Best Photo Spots in Bengaluru
Bengaluru's best photos come from its mix of green spaces and grand buildings. You can shoot the Glass House at Lalbagh in the morning, the red colonial buildings of Cubbon Park at midday and the lit-up Vidhana Soudha after dark, all within a few kilometres.
Whether you like gardens, heritage architecture, temple towers or street scenes, these are some of the best photo spots in Bengaluru.
Medium crowdEntry Ticketed
Bangalore Palace
- Best timeLate morning after opening, when the lawns are quiet; late afternoon for warmer light on the grey stone towers.
- ColorsEmeraldCreamMaroon
Medium crowdEntry Free
Cubbon Park
- Best timeEarly morning, when soft light filters through the trees and the avenues are calm; Sunday mornings are traffic-free.
- ColorsWhiteBeigeOlive
High crowdEntry Free
ISKCON Temple
- Best timeMorning, soon after opening, for fewer people on the steps; late afternoon for softer light on the gold-topped tower.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteYellow
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Best timeEarly morning for soft light and quiet paths; late afternoon for warm light on the Glass House.
- ColorsWhiteCoralGreen
Medium crowdEntry Free (exterior)
Vidhana Soudha
- Best timeEvening on Sundays and public holidays, when the building is lit up; early morning for soft light on the granite and little traffic.
- ColorsWhiteNavyGrey
Why Bengaluru Is Great for Photography
Bengaluru gives you several looks in one city. Lalbagh and Cubbon Park have old trees, lawns, lakes and flower beds. Bangalore Palace brings towers and turrets modelled on an English castle, while the Vidhana Soudha is a huge granite building with a temple-style dome.
The mild weather helps too. Mornings are rarely too hot to be outside, and the light stays soft for longer than in the hotter plains. The rains from about June to October turn the parks a deep green, though heavy afternoon showers are common.
Photography Tips for Bengaluru
- Start early in the parks: Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are full of morning walkers, but the paths and lawns are quiet enough for clean shots before 9 am.
- Plan around Sunday evening: The Vidhana Soudha is usually lit up on Sunday and public holiday evenings, so check before you go.
- Check the palace rules: Photography rules inside Bangalore Palace have changed over the years, and big cameras may need a separate ticket or be refused.
- Shoot temples from outside: ISKCON Temple does not allow photos inside its prayer halls, so take your photos on the approach and around the towers.
- Allow for traffic: A 10 km trip can take an hour at rush hour, so leave early if you are chasing a sunrise or sunset.
- Carry a small umbrella: Showers can arrive quickly in the afternoons, especially from June to October.
Best Time for Photography in Bengaluru
November to February usually brings clear skies and cool mornings, which is the easiest time for outdoor photos. Visit in the second half of January or around mid-August to catch the Lalbagh flower shows. The rainy months give you green parks and dramatic skies, but plan indoor back-ups for wet afternoons.
Timings and photography rules at the palace, temples and the Vidhana Soudha can change, so check them before you go.
Questions
Bengaluru — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Bengaluru?
The best-known photo spots are Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, the Vidhana Soudha and ISKCON Temple. Between them they cover gardens, colonial buildings, a Tudor-style palace, a granite landmark and temple towers.
When is the Vidhana Soudha lit up?
The Vidhana Soudha is usually lit up on Sunday and public holiday evenings and on special days like Independence Day and Republic Day. The schedule has changed in recent years, so check locally before planning a night shoot.
Can I take photos inside Bangalore Palace?
The rules have changed over time. Some visitors have been allowed phone photos with a camera ticket, while others report that interior photos are not allowed. The lawns and front of the palace are the best photo spots anyway.
Is Bengaluru good for Instagram photos?
Yes. The Glass House at Lalbagh, the red buildings in Cubbon Park and the towers of Bangalore Palace are some of the most recognisable backdrops in Karnataka and work well for photos and reels.
When is the best time of day for photos in Bengaluru?
Early morning is best for the parks, with soft light and fewer people. Late afternoon suits Bangalore Palace, and the evening is the time for the lit-up Vidhana Soudha.