Ekshetha & Krishik
Between the celebrations

Around Bengaluru

Watercolor illustration of a Bengaluru skyline blending several of the city's landmark buildings and temple towers among trees

Things to do, where to eat and where to shop, in the city and online. These are the couple’s own picks, not a stranger’s suggestion dressed up as theirs; anything still labelled a blank is one they haven’t filled in yet.

Things to do & nearby places

Culture & history, in the city

  • Bangalore Palace: A beautiful, slightly eccentric palace built in 1878 that looks like a miniature Windsor Castle, with stunning woodwork, Spanish courtyards and vintage photographs. An easy, low‑stress visit and a fantastic photo backdrop.
  • The Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi): A taste of traditional Hindu temple architecture: this 16th‑century temple in Basavanagudi houses a massive, monolithic statue of Nandi, the sacred bull. Tip: bring slip‑on shoes and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting temples.
  • Vidhana Soudha: The seat of the state legislature, a massive, imposing neo‑Dravidian building. You can’t go inside, but driving past or stopping for a quick photo, especially when it’s lit up in the evening, is a quintessential Bengaluru moment.

The “Garden City” experience

  • Lalbagh Botanical Garden: A 240‑acre haven in the middle of the city. A quiet morning walk takes in the famous Glass House (modelled after London’s Crystal Palace), centuries‑old trees, and vibrant tropical flowers.
  • Cubbon Park: Right in the central business district. On a free Sunday morning the roads inside the park close to traffic, making it a peaceful, shaded place to walk, followed by breakfast at a nearby cafe.

Best day trips, outside the city

  • Mysore (Mysuru): The ultimate day trip. About 3 hours away, Mysuru is the cultural capital of the state.
    • What to do: Visit the jaw‑dropping Mysore Palace, one of the most magnificent palaces in India, explore the vibrant Devaraja Market (famous for spices, silk and sandalwood), and see Chamundeshwari Temple on the hill.
    • Getting there: Hire a private driver for the day, or take the Vande Bharat Express train, which cuts the travel time to about 2 hours each way.
  • Nandi Hills: A popular early‑morning excursion about 1.5 hours north of the city. Guests leave around 4:30 a.m. to catch a spectacular sunrise above the clouds from an ancient hilltop fortress. Watch out for the monkeys.
  • Bannerghatta Biological Park: About an hour south of the city centre. For guests who want to see Indian wildlife without a multi‑day safari, a managed bus or jeep safari here passes tigers, lions, elephants and bears in a semi‑wild forested reserve.

Authentic South Indian & Coastal

  • Karavalli: Upscale, elegant dining offering coastal South Indian seafood and curries. Perfect for a refined introductory dinner, with a beautiful setting and approachable spice levels.
  • Nagarjuna: A legendary local spot known for Andhra‑style meals served on banana leaves. Note: the food here is authentically and intensely spicy, making it a great stop for heat‑seekers wanting traditional biryani.
  • The Rameshwaram Cafe: A viral, bustling, standing‑room‑only street‑style experience. Famous for its crispy dosas (savoury crepes) drenched in ghee. Chaotic, crowded, and highly authentic.

Modern Indian

  • Bombay Brasserie: A chic, upscale spot offering a curated culinary journey across India. Great craft cocktails and a comfortable, modern setting for exploring Indian flavours.
  • No. 10 Fort Cochin: Focused on Kerala cuisine from the southwestern coast. Expect fantastic seafood, coconut‑milk curries, and flaky parottas (layered flatbreads) in a laid‑back setting.

Bengaluru’s Famous Breweries

Bengaluru is known as the “Pub Capital of India,” and its massive open‑air microbreweries are a defining feature of the city.

  • Toit: Arguably Bengaluru’s most famous craft brewery. A lively, energetic institution with great beers and excellent wood‑fired pizzas.
  • Biergarten: A massive, beautifully designed open‑air brewery with a fantastic atmosphere, German‑inspired craft beers, and great communal seating.
  • The Bier Library: A spacious, multi‑level brewery built around a central koi pond, offering great bar bites and IPAs.

Italian & European Comforts

  • LUPA: An incredibly premium, visually stunning European dining experience. Excellent for a high‑end celebratory meal or a sophisticated night out.
  • Pizza 4P’s: A highly rated, wildly popular spot known for inventive fusion pizzas, house‑made cheese, and their signature burrata pizza.
  • Chianti: A reliable, classic Italian restaurant with a great wine list and traditional pastas, perfect for when visitors need a familiar comfort meal.

Pan‑Asian & Global

  • Burma Burma: A unique, highly acclaimed Burmese restaurant and tea room. Entirely vegetarian but heavily favoured by meat‑eaters too; the Tea Leaf Salad and Samosa Soup are iconic must‑tries.
  • Kuuraku: Authentic Japanese yakitori and izakaya‑style dining with great skewers and ramen.
  • Shiro: A dramatic, high‑ceilinged lounge offering Pan‑Asian cuisine and sushi. Transitions into a great nightlife vibe as the evening progresses.
  • Sanchez: The go‑to spot for modern Mexican food, tableside guacamole, and margaritas when craving flavours from back home.

Brunch & Desserts

  • Trippy Goat Cafe: A quiet, leafy oasis perfect for a relaxed morning specialty coffee or European‑inspired brunch.
  • Smoke House Deli: A bright, beautifully decorated cafe serving excellent breakfast staples, sandwiches, and salads.
  • Corner House: An absolute Bengaluru institution. This old‑school ice cream parlour is famous for its “Death by Chocolate” (DBC), a local rite of passage.
  • Milano Ice Cream: Excellent, authentic Italian gelato with a wide variety of flavours and outdoor seating.

Shopping in Bengaluru

Commercial Street

MG Road & Brigade Road

Indiranagar 100 Feet Road

A totally different, modern vibe: a tree‑lined, highly walkable neighbourhood packed with upscale boutiques, international brands, coffee shops, and the city’s famous microbreweries. Comfortable and easy for first‑time visitors.

Chitra Kala Parishath

For Indian handlooms and crafts.