Bengaluru

Top Attractions

Bangalore, officially called Bengaluru, is the capital of Karnataka and one of India’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. Known as the “Silicon Valley of India”, it’s a hub for technology, startups, and innovation. But it’s not all laptops and skyscrapers — the city also has beautiful gardens, lakes, historic landmarks, buzzing cafes, and a cool climate that makes it great to explore. Whether you’re a backpacker, a foodie, a tech geek, or someone who loves culture, Bangalore has something to offer.

Must-Visit Attractions in Bangalore:

Lalbagh Botanical Garden – A massive 240-acre garden with centuries-old trees, a beautiful glasshouse, and peaceful walking paths.
Cubbon Park – The green lungs of the city; perfect for a morning walk or a chill afternoon.
Bangalore Palace – Looks like a mini version of a European castle. Great architecture and royal vibes.
ISKCON Temple – A huge spiritual center that also offers vegetarian meals and soothing music.
Vidhana Soudha – A majestic government building that looks beautiful when lit up at night.
Commercial Street – One of the best shopping streets in the city.
MG Road & Brigade Road – These areas are packed with cafes, pubs, and shops.
Ulsoor Lake – A scenic lake ideal for boating and peaceful sunsets.
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace – A glimpse into Bangalore’s royal history.
Bannerghatta Biological Park – A mix of zoo, safari, and butterfly park.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Bangalore is from October to February. The weather is super pleasant during this period — not too hot, not too cold. It’s perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the city’s outdoor spaces.
If you’re okay with some rain, June to September (monsoon season) can be nice too. The city becomes greener, and places like Lalbagh look magical. Just carry an umbrella! ☔

Climate

Bangalore has one of the most comfortable climates in India. It’s located on a plateau, which keeps the temperatures mild almost all year.
Summer (March to May): Daytime highs around 32°C, evenings are cooler.
Monsoon (June to September): Rainy and cloudy, temperatures between 20–28°C.
Winter (October to February): Cool and dry, with ztemperatures between 15–28°C.
You don’t need heavy jackets here, just a light hoodie or sweater in winter.

Travel to the city

Bangalore is well-connected to the rest of India and the world. Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) receives daily flights from all major Indian cities and international hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and London.
For domestic travelers, Bangalore is also easily accessible by train, intercity buses, and highways from cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mysore. Whether you’re flying in or driving down, reaching Bangalore is smooth and convenient.
The city offers multiple entry points through air, rail, road, and even luxury bus services.

Travel within the city

Getting around Bangalore is simple with a mix of transport options. The Namma Metro is fast, clean, and ideal for avoiding traffic during peak hours.
You can also use app-based cabs (Ola, Uber), auto-rickshaws, and BMTC city buses to explore local areas. For shorter trips, bike and scooter rentals like Yulu or Bounce are popular.
Most areas are well-connected, and navigation is easy with GPS and real-time traffic updates.

Helpful Tips

Traffic is real: Bangalore traffic jams are famous, so plan your day early to avoid peak hours (8–10 AM and 6–8 PM).
Use Metro & Cabs: The Namma Metro is clean and cheap. For short rides, use apps like Ola, Uber
Bargain while shopping in local markets like Commercial Street.
Carry a light jacket if you’re traveling between October and January — it gets cool in the evenings.
Try South Indian breakfasts like dosa, idli, and filter coffee — cheap and delicious!
Internet & SIM: Mobile internet is fast and cheap. Get a local SIM like Jio or Airtel for better connectivity.
Safety: Bangalore is quite safe. But avoid deserted areas late at night, like in any big city.

Language Spoken

The main language spoken here is Kannada, but Bangalore is super diverse — so you’ll hear a mix of languages.
Kannada (local language)
English (widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist and tech areas)
Hindi (commonly spoken across India)
Tamil, Telugu & Malayalam (spoken in local communities, but more than Hindi language)

Savor the Local Flavor

A dosa is a thin, crispy pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram lentils). It’s typically golden brown, served hot, and often paired with chutney, sambar (a spicy lentil soup), and sometimes stuffed with fillings like spicy mashed potatoes — that version is called a masala dosa.
Most food historians believe that dosa originated in Southern India. Udupi (a town in Karnataka) is credited with making dosa world-famous, especially the popular masala dosa.
Over time, dosa became popular across India — especially in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu — and now even globally! Today you can find dosas being made in New York, London, Dubai, and Tokyo. It’s now a global comfort food.

An idly (also spelled idli) is a soft, steamed rice cake, made from fermented rice and urad dal (black gram) batter. It’s round, white, light, and spongy — often served with coconut chutney, sambar, and sometimes with spicy powder and ghee. It’s a zero-oil, steamed dish that’s easy to digest, making it one of the healthiest breakfast items around!

The origin of idly is both fascinating and a bit mysterious — food historians have debated its roots for years. Some historians believe that steamed rice cakes existed in South India as early as 920 AD. There’s also a theory that idly was influenced by Indonesian fermented foods when Indian kings had cultural ties with Southeast Asia.

Idly is a go-to breakfast in South India — available everywhere from roadside stalls to luxury hotels. It’s often called the “Indian steamed rice cake” in international menus. Food delivery apps report idly as one of the most ordered breakfasts in India!

Bisi Bele Bath — a hearty, comforting dish from Karnataka that’s like a warm hug in a bowl. 😋 It’s not just food — it’s a soulful experience, especially if you’re in Bangalore or anywhere in South India.
Bisi Bele Bath originated over 300 years ago in the Mysore Palace kitchens under the Wodeyar kings. Royal chefs created it by blending spicy sambar with rice, enriched with ghee and nuts. It later became a staple in Karnataka homes, Eateries around, and Temple kitchens.
Bisi Bele Bath (In Kannada, which is the local language here) literally means “Hot Lentil Rice”: Bisi = hot; Bele = lentils; Bath = a cooked rice dish.

It’s a flavorful, one-pot dish made with rice, lentils (toor dal), vegetables, ghee, tamarind, and a special spice mix called Bisi Bele Bath powder. The result is a thick, spicy, slightly tangy dish, usually served with boondi, curd, or raita on the side. Served as a lunch meal, especially on weekends or festival days.

Ragi Mudde — a humble yet powerful food deeply rooted in Karnataka’s culinary traditions. It’s simple, rustic, and incredibly nutritious. Ragi Mudde literally means “ragi ball” in Kannada, which is the local language spoken here. Ragi Mudde: Ragi = finger millet; Mudde = lump or ball.

It’s made by cooking ragi flour in water and stirring it until thick and smooth, then shaping it into soft, dark brown balls. It’s typically eaten with a spicy sambar, mutton curry, or bassaru (a spicy greens-based broth). Unlike rice or dosa, you don’t chew ragi mudde — you swallow small portions whole with the curry.

Once considered only rural food, it’s now trending as a superfood in urban areas. Found in traditional meals, millet cafés, and even health food menus. Some Bengaluru restaurants now offer mini ragi mudde with modern sides. It`s highly healthy.

Legendary South Indian Filter Coffee — more than just a drink, it’s an emotion, a tradition, and a must-try experience. The invention of the Indian coffee filter revolutionized the way coffee was brewed at home. Today, it’s found in every Darshini ( Food eatery center ), traditional eatery, and even 5-star hotels across the south.

Rich, bold flavor with a creamy mouth feel. Perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and strength. It’s more aromatic and full-bodied than instant or machine-made coffee. Has a warm, nostalgic vibe for many South Indians.

A must-have morning ritual in many South Indian homes. Available at local stalls, Udupi cafés, train stations, and modern coffee shops. Bangalore has many iconic spots like MTR, Brahmin’s Coffee Bar, and Indian Coffee House. Popular among tourists and foreigners as an authentic cultural experience.