Bangalore

Bangalore

As the beating heart of India’s IT industry and the main city of the southern part of the country, businesses have flocked to Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore). In doing so, the city now boasts a potent mix of youth, wealth and rapid expansion.

However, unlike some cities that quickly develop into urban jungles, city planners have been careful to maintain Bengaluru’s green spaces and heritage, allowing people to enjoy the parks and the architecture of its colonial past. A great example of this is Cubbon Park, where you can unwind with government workers lounging on the grass over lunch.

In fact, Bengaluru is a great city for being outdoors during the cooler months, whether relaxing in a park or exploring the streets and sights with an official walking tour.

While the city doesn’t have many great historical sites, what it lacks in breathtaking temples and monuments it makes up for in exclusive shopping and fine dining. A trip to Commercial Street will have you continuously reaching for your wallet, as deals on clothing and electronics are plentiful.

And, as you might expect from a place with such a cosmopolitan population, Bengaluru has a diverse food scene. As well as the excellent local dishes, you can also feast on Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and American cuisine.

Overall, this increasingly Westernised and modern city provides a welcome respite for travellers making their way around South India.

Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR, ICAO: VOBL) is an international airport serving the Indian city of Bangalore. It is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of Devanahalli and is 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the central business district of Bangalore, (30 kilometres (19 mi) from the Bangalore City Railway Station.

Things to do in Bangalore

■ Visit Bangalore Palace
■ Chill out in Cubbon Park
■ Watch racing at Bangalore Turf Club
■ Explore the city with Bangalore Walks
■ See silk farming around Devanahalli
■ Shop on Commercial Street

Eat in Bangalore

■ Fava (Mediterranean)
■ Smoke House Deli (American)
■ Karavalli (Seafood)
■ Alto Vino (Italian)
■ Jamavar (Indian)
■ The Black Pearl (International)

Stay in Bangalore

■ The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore
■ Escape Hotel & Spa
■ The Taj West End
■ Vivanta by Taj
■ Mass Residency
■ The Oberoi