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Things to Do in Bengaluru

Things to Do in Bengaluru

Bengaluru Karnataka, India Travel Guide

Outdoor Thrills

The region offers a range of outdoor adventures for different fitness levels.

Hiking & Trekking

Nandi Hills

Moderate trek. Drive or use ancient stone steps. Favored for watching the sunrise.

Skandagiri

Night treks for stunning sunrise above clouds. Moderate difficulty, often requires prior permission. Book a night trek.

Savandurga

Asia's largest monolith hill. Challenging trek, popular for rock climbing. Rewarding panoramic views.

Adventure & Water Sports

  • Go-karting: Various tracks around the city (e.g., XLR8, Torq03).
  • Paintball/Laser Tag: Several arenas for groups and competitive fun.
  • Water Fun parks: Wonderla Amusement Park on outskirts offers rides.
  • Ulsoor Lake: Pedal boating for recreational purposes. Limited water sports within city.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Bannerghatta National Park.
  • Lion and tiger safari.
  • Bear rescue center.
  • Butterfly park. Explore Bannerghatta.

Cycling Routes

  • Cubbon Park/Lal Bagh: Casual cycling.
  • Turahalli Forest: Mountain biking trails.
  • Nandi Hills: Challenging road cycling.
  • Organized weekend rides for scenic routes.

Amusement Parks

  • Wonderla Amusement Park.
  • Located on Mysore Road.
  • Thrilling rides and water park.
  • Popular for families and adventure seekers. Get Wonderla tickets.

Safety Note for Outdoor Activities

Always check local regulations, weather conditions, and wear appropriate safety gear for any outdoor or adventure activity. Some treks require permits.

Cultural Deep Dive

These experiences offer insights into Indian traditions, connecting you with local art, music, dance, and festivals.

Workshops & Learning

  • Art/Craft: Local art studios and cultural centers (Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath) offer workshops.
  • Music/Dance: Schools in Bengaluru teach classical Indian dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak) and music.
  • Cooking Classes: Specialized culinary centers or homestays offer hands-on South Indian cooking.
  • Language Learning: Institutes offer short-term courses for basic Kannada phrases. English is widely spoken.

Cultural Performances

Classical Arts

Chowdiah Memorial Hall and Ranga Shankara host classical Indian music concerts and dance performances. Temples also feature rituals.

Temple Ceremonies

Observe daily 'pujas' (prayers) and special festival ceremonies at major temples. Dress modestly and be respectful.

Community Tourism

Less city-centric; look for initiatives in rural Karnataka or by way of NGOs for direct community engagement and sustainable tourism. Find local tours.

Cultural Festivals

Ugadi (Kannada New Year, March/April), Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug/Sep), Dasara (Sep/Oct), Diwali (Oct/Nov). Check local event listings.

Relaxation & Wellness

Luxurious spas in hotels (Ritz-Carlton Spa), standalone wellness centers for Ayurvedic/traditional Indian massages, yoga studios (Art of Living International Center).

Healing & Retreats

No natural hot springs in Bengaluru. Ayurvedic centers and nature cure hospitals offer holistic treatments. Yoga and meditation retreats are available, with drop-in classes common.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Bengaluru, the "Pub Capital of India," boasts a lively and diverse entertainment and nightlife scene.

Live Music & Theatre

  • Microbreweries: Many host live bands and musical acts, especially on weekends (Hard Rock Cafe, Foxtrot).
  • Dedicated Venues: Smaller cafes and music venues host local and international artists.
  • Ranga Shankara: Premier theatre for Kannada and other language plays.
  • Chowdiah Memorial Hall: Hosts classical music concerts and cultural performances.

Nightclubs & Bars

Popular Nightclubs

XU (The Leela Palace), Skyye (UB City), Loft 38, High Ultra Lounge. Check entry policies (couple entry, guest lists, cover charges).

Bar Districts

Indiranagar (100 Feet Road) and Koramangala (80 Feet Road) offer dense concentrations of pubs and microbreweries for pub hopping. Church Street and Brigade Road also feature many bars.

Late-Night Options

Most pubs and clubs close around 1 AM due to local regulations. Some 24/7 cafes or fine dining within 5-star hotels might offer options for after-darkr hours.

Hotel Pool & Private Clubs

Hotel Pools

Many luxury and mid-range hotels feature swimming pools for guest use, offering a refreshing escape.

Private Clubs

Some private clubs in the city offer access to the pool for a fee, a pleasant option during warmer months.

No Beaches

Bengaluru is an inland city; it doesn't have any beaches. Nearest major beaches are on the Karnataka coast.

Shopping & Markets

Bengaluru offers diverse shopping, from bustling traditional markets to upscale boutiques and malls.

Traditional Markets

  • KR Market (Krishnarajendra Market): Bustling, sensory-rich wholesale market for flowers, fruits, vegetables.
  • Commercial Street: Labyrinthine street for clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes. Bargaining expected.
  • Chickpet Market: Known for textiles, especially sarees and traditional Indian wear.
  • Gandhi Bazaar (Basavanagudi): Traditional market for flowers, spices, puja items, authentic South Indian sweets.

Artisan & Luxury Shopping

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath hosts exhibitions of traditional Karnataka art. Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium offers authentic crafts (sandalcarved wood, rosewood inlay, Channapatna toys).

Luxury Shopping

UB City: Bengaluru's premier luxury mall with global brands, fine dining. Large malls (Orion, Phoenix Marketcity) feature global and Of indian origin brands. Lavelle Road has high-end boutiques.

Ethical Guidelines

Support local artisans. Avoid illicit goods (e.g., illegal ivory). Bargain respectfully in traditional markets. Retain receipts for purchases.

Souvenir Ideas

  • Sandalwood products (carvings, oils).
  • Channapatna Toys (wooden, lacquered).
  • Mysore Pak (sweet confection).
  • Filter Coffee Powder (local blends).

More Souvenirs

  • Bidriware (metal handicraft).
  • Silk sarees from Chickpet.
  • Local flavorings and teas.
  • Handicrafts from Cauvery Emporium.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local artisans directly.
  • Purchase from government-run stores.
  • Avoid illicit goods like illegal ivory.
  • Bargain politely and with a smile.

Shipping & Customs

Shipping Services
  • Major courier services (DHL, FedEx, India Post) are available.
  • Inquire about services at local branches.
  • International shipping options for larger purchases.
Customs Information
  • Be aware of your home country's customs regulations.
  • Retain all receipts for your purchases.
  • Specific rules for spices, textiles, restricted items (woods, antiques).

Market Money Tip

When shopping in traditional markets, arrive with small denominations of cash. This streamlines transactions and can be helpful during bargaining, as vendors may not always have change for larger notes.

Activity Planning Summary

Adventure Ready

  • Identify treks suiting your fitness level (Nandi Hills, Skandagiri).
  • Consider booking wildlife safaris at Bannerghatta National Park in advance.
  • Look into cycling groups for guided rides outside the city.
  • Check local listings for particular happenings or festivals during your visit.

Cultural & Leisure Focus

  • Seek out local cooking classes for an immersive culinary experience.
  • Plan visits to cultural centers like Ranga Shankara for performances.
  • Allocate evenings for exploring microbreweries and popular bar districts.
  • Include traditional market visits for souvenirs and local crafts.