Bangalore
Welcome to the Garden City & Silicon Valley of India
Bangalore—also known as Bengaluru—is a city that beautifully blends old-world charm with modern energy. Once known for its calm lakes, green parks, and cool weather, it earned the name “Garden City of India.” Today, it’s just as famous for something else—it’s the “Silicon Valley of India,” home to top IT companies and startups.
In Bangalore, ancient landmarks stand alongside tall glass buildings. It’s a place where tradition meets technology, and history meets innovation.
In this guide, we’ll take you through what makes Bangalore special—its location, smart infrastructure, lively lifestyle, top places to visit, and useful travel tips to enjoy the city fully.
A Brief History of Bangalore
Bangalore’s story began in 1537, when Kempe Gowda I, a local chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire, founded the city. He planned it with forts, markets, water tanks, and temples—many of which still exist today and shape the city’s culture.
Over time, different rulers took control of Bangalore. The Vijayanagara Empire came first, followed by the Marathas, Mughals, and the Wodeyars of Mysore. Each dynasty left its mark, adding to the city’s rich and diverse heritage.
In the 1800s, the British made Bangalore an important military base. The city was then divided into two parts: the Cantonment (run by the British) and the Pete area (the older, traditional part). The British brought in schools, clubs, and a European lifestyle, helping shape Bangalore into a modern, global city.
After India’s independence, Bangalore changed again. It became home to many public sector units and research centers like ISRO, HAL, and DRDO. The IT boom in the 1990s was a major turning point. Big tech companies and startups started coming in, turning Bangalore into the Silicon Valley of India.
Why Bangalore is Famous: The City's Key Attractions
Bangalore isn’t just a city—it’s an experience shaped by innovation, nature, culture, and flavors. Here’s what makes it one of India’s most iconic urban destinations:
The IT Hub – Silicon Valley of India
- Tech Capital: Many big IT companies work here. Names like Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Accenture, Google, and Microsoft have offices in Bangalore.
- Startup City: Bangalore supports new ideas with places like coworking spaces and investors. Famous startups like Flipkart, Swiggy, and Zerodha began here.
- Big Economy: The tech industry helps Bangalore grow. It brings skilled workers from all over India. This creates a fast-moving and diverse city.
The Garden City
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden: A 240-acre green haven featuring rare plant species and a stunning glasshouse modeled after London’s Crystal Palace.
- Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM | Entry Fee: ₹25.
- Tip: Visit during the annual Flower Show (January/August) for a spectacular display.
- Cubbon Park: A lush, 300-acre park in the heart of the city offering walking paths, shaded areas, and historical buildings.
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM | Entry Fee: Free.
- Tip: Early mornings offer a peaceful retreat from city traffic.
- Ulsoor Lake: A picturesque lake ideal for a quiet stroll or boat ride.
- Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM | Entry Fee: Free (boating charges extra).
- Tip: Sunset is the best time to visit for scenic views.
- Green Spaces Across the City: From neighborhood parks to tree-lined boulevards, Bangalore retains its green charm despite urban growth.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks
- Bangalore Palace: Inspired by England’s Windsor Castle, this royal residence showcases Tudor-style architecture and regal interiors.
- Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM | Entry Fee: ₹230 (Indians), ₹460 (Foreigners).
- Tip: Get an audio guide to learn about its royal legacy.
- Vidhana Soudha: An imposing seat of the Karnataka State Legislature, known for its neo- Dravidian design and grandeur.
- Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum: It offers interactive science exhibits for kids and adults alike.
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 6 PM | Entry Fee: ₹75.
- Tip: Great for families—plan 2-3 hours for a full visit.
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace: A beautiful Indo-Islamic structure made of teakwood, reflecting the legacy of the Mysorean ruler.
- Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Entry Fee: ₹15.
- Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and explore nearby markets.
- Bangalore Fort: Built by Kempe Gowda and later expanded by Tipu Sultan, it’s a window into the city’s medieval past.
Cultural Hotspot
- Art & Theater: Places like Ranga Shankara, Jagriti Theatre, and Chowdiah Memorial Hall host plays, concerts, and dance shows.
- Music & Dance: The city loves both classical and modern music. You’ll find rock bands, Carnatic music, and folk performances all around.
- Festivals & Events: Bangalore celebrates many festivals like Karaga and Dussehra. Art events like Chitra Santhe fill the streets with color and life.
Food Paradise
- South Indian Favorites: Try dosa, idli, vada, and filter coffee at famous spots like Vidyarthi Bhavan and MTR.
- World Food: Enjoy dishes from Italy, Japan, Lebanon, and more at top restaurants and cafes.
- Street Food: Places like VV Puram Food Street and Shivaji Nagar serve tasty snacks at low prices.
- Craft Beer: Bangalore is the craft beer capital of India. Breweries like Toit, Arbor, and Windmills are must-visits.
Shopping Destinations
- Chickpet Market: Famous for silk sarees, jewelry, and fabrics at great prices.
- Malls: Visit UB City, Phoenix MarketCity, Orion Mall, and Forum Mall for luxury shopping and fun.
- Brigade Road & MG Road: Perfect for both street shopping and branded stores. You’ll also find many cafes here to relax.
- Commercial Street: A fun place for clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories.
Things to Do in Bangalore: Your Essential Itinerary
Whether you're in Bangalore for a day or a week, the city offers a rich mix of history, nature, shopping, entertainment, and short getaways. Here’s a well-rounded itinerary to help you experience the best of Bangalore:
Shopping & Street Fun
Commercial Street:
- What to Expect: Affordable fashion, accessories, and local crafts.
- Best Time: Late afternoon to evening.
- Tip: Bargain for the best deals!
Brigade Road & MG Road:
- What to Expect: Trendy stores, street stalls, and lively cafes.
- Tip: Combine shopping with a coffee break or pub crawl.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Indiranagar & Koramangala:
- What to Expect: The city’s nightlife hotspots with pubs, lounges, and live music.
- Popular Venues: Toit, Monkey Bar, Fenny’s, The Humming Tree.
- Tip: Make reservations on weekends—these places fill up fast!
Ranga Shankara Theatre (JP Nagar):
- What to Expect: Excellent stage performances and regional plays.
- Tip: Check their online schedule and book tickets in advance.
Day Trips from Bangalore
Nandi Hills (Approx. 60 km):
- What to Expect: A serene hill station perfect for sunrise views.
- Best Time: Early morning (4 AM–10 AM).
- Tip: Carry light jackets—it can get chilly at the top.
Mysore (Approx. 150 km):
- What to Expect: Explore Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, and the bustling Devaraja Market.
- Tip: Ideal for a weekend getaway—start early to make the most of your trip.
Bangalore’s Food Scene: A Culinary Journey
Bangalore has a great mix of traditional and modern food. You can find tasty South Indian breakfasts, busy food streets, and stylish cafés. There is food for every taste and budget.
Local Foods to Try
- Masala Dosa: A crispy crepe made from rice and lentils. It has spicy potato inside. Eat it with coconut chutney and sambar.
- Idli-Vada: Soft steamed rice cakes (idli) served with crispy lentil fritters (vada).
- Bisi Bele Bath: A spicy and tangy rice dish. It has lentils, vegetables, and tamarind. This is a special dish from Karnataka.
- Ragi Mudde: Balls made from finger millet. Usually served with spicy mutton curry or sambar.
- Mysore Pak: A sweet treat made from sugar, ghee, and gram flour. It comes from nearby Mysore.
Where to Eat: From Breakfast to Dinner
Top Breakfast Spots:
- Vidyarthi Bhavan (Basavanagudi): Famous for its iconic crispy masala dosa and old-world charm.
- MTR (Lalbagh Road): A heritage eatery serving authentic South Indian breakfast since 1924.
- Airlines Hotel (Off Lavelle Road): Enjoy open-air seating and traditional filter coffee with idli-vada.
Great Lunch & Dinner Venues:
- Nagarjuna (Residency Road): A must-visit for spicy Andhra meals served on banana leaves.
- Koshy’s (St. Mark’s Road): A colonial-era café loved for its continental and Indian fare.
- Karavalli (Gateway Hotel): High-end coastal cuisine from Kerala, Goa, and Mangalore.
Street Food Hotspots
- VV Puram Food Street: A paradise for street food lovers—don’t miss the dosas, akki roti, and pav bhaji.
- Shivaji Nagar: Best known for kebabs, biryanis, and rich Mughlai snacks.
- Jayanagar 4th Block: Offers everything from momos and chaat to sandwiches and rolls.
Tip: Most food streets come alive after 6 PM—perfect for evening cravings!
The Café Culture Boom
Bangalore’s startup growth has created a lively café culture. These cafés are great for work, relaxing, or meeting friends.
Popular Cafés:
- Third Wave Coffee Roasters: Famous for special coffee and quiet spaces for work.
- DYU Art Café (Koramangala): A cozy café in an old house, loved by art fans and book lovers.
- Cafe Noir (UB City): A stylish place for French food and coffee near luxury shops.
Global Food Choices
Bangalore has many kinds of food because of its mix of people:
- North Indian, Bengali, and Punjabi dishes.
- Real Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Korean food.
- Middle Eastern shawarma and Mediterranean grills.
- Vegan and organic cafés for healthy eating.
From small local eateries to fancy restaurants, Bangalore offers many tastes that match its diverse culture.
Living in Bangalore: A Practical Guide
Bangalore offers a great mix of modern life and cultural charm. Here's a quick and easy guide to help you settle in this exciting city.
Where to Live
Types of Homes:
- Apartments – The most common choice. Many are in gated communities with parks, gyms, and more.
- Villas – Spacious and private. These are mostly in areas like Whitefield, Sarjapur, or Yelahanka.
- PGs & Coliving Spaces – Great for students and young workers. These are found near tech parks and colleges.
Best Places to Stay
- Koramangala, Indiranagar, HSR Layout – Trendy areas with cafes, offices, and fun nightlife.
- Whitefield, Marathahalli, Electronic City – Close to IT parks. These places have high-rise apartments and small homes.
- Jayanagar, Malleshwaram, Basavanagudi – Old and green neighborhoods with a calm, cultural vibe.
Smart & Modern Living: Godrej MSR City
Looking for a home with both comfort and nature? Godrej MSR City in Shettigere is a great choice.
Built by Godrej Properties, this township offers:
- Modern homes
- Green open spaces
- Family-friendly features
It’s perfect for professionals and families who want a healthy and balanced lifestyle in North Bangalore.
Transportation: Getting Around the City
Bangalore has many ways to get around. Whether you're saving money or saving time, here’s how to travel smart:
Metro (Namma Metro)
- Fast, clean, and budget-friendly.
- It connects many parts of the city.
- Tip: Get a smart card to skip queues and get discounts.
BMTC Buses
- Buses go almost everywhere in the city.
- Buses go almost everywhere in the city.
- Tip: Use apps like Chalo or Moovit to track buses.
Autos & Cabs
- Easy to find on the street or book with Ola, Uber, or Namma Yatri.
- Tip: Ask for the meter or book online to avoid extra charges.
- Tip: Use apps like Chalo or Moovit to track buses.
Scooter & Bike Rentals
- Apps like Bounce, Vogo, and Yulu let you rent two-wheelers.
- Great for short trips or avoiding traffic.
Walking & Cycling
- Areas like MG Road, Indiranagar, and Cubbon Park are nice for walking.
- Public cycles are available at docking stations in some areas.
Traffic Tips
- Traffic can get heavy during office hours.
- Tip: Try the metro or two-wheelers to save time.
Cost of Living: Monthly Expenses Overview
- Rent: ₹7,000 – ₹20,000 for PGs/shared flats, ₹15,000 – ₹50,000+ for 1–3BHK apartments (depending on location).
- Food: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000/month for groceries or home-cooked meals; eating out varies from ₹100 to ₹1,000+ per meal.
- Transport: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000/month via metro/bus; higher with cabs or fuel expenses.
- Entertainment: Movie tickets ₹200–₹500, dining out ₹500–₹2,000+, nightlife costs vary by venue.
Education: Good Schools and Colleges
- Schools: Bangalore has many good schools. Some are National Public School, Delhi Public School, Inventure Academy, and Greenwood High.
- Colleges: The city has famous colleges like Christ University, Mount Carmel College, St. Joseph’s, and Ramaiah Institute.
- Universities: Big universities like IISc and Bangalore University are here. Private ones also offer many courses.
Healthcare: Good Hospitals and Services
- Hospitals: Top hospitals include Manipal, Fortis, Narayana, Apollo, and St. John’s. They give good care.
- Pharmacies and Help: You can find 24-hour pharmacies and emergency help all over the city.
Safety: A Safe Place to Live
- General Safety: Bangalore is one of the safer big cities in India. Many areas are well-lit and calm.
- For Women: Cabs and metros are mostly safe. It’s good to use apps with SOS buttons.
Police Help: Police are active, and helplines are easy to reach.
Best Time to Visit Bangalore
Bangalore enjoys a moderate climate year-round, but certain seasons offer better experiences for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Seasonal Overview
Summer (March to May):
- Temperature: 20°C to 35°C
- Warm but not scorching.
- Good for exploring parks, cafes, and cultural attractions in the mornings or evenings.
Monsoon (June to September):
- Temperature: 19°C to 29°C
- Frequent rain showers and cloudy skies.
- The greenery is at its peak, but outdoor plans may need backup due to rain.
Winter (October to February):
- Temperature: 15°C to 28°C
- Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and day trips.
- Crisp mornings and cool evenings make it the best time for travel.
Ideal Time to Visit
October to February is the most recommended window:
- Ideal climate for tourists.
- Major events and festivals take place during this period.
Key Festivals & Events
- Karaga Festival (March/April): Traditional and cultural celebration in Bangalore’s Pete area.
- Bangalore Habba (December): A city-wide arts and cultural festival featuring music, dance, and crafts.
- Namma Bengaluru Habba: Showcases local food, heritage walks, music concerts, and street plays.
- Diwali & Christmas: Enjoy festive lights, local sweets, and vibrant community celebrations.
Tips for Visitors to Bangalore
Packing for Bangalore
Shettigere is managed by the Shettigere Gram Panchayat and comes under Yelahanka Taluk in the Bangalore Rural District. It is part of the Karnataka state government’s development plans.
Respect Local Customs
Say “Namaskara” or “Hello” to greet people. Take off your shoes before entering homes or temples. Dress modestly when visiting temples. Wait patiently in lines, especially at bus stops or metro stations.
Stay Safe
Bangalore is mostly safe. At night, use trusted cabs like Ola or Uber. Be careful in crowded places. Keep your valuables safe. In case of emergency, call 112 for police or medical help.
Money and Language
The local money is Indian Rupees (INR). Most places take cards, but apps like Google Pay and Paytm are very popular. Learn a few Kannada words:
- “Namaskara” (Hello)
- “Dhanyavaadagalu” (Thank you)
- “Eshtu?” (How much?)
This will help you connect with locals and have a better stay.
Why Visit Bangalore?
Bangalore is a city of contrasts. It has a top tech industry, beautiful gardens, old landmarks, and lively culture. The city is friendly and full of life. You can enjoy fun nightlife, great shopping, and meet warm people. Bangalore is more than just a tech city — it is a place full of surprises.
