DESTINATIONS
BANGALORE
INDIA
India’s Silicon Valley, Bangalore has become a central hub for IT companies and is full of entrepreneurs from all over the globe. You will also find temples, museums, parks, and an impressive number of microbreweries.
THE BASICS
LANGUAGE: Kannada, English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam
CURRENCY: Indian Rupees
CLIMATE: Tropical savanna (warm to hot all year); Rainy season: May – Oct
DRESS CODE: Town: Modest, Women should cover shoulders and wear pants below the knee
GETTING AROUND: Uber, Ola, Local taxis, Tuk-Tuks
COST OF VISITING: $ – Hostels start at $4 per night and street food is a little as $1 to $2 (USD) per meal
TIPPING: Tipping 7-10% is appreciated for amounts 300-1000 rupees; 5-7% for more than 1000 rupees
SAFETY: Generally safe even at night; Beware of pickpockets
PACKING ESSENTIALS: Mosquito repellant, Shawl, Toilet paper, Hand sanitizer
VISA: eVisa valid for 60 days, $100 for US passports, visa option available for 10 years
GETTING THERE
BANGALORE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BLR)
Outside of the arrivals terminal, you can find buses, local taxis, or an entire ride sharing area.
RIDE SHARING: Ola is the quickest and easiest way to get around. Simply order your car and head to the Ola waiting area (behind the bus stands – walk straight and it will be on your right) and someone will be there to help you if you are unable to follow the signs yourself. Uber is also available in Bangalore.
BUS – Taking a local bus is the cheapest way to get into Bangalore city. It may take slightly longer, but worth the time if you are trying to save some money! Simply head to the bus stands out front of arrivals and ask someone standing out front which bus to get on (show them where you are trying to go).
RIDE SHARING
Ola is the quickest and easiest way to get around. Simply order your car and head to the Ola waiting area (behind the bus stands – walk straight and it will be on your right) and someone will be there to help you if you are unable to follow the signs yourself. Uber is also available in Bangalore.
BUS – Taking a local bus is the cheapest way to get into Bangalore city. It may take slightly longer, but worth the time if you are trying to save some money! Simply head to the bus stands out front of arrivals and ask someone standing out front which bus to get on (show them where you are trying to go).
BUS
Taking a local bus is the cheapest way to get into Bangalore city. It may take slightly longer, but worth the time if you are trying to save some money! Simply head to the bus stands out front of arrivals and ask someone standing out front which bus to get on (show them where you are trying to go).
BY BUS FROM ANOTHER CITY
Bangalore is reachable by bus from many of the surrounding cities. There are multiple stops around Bangalore. The best thing to do is check the bus route (there are many depending on which bus you take) of the bus you are on and then search online for a map of the stops on that route. Then, you can map out which one is closest to your final destination.
WHERE TO STAY
HOSTELS
CONSTRUKT STARTUP HOSTELS KORAMANGALA
Multiple Locations
An amazing place to stay, especially if you want to network with some really creative individuals. The staff is super helpful (they helped me arrange to reserve a co-working space and meeting room nearby last minute and drew me a map of craft beer found in walking distance) and the hostel is setup with great workspaces. Not only can you work here, the living space and bathrooms are clean, and the travelers I met were super cool and liked to go out and have fun as well. Cute shops and restaurants within walking distance. Will definitely stay here again or at their other location when I come back!
WHAT TO EAT
WHERE TO EAT
Bangalore has so many restaurants and since I was working the entire time, I didn’t even get to try any of them (besides XOOX, mentioned above, which I highly recommend)! Here are some of the top rated that are definitely on my list for next time!
$$-$$$, Cafe, International
Mayaganahalli, Ramanagaram-Mysore Road | Mayaganahalli, Ramanagaram, Bengaluru (Map)
Rasta Cafe can be found along the Bangalore-Mysore highway and has become a famous place to stop and take a break from the ride. This cafe is open 24 hours and a chill place to relax and smoke some hookah.
WHAT TO DO
GO MICROBREWERY HOPPING
$-$$, Brew Pub, European
#8, 80 Feet Road | Koramangala 5th Bock, Near HDFC Bank, Bengaluru, 560095, India (Map)
Also a microbrewery, this restaurant had some of the best food I had eaten in quite awhile! It is a little on the pricer side (compared to other India food prices) but their beer was also made my top 10 list (and I have tried over 1,200 different beers in my life). The space is cool as well. I couldn’t stop smiling when I came here. Literally. I definitely recommend at least stopping by if you are in the area.
A brewpub located in Indiranagar that promises a supreme brew-pub experience with quality beer. They are known for their fabulous food as well!
Asia’s biggest brewpub with freshly brewed beer and some of the best and most happening events in town.
For more, check out this list of the best craft beer and microbreweries in Bangalore.
GO CAMPING
Chikkaballapur Taluk, Chikkaballapur 562101, India (Map)
An ancient hill forest in southern India. Enjoy breathtaking views all around.