Top Things To Do In Bangalore (part 2/2)
Updated: Sep 16
Bangalore, renowned as the "Silicon Valley of India", primarily attracts business travellers from all over the world, as there are so many offices of multinational corporations.
However, it is an interesting place also from the tourist's perspective, and if you are lucky enough to travel to Bangalore I will try to help you to pick up the best places to visit, especially if you are short of time.
If this post is the first one you read about Bangalore, I recommend checking out its first part here and returning to this page.
So, what are the top things to do in Bangalore? I hope my post will help you to find answers to this question.
Visiting Nagarathpete & Chickpea Markets
For me, the best experience one can get from visiting Bangalore or any other city in India is while exploring the busy vibrant streets wriggling between various street vendors.
I already described the visit of Malleswaram and Jayanagar Markets, in my previous post, and here I would like to focus on vibrant streets located in the heart of the city, close to both Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Vidhana Subha and Cubbon Park.
There are 2 notable areas for those searching for something special to buy as a souvenir or a gift, or for colourful photos of everyday life in the heart of Bangalore: Nagarathpete & Chickpet Markets.
Chickpet and Nagarathpete are distinct areas of the city and while they have their unique characteristics, they are often grouped due to their proximity and shared reputation for wholesale markets and traditional shopping experiences. So, while they are separate areas, they are often considered part of the same commercial district in Bangalore.
Chickpet is known for its wholesale markets and attracts visitors through its labyrinth of narrow streets lined with traditional shops. Here, visitors can find a variety of textiles, sarees, dress materials, and fabrics.
Adjacent to Chickpet lies Nagarathpete, which is also a good spot for those interested in textiles, but especially, for jewellery lovers: you can find nice examples of gold jewellery, order something unique for yourselves or buy precious and semi-precious stones if you want. There are so many different shops, where you can find also antique coins and banknotes.
If you are not into shopping, just walk along these narrow streets, observe busy locals and try coconut water from a local vendor, who cut it with a huge knife!
Exploring Vidhana Soudha & Cubbon Park
Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the Karnataka state legislature, stands as an architectural marvel, showcasing Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian styles. Constructed in the 1950s under the vision of Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the then Chief Minister of Mysore, Vidhana Soudha represents a pivotal moment in Karnataka's history, symbolizing the aspirations of a newly independent state.
Hanumanthaiah's ambitious vision aimed to create a monumental structure that not only housed the state's legislative functions but also reflected the cultural richness and diversity of Karnataka.
Adjacent to Vidhana Soudha lies Cubbon Park, an oasis of greenery in the city's heart. Spanning over 1.2 square kilometres, this urban park offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and business of Bangalore's streets.
Cubbon Park also houses several architectural landmarks, including the majestic Attara Kacheri, housing the Karnataka High Court, and the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Library.
Trying Great Local Food: A Few Recommendations
Indian food is a miracle: there are so many different dishes of amazing flavours and textures, so it's not possible not to be impressed by the local cuisine. From masala dosa, idli and pani puri to biryani, paneer, chicken tikka and an enormous number of other amazing dishes!
We didn't have so much time to go to restaurants often, but there are a couple of places that I would like to share with you:
Isiri Resto Bar is a cosy place very close to major western offices - just at the Outer Ring Road - when you enter it, you have a feeling as if you are inside the train. The decorations and atmosphere are amazing.
The food was great - we were there a couple of times and ordered different dishes, everything was delicious - both vegetarians and meat lovers were satisfied!
Also, they have beer from a local microbrewery - Toit - and the selection of beers was pretty interesting and authentic.
Ironhill Brewery is a place that conquered my heart. It is a must-visit restaurant in the city, but you need to book a table in advance, as it's super popular among locals. The food is great - I would say, it's Asian fusion, but with a great selection of Indian dishes as well.
You need to come here for the atmosphere - the restaurant looks like a lounge zone, with beautiful decorations and an amazing outdoor area where you can find even a small pool with fountains.
Also, it's a paradise for beer lovers: they brew great beer, and there are plenty of types to choose from. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that they even have NEIPA (New England IPA), a rare type of beer even in Europe.
Visiting IKSON Temple & Other Ideas
During our last few hours in India, we decided to visit the ISKCON temple, as it was highly recommended by our colleagues. The temple is one of the largest Krishna-Hindu temples in the world, and despite being relatively new (the construction was completed in 1997), it has already become a significant landmark of the city.
The temple is renowned for its stunning architecture, blending traditional Indian temple architecture with modern design elements. The temple complex covers a significant area and features intricate carvings, beautiful sculptures, and ornate decorations.
Before you visit the temple, you should know that as in all Hindu temples, you need to enter it barefoot. The temple is huge, so you should be prepared to spend quite a lot of time walking without your shoes, and this might be a bit uncomfortable.
If you are lucky enough to have more free time in Bangalore, then I would suggest visiting the places that were on my list, but unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to see myself:
One-day trip to Mysore (the capital of the Mysore kingdom from 1399 to 1947).
If I had a chance to go to Bangalore again, I would go to Mysore to see its famous palace. I think it's a valid reason to come back to Karnataka, why not?
I hope you found this post useful and it has inspired you to visit Bangalore: the incredible city, a blend of traditions and modernity, a colourful paradise that managed to retain its soul despite the wide presence of grey western offices.
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