Bangalore

Colourful markets, cosmopolitan cafe culture
and a booming IT industry

Bangalore’s old-world culture and rich history are preserved in its ancient temples, grand forts, palaces and Victorian-era monuments. The modern steel and glass highrises of the city’s tech parks draw creative professionals from across the world, and this multicultural milieu has given rise to plenty of dining, shopping and entertainment options.

Bangalore stands at the helm of India’s craft beer scene. Office workers and entrepreneurs unwind with locally brewed mango ale or rice lager at lively brewpubs in Koramangala. Indiranagar and MG Road are buzzing nighttime hubs, with trendy rooftop bars and chic international restaurants where you’ll find everything from a piquant Mangalorean curry to a light Vietnamese pho.

With scores of busy people in need of good coffee, the city’s cafe culture has kept pace with global trends, and you’ll find plenty of spots for a speciality brew. But for a truly old-school Bangalorean experience, nothing beats a traditional breakfast of crisp masala dosa, fluffy idlis and a hot cup of filter coffee.

When they’re not at work, Bangaloreans make the most of their leisure time. Shoppers can choose between glittering malls offering trendy global brands, lively bazaars filled with fresh flowers and colourful jewellery, and handicraft emporiums showcasing local specialties including lush silks, pottery and wooden toys.

Reconnect with nature at pockets of calm like Cubbon Park, where you can join citizens of all ages to practice yoga or wander among the lush vegetation, and tree-fringed Ulsoor Lake, a great spot for a morning run.