Bengaluru is located in the southeastern region of Karnataka, situated on the Mysore Plateau, which is a part of the larger Deccan Plateau. Geologically, the region sits on Peninsular Gneiss, a complex of ancient crystalline rocks that are among the oldest in the world (estimated to be around 2.5 to 3 billion years old).
Unlike many major historic Indian cities, Bengaluru is not located on the banks of a major river. Instead, it relies on a historically engineered, interconnected system of lakes and tanks (such as Ulsoor Lake, Sankey Tank, and Bellandur Lake) constructed to harvest rainwater. The city is broadly divided into two topographical regions: the northern area is relatively level and gently undulating, while the southern part is more uneven, intersected by valleys like the Koramangala and Challaghatta valleys.
The city's high elevation provides a unique microclimate in peninsular India. While urbanization has significantly depleted the city's original tree canopy and some of its natural water bodies, aggressive afforestation efforts in the past and surviving natural parks continue to sustain diverse urban flora and fauna.