Bengaluru’s Raj Bhavan to open for public guided tours, KSTDC to launch heritage walks

For the first time, Bengaluru’s historic Raj Bhavan will welcome visitors through curated walking tours, with KSTDC expanding its heritage tourism after the success of Vidhana Soudha tours.

For decades, Bengaluru’s Raj Bhavan has stood as a majestic landmark, admired only from the outside. That is about to change, as the 19th-century estate will soon open its doors to the public for the very first time through curated walking tours.

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The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is preparing to launch these heritage tours, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot already granting approval. Officials are currently surveying the sprawling premises to identify visitor-friendly areas, finalise the tour route, and decide the duration, said Srinath K S, KSTDC’s general manager (transport), who is overseeing the initiative.

The move comes on the heels of the resounding success of KSTDC’s Vidhana Soudha tours, which began in June. In less than three months, the government building attracted 3,830 bookings, including 2,506 for English tours and 1,324 for Kannada tours. Demand has been overwhelming, with slots being booked within hours, Srinath noted.

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Buoyed by this momentum, KSTDC also plans to roll out new experiences such as electric buggy tours at Nandi Hills, combining eco-friendly travel with comfort for visitors.

Raj Bhavan, meanwhile, carries a rich historical legacy. Constructed between 1840 and 1842 by Sir Mark Cubbon, it was originally built as the Residency for British commissioners. It later served as a high-profile guest house that hosted eminent personalities, including India’s first President Dr Rajendra Prasad and US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Post-independence, it was renamed Raj Bhavan and became the official residence of Karnataka’s governors, a role it continues to hold today.

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By opening its gates, Raj Bhavan is set to become one of Bengaluru’s most sought-after cultural and heritage experiences, deepening public connection with the city’s colonial and post-independence history.

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