Things to do in Bengaluru

Nature · Central

Two grand green lungs — Lalbagh's historic botanical garden and glass house, and the rambling Cubbon Park.

Local tip: Lalbagh at dawn for the flower shows; Cubbon Park goes car-free on Sundays for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Landmark · Central

The grand granite seat of the Karnataka legislature, floodlit and spectacular at night.

Local tip: Photograph it in the evening when it's lit; the red-brick Attara Kacheri (High Court) opposite is a fine contrast.

Nightlife · Indiranagar

The city's pub, microbrewery and dining hub along 100 Feet Road and 12th Main.

Local tip: Microbreweries are a Bengaluru institution; Indiranagar and Koramangala are the going-out heartlands.

Food · Basavanagudi

Legendary South Indian eating — the classic rava idli and dosa at MTR, and the buzzing 'Thindi Beedi' food street.

Local tip: MTR for the dosa and filter coffee; VV Puram's food street comes alive in the evening for street eats.

Nature · ~60km north

A hill-fort viewpoint that floats above the clouds at sunrise, a beloved day-trip escape.

Local tip: Leave by 4-5am to beat the crowds and the traffic and catch the sunrise above the mist.

Culture · Shivajinagar

Old-Bangalore atmosphere — a colonial-era covered market for produce and flowers, and bustling bargain shopping nearby.

Local tip: Russell Market for flowers, fruit and old-city character; Commercial Street for cheap clothes and gold.