Best things to do in Bengaluru
Find out more about those top places in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (aka Bangalore): India's Cool Kid on the Block (Where Tech Meets Tipples and Colonial Charm Gets a Modern Twist!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide!
Hey there, tech-savvy travelers and lovers of a good craft brew! Let's zoom in on Bengaluru, formerly known as Bangalore, India's self-proclaimed (and arguably accurate) most 'western' city! Thanks to a recent tech boom that's been more explosive than a server malfunction on Black Friday, this city's population has skyrocketed to nearly the 10 million mark. That's a whole lotta brainpower (and a whole lotta traffic!).
Now, let's be straight up: Bengaluru might not have a laundry list of those "must-see-before-you-die" world-class attractions that grace every postcard. However, what it lacks in ancient monuments, it more than makes up for with a buzzy dining scene that will tantalize your taste buds, hipster craft beer bars that are cooler than the other side of the pillow, and some seriously stately Victorian colonial architecture that whispers tales of a bygone era (albeit with a modern, tech-infused echo).
Unlike many other Indian cities, the tech boom in Bengaluru has spawned a whole new generation of wealthy young urbanites with cash to splash. And what do folks with disposable income do? They fuel an explosion of fine dining establishments that could rival any global foodie hotspot and chic bars in the central business district where you can sip on artisanal cocktails and discuss the latest coding languages (or just gossip, we won't judge!).
In many ways, Bengaluru is India’s hidden gem, offering a perfect dose of western comfort for those who've been bravely navigating the vast and sometimes overwhelming beauty of the rest of the country. Think of it as a welcome pit stop where you can recharge your batteries (and your phone!), enjoy some familiar flavors with an Indian twist, and maybe even catch a live band in a trendy microbrewery.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this captivating city. Get ready for some surprisingly cool sightseeing, from admiring colonial-era buildings to indulging in world-class cuisine and hopping between trendy bars, all while uncovering the unique blend of tradition and modernity that makes Bengaluru a truly distinctive destination.
Top Attractions: Colonial Grandeur, Modern Buzz, and Tipple Trails!
Bengaluru offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary energy:
Victorian Colonial Architecture: A Glimpse into the Past
Explore the stately Victorian colonial architecture scattered throughout the city, remnants of its British past. Admire the grandeur of buildings like the Vidhana Soudha (the State Legislature building) and the Attara Kacheri (High Court), offering a different kind of sightseeing compared to typical Indian cities.
Bengaluru's Buzzy Dining Scene: A Foodie Paradise
Indulge in Bengaluru's diverse and thriving dining scene. From upscale restaurants serving global cuisine to innovative Indian fusion and trendy cafes, your taste buds are in for a treat. Exploring the culinary landscape is definitely one of the top things to do.
Hipster Craft Beer Bars: Suds and Style
Discover Bengaluru's hipster craft beer bars, a testament to the city's modern, western-influenced culture. Sample locally brewed beers in stylish settings and soak in the lively atmosphere. This is a must for beer enthusiasts looking for cool places to visit.
Shopping Malls and Modern Entertainment: Retail Therapy and Beyond
Experience Bengaluru's modern side with its sprawling shopping malls, offering a wide range of international and local brands. Catch a movie, go bowling, or simply enjoy the air-conditioned comfort – a welcome respite from the Indian heat.
Things to Do Beyond the Main Sights: Gardens, Temples, and Artistic Exploration!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Bengaluru vibe:
- Wander Through Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Escape the city bustle in this sprawling and beautiful botanical garden, home to a diverse collection of plants and trees.
- Visit the Bangalore Palace: Explore this Tudor-style palace, offering a glimpse into the city's royal history.
- Discover the Art Scene at the National Gallery of Modern Art: Immerse yourself in contemporary and modern Indian art at this impressive gallery.
- Explore the ISKCON Temple: Experience the spiritual side of Bengaluru at this large and ornate Hindu temple.
- Take a Day Trip to Nearby Attractions: Consider a day trip to nearby historical sites like Srirangapatna or the scenic Nandi Hills.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in India that offer a unique blend of modern urban life, a thriving food and drink scene, and a touch of colonial charm, Bengaluru might just be your perfect stop! Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with surprisingly cool sightseeing and delightful things to do. Just be prepared for some serious traffic (it comes with the tech boom territory!) and a city that's buzzing with youthful energy. Namaste and enjoy the ride!
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Bengaluru Palace
The former residence of the Wodeyars, the maharajas of Karnataka, is known simply as the Begaluru Palace. While it is no longer as well maintained as it once was, its sheer size and lavish decoration make clear the immense wealth once held by Indian royalty. Guided tours of the turreted complex are available that take you through its labyrinth-like interiors and botanical gardens.
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Cubbon Park
Right in the heart of Bengaluru’s technology district is Cubbon Park. The architectural highlight of the area is undoubtedly the blood-red State Central Library, which is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. To make the most of your visit, tour the park on a Sunday when it turns into a vast outdoor farmers market complete with hipster activities, such as yoga, theater and fun runs, that are being embraced by the city’s technology workers.
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Mysore
The most popular day trip from Bengaluru is to the regal city of Mysuru, which is better known by its colonial name Mysore. While the whole city is a treasure trove of historic monuments, day-trippers with limited time should head straight for the UNESCO listed Mysuru Palace, which is the second most visited attraction in the whole of the country. Designed by the Englishman Henry Irwin, the building was the apogee of Victorian architecture in India and is best seen in the evening when its illuminated in thousands of lights.
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Krishnarajendra Market
To experience Bengaluru at its frenetic best, head to the Krishnarajendra Market. At turns gritty, glitzy and ‘hipsterified’, the market really does have something to please any visitor. The highlight is undoubtedly the kaleidoscopic flower market and the vast spice halls where traders hawk everything from fresh turmeric to amchur powder and ground celery fruit.
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Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
Despite its reputation as a work-obsessed metropolis (it is often called India’s ‘Silicon Valley’ in the press), Bengaluru is a surprisingly green city filled with numerous verdant parks. One of the best is the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, which were laid out in the 18th century by the maharajah Hyder Ali and are home to a dazzling array of tropical plants from across Asia and some spectacular bird life.
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Opera House
While the colonial-era Opera House may still be called an opera house, it is unlikely you will be hearing any Italian being sung on its stage anymore. Today, thanks to the financial might of Samsung, it has been transformed into a showcase for Bengaluru’s most cutting-edge technology. Some of the most thrilling experiences involve virtual reality while others simply show off new models of iconic tablets and phones.
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Bull Temple
One of Bengaluru’s most holy sites is the Bull Temple. Famed for its gigantic stone statue of Nandi, better known as Shiva’s Bull, the temple is also one of the city’s most tranquil spots with immaculate flower gardens. In short, the complex is one of the best escapes from the urban jungle.
