Renowned as India's Silicon Valley, Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is positioned on the Deccan Plateau in Southern India. With its year-round temperate weather conditions, Bangalore has endearingly been attributed the nickname, the "Air-Conditioned City." At 3,000 feet above sea level, the city's temperatures range between a pleasant 15-35°C (59-95°F), rendering it an ideal hotspot for outdoor adventures throughout the bulk of the year.
Exhibiting a unique blend of its innovative present and royal ancestry, Bangalore serves as an intriguing destination for tech-savvy and history-loving travelers alike. The city's youthful, global population has given rise to a lively culture, where archaic temples and palace gardens coexist harmoniously with modern art galleries and craft breweries. This intriguing fusion gives Bangalore its charm, making it extraordinarily appealing to younger tourists in pursuit of meaningful, authentic experiences complemented by contemporary amenities.
Studded with lush, vibrant green spaces like the Cubbon Park and the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore offers tranquil solace amidst its dynamic urban environment. The city's food culture is another fascinating aspect, famed for beloved South Indian breakfast delicacies like idli and dosa. Additionally, its thriving craft coffee industry pays respectful tribute to the coffee-growing tradition of Karnataka.
Allow the neo-gothic allure of St. Mary's Basilica and the 16th-century Bull Temple to mesmerize you with Bangalore's architectural diversity. The Tudor-style architecture of the Bangalore Palace provides a captivating insight into Bangalore's royal lineage. For a genuine essence of local life, navigate through the vivid and bustling Krishna Rajendra Market, where the myriad hues, scents, sounds, and vibrancy of traditional Indian trade unfold before you.
The Namma Metro offers efficient connectivity to major parts of the city with two primary lines: Purple and Green. You can purchase a convenient contactless smart card from any station. Operating from 5 AM to 11 PM, it significantly beats traffic and is the quickest and cleanest mode of public transit.
Bangalore is usually safe for tourists. However, it's advisable to exercise standard precautionary measures - avoid late-night wandering alone and secure your valuables. The city's tech-savvy inhabitants widely communicate in English, facilitating easier assistance if necessary.
The best time to tour Bangalore is from October to February, where the climate is most friendly. Tourists might want to steer clear of the city from April to June — the peak summer months, and from July to September during the monsoon season.
The airport is situated 40km away from the city center. Travelers can opt for the air-conditioned BMTC Vayu Vajra bus service, which is the most cost-effective. Alternatively, pre-paid taxis or Uber/Ola rides are also available. Depending on traffic conditions, the commute might range from 1-2 hours.
Preferring bottled water is suggested, being widely accessible. Most eateries use filtered water, but to be risk-free, you can request bottled water.
The local currency is Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely acceptable in restaurants, shops, and hotels. Keeping some cash handy for local markets and auto-rickshaw rides is recommended.
Travel Tips for Bangalore City
Explore Bangalore City