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Silicon Valley of India

Bengaluru architecture

Bengaluru was the first city in Asia to introduce electric streetlights in 1905, long before many other global capitals. Today, it is known as the 'Garden City' for its expansive parks and the 'Silicon Valley of India' for its role as the nation's leading technology and startup hub.

  • 5Landmarks
  • 1878Oldest · Bangalore Palace
  • 128 mTallest · World Trade Center Bengaluru
  • 6Architects

Before you go

  • Fly intoKempegowda Int'l (BLR)

    The airport's newest terminal is designed as a 'Terminal in a Garden,' featuring massive hanging gardens and sustainable bamboo structures throughout the interior. It is meant to reflect the city's botanical heritage, creating a tranquil environment that uses natural light and lush greenery to soothe travelers.

  • CurrencyIndian Rupee (₹)
  • LanguageKannada & English

    Kannada is the local language, but Bengaluru’s status as a global tech hub makes English the primary language of work and daily life for many. It is a true polyglot city where many residents switch effortlessly between four or five different languages.

  • Getting aroundNamma Metro

    Namma Metro was the first underground metro system in South India and features the distinctive Purple and Green lines. Bengaluru's BMTC buses include a specialized 'Vayu Vajra' fleet of Volvos specifically for airport travel. The city is currently developing a suburban rail project to alleviate some of the world's heaviest road traffic.

5 landmarks in Bengaluru

  1. Vidhana Soudha
    Photo: Yashaswi.jayakumar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Vidhana Soudha

    Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

    This building serves as the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka and is a magnificent example of Neo-Dravidian architecture. It features four distinct corner towers and a massive central dome topped by the four-headed lion of India. The facade is decorated with intricate stone carvings that showcase the region's rich artistic heritage. Built largely from local Bangalore granite, the structure was described by its creator as a 'Temple dedicated to the Nation.' It remains one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks in all of South India.

    Built
    1956
    Architect
    B.R. Manickam
    Style
    Neo-Dravidian / Indo-Saracenic
    Height
    46 m (151 ft)
    Stories
    4
    Today
    Legislative Assembly / Secretariat

  2. Bangalore Palace

    Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052

    Inspired by the royal Windsor Castle in England, this palace is famous for its distinct Tudor-style architecture. The exterior is complete with fortified towers, battlements, and turrets that create a medieval European aesthetic. Inside, the rooms are adorned with elegant floral motifs, intricate wood carvings, and a famous collection of historic paintings. The sprawling grounds surrounding the palace have transitioned into a major venue for massive international music concerts. It stands today as a unique bridge between Indian royalty and British architectural influence.

    Built
    1878
    Architect
    Rev. J. Garrett
    Style
    Tudor Revival
    Height
    25 m (82 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Museum / Event Venue
  3. UB Tower
    Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Kailash Naik assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    UB Tower

    24 Vittal Mallya Road, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

    As the crown jewel of UB City, this postmodern skyscraper was the tallest building in Karnataka for many years. Its design features a distinctive curved glass facade that reflects the rapidly changing city skyline. A private rooftop helipad sits at the top to cater to high-profile corporate executives. The tower is situated above a high-end luxury mall that houses some of the world's most exclusive brands. It serves as a powerful symbol of the city’s immense corporate wealth and its global financial status.

    Built
    2008
    Architect
    Thomas Associates
    Style
    Postmodern
    Height
    123 m (404 ft)
    Stories
    20
    Today
    Commercial / Office

  4. IIM Bangalore Campus

    Bannerghatta Road, Bilekahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076

    Designed by Pritzker Prize winner B.V. Doshi, this campus is a masterclass in Brutalist and sustainable architecture. The layout was heavily inspired by the historic walled city of Fatehpur Sikri. It utilizes local granite and a network of lush corridors to create a seamless flow of air and light. These green-filled courtyards effectively blur the line between the indoor learning areas and the outdoor natural spaces. This design philosophy transforms the educational environment into a serene 'temple of learning.'

    Built
    1983
    Architect
    B.V. Doshi
    Style
    Modernist / Brutalist
    Height
    15 m (49 ft)
    Stories
    3
    Today
    Educational Institution
  5. World Trade Center Bengaluru
    Photo: Gpkp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    World Trade Center Bengaluru

    26/1 Dr. Rajkumar Road, Malleshwaram-Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560055

    This sleek glass tower is located within the prestigious Brigade Gateway integrated enclave in North Bengaluru. It is a LEED Gold certified green building that emphasizes energy efficiency and modern sustainability. The tower serves as a central hub for international trade and major multinational corporate headquarters. It features a high-speed elevator system and an exclusive top-floor observation lounge for visitors. The building represents the current pinnacle of modern commercial infrastructure across all of South India.

    Built
    2010
    Architect
    HOK / Venkataramanan Associates
    Style
    Contemporary Glass
    Height
    128 m (420 ft)
    Stories
    32
    Today
    Commercial Office

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