Hidden places to visit in Bangalore city
Quiet spots most visitors skip
- Bugle Rock Park, Basavanagudi: a rocky park with an old watchtower, right beside the Dodda Ganesha Temple.
- Sankey Tank, Malleswaram: a lake walk that locals use in the evenings.
- Venkatappa Art Gallery: a small gallery near Cubbon Park. Check its current opening days.
- Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace: a wooden palace in the old city, often skipped for bigger sights.
- Malleswaram 8th Cross: flower sellers, old shops and filter coffee.
- State Central Library, Cubbon Park: a red heritage building inside the park.
Check fees and timings for each before you go, since they change.
An indoor find at Palace Grounds
Most people know Palace Grounds for Bangalore Palace and Fun World. Inside the Fun World complex, next to Snow City, is Aquarium Paradise. What you get inside:
- India's longest underwater tunnel.
- A jellyfish room with reflective walls.
- Indoor man-made waterfalls and an ocean-view seating lounge.
- Freshwater and marine fish, including moray eels and alligator gar.
- Fish feeding by an expert diver at 6:30 PM every day.
- A free mermaid show on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Confirm timings on the mermaid page.
Note: Mermaid show timings keep changing. Always call +91 96063 11881 or check with the staff at the ticket counter before you come for the mermaid show.
Ticket prices
| Ticket | Monday to Friday | Weekends and holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (above 140 cm) | ₹499 | ₹599 |
| Kids (80 cm to 140 cm) | ₹449 | ₹549 |
Book on the tickets page. AQUA100 gives ₹100 off online, and B2G1 gives buy 2 get 1 free when booked a day ahead.
A quiet day plan in the north of the city
- Morning: walk around Sankey Tank and have breakfast in Malleswaram.
- Afternoon: Aquarium Paradise at Palace Grounds, close to Sadashivanagar and J.C. Nagar.
- Evening: stay for the 6:30 PM diver feeding.
Before you visit the aquarium
- Bags and backpacks are not allowed and there is no storage.
- Outside food is not allowed.
- Phone photos are fine. Cameras need permission.
More: offbeat places, less crowded places and places in Malleswaram.
About Aquarium Paradise
Aquarium Paradise is at Palace Grounds, Jayamahal Main Road, opposite TV Tower, J.C. Nagar, Bengaluru 560006, inside the Fun World complex next to Snow City. It is open every day from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, ticket counters close at 7:15 PM, and you can call +91 96063 11881 with questions.
FAQs
What are some lesser-known places in Bangalore city?
Bugle Rock Park, Sankey Tank, the Venkatappa Art Gallery and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace are often skipped.
Where exactly is Aquarium Paradise?
Inside the Fun World complex at Palace Grounds, next to Snow City, on Jayamahal Main Road opposite TV Tower.
Is Aquarium Paradise open in the evening?
Yes, till 8:00 PM daily. Ticket counters close at 7:15 PM.
Can I take photos inside the aquarium?
Yes, on your phone. Cameras and shoots need prior permission.