The Silicon Valley of India has grown over the years and is now a center of a big revolution in technology and outsourcing with more than 50% of the global fortune 500 companies setting shop in this modern metropolis. Supported by a huge migrant population from within the country and a growing expat population, Bengaluru is the hotspot of activity and a place to explore when one is not working. It’s rich in history and its vibrant culture is still intact and thriving. For the curious traveler, there are many “things to do in Bengaluru” to choose from. There is always something old, something new and something exciting happening here. Whether you are an local, an experience seeking traveler or you are visiting on work, here are some interesting of ways of exploring Bengaluru.
The cycling way of life is catching up with a lot of Bangaloreans. They seem to enjoy cycling to work or for pleasure. Many cycling groups come together and hold cycle rides through the city and to the outskirts. Tour companies curate tours that take you cycling around Nandi hills and give you an insight into the local way of life. There are a few other groups that invite people to be part of their city night rides on the outskirts of the city. Bike stores also offer bikes on rent. If you have a penchant for the outdoors, you know what to do next weekend.
A wonderful way to explore any new city and Bengaluru offers a few interesting walking tours. These tours show you the historical and cultural side of Bengaluru. Choose a Peta Walk or a Tuk Tuk tour that will show you highlights of the city in a few hours.
Bangaloreans not only like to eat, but love to cook as well. Throw in sugar, spice and something nice and they will whip up a decadent meal for you. If you are someone who likes food and loves to cook, Bengaluru offers cooking tours that will let you savor the local ingredients and whip up magic!
Theatre has always been an integral part of Bengaluru’s culture. With many famous personalities marking the theatre circuit, Bengaluru is home to quite a few venues. Jagriti, Ranga Shankara, Chowdiah Memorial Hall to name a few. Try and catch a show or two this weekend. You’ll not regret it! Apart from theatre, there is poetry reading, storytelling and other interesting activities to forward to.
Bengaluru’s altitude provides ideal environs for wine making and that has lead to a few vineyards sprouting up on the outskirts. If you are a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy drinking different kinds of wine, head out of the city to the vineyards. The vineyards hold workshops on wine making and conduct day tours around the vineyard. You can make a day trip out of it
Love getting your hands dirty? Literally? Then clay modelling, pottery and clay work is the thing for you. The city houses third generation potters who would love to teach you a thing or two about pottery. They can even give you a crash course in advanced levels of pottery and clay modelling.
As mentioned before, most Bangaloreans love keeping fit. Apart from the usual horde of gyms, there are plenty of turf parks that cater to upcoming footballers. The outskirts of Bengaluru have small hills like Nandi, Avalabetta and many more. Each come with surreal views. Cycling tour companies also organise tours to these hillocks. Alternatively, hire a cycle and take off on your own. If cycling is not your cup of tea, don’t worry, you can hike up the hillocks as well.
Home to some of the most exquisite beer, the pub city of India has over 50 microbreweries that have sprouted around the city. Some of these breweries open up their doors to the occasional ‘tour and workshops’, so keep a watch out for those. Tour companies also organise ‘pub crawls’ that will have you visiting a number of breweries to sample their beer.
Street food is equally popular, with old Bangaloreans frequenting areas like Malleshwaram, Jayanagar, VV Puram, Koramangala and Indiranagar in search of mouth-watering food.
Bangaloreans are a socially aware lot. Since the city has unfortunately been under a slightly mismanaged government, the citizens often take to the streets to peacefully protest and let their opinions be heard. Facebook pages like Citizens of Bengaluru, Heritage Beku, Greenpeace and INTACH often hold workshops and have social awareness drives educating one and all of their many causes. If you have a cause that you would like to support, go ahead and attend one of these peaceful protests on a weekend. You won’t be disappointed.
Unventured offers a host of experiences across Bengaluru bringing in its many flavours and local culture together. Scroll through our offerings below
