Free and low-cost indoor places to visit in Bangalore
Indoor places that cost little or nothing
- Temples: ISKCON in Rajajinagar, the Bull Temple in Basavanagudi and the old temples of Malleswaram are open to visitors. Dress modestly.
- State Central Library: the red building inside Cubbon Park, worth seeing even if you only look around the reading halls.
- Malls: walking around a mall costs nothing, and they are cool on a hot afternoon.
- Art galleries: Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Venkatappa Art Gallery and private galleries near MG Road hold changing shows.
- Government Museum: one of the oldest museums in the city, on Kasturba Road.
Some of these charge small fees or have changed their rules, so check current fees and timings before you go.
Free outdoors, if the weather holds
Cubbon Park and the lakes, such as Sankey Tank and Ulsoor Lake, are the classic no-cost outings. In rain or afternoon heat, the indoor list above is the better bet.
When it is worth paying a little
Free places are good for an hour or two. For a full outing with kids or friends, a paid indoor attraction usually gives more to do. Aquarium Paradise at Palace Grounds is indoors and air-conditioned, with India's longest underwater tunnel, a jellyfish room, indoor waterfalls and a diver who feeds the fish at 6:30 PM daily.
| Ticket | Weekdays (Mon to Fri) | Weekends and holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (above 140 cm) | ₹499 | ₹599 |
| Kids (80 cm to 140 cm) | ₹449 | ₹549 |
How to pay less at the aquarium
- B2G1: buy 2 tickets, get 1 free when you book online a day ahead. Three adults on a weekday pay ₹998.
- AQUA100: ₹100 off online bookings.
- FUNWEDNESDAY: buy 1 get 1 free for women aged 18 and above on Wednesdays.
- Free mermaid show: complimentary with entry on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, subject to availability. Confirm at the counter.
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.
Check the offers page for what is live today, then book on the tickets page.
For more budget ideas, see indoor places on a budget and places under ₹500.
About Aquarium Paradise
Aquarium Paradise is at Palace Grounds, Jayamahal Main Road, opposite the TV Tower, inside the Fun World complex. It is open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and a visit takes 1 to 2 hours.
FAQs
Are there free indoor places to visit in Bangalore?
Temples, the State Central Library, malls and some galleries cost little or nothing to enter. Check current rules before you go.
Is Aquarium Paradise free?
No. Weekday entry is ₹499 for adults and ₹449 for kids, with offers that bring the cost down.
What is the cheapest way to visit the aquarium?
Book online a day ahead with B2G1 for buy 2 get 1 free, or use AQUA100 for ₹100 off.
Is the mermaid show extra?
No. It is complimentary with entry on show days, subject to availability.
Which free places work in the rain?
Temples, libraries, malls and galleries are indoors, so they work in the monsoon.