5. Bengaluru
Please note all prices and currency conversions are approximate at time of writing.
Formerly known as Bangalore, this thriving tech hub with its leafy streets and colonial-style buildings is popular with the entrepreneurial crowd. As the nation’s leading software exporter, it is regarded as the Silicon Valley of India.
Getting around
The Namma Metro provides fast and reliable transport to retail and entertainment hubs such as MG Road and Whitefield. The Varshik smart card is a good payment option.
Taxis are reliable, while ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Ola are popular. Affordable buses cover most of the city, or take a short trip in a rickshaw.
Travel from the airport to the CBD by taxi for ₹2000 or by bus for ₹320. The metro does not yet travel to or from the international airport.
Local tastes
Mavalli Tiffin Rooms: This Darshini, a no-frills, quick-service restaurant, is one of Bengaluru’s finest breakfast spots. It has been serving coffee, dosas (rice batter pancakes) and idlis (semolina cakes) for a century.
Lupa: This European-style eatery opened in 2023. The menu includes everything from tapas to gourmet burgers.
Karavalli: A bungalow-style setting in the gardens of the Taj Gateway hotel, Karavalli is known for its seafood. Try fiery regional fish dishes such as prawns cooked with coriander and saffron.
Where to stay
The streets of Bengaluru can be chaotic, but its hotels offer a serene retreat.
The Oberoi: Built around a 100-year-old tree, The Oberoi is a calm oasis with lush gardens and exceptional service. The business centre has meeting rooms for up to six people, and a boardroom for 12.
DoubleTree, Whitefield: An affordable, comfortable hotel located in the heart of Bengaluru’s technology hub; guests can access meeting spaces, all-day dining, a fitness centre and pool.
Conrad Bengaluru: Get a guaranteed view of Ulsoor Lake from each of this luxury hotel’s 285 rooms. Take a dip in the stunning infinity pool or dine at the rooftop restaurant, Tiamo.
Where to play
Museum of Art & Photography: Bollywood memorabilia, sculptures and textiles are among the 60,000 modern South Asian works of art in this edgy space.
Cubbon Park: A beautifully maintained garden in the heart of the city that is 120 hectares in size. Home to Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hall (state central library), the striking red Gothic structure is a treasure-trove for book lovers.
Nagarahole National Park: Get close to elephants, bison and tigers on safari in the former hunting ground of the maharajas. It is a five-hour drive from Bengaluru, and the luxurious forest lodges cater for overnighters.
Insider tip
Being invited for a home-cooked meal is common in India. However, shoes stay outside.
