Bengaluru
Everything you need to know before you go.
Bengaluru is the capital of Karnataka and sits high on the Deccan Plateau, which gives it a cooler climate than most Indian cities. It earns its nickname as the Garden City because of the amount of greenery and parks throughout the area. If you like history, you can visit the old petes, which are the original areas established back when Kempe Gowda I built the city's mud fort in 1537 CE.
The vibe is a mix of ancient roots and modern growth. You can find stone inscriptions from 890 CE at the Nageshwara Temple in Begur, showing that people have lived here since 4000 BCE. It is a great spot for travelers who enjoy exploring how different empires like the Chola, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara shaped a city.
Since you are visiting South India, try local Karnataka staples like Bisi Bele Bath or Masala Dosa. You can find these at local eateries for around $2 to $5 USD. For a full day of sightseeing and meals, a budget of $30 to $60 USD per person is usually sufficient for mid range travel.
Sightseeing Bangalore Palace - A Tudor style castle with royal memorabilia in the city center. $10, 2h. Vidhana Soudha - The massive neo Dravidian legislative building where you can take photos from the outside. Free, 1h.
Food & Drink MTR - Order the Rava Idli and filter coffee at this legendary spot in Lalbagh. $3, 1h. Kosign Curry House - Try the Ghee Roast chicken in Indiranagar for a real local spice kick. $12, 1.5h.
Outdoor Nature Cubbon Park - A massive green lung in the middle of town perfect for a morning walk. Free, 2h. Lalbagh Botanical Garden - Visit this historic park to see the glass house and exotic plants. $1, 3h.
Nightlife Indiranagar breweries - Hit up Toit or Arbor Brewing Company for craft beers and pizzas. $20, 3h.
Cultural ISKCON Temple - A massive modern temple complex known for its architecture and cleanliness. Free, 2h.
Shopping Commercial Street - A chaotic stretch of road for bargaining on clothes and accessories. Free, 3h.
Day Trips Nandi Hills - Drive up early to watch the sunrise above the clouds. $15, 6h.
Here is where to stay and eat in Bengaluru.
Budget
- Zostel Bengaluru - Indiranagar. $15 to $30/night. Great for solo travelers who want to be near the best pubs.
- Bloomrooms - Koramangala. $35 to $50/night. Clean, minimalist rooms in a neighborhood full of startups and cafes.
Mid-range
- The Chancery Pavilion - Lavelle Road. $80 to $120/night. Central location that makes getting to Cubbon Park easy.
- Lemon Tree Premier - Whitefield. $70 to $110/night. Best choice if your meetings are on the IT corridor side of town.
Luxury
- The Leela Palace - Old Airport Road. $250 to $400/night. Massive rooms and an incredible palace style architecture.
- ITC Gardenia - Residency Road. $200 to $350/night. Top notch service and very close to the city center.
Where to Eat
- MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) - Lalbagh. South Indian. Budget. Order the Rava Idli.
- Truffles - Indiranagar. Burgers/Continental. Mid-range. Try the burger with caramelized onions.
- Karavalli - Residency Road. Coastal Indian. High-end. The Appam and Stew is a must.
- Koshy's - St Marks Road. Cafe/Continental. Budget. An old school spot for coffee and omelets.
- Toit - Indiranagar. Brewery/Pub. Mid-range. Their craft beers and pizzas are local favorites.
Fly into Kempegowda International Airport (BLR). It is far from the city center, so plan for a long commute.
Flights from New York (JFK) or San Francisco (SFO) usually cost between $900 and $1,400 round trip if you book a few months out. You will likely have a layover in Dubai, Doha, or London.
To get to the city center, take an Uber or Ola. It costs about $15 to $25 depending on where you are staying. The ride takes 60 to 90 minutes because of traffic. If you want to save money, take the Vayu Vajra bus. These are AC airport buses that cost around $3 to $5 and drop you at major hubs like Majestic or Indiranagar.
If you are already in India, you can take a train or drive from Chennai or Mysore. The train from Mysore takes about 2 to 3 hours. A private taxi from Chennai takes 6 hours and costs roughly $60 to $100.
Stay in Indiranagar for the best cafes and bars or Koramangala for a more residential feel with great food. Avoid staying too close to the city center if you hate gridlock traffic.
Eat a Masala Dosa at MTR or Vidyarthi Bhavan. A meal there costs about $2 to $5. Try Filter Coffee in a steel tumbler for less than $1. Visit Cubbon Park for a walk or see the Bangalore Palace. Most entry fees for landmarks are under $10.
Expect to spend $20 to $40 per day on food and transport if you eat locally and use rideshares. High end dinners in Indiranagar will push that higher.
If you are planning a trip to Bengaluru, timing is everything because the weather fluctuates between high heat and heavy rain.
The Sweet Spot: December to February This is the best time to go. It is the dry season and the temperature is moderate. January is the coolest month, with average lows around 15.1 °C (59.2 °F). You can walk around Cubbon Park or explore the shops in Indiranagar without sweating through your clothes. Since it is not the peak of summer or monsoon, you will find the city more manageable.
Peak Season: October to November These post-monsoon months are popular because the landscape is green and the air is fresh after the rains. However, keep in mind that October can still see heavy rainfall; the record for a single day was 179 mm on October 1, 1997. Expect more crowds at landmarks like the Bangalore Palace during this window.
The Heat: March to May This is the summer season. April is usually the hottest month with average highs of 34.1 °C (93.4 °F). While temperatures seldom exceed 36 °C (97 °F), occasional heat waves can make it uncomfortable. You will see frequent thunderstorms in the late afternoon which help cool things down, but be aware that these storms sometimes cause local flooding and power outages.
The Wet Season: June to September Avoid this period if you hate rain. The monsoon brings the most rainfall during these months, with September being the wettest month of the year. Most rain happens in the late afternoon or evening, so mornings are usually dry. If you do visit, expect traffic delays and damp streets.
Practical Tips
- Food: Try a traditional Masala Dosa at MTR or Vidyarthi Bhavan. A meal here typically costs between $2 and $7 USD.
- Budget: Mid-range hotels in areas like Koramangala or MG Road usually range from $40 to $80 USD per night.
- Packing: If you visit in January, bring a light jacket since it can dip toward 14 °C (57 °F). For any other time of year, always carry a compact umbrella for those afternoon thunderstorms.