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Old Bangalore historical walking tour

5.0· 90 reviewsFrom INR 2000
Old Bangalore historical walking tour — Cultural & heritage things to do in Bangalore

Three-hour stroll through the historic district — Tipu Palace, Bangalore Fort, temples, and a bustling market, with insights into local life.

This three-hour walking tour takes you through the oldest parts of Bangalore, showcasing its rich history and vibrant culture. You'll visit the 230-year-old Tipu Palace, made of teak, and observe rituals at the Vishnu temple. The walk also includes the 16th-century Bangalore Fort and a lively market filled with fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables.

Expect a sensory experience as you navigate through bustling streets alive with vendors and locals. Please dress modestly, covering your legs and shoulders, as the route includes visits to both Hindu and Jain temples. While the tour begins at a designated location, transport to and from your hotel can be arranged for an additional fee.

Places you'll visit

FAQ

Good to know

What's included in this experience?+
• Admission fees for all monuments
What's NOT included?+
• Gratuities for the guide are not included • Lunch and transportation are not included
What should I know before booking?+
• Nearby public transportation is accessible. • Appropriate for individuals of all fitness levels. • Modest attire is required for temple visits, with dresses covering legs and shoulders; women should also bring a scarf.
What's the cancellation policy?+
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made a minimum of 24 hours prior to the planned departure time.
What's the itinerary?+
• The tour begins with a greeting and you will be accompanied by a licensed guide recognized by the Govt. of India who will take you to Tipu Palace. This palace, constructed 230 years ago entirely from teak wood, showcases typical Islamic architecture and features areas like diwas-e-am and diwan-e-khas. You will learn about Tipu Sultan, including his interactions with the French, the Anglo-Mysore wars, and his various contributions and controversies. Additionally, a visit to the Museum on the grounds provides insight into how he is often referred to as the Grandfather of Rocket Science. • Adjacent to the Tipu Palace is a temple built in 1690 AD by Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar, which features intricate stone sculptures of Indian mythological figures adorning its walls. The ornately carved stone columns inside highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of the artists. Hindu worshippers often need to reserve several months ahead to participate in the "Kalyanotsava" (the marriage ceremony of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi) here. Legend has it that the temple's Garuda Gamba protected Tipu Sultan from a cannonball fired by Cornwallis, which could have struck the palace. The next destination is Bangalore Fort, located a 10-minute walk away. • Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore, originally built a mud fort in the 16th century, which Hyder Ali reconstructed in stone in the 1760s. Only about 5% of the Fort remains and it is currently open to visitors. This well-maintained but largely lesser-known monument is worth a visit. • To observe everyday life in India, this bustling market is an ideal spot. It offers a rich sensory experience with vendors, workers, coolies, hawkers, buyers, and animals like cows and dogs all sharing the space. The area is filled with heaps of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and spices. Despite the apparent chaos, order exists amidst the hustle. • Jainism, one of the oldest religions, originated in India and has a history spanning at least 2500 years. It coexists with Buddhism and emphasizes principles such as non-violence and vegetarianism. Although the Jain community constitutes less than 0.4% of India's population, they contribute over 24% to personal tax revenues, hold more than 28% of Indian real estate, and boast a literacy rate of 94%. Nearly half of the stockbrokers in India are Jains, highlighting their significant influence on the success of Indian businesses. Access to a Jain temple may include specific conditions and restrictions.

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