Overview
Get to know the evolution of Bangalore from its humble beginnings to its transformation into a modern megapolis in this 8 to 9-hour guided tour.
Explore the fascinating sites of different eras and visit a historical temple, archaeological museum, heritage buildings, a bustling bazaar and market, statues and a church, remains of a fortification, and a lush park, and learn about their significance and contribution in the making of Bangalore.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Bottled water
Entry Fees
Professional English Speaking Heritage Expert
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Central Bengaluru area
Authentic local Lunch
Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
Personal Shopping
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
We will pick you up and drop you back to your central Bangalore location/hotel or Cauvery Emporium
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
• 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.
What to expect
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Lalbagh Botanical Garden
2 hours
Our story and exploration begins at this marvellous garden dating form 1760, making it the oldest in the city. It is also the largest in the city with over two thousand species of rare and tropical plant life.
Along with exploring the unique sights the garden has to offer you will also get to know how Bangalore evolved from its modest origin in pre-medieval times to the times when it was a fairly nondescript place compared to its more illustrious peers, now long faded into oblivion; to the fascinating period when the city was traded and gifted about; then fought over and retained as a prized possession; right down to the time it reached an inflexion point culminating in its transformation into a modern metropolis and IT outsourcing capital of the world. -
Bangalore District
30 min
Next we make our way to a centuries old historical temple whose tall gopura or tower has stood like a sentinel watching the colossal events of the city and the evolution of the landscape around it. Get to know about the Hindu religion which has a billion adherents and its unique attributes and gods as we seek the blessings of the deity inside the temple.
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Bangalore Fort
30 min
More stories of the city are contained within the modest precinct of this once might fort than in any other part of the city. Get to marvel at the expertly constructed granite walls( the stone placements have been compared to the ones in Machu Picchu), stone carvings/stucco artwork and massive wooden doorways that have gracefully withstood the passage of time.
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KR Market
2 hours
We then stroll over to this remarkable wholesale market which emerges in the late 1790s on a dried lakebed. Get to witness the hustle and bustle of the daily life of the buyers and sellers. Some of the unique sights(especially of the flower market), sounds and smells are sure to stay with you for a long time to come.
We break off for a traditional south Indian lunch after this stop -
Venkatappa Art Gallery and Government Museum
30 min
Post lunch we will explore the sights and landmarks of what was called the Cantonment and later, the Civil and Military station during the British rule of this part of the city. We begin at the Government Archeological museum, a picturesque Greco-Roman building from 1877, a modest home to some unique artefacts and stone sculptors that showcase the glory of Bangalore and its surroundings and India in general.
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Sir Mark Cubbon Statue
15 min
We stroll over to a fine cast-iron statue of a unique and likeable Briton from the Isle of Man and get to know why we have many landmarks and locations named after him in Bangalore even to this day
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Vidhana Soudha and Attara Kacheri
15 min
This stately Pompeian red coloured building is now the High court of Karnataka but was earlier known as the Public Offices or Attara Kacheri and housed the various departments to carry out the administration of the state. It was built in 1868 on a scale way beyond its actual need. Get to admire its perfect symmetry, Corinthian columns and pediments as you listen to interesting facts about this building.
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Vidhana Soudha and Attara Kacheri
15 min
Our next stop is the majestic Vidhana Soudha, the largest state legislature or local parliament building in India made of grey granite. Get to know the interesting story of why this building comes about and the reason it looks the way it is
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Bangalore District
30 min
No story of British rule of the state from 1831 to 1881 is complete without a visit to a prominent church from that era. Its hallowed walls contain stories and vivid descriptions of its gentry and you will hear from us how a tiny island nation on the edge of the Atlantic ocean, several thousand kilometers from here manages to establish a toehold in India and goes on to establish the largest empire known to mankind.
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Bangalore Palace
20 min
Our last stop of this comprehensive tour of the city ends at the Bangalore Palace. We will explore the outside of this stately building, the Bangalore home since the 1870s of the Wodeyar rulers of the kingdom of Mysore. Get to know the fascinating story of why this home of the rulers looks so British with its battlements, turrets and ivy on its granite walls
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Asia/Kolkata).
Additional Information
- Minimum age is 2 years
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Bangalore Through the Ages - Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Can I cancel Bangalore Through the Ages - Full-Day Tour with Lunch for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 7–8 hours.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
We will pick you up and drop you back to your central Bangalore location/hotel or Cauvery Emporium Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- Bottled water
- Entry Fees
- Professional English Speaking Heritage Expert
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Central Bengaluru area
- Authentic local Lunch
- Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
What's not included?
- Personal Shopping
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore District, Bangalore Fort, KR Market, Venkatappa Art Gallery and Government Museum, Sir Mark Cubbon Statue, Vidhana Soudha and Attara Kacheri, Bangalore Palace.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
The minimum age is 2 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Hidden Gems Tours
