best of the City + Lunch & Guide
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Please Note: Our expert guide will take you to all the sites listed in the itinerary, not just a select few. To ensure an authentic experience, we intentionally avoid overly touristy spots, allowing us to offer you a unique and unparalleled perspective of the city. We begin our tour at the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden, one of South Asia's foremost botanical gardens. Established in 1760 by Hyder Ali as a private garden, it boasts one of India’s largest collections of tropical and rare trees. We'll explore these unique plants in depth. Lalbagh is also home to Bangalore’s only national monument and the iconic Glass House, built in 1889. As we leisurely walk through the garden, you’ll learn about Bangalore’s origins—from its modest beginnings to its rise through eras of trade, conflict, and growth, leading to its transformation into a modern metropolis and the world’s IT outsourcing capital.
Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple
Next, we visit the Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, one of Bangalore’s oldest and most revered temples, dates back nearly 1,000 years to the Chola dynasty, with 16th-century Vijayanagara-era additions enhancing its grandeur. Once Inside, admire the intricately carved pillars, ornate gopuram, and detailed sculptures of Hindu deities. The inner chamber houses Nayanar statues, and devotees whisper wishes into the ears of the majestic Nandi statue, guarding the sanctum of Lord Someshwara (lord Shivas local name). As we explore this fascinating temple, you’ll gain insights into Hinduism too—a religion with a billion followers—its unique attributes, and its diverse gods. Note: This tour includes a visit to one Hindu temple. Depending on the starting location, we will visit either this temple or the Bull Temple.
Bull Temple
Next, we visit the Big Bull Temple, home to a massive monolithic sculpture—one of the largest in India. This temple stands out for several reasons, from the worship of the bull as a deity to its late medieval origins. It also offers a rare opportunity to step inside the sanctum sanctorum—an experience uncommon in most Hindu temples—and receive a blessing from the priest. As we explore this remarkable temple, you'll also gain insights into Hinduism—a faith with a billion followers—its unique traditions, and its diverse deities. Note: This tour includes a visit to one Hindu temple. Depending on the starting location, we will visit either the Big Bull Temple or the Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple.
Inclusions
- A lavish traditional Lunch
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Bottled water
- All entry Fees
- Enjoy the tour with a dedicated expert guide, not brief local guides at each site
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Central Bengaluru area
- Experience more of the city's captivating landmarks and hidden gems than any other tour offers.
- Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
- Visiting Tourist trap monuments and shops
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Personal Shopping
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers.
- Dress code is smart casual
- Language English only
- A maximum of 8 people per booking
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
- Wheelchair not accessible
- Minimum age is 2 years
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
We will pick you up and drop you back to your central Bangalore location/hotel or M G Road Metro Station
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Dress code is smart casual • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions • Not recommended for participants with back problems Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.