INTHEBLACK September/October 2025 - Magazine - Page 57
BENGALURU
Formerly known as Bangalore, this thriving tech
hub with its leafy streets and colonial-style
buildings is popular with the entrepreneurial
crowd. As the nation’s leading software exporter,
it is regarded as the Silicon Valley of India.
CONRAD BENGALURU: Get a guaranteed view
of Ulsoor Lake from each of this luxury hotel’s 285
rooms. Take a dip in the stunning infinity pool or
dine at the rooftop restaurant, Tiamo.
WHERE TO PLAY
GETTING AROUND
The Namma Metro provides fast and reliable
transport to retail and entertainment hubs such
as MG Road and Whitefield. The Varshik
smart card is a good payment option.
Taxis are reliable, while ride-hailing apps such
as Uber and Ola are popular. Affordable buses
cover most of the city, or take a short trip in
a rickshaw.
Travel from the airport to the CBD by taxi
for ₹2000 or by bus for ₹320. The metro does
not yet travel to or from the international airport.
LOCAL TASTES
MAVALLI TIFFIN ROOMS
This Darshini, a no-frills, quick-service restaurant,
is one of Bengaluru’s finest breakfast spots. It has
been serving coffee, dosas (rice batter pancakes)
and idlis (semolina cakes) for a century.
MUSEUM OF ART & PHOTOGRAPHY: Bollywood
memorabilia, sculptures and textiles are among
the 60,000 modern South Asian works of art in
this edgy space.
CUBBON PARK: A beautifully maintained garden
in the heart of the city that is 120 hectares in size.
Home to Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Hall (state
central library), the striking red Gothic structure
is a treasure-trove for book lovers.
NAGARAHOLE NATIONAL PARK: Get close to
elephants, bison and tigers on safari in the former
hunting ground of the maharajas. It is a five-hour
drive from Bengaluru, and
the luxurious forest
lodges cater for
overnighters.
LUPA: This European-style eatery opened
in 2023. The menu includes everything from
tapas to gourmet burgers.
KARAVALLI: A bungalow-style setting in the
gardens of the Taj Gateway hotel, Karavalli
is known for its seafood. Try fiery regional
fish dishes such as prawns cooked with
coriander and saffron.
WHERE TO STAY
The streets of Bengaluru can be chaotic, but
its hotels offer a serene retreat.
THE OBEROI: Built around a 100-year-old tree,
The Oberoi is a calm oasis with lush gardens
and exceptional service. The business centre
has meeting rooms for up to six people, and
a boardroom for 12.
DOUBLETREE, WHITEFIELD: An affordable,
comfortable hotel located in the heart of Bengaluru’s
technology hub; guests can access meeting spaces,
all-day dining, a fitness centre and pool.
INSIDER TIP
City
flower
market,
Bengaluru,
Karnataka, India
Being invited for a
home-cooked meal
is common in India.
However, shoes
stay outside.
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