Dubbed the Silicon Valley of India for its massive IT industry, the South Indian city of Bangalore has all the trappings of a city that means business, from fantastic shopping to exceptional restaurants. There are plenty of things to do in Bangalore for visitors, from relaxing in the city’s Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Gardens to marveling at the architecture of Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Bangalore Palace, and Vidhana Soudha. And if you need a break from city life, you can simply head up for a hike in the Nandi Hills or visit the Bannerghatta National Park, a 90-minute drive.
Bangalore is truly a year-round destination, and its pleasant summer temperatures are part of its appeal—especially for people from other parts of India who have opted to move to the city. That said, the weather is cooler from October to March. The monsoon season (June to September) brings lots of rain, so it’s not ideal for checking out the city’s many gardens and green spaces.
There are lots of ways to reach the things to do in Bangalore—just be prepared to encounter a fair amount of traffic in many parts of the city. Most visitors arrive via the Kempegowda International Airport. One of the cheapest ways to get from point to point is by taking the metro and bus services, but it can get crowded in peak times. Rideshare apps such as Ola Cabs and Uber are the easiest option if comfort is your priority, but sometimes it's quicker and easier to simply hail an auto rickshaw off the street and tell the driver your destination.
Whether you're planning a date night or just want to get a taste of the city's finest dining options, pay a visit to Farmlore. This fine dining restaurant on a 37-acre (15-hectare) farm offers small groups of patrons the chance to indulge in 5- or 10-course meals, whipped up using mostly organic veggies grown hydroponically on-site and milk from the farm’s own Gir and Halikar cows.
