A guide to business travel in tech capital Bengaluru

Once tagged as a “pensioner’s paradise” by Indian media, Bengaluru in the southern state of Karnataka has been transformed from a laid-back city for retirees into India’s buzzing IT capital. According to Tracxn's latest annual data, Bengaluru continues to lead national tech investments by securing 33% of India's total start-up funding (US$3.9 billion), supporting a massive network of over 24,000 tech start-ups. The city is where you can make things happen with the touch of a screen. Need groceries delivered to your doorstep in minutes? Want to rent an electric scooter? There’s an app for everything.

Of course, there’s more to Bengaluru than business. Interspersed between steel-and-glass offices are tranquil lakes and green spaces, while vast old rain trees line streets populated by bars, restaurants and cafés. Follow our guide to this magnetic city and turn your next business trip into a journey of discovery.

Where to start in Bengaluru: the main business districts

While expansive tech parks that house offices, hotels and commercial establishments are found across the city, most are concentrated in the north and centre. Central Bengaluru is considered the main business district; its wide, leafy boulevards are lined with colonial-style buildings, as well as modern offices, swanky shopping centres and trendy restaurants. To plant yourself in the heart of the action, head to lively high streets like Mahatma Gandhi (or “MH”) Road and Brigade Road. 

Start the day with a leisurely stroll in Sri Chamarajendra Park, aka Cubbon Park . The city’s 80-hectare green lung is filled with heritage buildings and is the perfect backdrop for morning meetings. Nearby, the Museum of Art & Photography , which opened its physical space in 2023, is an edgy, tech-forward space showcasing contemporary South Asian art. Culture enthusiasts can also visit the 16th-century Bull Temple , known for its large stone idol of the Nandi bull. 

Where to bring your clients in Bengaluru: cafes, restaurants and brewpubs

Bengaluru’s vibrant dining and drinking culture often blurs the lines between work and play. Deals are struck over cups of single-origin coffee at bright, chic cafés which double up as workspaces for the tech-savvy crowd. A popular choice is Araku Coffee , whose arabica beans are sourced from the Araku Valley in the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh. Araku currently has cafes in both Indiranagar and Ashok Nagar in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru’s traditional dining culture and street food are best experienced at old-world darshinis like the iconic MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room) , a quick-service breakfast spot serving dosas (rice batter crêpes), idlis (rice-and-lentil batter cakes) and filter coffee from as early as 6.30am.  

For dinner and drinks with colleagues, celebrated chef Manu Chandra’s newest venture Lupa is a sleek space where the highlights are the eclectic, spice-infused cocktails and a salumeria offering that is unmatched in the city.  

Finally, as the birthplace of India’s microbrewery movement, Bengaluru’s craft beer scene is unrivalled. There are hundreds of brewpubs to choose from for a post-work pint, including the supersized Ironhill spread over an area of 130,000sq ft. For a more private gathering, cosy Windmills is a great choice for live jazz music and a refreshing hefeweizen.

Where to stay in Bengaluru for business

The Conrad offers smart rooms and diverse dining options in the heart of the CBD. The standout feature is the view of Ulsoor Lake, guaranteed from each of the hotel’s 285 rooms. Rooftop restaurant Tiamo is a relaxed poolside spot for post-work sundowners with colleagues.  

Also in the business district, The Oberoi is a calm green oasis with hundred-year-old trees and balconies overlooking a lush garden. Its Thai restaurant Rim Naam is among the finest in the city and is a quiet spot for a business dinner. 

With garden pavilions, multiple restaurants and many private spaces for meetings or working lunches, the ITC Gardenia is another luxurious hotel located in Bengaluru’s commercial centre.

What to say in Bengaluru: conversation starters and local etiquette

Looking for icebreakers? Ask local colleagues about the best dosa in Bengaluru, and you’ll instantly be drawn into an entertaining debate on which darshini does it best. To really seem in the know about this start-up city, bring up a “peak Bengaluru” scene you might have witnessed – someone working on their laptop while seated pillion on a bike taxi, for example.   

What to know before visiting in Bengaluru

In India, it’s common for colleagues to invite you for a home-cooked meal. If you’re visiting someone’s home in Bengaluru, it is customary to take off your shoes and leave them outside the door. 

Top things to do in Bengaluru

If you have time away from meetings, there are plenty of things to do in Bengaluru, from visiting historic landmarks and gardens to exploring temples and taking a day trip into the surrounding countryside. These are some of the best places to visit in Bangalore during your free time. 

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Lalbagh Botanical Garden is one of Bengaluru’s best-known green spaces and a good choice for a peaceful break from the city. The historic garden is known for its extensive plant collection, glasshouse and mature trees, making it one of the most relaxing places to see in Bangalore.

Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace offers a glimpse into the city’s royal past, with its Tudor-style architecture, ornate interiors and landscaped grounds. It is one of the most distinctive Bangalore tourist places to visit if you want to combine history and architecture with your free time.

Vidhana Soudha

Vidhana Soudha is one of Bengaluru’s most recognisable landmarks and the seat of Karnataka’s legislature. Its imposing neo-Dravidian architecture makes it a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in the city’s history, architecture and civic life.

Nandi Hills

For a change of scenery, Nandi Hills is a popular day trip from Bengaluru. The hill retreat is known for its sunrise views, historic fortifications and temples, and is popular with trekkers and cyclists. It is around 60km from Bengaluru, so allow plenty of time if visiting between business meetings.

Bannerghatta National Park

Located on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Bannerghatta National Park offers an opportunity to experience wildlife without travelling far from the city. It is worth considering if you have a spare half-day and want  to swap the business district for a nature-focused experience.

ISKCON Temple

The ISKCON Temple in Bengaluru is a striking modern temple complex and an important spiritual landmark. Its hilltop setting and distinctive architecture make it one of the city’s notable places to visit in Bangalore, particularly for travellers interested in culture and religion.

What to buy in Bengaluru: silk, sandalwood and souvenirs

If you’re looking for a keepsake, try something in sandalwood – Karnataka is famed for it. At Cauvery , Bengaluru’s state handicraft emporium, you’ll find elaborately carved sandalwood figurines and sandalwood soaps. Luxurious South Indian silks and breezy block-print cottons, found at textile shops like Nalli and FabIndia , also make great gifts and souvenirs.

Bengaluru tourist places at a glance