Hailed as India's IT (Information Technology) capital, Bengaluru is now a popular entertainment hub too. From hosting some of the biggest international music concerts and beer festivals to housing the country's first Taco Bell and many premium designer stores like Maison, Karnataka's capital city offers tourists a mix of attractions. Here's our pick of the best places to stay, shop, eat and drink when in India's new 'it' city.
Considering Bengaluru's huge expat population, it only makes sense that international chains set up their first Indian branches here. Cases in point are the American eateries Taco Bell and Café Au Bon Pain. The former, situated in Mantri Square Mall at Malleswaram, serves up classic Tex-Mex dishes—tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and crunch wraps—with an Indian twist. Au Bon Pain, on the bustling MG road, has bright yellow umbrellas set up outside for guests to enjoy a quick lunch in the outdoors. On the menu are international favourites like bagels, sandwiches and wraps, but they also cater to Indian tastes by offering the Harvest Rice Bowls—essentially curries served with rice and fresh salads.
Tip:Au Bon Pain also provides catering service for house parties, business meetings and other gatherings.
Like That Only is a recently opened restaurant in Whitefield with an eclectic Pan Asian menu and Masterchef-inspired dishes that take classic ingredients and give them a modern twist. The décor is warm, and the colourful furnishings along with the candles and plants make it perfect for a romantic night out. The menu ranges from interesting salads to teppanyaki, sushi, dim sums and curries. This one should definitely make it on your must-try list.
Tip:Try their unique cocktails: Mary Pops In is a Bloody Mary served in a jam jar which opens with a puff of hickory smoke, and Lotta is a fruity rum cocktail served in a steel tumbler.
For beer lovers, it doesn't get any better than this. In its 8th edition, this annual festival organised by beer baron Vijay Mallya's UB group is a treat for revellers who come here in hordes every year for some great food, music and of course free-flowing beer. Some of the performers this year include international metal headliner 'Gone in April' along with the some of India's biggest rock musicians like Raghu Dixit, Agam and La Pongal. So if you are in Bengaluru between 12 and 15 October this year, we recommend you head here for some heavy-duty drinking.
Tip: Pick up interesting knick-knacks and curios at the flea market set up within the premises.
Bengaluru's newest addition, this three-storied micro brewery makes delicious craft beers and does food pairings with them as well. For instance, they recommend pairing their Tintin Toit (a sweet and tart beer with a hint of orange peel) with batter fried prawns and seafood pizza. They also serve up some mouth-watering pub grub including Prawns on Fire and Beefy Loaded Potato besides the famous Toit chocolate cake.
Tip:Try the Basmati Blonde—its most popular beer. Be warned though, it sells out the quickest too.
Started by Sana Rezwan, Maison is an online concept store which stocks cool international labels available for the first time in India. Spread over 3200sq ft on Vittal Mallya Road, this sleek and minimal-looking store sources clothing, shoes and accessories from fashion capitals all over the world and caters to a variety of sensibilities. Its list of designers includes Preen, Tibi, Derek Lam, Issa, Thakoon and the like.
Tip:The store also has real and virtual gift cards too, which make perfect presents for a happy occasion.
A resort wear store that first launched in Goa, Turquoise & Gold—situated at UB City Mall in Bengaluru—houses unique and exclusive prints sourced from fabric fairs and designers based in Europe. The fabrics sourced are crafted into attractive playsuits, handkerchief dresses and kaftans, which are perfect to include in your holiday wardrobe.
Tip:Check out Turquoise & Gold's Luxe line, which uses superior fabrics and hand-embroidered embellishments for a more glamorous look.
Situated in the heart of Whitefield—overlooking the Varthur Lake—Alila Bangalore Hotel and Residence is arguably one of the best business lifestyle hotels in the city. It's elegant design and beautifully landscaped gardens deserve a special mention. From luxurious suites to a wide range of bars and restaurants, a gorgeous pool and a renowned spa, you would probably end up spending the whole weekend here. As an added bonus for business travellers as well as those on a holiday, the hotel offers free WIFI in all rooms.
Tip: Don't miss the English High Tea at Tiffin Bar complete with scones and pastries.