Month: May 2017


Bengaluru, Karnataka’s capital, is arguably the “coolest” metropolis in India, thanks to the creative, energetic young people who’ve transformed the city from its status as a quiet retirement outpost to that of the most happening city in India. Small wonder that Bengaluru’s increasingly cosmopolitan population is mushrooming, as is its size. Here’s a little list of the top 10 things to do in Bengaluru for you to try out.

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Constructed by ruler Hyder Ali in the 1760, Lalbagh – literally meaning “red garden” – spanning 96 acres, houses a humungous collection of plants and venerable trees. An added attraction is the Sunday morning Police Band performance at the Police Bandstand.

Cubbon Park 

Cubbon Park is a huge 120-hectare space of dense greenery, aptly likened to the lungs of the city. Named in honor of the former British commissioner Sir Mark Cubbon, it also houses two municipal museums, the State Central Library, an art gallery and the Government Aquarium.

Government Museum

While in Cubbon Park, walk into the Government Museum to view a display of stone carvings and artifacts, including a few valuable Halebid relics.  Using the same ticket, you can also visit the adjoining Venkatappa Art Gallery displaying works and personal memorabilia of the Wodeyars’ court painter, K. Venkatappa (1887–1962).

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath

For a real gander into is the place to visit. Often described as “Bengaluru’s definitive art institution,” this visual arts gallery (open 10:30 am to 7:00 pm) has on show a vast array of Indian and international contemporary art. Also on permanent display are elaborate gold-leaf works of Mysore-style paintings, and pan-Asian folk and tribal art. It also has a section dedicated to Russian master Nicholas Roerich’s works, famous for his beautiful depictions of the Himalayan mountains, and to Svetoslav, his son.

Iskcon Temple 

The extravagantly decorated International Society of Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) is adorned in both traditional and very contemporary design. It also houses the beautiful Sri Radha Krishna Mandir.

Krishnarajendra Market Area

Busy Krishnarajendra Market and the adjoining maze of wholesale shop-lined streets exude the pungent aroma of traditional spices and fresh produce. Several mosques, including the huge, mauve colored Jama Masjid indicate that you are in a predominantly Islamic locality of the city.

Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technical Museum

This one is for the geeks. Items on display range from historic electrical and engineering models to the latest edutainment offerings.

Bangalore Turf Club

The decades old Bangalore Turf Club is an institution. Under its aegis, horse races are held in summer (May to July) and winter (November to February), usually on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Grasshopper

A little more gambling, this time pot luck! Operated by a”designer” couple, Grasshopper’s specialty is that it has no fixed menu; you just accept what is proffered on that given day. But you’re sure to sink your teeth into something really special – so bring your special one here for that special occasion.

Kerala Ayurveda

Kerala Ayurveda, a popular wellness solutions provider based in eastern Bengaluru with centers across the city, provides reasonably priced, holistic ayurveda-based treatments.

Bengaluru is a great place to live in, shop in or just visit, any time of the year. These top 10 things to do in Bengaluru will make your trip a much more memorable one!