Things To Do
in Bangalore
Bangalore, officially Bengaluru, sits at a comfortable elevation in southern Karnataka and enjoys a mild climate year-round. It is renowned as the Silicon Valley of India, home to a thriving tech and startup ecosystem alongside a rich cultural tapestry. The city blends historic neighborhoods, expansive parks, and a cosmopolitan dining scene with a lively coffee culture.
With lush gardens, heritage sites, and a vibrant nightlife, Bengaluru invites both urban exploration and relaxed outdoor living.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day wandering the narrow lanes of Chickpet and KR Market, soaking in colorful stalls brimming with spices, flowers, and fresh produce. Pause at the majestic Bangalore Fort for a photo opportunity and a short history lesson about Tipu Sultan’s rule. Feel the early bustle as rickshaw wallahs and shopkeepers prepare for the day ahead.
Head towards the Crawford Hall and the Neo-Gothic St. Mary’s Basilica, admiring colonial architecture and stained-glass windows. Refuel with a traditional filter coffee at a local chai stall and savor crispy masala vadas. Stroll through the Maharani’s College campus to see heritage bungalows and shaded courtyards.
As dusk falls, join a guided walking tour to hear tales of the city’s founding by Kempe Gowda I. Stop for dinner at a heritage café serving Akki Roti and Bisi Bele Bath while listening to folk music. End your evening with a moonlit walk along the old city walls, reflecting on Bangalore’s layered past.
Start early at Lalbagh with the sunrise illuminating exotic blooms and centuries-old trees in India’s premier botanical garden. Join the morning birdwatching tour to spot sunbirds, parakeets, and the occasional peacock strutting along manicured pathways. Capture photos of the iconic glasshouse, modeled after London’s Crystal Palace.
Walk to Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace nearby, an elegant teak structure adorned with floral motifs and Persian windows. Learn about the Sultan’s era as you explore local exhibits of weaponry and royal artifacts. Grab a quick bite of masala dosa at a street-side stall before heading out.
Return to Lalbagh for the horticultural show if it coincides with your visit, marveling at floral sculptures and rare orchids. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the garden’s serene lake as the sun dips below the horizon. Conclude with a light dinner at a garden-facing café, savoring local desserts and aromatic teas.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🏨One night in a budget hotel | $20-40 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (city center) | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Thriving tech and startup scene with diverse international cuisine
- Pleasant climate year-round and extensive green spaces
- Excellent coffee culture and changing craft beer scene
- Strong heritage with temples, markets, and colonial-era architecture
- Traffic congestion and lengthy commutes in peak hours
- Rising costs in central districts and limited parking
- Air quality variability, especially during winter and monsoon
- Tourist infrastructure can be uneven outside central areas
- "Namaskāra" - Hello
- "Nandi" - Thank you
- "Dayavittu" - Please
- "Nimage Kannada barutte?" - Do you speak Kannada?
Places to Visit in Bangalore
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic glasshouse and expansive tropical flora, ideal for architectural and botanical shots.
Wide avenues, neoclassical buildings, and serene greens for portrait and street photography.
Grand neo-Dravidian government building with dramatic lines and evening illumination.
Castle-like façade and ornate interiors; striking exteriors provide regal imagery.
White marble architecture with colorful details and warm candle-lit interiors.
City skyline views at sunset and reflections on the water.
Food in Bangalore
Bangalore Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy fermented rice-lentil crepe filled with spiced potato, served with sambar and coconut chutney.
Must-Try!
Steamed rice cakes paired with tangy sambar and coconut chutney.
A comforting rice-lentil dish with vegetables and a rich spice blend.
Savory lentil doughnut complemented by flavorful sambar.
Ghee-rich traditional sweet from nearby Mysore.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A landmark dinner street offering a wide range of dosas, chaats, and sweets in the evening.
A bustling wholesale market where you can sample fresh produce and local snacks.
Historic market known for fruits, vegetables, spices, and an energetic atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Namaste or a handshake; use the right hand for giving/receiving and prefer polite, soft-spoken conversation.
Dress modestly, remove shoes, cover shoulders, and speak quietly inside sacred spaces.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon in some areas; traffic and noise etiquette is appreciated in crowded spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Bangalore
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but not mandatory; in sit-down restaurants, 5–10% is typical if service charge isn’t included.
Cash is widely accepted; cards and mobile wallets (PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay) are common; some street vendors prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May: warm days with highs around 34–38°C; seek shade, hydrate, and plan outdoor activities early or late in the day.
June–September: heavy but often intermittent showers; stay hydrated, carry a compact umbrella, and expect humidity.
October–February: mild and pleasant; mornings can be cool (around 15–20°C), perfect for outdoor exploring.
Bangalore at Night
Hiking in Bangalore
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular sunrise spot about 60–70 km north of Bengaluru; easy to moderate hike with panoramic views.
One of the region’s largest monoliths; challenging but rewarding hike with sweeping scenery.
Rocky hills near Bengaluru; favored for trekking and rock climbing.
Airports
How to reach Bangalore by plane.
Located about 40–60 km from central Bengaluru, accessible by road via the NICE Ring Road; taxis and airport shuttles are common options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large concentration along IT corridors; cosmopolitan and multilingual.
Kannada-speaking communities with diverse cultural practices.
Numerous international residents and visitors, especially in Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Chinnaswamy Stadium hosts international and domestic matches; a pillar of local sports culture.
Bengaluru FC has a dedicated following; matches and fan events occur in local stadiums and clubs.
Popular in clubs, community centers, and recreation facilities across the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bangalore.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Abundant options across thalis, dosas, curries, and dal-based dishes; ask for no ghee if needed.
Many vegetarian eateries offer vegan options; request dairy- and ghee-free preparations where possible.
Rice-based dishes like dosa and idli are naturally gluten-free; confirm ingredients for specific recipes.