Things to Do in Bengaluru

About Bengaluru

Bengaluru breathes with the pulse of innovation while its soul remains deeply rooted in South Indian tradition. This cosmopolitan garden city unfolds like a living tapestry where ancient temples stand in harmony with gleaming tech campuses, and the aroma of filter coffee mingles with the scent of jasmine from roadside vendors. Here, the morning begins with the gentle rustle of silk sarees and the evening concludes with the soft glow of craft breweries. The city's tree-lined avenues whisper stories of royal legacies while its bustling markets echo with multilingual conversations. In Bengaluru, you'll discover a rhythm that's uniquely Indian yet universally welcoming—where startup dreams take flight from century-old neighborhoods, where classical Carnatic music flows seamlessly into contemporary conversations, and where every corner café holds the promise of an unexpected encounter with warmth, wisdom, and wonder.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use Namma Metro for efficient travel between major areas. Book Ola/Uber during non-peak hours (10 AM-4 PM) to avoid surge pricing. Rent bikes through Yulu for short distances. Traffic peaks during 8-10 AM and 6-9 PM—plan accordingly.

Money: Carry cash for street vendors and local transport. UPI payments (Google Pay, PhonePe) are widely accepted. ATMs are abundant in commercial areas. Tipping 10% at restaurants and ₹20-50 for service staff is customary.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering temples and homes. Dress modestly at religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Learn basic Kannada phrases like 'Namaskara' (hello) and 'Dhanyawada' (thank you). Respect local customs during festivals and ceremonies.

Food Safety: Stick to busy local eateries with high turnover for street food. Drink bottled or filtered water. Try authentic South Indian breakfast at darshinis (fast-food joints). Avoid raw salads from street vendors; opt for cooked, hot meals.

When to Visit

Bengaluru's pleasant climate makes it a year-round destination, but timing affects your experience significantly. October to February offers perfect weather with temperatures between 15-28°C, minimal rainfall, and crystal-clear skies—ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This peak season sees hotel rates increase by 30-50%, especially during Diwali (October/November) and Christmas weeks. March to May brings warmer weather (20-35°C) with occasional pre-monsoon showers. It's shoulder season with moderate pricing and fewer crowds, perfect for exploring indoor attractions like museums and breweries. June to September monsoon season transforms the city into a lush paradise with temperatures around 18-28°C and 900mm annual rainfall. Hotel rates drop 20-40%, making it budget-friendly despite intermittent heavy showers. Key festivals include Karaga (March/April), a spectacular local celebration, Dasara (September/October) with vibrant processions, and Diwali with citywide illuminations. Digital nomads prefer monsoon months for lower accommodation costs, while families should visit during cooler winter months. Business travelers find March-May ideal as it avoids both peak tourist season and heavy monsoons.