Bengaluru hotels

Pocket Guide: Bengaluru

Capital of the southern state of Karnataka, Bengaluru is a booming city of more than eight million people, with a reputation as the high-tech capital of India.

Sometimes referred to as Silicon City, Bengaluru has undergone rapid expansion in recent years, but has managed to preserve the best of its Victorian-era central district and heritage, despite its breakneck growth. With an economy fuelled by a constant supply of hardworking, highly educated IT professionals, and blessed with a comfortable climate, a well-established transport infrastructure, plenty of green spaces and an excellent shopping, dining and nightlife scene, modern-day Bengaluru is one of the best places to live in India.

Visiting Bengaluru

It’s fair to say Bengaluru has nowhere near the number of historical, cultural and religious attractions of other similarly sized Indian cities. But in some ways that is part of its appeal.

Bengaluru’s progressive nature, laid back vibe and relative orderliness offers some respite to those who’ve been travelling in more challenging parts of the country, and its geographical position in the heart of southern India makes it an ideal jumping-off point for a wider journey throughout Karnataka, Kerala or Tamil Nadu.

That said, there is still much to enjoy in Bengaluru. Its cafe culture and modern hotels make it an easy place to linger a few days, and you’ll still find a handful of renowned sights and attractions.

Head to the City Market, also known as KR or the Krishnarajendra Market, for a sensory experience like no other. This teeming bazaar is the busiest in the city, so time your visit for the early morning when the piled-high spices, flowers, fruits and vegetables are at their most photogenic.

Popular with tourists and newly-weds, Bugle Rock Park’s 16th-century Bull Temple houses a giant statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, while the park itself is a lush and soothing spot for a stroll. Or take a trip to Tipu’s Summer Palace, about ten minutes’ drive north, the elegant Indo-Islamic residence of former Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan.

Where to Stay in Bengaluru

Hotels in Bengaluru range from budget-friendly guesthouses to streamlined luxury accommodation and colonial-era palaces. Popular places to stay include the central downtown area around M.G. Road, where you’ll find plenty of high-end brands like Royal Orchid, Oberoi, Hyatt and Taj, along with the neighbourhoods of Indiranagar, to the east of the city centre, and Koramangala to the southeast.

Indiranagar, a post-independence planned suburb, is one of Bengaluru’s most well-to-do areas. Connected to the city centre by the Namma Metro Purple Line, it’s home to plush residential areas and a sophisticated dining and drinking scene, as well as dozens of good-value three- and four-star hotels.

Further south, Koramangala is another sought-after neighbourhood, dominated by busy commercial streets, shopping malls and luxury apartment buildings.

Whether you’re after a state-of-the-art business hotel, a luxury spa resort, or a simple guesthouse near the airport for an overnight stay, Expedia’s range of Bengaluru hotels have you covered. With hundreds of places to stay to choose from, you’re sure to find exactly what you need.