Bengaluru

Bengaluru Travel Guide

• About Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Cosmopolitan Bengaluru, formerly Bangalore, is the gateway to steamy South India, a handy hub for the beaches of Kerala and the temple towns of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In the years since Indian independence, Bengaluru has transformed itself from faded relic of the Raj to dynamic technology hub, with a young, highly-educated population and one of the fast growing IT industries in Asia. A new city of office towers and apartment buildings is bursting skywards around the old city centred on Mahatma Gandhi Road and Cubbon Park. For travellers, this means plenty of modern comforts – gleaming new hotels, upscale restaurants, air-conditioned shopping malls, multi-screen cinemas, fast internet-access – and a calmer, less frenetic introduction to the Indian way of life. Indeed, many find this metropolis the most relaxing place to arrive in the subcontinent. Modern Bengaluru is one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities, with a famously lively nightlife scene. Its and bars and coffee lounges would not look out of place in Berlin or San Francisco. As you sip a beer amongst crowds of IT professionals, the sound system could play anything from Bollywood movie songs to wailing heavy metal. Befitting its role as South India’s IT capital, Bengaluru is also a major transport hub, with frequent air, train and bus connections to the rest of India. The city’s international airport is the third busiest in the country, and fast gaining on Delhi and Mumbai, with direct flights to cities across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. However, this is not just somewhere to fly into and rush out of – away from the commercialism, you’ll still find traces of Bengaluru’s rich history. The city boasts ornate Hindu temples, elegant Victorian buildings and peaceful parks and gardens laid out during the British era. Perhaps the most fascinating relics of Bengaluru’s past are the royal palaces built by Tipu Sultan and the Wadiyars, former rulers of the kingdom of Mysore. Here, and in the bustling city markets, you’ll be transported back to India as you’ve always imagined it.

• Bengaluru (Bangalore) History

Thanks to its high-tech accomplishments, Bengaluru is known as the Silicon Valley of India thanks to its high-tech accomplishments, but the modern city owes it roots to the 12th century. Legend has it that in 1120, the ruling South Indian king became lost during a hunting trip into a forest. Thankfully, he met an old lady who offered him shelter for the night and served him baked beans for dinner. To show his gratitude to the woman that saved his life, the king constructed a town and named it Benda Kalooru, which means baked beans in the local Kannada language. In the 16th century, a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda, shaped the Bengaluru of today. It wasn’t much more than a mud fort in the earlier years, but after Hyder Ali received the town as a gift from Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in 1759, he rebuilt the fort with stone. Under Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan, Bengaluru flourished. But the Brits had their eyes on the city and, despite being repelled several times, seized the fort in 1791. The British initially returned the city to the Wadiyars after Tipu Sultan’s death in 1799. However, in 1831, Bengaluru became the British administrative regional headquarters. The Brits remained in the city until Indian independence in 1947. By the end of the 20th century, Bengaluru had become a high-tech hub, with multiple global tech companies opening offices in the sprawling urban landscape. The city officially changed its name from Bangalore to Bengaluru in 2006. Bengaluru’s stratospheric growth has continued into the 21st century, and the city has evolved into a cosmopolitan metropolis with a young, educated population.

• Did you know?

The Lalbagh Botanical Garden began life as a private garden created by Hyder Ali in 1760. Bengaluru became the first city in India to have electric lights in 1905. The city’s population swelled from 5.7 million in 2001 to 8.7 million in 2011, and authorities believe it will reach 20.3 million residents by 2031.

• Weather in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Bengaluru has a moderate climate year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons. April is the hottest month with temperatures often reaching 34°C (93°F) but rain starts to fall by May, moderating the heat. From June to October, monsoon brings frequent thunderstorms and occasional flooding. Temperatures range from 20°C (69°F) to 28°C (82°F). It’s hot, humid and rainy, so bring a raincoat if you are visiting during these months. The months from November to February are widely considered as the best time to visit Bengaluru. January is particularly lovely, with temperatures hovering around 28°C (82°F), this is also when the city hosts its acclaimed flower show.

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Things to see in Bengaluru

Attractions

• Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace, in the north of the city, was built in 1880 as a replica of Windsor Castle, complete with granite towers, turrets, Gothic windows and battlements. It’s a classic piece of British Raj architecture, constructed mainly of timber. The lavish interiors are piled high with the treasures of the local royal dynasty, the Wadiyars of Mysore. The current maharaja still lives here. Address: Vasanth Nagar, Palace Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2235 2828 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30. Website: www.karnatakatourism.org Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Lalbagh, meaning ‘red garden’, sits 4km (2.5 miles) south of the city centre. These peaceful gardens feature a slew of brightly coloured roses. Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan laid out the gardens in the 18th century, and some of the ancient trees from the original opening remain. Modelled on London’s Crystal Palace, the Lalbagh’s iconic glasshouse holds one of India’s largest collections of tropical plants. Address: Mavalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Telephone: +91 80 2657 8184 Opening times: Daily 06:00-19:00. Website: www.horticulturedir.karnataka.gov.in Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

A few minutes’ walk south of the city market is the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, the empire-building ruler of the medieval kingdom of Mysore, who was finally vanquished by an allegiance of British and Maratha troops in 1799. Although faded, the Summer Palace is still a striking building, with handsome teak pillars and traces of its original painted decoration. Address: Tippu Sultan Palace Rd, Chamrajpet, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2235 2828 Opening times: Daily 08:00-17:30. Website: www.bengaluruurban.nic.in Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Shri Doddabasavanna Temple (Bengaluru)

Dating from the 16th century, the Shri Temple houses one of India’s largest statues of Nandi, the sacred bull vehicle of Lord Shiva. The granite monolith has been stained black by centuries of being rubbed with sacred oils. Another temple with a similarly massive statue of the elephant god Ganesh sits nearby. It’s a popular stop for newly-weds and devotees throng the temple daily. Address: Bull Temple Rd, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2235 2828 Opening times: Mon-Sun 08:00-20:00. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Iskcon Temple

The Iskcon Temple, 8km (5 miles) northwest of the city, is the local headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, also known as the Hare Krishnas. It’s a monumental structure that resembles a traditional Dravidian Hindu temple fused with a glass ziggurat. As well as shrines and colourful murals, there’s a cinema showing films on the history of the Hare Krishna movement. Address: Rajajinagar, Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2347 1956 Opening times: Daily 07:15-20:20. Website: www.iskconbangalore.org Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Cubbon Park

Established by the British governor of Mysore in 1870, Cubbon Park is the lungs of Bengaluru – a welcomed green space in the heart of the city. The park sprawls over 120 hectares (296 acres) and around the perimeter are a string of landmark buildings, including the state legislature and the Victorian Gothic-style State Central Library and High Court of Karnataka. Address: Kasturba Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2286 4125 Opening times: Daily 06:00-18:00. Website: www.cubbon-park.in Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Krishna Rajendra Market

Krishna Rajendra Market (also known as KR or City Market) is the city’s busiest bazaar, crammed with vendors selling everything from coloured tikka powder and dried spices to strings of yellow chrysanthemums for temple offerings. It’s a hive of activity, particularly in the mornings, when traders unload piles of stock for the day’s trading. Address: Vanivilas Hospital, Chikkanna Garden, Kalasipalya, Bengaluru. Opening times: Mon-Sun 06:00-22:00. Website: www.english.bmrc.co.in Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Vidhana Soudha

Built to house the Secretariat and the State Legislature of Karnataka, the Vidhana Soudha is Bengaluru’s most imposing building. It was constructed by convicts in 1954 and is a classic example of the Neo-Dravidian style, which fuses elements of European neo-classical design with onion domes and Mughal flourishes. As this is a working government building, you can only look from the outside. Address: Ambedkar Bheedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 4455 4455 Opening times: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00. Website: www.bpac.in Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Surya Narayana Temple

Dedicated to Surya the Sun God, this temple sits among apartment blocks and attracts thousands of devotees each day, as it is believed that the deity here was brought from Badrinath, an important pilgrimage site in India. Various festivals mark Surya in India. In Bengaluru, Ratha Saptami which falls on the seventh day of the Hindu month Maagha, sees devotees celebrate Surya the Sun God with a big chariot. Address: Krishna Reddy Layout, Amarjyoti Layout, Domlur, Bengaluru. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Bangalore Fort

The city fort was raised in 1537 as a crude mud construction, but Hyder Ali upgraded to stone in 1761. Unluckily for Tipu sultan, who used the fort as a stronghold, the British vanquished the structure during the Third Mysore War and tore down parts of the building, leaving just the gate and walls seen today. Nevertheless, it’s a peaceful spot to escape the city hubbub. Address: Krishna Rajendra Rd, New Tharagupet, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2670 6836 Opening times: Daily 08:30-17:30. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Government Museum & Venkatappa Art Gallery

The setting is possibly more impressive than the collection at Bengaluru’s biggest museum. The handsome brick-red building was constructed in 1877 to house artefacts donated by locals during the colonial period, but the collection has been expanded to include carvings unearthed at Hampi and other archaeological sites in Karnataka. The adjacent art gallery is devoted to Sri K. Venkatappa, the court painter of the Wadiyar sultans, and provides a democratic space for regional artists to create and display. Address: Venkatappa, Kasturba Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2235 2828 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00. Website: www.archaeology.karnataka.gov.in Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Government of India Tourist Office

Address: Sir Visvesvaraya Kendriya Bhawan, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2558 3030 Opening times: Mon-Fri 09:30-18:00. Website: www.tourism.gov.in This useful office has information on attractions across India, and piles of brochures and maps. Staff are also well informed about tourist attractions within Bengaluru and around Karnataka.

Tourist passes

The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation offers a selection of passes for tourist sights but most are reserved for the media and government workers. More useful are the daily passes and monthly season tickets for the city’s buses, issued by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation Address: Central offices, NGO Colony, Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 1800 4251 1663 Website: www.mybmtc.karnataka.gov.in

Things to do in Bengaluru

• Be enthralled by a Jagriti Theatre show

Founded in 2011, the: Jagriti Theatre Address: Varthur Main Rd, Adarsh Palm Meadows Road, Whitefield, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 74 0696 6190 Website: www.jagrititheatre.com  is a 200-person music and performing arts space dedicated to showcasing productions from around the world. The shows certainly have a Bangalore vibe, even though most of them are performed in English.

• Eat ’til you drop at Basavanagudi

If food is your bag, spend a relaxed afternoon perusing the many street food joints of Basavanagudi. Just make sure you don’t skip breakfast that morning. Even if you visit when you’re not that hungry, the sights, sounds and smells exuding from one of Bangalore’s most vibrant bazaars will soon whet your appetite.

• Paraglide over the Nandhi Hills

Situated just outside of Bangalore sit the sprawling Nandi Hills, which reach the dizzy heights of 1,478m (4,851ft), high enough to reach the clouds above. Xtacee Paragliding Club Address: Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Telephone:+91 80 2665 2427 Opening times: Sat-Sun 07:00-16:00. Website: www.flynandi.com offers tandem paragliding for the best view of the hills down below.

• Place a wager at the Bangalore Turf Club

Horseracing is a popular pursuit in India. One of few turf tracks in the country. Bangalore’s Turf Club Address : Race Course Rd, Racecourse, Gandhi Nagar, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2226 2391 Website: www.bangaloreraces.com remains among the best venues to see the horses compete. You can flutter your spending money away during its two seasons: summer (May to August) and winter (November to April).

• Tackle the Anthargange hills

Tour operators Thrillophilia Website: www.thrillophilia.com  can take keen hikers to the Anthargange hills, just outside of Bangalore. This world of scattered rocks and all-encompassing vistas rises as high as 1,226m (4,021ft). Cave exploration, rappelling, rock climbing and even night treks await.

Bengaluru tours and excursions

Bengaluru (Bangalore) tours

• Bangalore Rounds bus tour

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation offers daily sightseeing bus tours, visiting all the main sights, including the Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Cubbon Park. The buses are billed as ‘hop-on, hop-off’ but actually it’s more like a full-day tour, with designated sightseeing time at each stop along the route. Telephone: +91 1800 425 1663 Website: www.intelligenttransport.com

• Walking tours

Bangalore Walks offers a selection of themed weekend walks led by fluent English-speaking guides, with a focus on heritage and history. The ‘Victorian Bangalore Walk’ offers a 19th century glimpse of busy Mahatma Gandhi Road, while the ‘Green Heritage Walk’ involves a stroll through Lalbagh Gardens. There are also medieval and cultural themed walks. Telephone: +91 98 4506 8416 Website: www.bangalorewalks.com 

Bengaluru (Bangalore) excursions

• Nandi Hills

When temperatures rise, Bengaluru heads for the hills, the Nandi Hills to be exact, about 60km (37 miles) north of the city. These rolling knolls were the country retreat of Tipu Sultan, the last sultan of Mysore. Today, they attract legions of city dwellers on the weekends. There are peaceful country walks, masses of monkeys, ancient temples and viewing platforms with epic outlooks across the plains. Telephone: +91 80 2657 9231 Website: www.kstdc.co

• Nrityagram

This modern-day Gurukul (spiritual and cultural school) was founded to preserve the ancient rituals and philosophy of Indian classical dance, under the guidance of legendary dancer Protima Gauri Bedi. Visitors can take a casual tour of the campus, attend classes on Indian dance, or take in performances by the school’s students. Nrityagram is 30km (19 miles) from Bengaluru, close to Hesaraghatta Lake. Telephone: +91 80 2846 6312 Website: www.nrityagram.org

Shopping in Bengaluru

Shopping in Bengaluru offers a wealth of choice, from handmade arts and crafts to beautiful silk saris.

• Key areas

For Karnataka specialities, there is an abundance of handicraft shops in and around Mahatma Gandhi Road and the Commercial Street area. Silk, Lambani tribal jewellery, and carvings of sandalwood and rosewood soapstone abound. Sculptures and brassware are sold at a lesser extent. Commercial Street is renowned for its excellent tailors, serving both men and women, who can create a suit or copy one you already have in a matter of days. Opticians will also craft prescription glasses in a few days. More general handicraft stores are Central Cottage Industries Emporium (144 MG Road) and The Cauvery (49 MG Road).

• Markets

City Market (KR) mostly sells fresh products like fruit, vegetables and flowers. Russell Market is more centrally located, near Commercial Street. It is worth visiting these markets to get an authentic feel for the places where locals do their usual food shopping.

• Shopping centres

Bengaluru got its first indoor air-conditioned shopping mall with multi-storey parking – the Forum – in 2004. It is now one of several malls selling European and American branded goods, as well as many well-known Indian chains. Other malls have followed suit, including The Garuda Mall, Bangalore Central and more recently, the Total Mall chain.

• Opening hours

Most shops, and particularly the handicraft shops, open late and close late with no absolute set times. However, 10:00-11:00 to 20:00-21:00 are typical opening hours throughout the week.

• Souvenirs

From quirky knick-knacks to delicious treats, Bengaluru offers a wide range of souvenirs to commemorate your trip. Bring back some Mysore pak, a popular sweet in South India that’s textured like fudge and often infused with cardamom. Mysore Sandal Soap is another regional favourite, as it’s the only soap in the world made from entirely pure sandalwood oil. The rich, milky smell is surely something you’ll want to take home.

Restaurants in Bengaluru

The Bengaluru restaurants scene is forever evolving. It’s just as easy to pick up Paniyarams (Battered black lintel balls) from a hot plate along VV Puram Thindi Beedi  (Food Street) as it is to grab sushi with sake and edible flowers at a high-end Japanese eatery. Look out for Military Hotels, which once catered for soldiers but now sell cheap, quick eats. Make sure to be cautious of their hygiene conditions. The Restaurants in Bengaluru below have been grouped into three different pricing categories: Expensive (over Rs1,000) Moderate (from Rs500 to Rs1,000) Cheap (under Rs500) Prices are for a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of house wine or equivalent (where applicable), tax and service included unless noted.

Expensive

• Blue Ginger

Cuisine: Vietnamese It’s worth visiting this sophisticated Vietnamese restaurant just for the setting at the handsome Taj West End hotel; the spectacular food is simply a bonus. It’s effortlessly romantic here, with covered pavilions seemingly floating amongst the water gardens, as diners relax among dark silk textiles and natural stone tables. Booking ahead of time is recommended. Address: Taj West End, 25 Race Course Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 6660 5660 Website: www.tajhotels.com

• Karavalli

Cuisine: South Indian seafood The Gateway Hotel’s graceful south Indian restaurant swims with the flavours of the west coast. The menu of seafood and curries takes a seafaring course from Mangalore through Goa, Travancore and the Konkan Coast. Set beneath thatched roofs and surrounded by trickling water features, Karavalli exudes an appropriately nautical mood. Address: Vivanta, 66, Residency Rd, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 6660 4545 Website: www.tajhotels.com

• Rim Naam at the Oberoi

Cuisine: Thai Set in an open, tiled pavilion amidst verdant gardens and water features, the Oberoi’s restaurant serves award-winning Thai food in elegant surroundings. It’s often described as the most romantic dinner spot in the city, which is hard to dispute over a kaeng pa kai (jungle curry with chicken) and a glass of fine wine. Address: M G, The Oberoi, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2558 5858 Website: www.oberoihotels.com

Moderate

• Sunnys Restaurant

Cuisine: Italian Sunnys is a local favourite in the mid-range category, serving superior quality European and Asian fusion cuisine in a laidback atmosphere. The far-reaching menu guarantees there’s always something appealing, including the bright and airy dining room. Address: 50, Lavelle Road, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 4132 9366

• The Grill House

Cuisine: Steaks and Tex-Mex Indian-style sizzlers and steaks are the mainstay at this meaty grill house between MG Road and Ulsoor Lake. Done out entirely in wood, like some sort of Texan outpost, steaks here come in a variety of meats and in a choice of marinades. Drinks are half price before 8pm from Monday to Thursday. Address: Kalyan Nagar, 8/6 Ulsoor Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 76 7676 7688 Website:www.zomato.com

• Time Traveller

Cuisine: Indian Labelled a ‘vegetarian’s paradise’, Time Traveller offers a generous buffet and an a la carte menu in a hospitable environment. The restaurant sits on the ground floor of the Sai Vishram hotel and changes its menu each day for a fresh take on local delicacies. The venue receives raving reviews, so don’t miss out on food of top notch quality and quantity. Address: Kirloskar Rd, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 4040 0400 Website:www.swiggy.com

Cheap

• Koshy’s Bar & Restaurant

Cuisine: Indian A Bengaluru institution, Koshy’s became famous by serving up bargain lunches and after-work drinks to lawyers and administrators from the nearby High Court of Karnataka. It’s a great place to dine surrounded by heated conversations. From stews to keema buns (stuffed buns), almost anything they do with mutton is memorable. Address: St Mark’s Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 4149 6575

• Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR)

Cuisine: South Indian vegetarian A Bangalore institution since 1924, MTR specialises in filling, multi-dish thalis (plate meals) and South Indian treats such as idlis (savoury cake), dosas (fermented crepe made from rice batter and black lentils), and sticky-sweet chandrahara (wheat-flour pancakes topped with sweet milk). Cash only. Address: Ground Floor, opposite SBI HQ, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru. Telephone:+91 98 8665 8096 Website: www.mavallitiffinrooms.com

• Central Tiffin Room

Cuisine: South Indian breakfast/vegetarian Otherwise known as the Central Tiffin Room, this stalwart breakfast fast-food house in Malleshwaram is always packed with locals who rave about its dosas (fermented crepe made from rice batter and black lentils), particularly the butter-rich benne masala dosa. With a vegetarian emphasis, clean facilities and quick service, Shri Sagar also offers decent filter coffee. Address: 7th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2331 7531 Website: www.zomato.com

Bengaluru Nightlife

Bengaluru has a reputation for being one of India’s most modern, cosmopolitan cities for nightlife, but local licensing laws prohibit alcohol from being served after 2300. This means evenings out start and finish early, but locals still fit in plenty of partying. Bengaluru drinkers are fickle and pubs, bars and lounges come and go, though a few stalwarts have stood the test of time. Besides checking out the latest hotspots, you’ll have the chance to experience live music, theatre, classical concerts and dance shows.

Bars in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

• Polo Club (The Oberoi Hotel)

Bengaluru’s multi award winning restaurant has its own unique flavour and ambience. Guests can enjoy all day dining and romantic dinners or gather family and friends for intimate parties. People often host exclusive business dinners or corporate events in the hotel’s private dining space. Address: 37-39 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 2558 5858 Website: www.oberoihotels.com

• Skkye Lounge

The name should tell you everything you need to know – the views are stunning from this rooftop bar in the thick of things at UB City. It’s sleek, modern and chic, and a big hit with the A-list partiers in Bengaluru. Grab a sundowner and watch the city light up slowly. Address: UB City, 24 Vittal Mallya Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 77 6088 8899 Website: www.skyye.in

• The Biere Club

Bengaluru has a reputation as India’s beer capital, and the Biere Club is a leading light in the craft beer movement. Their tasty house brews are made on site in giant brewers’ vats behind the bar. Decent bar food like pizzas and chips will keep you here longer than intended. Address: 20 Vittal Mallya Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 99 8676 9776 Website: drive.google.com

• Toit Brewpub

There’s a hint of the Cheers bar about this three-storey gastropub with bare brick walls sporting posters of Hendrix on the walls. The house beers run the whole range, from dark stout to Toit’s tasty Irish red beer and wheat beer. It also runs monthly brewery tours. Address: Indira Nagar II Stage, 298 100 Feet Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 90 1971 3388 Website: www.toit.in

Clubs in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

• Nolimmits Lounge & Club

Events at this artsy venue range from cutting edge live bands and comedy to story-telling and stand-up discussions on the nature of democracy. It’s an edgy, creative space and a great place to connect with the Bengaluru zeitgeist. Address: Allied Grand Plaza,Magrath Rd, above Nalli Silks, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 90 0897 9977 Website: www.nolimmits.in

• Indigo XP

Pop art murals and graffiti set the scene at this youthful hangout, which hosts four to five live bands a week, as well as regular karaoke nights and DJ sets. Music runs the range from jazz and blues to film soundtracks. Built over two levels, the Indigo Live Terrace offers some wonderful city views. Address: Koramangala, 71/72, Jyoti Nivas College Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 87 9251 1311 Website: www.indigoxp.net Address: Residency Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 4022 0000 Website: www.bangaloreclub.com

Live music in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

• B&B THE PUB

Grown-up jazz is the mainstay at this jazz and blues bar in hip and happening Chamrajpet. Under little more than flickering candlelight, acts cover everything from freeform jazz to Indian fusion, blending blues and Carnatic rhythms. Kick back with a Long Island Ice Tea and pretend it’s the Roaring Twenties. Address: 3rd Main Rd, near Bata Showroom, Chamrajpet, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 72 5999 9804 Website: www.bnbthepub.com

• Hard Rock Cafe

Mainstream, but well loved, the local Hard Rock Cafe is a great spot to take in a gig. As usual for the chain, the walls are lined with rock memorabilia and the entertainment line-up runs from karaoke nights to local bands. Sunday is usually reserved for acoustic acts. Address: 40 St Marks Road, Bengaluru. Telephone: +91 80 4124 2222 Website: www.cafe.hardrock.com

Bengaluru Food And Drink

Food In Bengaluru (Bangalore)

• Simple plate of Idli Vada

Idlis are a popular, sort-of-staple food in the South Indian states. Vada is a savoury, fried snack. To many, it may look like a fried version of doughnuts. Vadas are of several types made of legumes (pigeon pea, chickpea, black gram, green gram), potatoes and sometimes even with curd (dahi vada).

• Thatte Idli

Thatte Idli is a South Indian delicacy made from a fermented batter of rice, lentils, fenugreek seeds, and tapioca pearls. It is known for its plate-like shape and soft, fluffy texture.

• Rava Idli

Idli Rava is made with Whole Rice, soaked and dried and ground as explained in this recipe. On the other hand, Rava / Semolina/ Upma Rava is made from Durum Wheat which is used to make Rava Pongal ,Ragi Rava Dosa, Rava Idli, Upma, Rava Ladoo, Kichadi, Rava Kesari (Sheera), Rava Kanji etc.

• Benne (Butter) Masala Dosa

Benne Dosa literally translates to Butter Dosa (Benne is Butter in Kannada). Benne Masala Dosa is prepared using the normal dosa batter prepared using urad dal and idly/dosa rice and a little channa dal for that brown colour and crispiness on the outside.

• Khali Dosa

A famous soft and spongy south indian dosa made with idli rice, urad dal and poha. it is typically made and served in the hotel and is generally thicker as compared to the traditional set dosa or plain dosa. it just melts when served with choice of chutney recipes like coconut chutney and a side dish of sambar.

• Ragi Mudde (Finger Millet Ball)

Ragi mudde has only two ingredients, ragi (finger millet) flour and water. A tablespoon of ragi flour is first mixed with water to make a very thin paste and later added to a thick-bottomed vessel containing water on a stove top.

• Puliyogare or tamarind flavoured rice

To make puliyogare, aged short grain rice is used. The rice is precooked to a grainy texture & cooled completely. Then it mixed with the prepared tempered spice powder known as puliyogare gojju. Puliyogare podi is made by roasting lentils, red chilies and spices to perfection.

• Bisi bele bath or hot lentil rice

Bisi Bele Bath powder is made from fine grinding of chili, cloves, cumin, chana (Bengal gram), cinnamon, coconut, urad dal, coriander seeds and other ingredients. Vegetables such as drumstick, beans, capsicum and chopped carrots are often added to Bisi Bele Bath for enhanced taste.

Drink In Bengaluru (Bangalore)

• Nannari Syrup

Nannari Syrup is made by boiling nannari roots in water and reducing it in volume until all the flavors seep in to the water then sugar is added and boiled until half string consistency. Finally after cooling down the syrup lemon juice is added to avoid crystallization and to increase shelf life.

• Panakam

Panakam is a traditional South Indian drink made with jaggery, black pepper, cardamoms and water. Traditionally in South Indian temples, large pots of panakam is offered to Lord Sri Rama during Sri Rama Navami which is later distributed among the devotees.

• Sugarcane juice

Sugarcane juice is the liquid extracted from pressed sugarcane. It is consumed as a beverage in many places, especially where sugarcane is commercially.

• Ragi ambli or salty porridge

Ragi ambli or salty porridge is prepared using finger millet flour, buttermilk, salt, onion and curry leaves. Ragi ambli or raagi buttermilk.

• Majjige

This refreshingly spicy buttermilk drink with ginger and cilantro is a must-have for hot summers.

• Rose Milk

Rose petals are not necessary for Rose Milk, but they can enhance the flavour and aroma of the drink. An ideal Rose Milk recipe includes mixing milk with rose syrup made from rose water and sugar.