Your Essential Guide to Bengaluru, India’s Coolest City
Opens in a new tab or window“It’s as hip as it is hectic.”
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Vidhana Soudha
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Bengaluru is a fast-paced amalgam of the old and new. With a rich history, good food, friendly locals, lively pub culture and pleasant weather all year round, planning your trip to Bengaluru is easy with our helpful travel guide.
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Places to stay
Bengaluru attracts tourists from across the world. There is something for everyone, from luxury hotel rooms to cultural guest houses, boutique rented apartments to luxury serviced apartments. Bengaluru offers something to suit every traveller's needs.
For an indulgent hotel experience, look no further than the opulent Leela Palace, a 5-star hotel majestically located amidst seven acres of lavish greenery.
If convenience is king, the JW Marriott Hotel offers a modern, luxurious stay near UB City and Cubbon Park.
There are also many budget-friendly options across Bangalore, including numerous boutique and hotels located in and around the city centre.
Things to do
A vibrant city with a multi-dimensional aura, Bengaluru is modern while also calming and traditional. With so much to see and do, Bengaluru is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists exploring India. You can visit the cultural temples, monuments and buildings such as the ISKCON Temple and Vidhana Soudha. You can also venture on a wildlife safari, relax in the lap of nature at Cubbon Park, or shop your heart out on Bengaluru’s Commercial Street.
Apart from the countless things to do in Bangalore, the 'Silicon Valley of India' is also famous for its dreamy weather, street food and Carnatic fusion melodies.
Land in the Garden City of India and get ready to explore it in its full glory and grandeur.
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Food and drink
Known for its passion for beer and buzzing nightlife, Bengaluru has a reputation as the "Pub Capital of India."
Bengaluru offers a wide variety of ales, from pale ales to chocolate stouts. If you prefer to pair your beer with classic pub food and wood-fired pizzas, microbrewery Toit in Indiranagar is the place to go.
A more curated sensory experience is offered at Windmills in Whitefield, with craft beer and experimental dining in a cosy restaurant space adorned with handpicked books.
Shopping
Commercial Street is located in the Central Business District of Bangalore and is home to small boutiques and brand outlets. Its lively atmosphere and the rush of the local market make Commercial Street a must-visit for those who love to shop.
The famous Khadi Bhandar on Dispensary Road is a one-stop shop for metres of fabric in cotton and Tussar silk. The Dupatta House on Narayan Pillai offers traditional dupattas in every shade and can even dye them. Lovers of silver won't be disappointed by several shops in Jewellers Lane, which has an extensive collection of exquisite pieces.
Getting around
From the airport: The most convenient options to move around are taxis, transfers and buses. Cars can be easily booked through Uber or Ola apps, with dedicated pick-up zones at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport
In and around the city: The city has a variety of transport options, ranging from affordable buses to comfortable taxis. The recent introduced Metro train has made getting around easy, providing an alternative public transport option to buses. But the most common and fun mode of transport is of course the auto-rickshaw.
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Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).
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Disclaimer: #You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.