In the Footsteps of Maharajas & Sultans-Bangalore Historical Walk

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  “The abode of happiness, the envy of heaven”—so reads the plaque at the entrance of Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. Built by Hyder Ali and completed by his son, this elegant palace was once part of a far grander complex. Step through its scalloped arches and fluted teak pillars, and you’ll sense a blend of Mughal grace and South Indian Temple artistry. Though the painted Islamic motifs have faded, faint traces still whisper of the palace’s past splendor. From the upper balconies, Tipu Sultan addressed his officers, soldiers, and citizens. Later, under British rule, these same halls became administrative offices for the Kingdom of Mysore. On the ground floor lies a small museum, where treasures await—a specimen of the legendary Mysorean rocket and a miniature of Tipu’s famed Tiger. With your guide, each corridor and carved pillar comes alive with tales of ambition, beauty, and forgotten glory.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2

  Your next stop is Bangalore Fort—once a mighty teardrop-shaped stronghold spread across nearly a square mile. In its heyday, it was a proud bastion of the Kingdom of Mysore, bristling with ramparts, bastions, and soldiers. Today, only a fraction remains, but they still echo the fort’s former might. We step through the Delhi Gate, not just one, but three gateways in succession, each designed to delay invaders. Imagine the scene: towering teak doors, their iron spikes gleaming, ready to stop charging war elephants in their tracks. Inside, a small Ganesha temple stands quietly, a later addition that hints at the fort’s layered history. The gateways themselves carry a different story—stucco decorations with fine Islamic artistry, filled with floral, geometric, and avian motifs. Scattered across the fort walls are striking Hindu relief carvings. And here, in 1791, the roar of cannons shook the air as Mysore’s forces clashed with the East India Company in the fateful Battle of Bangalore.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 3

  Your next stop is the Jamia Masjid a striking five-storied mosque of white Rajasthan marble. Its delicate jali work, graceful arches, and slender minarets give it a timeless Saracenic elegance, rising serenely above the bustle of the market area. Dedicated to Tipu Sultan, the mosque’s beauty lies not only in its architecture but also in its spirit. Inside pigeons’ flutter through the minarets above the onion-shaped domes, while an ablution pool adds serenity to the courtyard. The mosque also runs an English-medium school in its basement, filling the air with the cheerful chatter of children. A School of Calligraphy here further preserves the beauty of Urdu script. A shining example of Bangalore’s syncretic society, it reflects a city where faiths have long coexisted peacefully.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4

  Your next stop is the storied KR Market, a 200-year-old bazaar that still beats with the pulse of old Bangalore. Once a quiet waterbody called Siddi Katte, it is now a sea of colors, scents, and sounds. Step into its winding gullies and you’re enveloped in the perfume of jasmine garlands, the earthy spice of chilies, and the sweetness of ripe fruits piled high. Towers of marigolds glow like little suns, while vendors call out in rhythmic tones, their voices blending with the clang of brass utensils and the shuffle of handcarts. It feels as though time has paused here—an ancient way of life flourishing just steps away from the city’s steel and glass skyline. Your expert guide will walk you through this vibrant maze, sharing hidden details and stories along the way, so you experience Bangalore not as a passerby, but with all your senses: raw, unfiltered, and utterly alive.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5

  Amid the vibrant bazaars of Chickpet lies a marble sanctuary that feels like a world apart. Your guide will lead you from the crowded lanes into this serene haven, where intricate carvings, marble inlay work and gleaming spires reflect purity and simplicity. Inside, the soft glow of lamps, the fragrance of incense, and the gentle rhythm of chants invite you to pause and breathe. India, the birthplace of four great religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—has long embraced harmony in diversity. Jainism, among the most ancient, teaches ahimsa—nonviolence in thought, word, and deed—and reverence for all life. As your guide shares the meaning behind these traditions, you’ll also discover the dynamic Jain community, renowned for its contributions to trade, education, and philanthropy. Here, spirituality thrives beside enterprise, and tradition walks gracefully with modern life—an encounter serene, enduring, and deeply inspiring.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Since we'll be removing our footwear at a few places, an extra pair of socks may come in handy.

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