Bangalore, earlier known as a pensioner’s paradise and garden city, thanks to its cool weather, large gardens and slow pace of life, has seen significant business growth with the advent of MNCs in the last 25 years. Now known as the ‘silicon valley of India,’ Bangalore or Bengaluru as it is officially known, is a bustling city that has grown by unplanned leaps and bounds. Interestingly, being the prime outsourcing destination of jobs from the West, Bangalore has also contributed the term ‘bangalored’ to the English dictionary.

The salubrious climate and cosmopolitan outlook makes this city attractive for Indians and foreigners, many of whom are employed with the MNCs here. Bangalore was preferred as an army cantonment for the British during their occupation of India. It still retains colonial monuments and remnants of the British Raj, adding an old world charm to an otherwise fast-moving city.

Attractions: Beautiful forested gardens in the city centre like the Lalbagh (45 acres) and Cubbon park (100 acres,) Nandi hills where you could get a complete view of the city from atop the hills, Bull Temple, Ramakrishna Math Ashram, Vidana Soudha (the State Legislature building,) Vishveshwaraya Science and Technology Museum, Cricket stadiums, cosmopolitan culture, delightful lounge bars and breweries, rock bands, night clubs, multi-cuisine restaurants, luxury hotels and spas, trekking, culture trail walks, street shopping and shopping for branded goods, health and wellness resorts like Ayurvedagram and Sowkhya, art forms like Yakshagana and Dollu Kunitha, traditional dance schools like Nrityagram and art academies like Chitra Kala Parishath, to name a few.

Shopping: Shop at famous malls like UB city and Pheonix for branded clothes, accessories and goods or just indulge in street shopping on MG – Brigade roads and Commercial street. Sandalwood wares, silk, cotton fabrics, readymade garments of various brands (indian and western,) accessories, Indian artifacts, wooden toys and knick knacks. Leading designers also showcase their wares at the 5 and 7 star hotels, often offering discount sales. Bangalore is a shopper’s hub and you will find a number of things to acquire if you love to shop!

Accessibility: Bengaluru Airport, 35 km away from the main city. Travel by train and bus is possible from most cities in India. Cabs could be booked to transport you from towns nearby or neighboring states, into Bangalore.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year, however the weather is pleasant between September and January.