Travel: Top Reasons You Should Visit Bangalore, India This Summer

When you think about traveling the world, you probably picture iconic cities like London, Paris, New York City, Rome, and Madrid. Although these places are certainly worth experiencing, plenty of other world destinations deserve your attention.

At the top of the list in 2015 for many seasoned travelers is Bangalore, India.

An Indian metropolis worth seeing

The capital city of the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka, Bangalore has an estimated population around 9.5 million, making it the third most populous city in the country. Bangalore is situated more than 3,000 feet above sea level and is renowned for its pleasant year-round climate.

Unofficially known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bangalore plays a major role in the country’s thriving IT industry. It’s home to many research and educational institutions, and there are also a variety of aerospace companies and a large film industry.

Reasons to visit Bangalore

In a 2013 article for The New York Times, Erica Westly wrote a piece about what to do when you have 36 hours to spend in Bangalore. She alluded to the fact that most tourists find themselves in the city only when they’re on their way to another destination, but she noted, “there is reason to linger in this lively city.”

Nearly two years later, the reasons have multiplied. Bangalore is undergoing substantial growth, and enterprising visitors can discover plenty of opportunities.

• Pleasant weather. As mentioned earlier, the geographical location of Bangalore makes it comfortable year-round. Temperatures typically fluctuate between the 70s and 80s during the day, and briefly dip during the evening hours. It’s the kind of weather where you can leave your bedroom window open at night and let the cool breeze come through. The weather alone is reason enough to visit, but there’s also plenty to do.
• Bangalore Palace. It will catch you by surprise if you aren’t careful. The Bangalore Palace is the most impressive piece of architecture in the city. It was begun in 1862 (but took almost a century to complete). Now it hosts elite parties and gatherings on its 454-acre grounds. You can take a tour of the estate, and the wise move is to make a day of it.
• Downtown bustle. If you desire a true Indian cultural experience, a simple stroll downtown will give you everything you’re looking for. In particular, Brigade Road is filled with restaurants, local stores, global chains, and plenty of bumper-to-bumper traffic.
• Lovely green spaces. It’s called “The Garden City,” so it’s not difficult at all to find yourself in huge, sprawling green spaces when you wander through Bangalore. For example, Cubbon Park is spread across more than 100 acres with dozens of trees and plant species you’ve probably never seen. If you really want to experience the greenery, though, check out Bannerghatta National Park. This 25,000-acre park is arguably the most popular tourist attraction in the city, partly because it houses the country’s largest collection of tropical plants.

Don’t just visit … stay awhile

While it’s possible to catch some of the highlights in just 36 hours, you really need to spend a few weeks in the city to get to know its true identity. If you’re up for that, there are plenty of rental apartments in Bangalore, and flats are reasonably priced for extended stays.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure to give Bangalore, India serious consideration as the destination for your summer travel this year!

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