5 Days in Bengaluru
Planning 5 days in Bengaluru? A relaxed 5-day exploration of Bengaluru blending its Garden City heritage, royal palaces, spiritual landmarks, and nearby natural escapes, with day trips toward Mysuru and Chennai. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.
Day 1: Royal Heritage & Garden City Icons
Day 1
Begin in the heart of Bengaluru with its royal and colonial-era landmarks. Visit the lush Lalbagh Botanical Garden, marvel at the Tudor-style Bangalore Palace, and step back in time at Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace before ending at Vidhana Soudha and Cubbon Park.
Activities
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Bangalore Palace
- Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
- Vidhana Soudha & Cubbon Park
Meals
- •Breakfast at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room)
- •Lunch at Koshy's
- •Dinner at Empire Restaurant
Day 2: Spiritual & Cultural Bengaluru
Day 2
Dedicate the day to the city's spiritual and cultural landmarks. Visit the grand ISKCON temple, the ancient Bull Temple, and the scenic Sankey Tank, then explore the vibrant Malleshwaram neighbourhood for local food and shopping.
Activities
- ISKCON Bangalore (Sri Radha Krishna Temple)
- Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
- Sankey Tank
- Malleshwaram Market
Meals
- •Breakfast at CTR (Central Tiffin Room)
- •Lunch at Rameshwaram Cafe
- •Dinner at Halli Mane
Day 3: Nature Escapes & Adventure
Day 3
Venture into the wild and scenic outskirts of Bengaluru. Spend the morning at Bannerghatta National Park, then head to the serene Manchanabele Dam for water activities, and finish with a sunset view at Savandurga, one of Asia's largest monolith hills.
Activities
- Bannerghatta National Park
- Manchanabele Dam
- Savandurga
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel or local cafe
- •Lunch at a resort near Bannerghatta
- •Dinner at a local restaurant in Magadi
Day 4: Day Trip to Mysuru
Day 4
Take a full-day excursion to the royal city of Mysuru, a distinct destination about 150 km from Bengaluru. Explore the magnificent Mysore Palace (a separate landmark, not in Bengaluru), the Chamundi Hill temple, and the historic Srirangapatna en route.
Activities
- Mysuru (Mysore) Palace
- Chamundi Hill Temple
- Srirangapatna (historical town)
Meals
- •Breakfast at a hotel or en route
- •Lunch at Mysuru's iconic Vinayaka Mylari
- •Dinner back in Bengaluru
Day 5: Day Trip to Chennai (via Kanchipuram)
Day 5
Take an early morning train to Chennai, a distinct coastal city in Tamil Nadu. Visit the historic Kanchipuram temples en route, enjoy Marina Beach, and sample authentic South Indian fare before returning to Bengaluru by overnight train.
Activities
- Chennai Central or Egmore
- Kanchipuram Temples (en route)
- Marina Beach
- Fort St. George
Meals
- •Breakfast on train
- •Lunch at Saravana Bhavan in Chennai
- •Dinner on return train
Detailed Timeline
Day 1
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room)
Start the day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at this iconic 1924 restaurant. Try the rava idli, dosa, and filter coffee. Expect a queue; arrive early. Cost: ₹200–₹300 per person.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Explore the 240-acre garden founded in the 1760s by Hyder Ali and expanded by Tipu Sultan. Walk through the glasshouse, modelled on London's Crystal Palace, and see the ancient trees and flower beds. Entry fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners. Allow 2 hours.
Bangalore Palace
Visit the Tudor-style palace built in the 1870s-80s for the Wadiyar royal family, inspired by Windsor Castle. Tour the opulent interiors, including the ballroom and armoury. Entry fee: ₹450 for Indians, ₹650 for foreigners. Photography allowed with extra fee. Spend about 1.5 hours.
Afternoon
Lunch at Koshy's
A legendary Bangalore institution since 1940, Koshy's serves a mix of continental and Indian dishes. Try their chicken steak or fish and chips. Cost: ₹400–₹700 per person. Located near St. Mark's Road.
Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
Built in the 1780s-90s, this Indo-Islamic wooden palace was part of the Bangalore Fort complex. Admire the ornate teak pillars and floral motifs. Entry fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners. Allow 1 hour.
Vidhana Soudha (view from outside)
Drive past the Neo-Dravidian granite building completed in 1956, housing the state legislature. It is not open for casual tourist entry, but you can take photos from the front. Best viewed from the Cubbon Park side.
Cubbon Park
Relax in this 300-acre park laid out in 1870, adjoining the High Court and Vidhana Soudha. Walk through the tree-lined avenues, visit the Attara Kacheri (High Court) building, and enjoy the evening breeze. Free entry. Spend 1.5 hours.
Evening
Dinner at Empire Restaurant
Head to this popular chain for a hearty dinner of Mughlai and North Indian cuisine. Try the kebabs and biryani. Cost: ₹300–₹500 per person. Many branches across the city.
Day 2
7 activities
Morning
Breakfast at CTR (Central Tiffin Room)
A beloved eatery in Malleshwaram, famous for its benne dosa (butter dosa). Arrive early to avoid long queues. Cost: ₹100–₹200 per person.
ISKCON Bangalore (Sri Radha Krishna Temple)
One of the largest ISKCON complexes in the world, built in 1997. The temple features stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. Participate in the morning aarti or simply admire the deities. Free entry; aarti tickets may be needed for special darshan. Dress modestly. Allow 2 hours.
Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
A 16th-century Dravidian-style temple built by Kempe Gowda I, housing a monolithic granite Nandi statue. The temple is located in Basavanagudi. Visit early to avoid crowds. Free entry; donations welcome. Spend about 1 hour.
Afternoon
Lunch at Rameshwaram Cafe
A modern chain serving authentic South Indian breakfast and meals. Try their ghee podi idli and filter coffee. Cost: ₹150–₹300 per person.
Sankey Tank
A serene man-made lake in Malleshwaram, perfect for a leisurely walk or boating. Enjoy the birdlife and shaded paths. Boating costs around ₹50–₹100 per person. Spend 1.5 hours.
Malleshwaram Market & Local Exploration
Stroll through the bustling Malleshwaram market, known for fresh flowers, spices, and local snacks. Try the famous 'Malleshwaram' style chaat or the iconic 'Raghavendra Stores' mixture. Free to wander; budget for snacks.
Evening
Dinner at Halli Mane
A restaurant serving authentic Karnataka-style meals. Try the traditional thali with local specialities like akki rotti and saaru. Cost: ₹200–₹400 per person.
Day 3
7 activities
Morning
Breakfast at hotel or local cafe
Have an early breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe. Opt for a light meal as you'll be travelling. Cost: ₹150–₹300.
Drive to Bannerghatta National Park
Located about 22 km from central Bengaluru, the park opens at 9 AM. Hire a taxi or drive; parking available. The park is famous for its tiger and lion safaris, and the zoo. Safari tickets: ₹400–₹600 per person (bus safari).
Bannerghatta National Park Safari & Zoo
Take the safari to see tigers, lions, bears, and deer in a naturalistic enclosure. Visit the zoo and butterfly park. Allow 3–4 hours. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
Afternoon
Lunch at a resort near Bannerghatta
Several resorts around Bannerghatta offer buffet lunches. Try Jungle Lodges or a local restaurant. Cost: ₹300–₹600 per person.
Drive to Manchanabele Dam
About 60 km from Bannerghatta, this dam on the Arkavathi River is a popular spot for water sports and picnics. The drive takes about 2 hours. Enjoy kayaking or boating (if available). Entry free; water sports extra.
Sunset at Savandurga
Savandurga is one of Asia's largest monolith hills, about 20 km from Manchanabele. Trek or simply view the sunset from the base. The hill offers panoramic views. Trekking requires a guide; sunset views are free. Spend about 2 hours.
Evening
Dinner at a local restaurant in Magadi
On the way back to Bengaluru, stop in Magadi town for a simple dinner at a local eatery. Try Karnataka-style meals or biryani. Cost: ₹200–₹300 per person.
Day 4
7 activities
Morning
Early breakfast and departure to Mysuru
Start early for the 150 km drive to Mysuru (about 3 hours). You can also take the Shatabdi Express from KSR Bengaluru City. Have a quick breakfast at the station or on the way. Cost: train ₹300–₹500; taxi ₹2,500–₹3,500 for the day.
Mysuru (Mysore) Palace
This grand palace is the seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, distinct from Bengaluru. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, it is one of India's most visited monuments. Entry fee: ₹70 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners. Allow 2 hours. Note: It is not in Bengaluru but a must-visit day trip.
Afternoon
Chamundi Hill Temple
Drive up Chamundi Hill to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Chamunda. The hill offers views of the city. Entry free; aarti tickets may be needed. Spend about 1.5 hours.
Lunch at Vinayaka Mylari (Mysuru)
Famous for its soft dosas and chutney, this iconic eatery is a must-try. Expect a queue. Cost: ₹100–₹200 per person.
Srirangapatna (en route back)
Stop at this historic island town, the capital of Tipu Sultan. Visit the Dariya Daulat Bagh (Summer Palace) and the Gumbaz mausoleum. Entry fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners. Spend 1.5 hours.
Drive back to Bengaluru
Return to Bengaluru by road or train. The journey takes about 3 hours. Enjoy the scenic countryside.
Evening
Dinner in Bengaluru
Have dinner at a restaurant of your choice, such as Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) for a late South Indian meal or a rooftop place. Cost: ₹300–₹600 per person.
Day 5
7 activities
Morning
Early morning train to Chennai
Take the Shatabdi Express (6 AM) or another early train from KSR Bengaluru City to Chennai Central (about 5.5 hours). Book tickets in advance. Cost: ₹500–₹1,500 depending on class.
Arrive in Chennai and head to Kanchipuram
Chennai is a distinct destination in Tamil Nadu, not part of Bengaluru. Hire a cab from the station to Kanchipuram (about 70 km). Visit the famous Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple. Entry free; dress modestly. Spend about 2 hours.
Afternoon
Lunch at Saravana Bhavan in Chennai
This chain is famous for its South Indian vegetarian meals. Try the thali or dosa. Cost: ₹200–₹400 per person.
Marina Beach
Visit one of the world's longest urban beaches, stretching over 13 km. Walk along the promenade and see the statues. Free entry. Spend about 1 hour.
Fort St. George & St. Mary's Church
Built in 1640, this fort is the birthplace of modern Chennai. Visit the museum and the church, one of India's oldest Anglican churches. Entry fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹150 for foreigners. Allow 1 hour.
Evening
Evening snacks at Marina or local market
Try local street food like sundal (spiced chickpeas) or bhajji near the beach. Cost: ₹50–₹100.
Return to Bengaluru by overnight train
Take the overnight train (e.g., Chennai–Bengaluru Mail) to reach Bengaluru by early morning. Ensure you have a sleeper or AC berth. Cost: ₹400–₹1,200.
Food Recommendations
MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room)
South Indian VegetarianMust Try: Rava Idli, Masala Dosa, Filter Coffee
₹150–₹300 per person
Koshy's
Continental & IndianMust Try: Chicken Steak, Fish and Chips, Apple Pie
₹400–₹700 per person
Empire Restaurant
Mughlai & North IndianMust Try: Chicken Biryani, Kebabs, Butter Chicken
₹300–₹500 per person
Transportation Tips
- Use the Bengaluru Metro (Namma Metro) for quick travel between key areas like MG Road, Cubbon Park, and Lalbagh.
- For day trips to Nandi Hills, Bannerghatta, and Mysuru, hire a private cab for the day (approx ₹2,500–₹4,000) or use app-based rides like Ola/Uber.
- To reach Chennai, book Shatabdi Express or other trains in advance via IRCTC; travel time is about 5–6 hours.
- Avoid peak-hour traffic (8–10 AM and 6–9 PM) when moving within the city; plan your outings accordingly.
Budget Breakdown
Total Estimated Per Person
₹25,000–₹45,000 for 5 days (excluding intercity travel)
Accommodation
₹3,000–₹8,000 per night (mid-range hotels)
Food
₹1,500–₹2,500 per day
Transport
₹1,000–₹2,000 per day (cabs, metro, trains)
Miscellaneous
₹1,000–₹2,000 per day (entry fees, activities)
More Itineraries
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