Bengaluru – India’s pioneering ‘Garden City’
Book plane tickets to Bengaluru, or Bangalore as it was formerly known, and discover both modern and traditional India in its prime.
Explore the city’s vibrant street food culture, expansive museums and grand temples.
Famous as India’s ‘Garden City’ as well as its ‘Silicon Valley’, this capital of the Karnataka region is now home to big-name brands and sweeping malls as well as beautiful parks.
Upmarket restaurants rub shoulders with the latest names in fashion, while the towering skyline seems to expand day by day.
Head to Bangalore Palace and wander the grounds of this royal home, which provides a wonderful example of traditional architecture.
Afterwards, delve into the city’s marketplaces, where all manner of wares can be found. Sample the flavours of traditional Indian cooking, with spices and aromas to tantalise all the senses.
Reasons to visit Bengaluru
Explore the many parks
This destination has traditionally been called the ‘City of Gardens’, and once you fly to Bengaluru it’s easy to see why. Here you’ll find a plethora of beautiful parks and green spaces that invite residents and visitors alike to get back to nature.
One of the most popular places in the city is the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, renowned for its stunning 19th century glasshouse. As you stroll through the scenic grounds, you’ll be surrounded by a vivid selection of colourful plant life.
A wander among the garden’s greenery provides a perfect slice of relaxing bliss. Other gardens to visit in Bengaluru include Cubbon Park, Cariappa Memorial Park and Bannerghatta Butterfly Park.
Admire Bangalore Palace
This 19th century Tudor-style marvel is one of the major landmark attractions of the entire Karnataka region. Bangalore Palace is thought to be inspired by the UK’s Windsor Castle, as well as taking influence from other historic citadels and fortifications from across England and France. And it is just as striking as it sounds.
You can spend hours admiring the intricate architecture, including Gothic-inspired stained-glass windows, fortified towers, turreted parapets and the interior living space displaying a traditional Hindu style. The manicured gardens are a joy to stroll around too, completing your exploration of this architectural gem.
Visit a temple
Bengaluru boasts a variety of majestic temples for visitors to appreciate in all their wonder. The Bull Temple is close to the centre of the city, and really is a sight to behold with its huge, proudly displayed stone statue of Nandi, Shiva’s steed, which is constantly adorned with vibrant flower garlands.
Northwest of the city centre you’ll find the impressive ISKCON Temple, which sits atop Hare Krishna Hill. Visitors are welcome to attend the regular spiritual workshops and prayers held here.
Flying to Bengaluru (Bangalore): FAQs
Where should I stay in Bengaluru?
There are many districts in Bengaluru that are great places to stay – and worth looking into once you’ve booked your Bengaluru flight tickets. The heart of the city is Mahatma Gandhi Road (M.G. Road). The Ashok Nagar district is close to this central point, as is the modern and creative Indiranagar and various holy temples. Koramangala, known for its upmarket accommodation and commercial excitement, is a little further to the south.
How many days should I spend in Bengaluru?
A three-day stay may be enough to see many of the most popular visitor attractions, but if you’d like to discover the surrounding areas such as Mysuru (Mysore) and truly immerse yourself in the local culture, then extending your trip to between five and seven days is advised. Many people also use a flight to Bengaluru as the starting point for a wider Indian adventure – where you could spend two or three weeks touring the country.
What food is Bengaluru known for?
This city has a rich and varied street food culture that is best enjoyed among the wonderful vibrancy of the city’s markets. Tuck into sweet Mangalore Buns or tasty Vada Pav, topped with fiery chutney and a dash of chilli. Or, if you fancy something a little lighter, opt for a crunchy Bhel Puri salad, featuring refreshing greens, puffed rice and a topping of chaat masala.
Why fly to Bengaluru with Etihad?
Create your perfect flight to Bengaluru with Etihad Airways, choosing from a range of upgrades and personalisation options.
If you’re flying Business or First, you can enjoy complimentary access to our worldwide lounges. Here, you can freshen up, indulge in a three-course meal and connect to the Wi-Fi to catch up with emails or chat with friends and family before you fly.
On board, guests in Economy can relax in a reclining seat with a fully adjustable headrest. There’s the option of upgrading to Economy Space or bidding for Economy Neighbour-Free seats to enjoy extra privacy.
Find a whole world of entertainment waiting for you with E-BOX. Select from the latest movies, music, TV shows and much more.
Dine in style in the sky with our complimentary meals, made with fresh ingredients and served with a drink. Business guests can Dine Anytime – selecting dishes from the a la carte menu at a time of their choosing.
*Aircraft, cabins and services may vary by route and flight. You can check this when you search for your flight. This page was last updated Sept 2019.