Hotels in Bengaluru

Exploring Bengaluru

Situated on the unique Mysore Plateau with swaying coconut trees and freshwater lakes, Bengaluru, which is more commonly known as Bangalore, is the third largest city in India, with a population of over eight million people. Once known as the ‘Garden City of India’, Bengaluru is now the IT capital of India and is also known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’. It is also a major cultural hub as well as being an economic one, and although Bengaluru is not a major tourist centre there is plenty to see and do here.

Bengaluru and its metropolitan area are massive, consisting of several districts, each with their own charm. Major landmarks in the city include the beautiful Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan's Palace, the iconic Shiva Temple and the ancient Dakshina Mukhy Nandeeshwara Temple. The city’s lakes offer visitors a pleasant and peaceful experience, while Gandhi Bazaar is the best place to shop for saris, bangles and other Indian souvenirs.

Sights nearby

There are plenty of temples, waterfalls and other attractions within easy reach of Bengaluru as well as plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, cycling and kayaking.

Nandi Hills
Also known as Nandidurg, these hills can be found just over 60 kilometres north of Bengaluru. This ancient hill fortress is 1,479 metres high and home to such attractions as Tipu's Summer Palace and Fort, the Gavi Veerbhadra Swamy temple, a botanical garden and a children’s playground. Mountaineers can scale the famous Tipu’s drop, while those less adventurous can enjoy walking up the hill to visit its temples and famous sites, such as Gandhi House. Nandi Hills is rich in birdlife and is popular among birdwatchers as well as being fantastic for historians, adventurists and outdoor lovers. The hills are a popular weekend spot for local Bangaloreans, so it is best to visit during the week to truly enjoy it without the crowds. Buses run between Bengaluru and the top of Nandi Hill, or visitors can stay overnight in one of the nearby hotels, such as Green Valley Resorts.

Kolar Gold Fields
A gold mining town that dates back to the first millennium BC, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) is home to numerous attractions, including the Bangaru Tirpati temple, Sri Lakshmiprasanna Venkataramana Temple and the Mill Tailing Dumps. In the past the town was known as ‘Little England’ and when in operation was it the second deepest mine in the world. There is a prestigious golf course on site and the town’s KGF club is one of India’s most desired clubs, though the old gold mines and British bungalows are the main attractions here.

Krishnagiri
Found just under 100 kilometres southeast of Bengaluru, Krishnagiri is an extremely fertile district, with fresh water and fertile soil. It is also home to plenty of attractions, such as Krishnagiri dam and Krishnagiri fort as well as over 50 temples. It is a great place to go trekking and visit mango nurseries, of which there around 150. It is suitable for adults as well as children thanks to the playground at the nearby Boat House.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

Bengaluru itself is a great place to sample food, with Maharashtrian, Oriya, South Karnataka and Bengaluri cuisine available, as well as plenty of continental cuisine. Some of the best restaurants can be found in hotels such as The Gateway Hotel and The Park Hotel. There are also plenty of fast food restaurants all over the city, while Shettara Beedi (Food Street) is dotted with snack stalls and is best explored after 18:00. Bengaluru is also a haven for shopaholics, having numerous shopping streets, malls, markets and boutiques.

Public transport

Bengaluru is served by Bengaluru International Airport, which is 40 kilometres from the city centre. Buses run from the airport into the city, and both post- and pre-paid taxis are also available. Inner-city buses are extremely frequent and run both within the city as well as to its suburbs. Vajra buses are the most comfortable, with signs in both English and Kannada, and are the most popular among visitors.