What should I do in Bengaluru, India?
You’d be surprised how many people visit Bangalore or Bengaluru as it is called now, for just a day or weekend.
Just like you, my first thought was that it would probably be tourists, expats, business leaders in for a team visit, and similar visitors. But I was surprised to know that a lot of people working in farming areas, satellite towns and industrial areas as far as 300 kms away tend to travel to major cities like Bengaluru just for a day or a weekend.
At Mystery Junkies on New BEL Road, we’ve been pleasantly surprised and positively stoked to have so many travellers call-in to make a booking for one of our room escapes. So here’s hoping that this quick list reaches more of you looking to pay Bengaluru a quick visit.
This list is for a series of experiences in Bengaluru, India and it’s my personal opinion so save your burns.
5. The Sunday Market on BVK Iyengar Road
You can get to this temporary and unique market as early as 9:00am and walk around to find some of the most eclectic items. I’ve seen antiques, vinyl records, old monochrome Nokia phones, and God knows what else. You’ll also have hawkers on the streets selling you warm blankets in the middle of summer and fur lined jackets too. Lots of electronics, brassware, cheap toys and rusty locks too. You can spend hours here and not buy a single object or you can load your backpack with amazing stuff that you’re likely to stow away without ever using again — I’ve done that and enjoyed it.
4. An IPL/ISL Match
Only during the Indian Premier league season (first week of April to the last week of May) or the Indian Soccer League. Watching a match live at a stadium in Bengaluru is a great experience. Lots of noise, and you’ll be stuffed like a stack of alkaline batteries in a vacuum pack. People will dance and bounce with you irrespective of who scores and who you support. It’s crazy fun.
3. A walk in the Park — Cubbon or Lalbagh
Two lovely lung spaces in the heart of Bengaluru — The Cubbon Park and Teh Lalbagh. If you’re a nature lover, go for this. It’s at your pace and route. Sit on a bench, read a book or just walk around. Great in the early mornings but equally beautiful in the evenings too. Depending on the season you can see various flower shows or spot some beautiful birds. I once lucked out watching some pelicans take off from the lake in Lalbagh. A great memory to cherish.
2. A pub crawl
Don’t have to be someone who loves to drink to enjoy this one. The pub culture in Bengaluru is unique and is what makes the city so sociable. You get to see some great bands playing — almost all genres, stand up comedy nights, karaoke nights, indian music. Various different set ups and styles catering to different audiences. It’s a great aural and visual treat; and yeah, if you enjoy a drink then you can try out some of Bengaluru’s own brews.
1. The Mystery Junkies Escape rooms on New BEL Road
Ok, if you think I’m biased then ignore this one — but only if you’re not planning a trip to Bengaluru. Room escapes are a fun “to-do” with your friends or family. It’s just an amazing clean entertainment option for all ages and I can’t tout this enough. So even if you just want to do a room escape anywhere in Bangalore, go for it; but I still believe that the Escape Rooms on New BEL Road, Bengaluru are the best in town or even the country.