Think information technology, software solutions, start-ups, biotechnology, or pretty much anything tech related and Bengaluru (or Bangalore) comes to mind. But Bengaluru is by no means just business; there’s more to the city than you think. Owing to a largely young populace and urban culture, the ‘Silicon valley of India’ has also been bestowed with titles such as the ‘Pub capital’ and the ‘Rock/metal capital’ of India. And thanks to some beautiful gardens that make for those much-needed relaxation spaces, you also know Bengaluru as the ‘Garden city of India’. Now that’s a lot of titles for one city, wouldn’t you say? And that’s exactly why you must explore it at least once, irrespective of whether you got any business there or not!
read moreAnd when you do plan to visit Bengaluru, you would book a hotel room to stay…obviously, right? Well, take our suggestion and consider boutique stays in Bengaluru this time. Smaller than hotels and bigger than B&Bs, boutique stays bridge the gap between expensive upmarket but run-off-the-mill hotels and cheap but extremely ordinary B&Bs perfectly. And since these have fewer rooms than hotels, you are assured of a more intimate and welcoming environment.
Now that we are comparing, also consider the fact that no matter where you are, a chain hotel in a hill station will be similar to its sister concern located in a beach destination. But a boutique hotel accommodation offers variation infused with the local flavour and who does not like that? And you get comparatively more spacious rooms and personalised service at a lower price. Could you ask for more? Whether you are a backpacker, a couple, solo traveller on a business trip, or travelling with family, these stays cater to all sorts of travellers. You can have a single room or an entire property to yourself. It does not get more private than this!
Being a metropolis that attracts travellers from all corners of India and abroad, there is absolutely no dearth of such properties in Bengaluru.
Central Bengaluru
Central Bengaluru is a prominent residential area and is also where you will find government offices, top hospitals, renowned educational institutes, and some well-known tourist attractions. Those who love shopping may end up spending hours exploring Commercial Street and Chickpet. Boutique stays in Central Bengaluru can be found in Chickpet, Shivaji Nagar, R.T. Nagar, Richmond Town, and Vasanth Nagar, and start from around Rs. 2000 for a room.
North Bengaluru
Blessed with abundant greenery comprising eucalyptus and bamboo plantations, North Bengaluru is home to some major Indian companies such as BHEL and HMT. Boutique stays abound in Devanahalli, Banaswadi, Kalyan Nagar, and Sanjaynagar, and you can find a comfortable room starting from around Rs. 2300.
East Bengaluru
From concept dining to concept shopping, from the city’s largest PVR to the most expensive locality, you will find it all here in East Bengaluru. This is also where a number of software MNCs are based. Explore neighbourhoods such as Whitefield, Indiranagar, Domlur, and Marathahalli, and go on a shopping spree on Brigade Road. You can easily find a room in a boutique stay in these localities in East Bengaluru for as low as Rs. 1700 for a night.
West Bengaluru
Prominently an industrial colony, West Bengaluru is ideal for those visiting the city purely on business. You can find boutique stays in Kengeri and Munnekollal, and prices here start from Rs. 2600 per room for a night.
South Bengaluru
An upmarket locality, South Bengaluru is home to the IIM and the uber fancy UB City. Should you desire a taste of the modern Bengaluru lifestyle, choose from a boutique stay in South Bengaluru localities such as Koramangala, Electronic City, BTM Layout, Ulsoor, Jayanagar, Shanti Nagar, and Ashok Nagar. And don’t you worry about the price, for rooms here are the cheapest of all, starting from Rs. 1600 for a night.
So we have given you plenty of accommodation options in Bengaluru and in its different localities—accommodation sorted. Let’s now look at what the city has to offer other than being the IT hub. To start with, like most Indian cities, there are many temples that you can visit. Some that you must consider are ISKCON, Kodandarama Temple, and Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple. Cricket lovers, there’s the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for you to explore. And how can we not mention any parks and gardens when Bengaluru is deemed to be the ‘Garden city’? Go to Lal Bagh and be amazed by the glass house and the peninsular gneiss, take a walk through the beautiful Cubbon Park, and spot some wild creatures in the Bannerghatta National Park.
You must also visit the HAL Aerospace Museum, Bangalore Fort, and Bangalore Palace. To spend a quiet evening, go to Sankey Tank, a manmade lake, or Hebbal Lake, a natural one. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and St. Mary’s Basilica are also worth exploring. For some fun family time, there is Wonderla, an amusement park that is sure to amuse kids and adults alike.
Now you see how Bengaluru is so much more than a tech hub? So the next time you are in the city, don’t forget to take some time off work and discover the other side of this major metropolis!
