Unusual tourist attractions in Bangalore

Unusual places worth the detour

• Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple: a cave temple cut into rock in Gavipuram.
• The Big Banyan Tree (Dodda Alada Mara): one tree spread over a large area, on the western outskirts.
• Indian Music Experience: an interactive music museum in J.P. Nagar.
• HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum: aircraft and engines you can see up close.
• Lalbagh rock: one of the old rock formations in the city, inside the botanical garden.
• Rangoli Metro Art Center: an art space along MG Road boulevard.

Check current fees and opening days for each before you go.

An underwater tunnel in the middle of the city

Bangalore is far from the sea, which makes Aquarium Paradise at Palace Grounds an unusual stop. Its tunnel is what the venue calls India's longest underwater tunnel. You walk through with freshwater and marine fish around you, including moray eels, alligator gar, tarpon and sun catfish.

Other things you will not see elsewhere in the city:

• A jellyfish room with reflective walls.
• Indoor man-made waterfalls.
• What the aquarium calls India's first ocean restaurant.
• An expert diver feeding the fish every day at 6:30 PM.
• A mermaid show on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 7:40 PM, free with entry and subject to availability. Confirm 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.

Mixing unusual and classic sights

If it is your first visit, pair these with the classic tourist attractions. Gavipuram's cave temple is near Lalbagh and Basavanagudi. Aquarium Paradise is in the same area as Bangalore Palace, and Fun World and Snow City share its complex. Since the aquarium stays open till 8:00 PM, it can close out a day of sightseeing.

• Bags and backpacks are not allowed in the aquarium, and there is no storage.
• Book online with AQUA100 for ₹100 off, or use B2G1 for three people.
• See things to see that are different and offbeat places in Bangalore.

About Aquarium Paradise

Aquarium Paradise sits inside the Fun World complex at Palace Grounds, Jayamahal Main Road, opposite TV Tower in J.C. Nagar. It has what it calls India's longest underwater tunnel, a jellyfish room and a daily 6:30 PM fish-feeding by an expert diver. Tickets start at ₹449 for kids and ₹499 for adults on weekdays.