Quiet and rural not too long ago, East Bangalore is the centre of the city's booming IT industry. Areas like Whitefield and the Outer Ring Road are festooned on both sides by office parks and high-end apartment complexes, and also suffer from some of the worst traffic jams in the city. You're unlikely to spend too much time here as a tourist, but quite likely to end up here if you visit on business.
Get in
[edit | edit source]By metro
[edit | edit source]The Purple Line Purple runs from the city centre to Whitefield.
Metro connectivity in East Bangalore will be much improved when the Blue Line Blue along the Outer Ring Road opens. Estimated dates are December 2026 for the city section, extending all the way to the airport in December 2027, but take these dates with a pinch of salt.
See
[edit | edit source]- 1 HAL Aerospace Museum, Airport-Varthur Rd, ☏ +91 80 2231 8341. Daily 9AM-4:30PM. India's first aerospace museum. Run by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a large aerospace company. It showcases the growth of the Indian aviation industry and HAL over six decades. The museum houses displays of various aircraft, aircraft engine models, flight simulators, a mock Air Traffic Control Tower and an exhibit of Indian aviation history.
- 2 Madras Sappers Museum & Archives. A museum dedicated to the Madras Engineering Group, also known as the Madras Sappers. It showcases army artefacts, historical achievements, gallery of sapper generals, attires, armours, and more than 4,800 books and maps used by the regiment. Unlike public museums, only those with permission from the Indian Army are allowed inside this one.
Places of worship
[edit | edit source]Temples
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- 3 Chokkanathaswamy Temple. W 6AM–11:30AM and 5:45PM–8:30PM, Sa 6AM–12:30PM and 5:45PM–9PM, otherwise 6AM–11AM and 5:45PM–8:30PM. A 10th-century Chola temple with inscriptions in Kannada and Tamil.
- 4 Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple, Omkar Ashram, Omkar Hills. A Shiva temple with 12 lingams representing the original 12 Jyotirlingas of India, which are 12 Shaivite pilgrimage sites. This temple was founded by Brahmaleena Sadguru Sri Shivapuri Mahaswamiji with the intention of providing an opportunity to each and every devotee, for Jyotirlinga darshan, which otherwise requires health, wealth and time, as the original Jyotirlingas are in different parts of India. It also serves the purpose of propagating awareness, significance and uniqueness of the original Jyotirlingas to younger generations.
- 5 Kashi Vishweshwar Temple, Kadugodi. A Shiva temple from the Western Ganga times, and a parcel of spiritual relief amid the IT hustle of East Bangalore.
- 6 Shivoham Shiva Temple (Shiv Mandir), Old Airport Rd (via Kemp Fort Mall), ☏ +91 80 2522 8444. Open 24 hours. Established 1995, this modern temple accessed via the parking lot of the Kemp Fort mall has a massive statue of Lord Shiva in the middle of an artificial pool surrounded by "mountain peaks" and a series of cave-like walkthroughs taking you through crude simulacra of Char Dham, telling stories about Shiva, etc. The temple is packed on the festival of Maha Shivaratri. While general entrance is free, you're strongly steered towards the "Special Darshan" (₹250) or "VIP Darshan" (₹500) packages with entry to 2/4 caves and various offerings included.
Do
[edit | edit source]- 1 Karnataka Golf Association.
- 2 Trash Trail, Daily Dump, ☏ +91 80 41157311, [email protected]. On this journey through the story of waste, you will meet people who silently clean up and transform all the stuff we throw away. In the process, you will visit places you haven't imagined existed!
Lakes
[edit | edit source]- 3 Bellandur Lake. Although it has been severely impacted by the bane of urbanisation, the lake is still home to a diverse species of birds, like herons, egrets, wagtails, kites, sandpipers, etc.
- 4 Hoskote Lake.
- 5 Varthur Lake. An integral part of the city, although unplanned urbanisation and industrialisation have led to its contamination, similar to the Bellandur Lake. It has suffered from eutrophication and is now home to diverse algae.
Spas
[edit | edit source]- Aroma Home Spa, Brookefields, ITPB Main Rd (near Whitefield). Natural eco-friendly products in use. Hydrotherapy massage, in addition to therapies suited to individual needs.
Learn
[edit | edit source]- 1 Goethe-Institut (Max Mueller Bhavan), 716, CMH Road, Indiranagar 1st Stage (from M.G. Road: go down Old Madras Road; turn right before the Epidemic Diseases Hospital onto 100 Foot Road; at the next traffic light, take a left onto CMH Road), ☏ +91 80 25205305. Offers German language courses, organises cultural events and has a library.
Work
[edit | edit source]- 2 International Tech Park Bangalore (ITPB), Whitefield Rd (metro: Pattandur Agrahara Purple ). Home to towering office buildings, busy cafés and diverse techies. The campus is open to the public, although the office buildings may be restricted.
Buy
[edit | edit source]
- Marathahalli Main Road and Factory Outlets. Some distance from central Bangalore (although not difficult to reach) is Marathahalli (a village in a previous life). The main road of this suburb is now a haven for factory outlets for all major brands. You can expect prices here to be cheaper than in the malls, at least 20-30% price difference but can be up to 50% cheaper when it comes to some of the major denim brands. As if India wasn't cheap enough. Although this is the best place to go to for factory outlet shopping, there are smaller factory outlets scattered across the city. Also look out for sales held by the major brands to get rid of end of season stock (again end of summer or end of monsoon), these are usually advertised in newspapers or look for signs posted on major roads.
Books
[edit | edit source]- Gangarams Indiranagar, 330/9 Axis Road Domlur Inner Ring Rd. Domlur Layout. Near Indira Nagar Flyover, ☏ +91 80 4038 3838, [email protected]. Daily 10AM-8PM. A wide selection of fiction and non-fiction books, including textbooks and professional works, stationery, multimedia, movies, toys, art material and gifts.
- Oxford Book Store (at the Leela Galleria, next to Hotel Leela Palace). Has some of the latest collection of books and magazines, but doesn't offer any discounts. It has a Chai Bar attached offering 69 blends of tea.
- Streelekha, 33/1-9, Thyagaraj Layout, Jaibharath Nagar, ☏ +91 80 2549 2783. This is a great bookstore to explore the feminist literature and activism that is being produced in India, as well as other texts on the research and work of Indian NGOs. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting.
Boutiques
[edit | edit source]- Levitate-InDiA in A RooM, 100 Ft. Rd, ☏ +91 80 6452 8190, +91 98 4531 7776, [email protected]. Silver & costume handcrafted Jewellery, Bohemian apparel, Indian kitsch, lifestyle accessories.
- Sakhi by Chandras, 6th main, HAL 2nd stage, Indiranagar, ☏ +91 80 4115 5551. Combines traditional fabrics and craftsmanship with contemporary themes. Sakhi’s sarees, salwars and kurtis combine kanchivaram, tussar, chiffon, georgette, crêpe, organza and cotton with traditional techniques such as cut work, block print, kalamkari, badla, mirror work, chamki (sequins) and embroidery in a mélange of colours.
- Stritva near ITPL, 294, 8th main, BEML Layout, ITPB Main Rd, ☏ +91 963 222 1615. Sells readymade salwar suit, kameez, kurtas, dress material, sarees and nightwear. The store has a good collection at good prices.
Handicrafts
[edit | edit source]- Miras Carpet Industries, No.7, Ground Floor, Suryodai Complex, Old Airport Rd, Kodihalli (Opp. Hotel Leela Palace), ☏ +91 80 4157 1894, +91 80 2521 0786, [email protected]. Daily 9AM-9:30PM. Manufacturers and exporters of carpets, rugs, kilims, Indian handicrafts, jewellery, pashmina shawls, cashmere scarfs, silk sarees, etc. Claims to be the biggest dealer of Oriental carpets and rugs in Bangalore, selling high quality and "locally priced" wares. Valet car parking available.
Jewellery
[edit | edit source]- Giantti Luxury Ensemble (at Shop No. C9, Level 2, The Leela Palace), ☏ +91 80 4115 9766. Diamond & gold jewellery along with silver articles and idols.
- Bluestone Site No.89/2, Lava Kusha Arcade, Munnekolal Village, Marathahalli Outer Ring Rd.
Shopping malls
[edit | edit source]- 1 Park Square Mall, ITPB, Whitefield Rd (metro: Pattandur Agrahara Purple ). A shopping mall where tech and retail cultures converge.
- 2 Phoenix Marketcity. It is the largest mall in Bangalore by area. There is something for everyone in this mall. This mall has many upscale restaurants, electronic shops, bookstores, toy stores and a large selection of clothes, cosmetics, shoes, etc.
- 3 VR Bengaluru (metro: Singayyanapalya Purple ). Right next to Phoenix Marketcity. Much smaller, but the Lulu Hypermarket in the basement is a good option for food, snacks and edible souvenirs.
Eat
[edit | edit source]100 Foot Road in Indiranagar is famous for its restaurants and pubs. Easily reached via Indiranagar station on the Metro Purple Line.
Budget
[edit | edit source]- 1 Manjit ka Dhaba, 107, 1st Floor, Wheeler Road, Near Railway Cross, Cox Town, ☏ +91 80 4965 3065. noon to 4PM, 7PM-11PM. Budget dhaba. Tasty parathas (with butter) and couple of assorted vegetable curry options. Lassi. Don't expect ambience in dhabas.
- 2 The Rameshwaram Cafe @ Indiranagar, 12th Main Road, Indiranagar. 5 AM-1 AM. A veritable shrine to south Indian food, all polished black marble. Particularly famous for their ultra crispy ghee dosas but it's all good, try the Kanchipuram idlis for something a little different. Standing tables only and gets packed late at night. Other outlets in Whitefield and even the airport, but this is the original. Dosa from ₹120.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- Alibaba Cafe & Restaurant, Fraser Town, ☏ +91 80 4091 7163. Arabian, Persian and Bhatkali cuisine described as "An Arabian Lake in the Indian Ocean". A themed restaurant with the feel of Arabia, Persia and India. The "Shaiya Biryani" of the Bhatkali cuisine, the Al faham chicken barbecue out of the Arabian cuisine and the chicken Jujeh kabab from the Persian cuisine are all recommended.
- 3 Kund Indian Barbeque, 303, Ashoka Terrace, 5th Main Rd, Indira Nagar 1st Stage. Grilled meats and biryani.
- 4 Little Italy, 654, 100 Feet Rd, Indiranagar. A chic Italian vegetarian restaurant, faddish and overpriced. Sometimes the staff switch off A/C if the tables are less than half-filled.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- Graze, Taj Residency, MG Rd. Has some of the best creative continental you will get in Bangalore.
- I-Talia, The Park, MG Rd, ☏ +91 80 2559 4666. Expensive, but arguably the best Italian food in town.
- Karavalli, Residency Rd (at the Gateway Hotel), ☏ +91 80 2558-4545. Mangalorean, Goa, Karwar, and Kerala style cuisine. Best Indian food you will get when visiting BLR.
- The Leela Palace Bengaluru Dining. All-you-can-eat/drink brunch on Sunday is ₹2,000. They have 4 restaurants, Citrus Lounge (Brasserie kitchen), Zen (Pan Asian), Library Bar (serves all cuisine) and Jamavar (Authentic Indian). Generally overpriced compared to the Taj outlets (Blue Ginger, Graze, Karavalli)
- Monsoon, Park Hotel, Old Madras Rd (Next to Taj Residency). 24 hr cafe with a variety of Continental Dishes, Indian, Southeast Asian and Mediterranean. Ideal location for private parties.
- 5 Oota, 7th Floor, Craftworks, 331, 5B Rd, Shivaji Nagar, EPIP Zone, Whitefield. Daily noon-3PM, 7-10:30PM. Elevated Karnataka cuisine, including many dishes otherwise rarely seen in Bengaluru, in a stylish fine dining ambience decorated with temple bells. Veg and non-veg options. ₹2,000.
Drink
[edit | edit source]- IKEA Swedish Coffee Shop, Nagasandra. Biggest coffee shop in Bangalore with 100,000 sq.ft. floor space
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- Beer Joint Pub, (aka BJP), Indiranagar, ☏ +91 80 2525 0346.
- Cake Walk, #297, 100 Feet Rd, Indira Nagar, ☏ +91 80 2520 5393.
- Opus, Palace Cross Road, near Sankey Rd, ☏ +91 80 2344 2580. A chilled-out, ex-pat friendly lounge with a large outdoor space. Has karaoke on most Su and W (Kroaknights) as well as regular live music and DJ dance nights. You may need to book ahead on theme nights.
- Take 5, 54, MSK Plaza, HAL II Stage Indiranagar. A Jazz-themed restaurant that serves great American-style food and offers a large selection of beers. They don't always play jazz, but the food and drink are consistently good.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- Athena, The Leela Hotel, Airport Rd. Really popular on most days of the week. The upper VIP lounge is the best part of the club, but the rest of the club is beautifully appointed and attracts a hip crowd.
- The Beach, 100 Foot Rd. Indiranagar. Make a reservation. Starts with retro music, plays some good hip-hop and house towards the end. Makes you feel like you are in Goa.
- F-Bar, Le Meridien, Sankey Rd. Fashion Bar is a theme bar by FTV
- Geoffrey's, Royal Orchid, Airport Rd. Really nice place
- Toit, Indiranagar. Microbrewery
- Windmills Craftworks, #331, Road 5B, EPIP Zone, Whitefield, ☏ +91 80 2569 2012, +91 72 5902 4652, [email protected]. Microbrewery
Sleep
[edit | edit source]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹1,500 |
| Mid-range | ₹1,500-4,500 |
| Splurge | Over ₹4,500 |
East Bangalore has a lot of accommodations targeted squarely at business travellers.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 1 Bloomrooms @ Indiranagar. ₹3,000.
- Silicon Hearth (formerly Silicon Suites), 174, Nagvarapalya, Rahat Bagh, Behind Big Bazaar (off Old Madras Rd, near Indiranagar), ☏ +91 99860 53292, [email protected].
- UPAR Hotels Indiranagar, 614-615, 12th Main Rd, 7th Cross, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, ☏ +91 78248 24969.
- Villa Camelot, #94/95, 4th Cross, ECC Rd, Prithvi Layout, Whitefield, ☏ +91 80 3272 3965, [email protected]. Bed and breakfast run by a North Indian couple in the back lanes of ITPB. Cosy atmosphere. From ₹1,500.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]Most major Western brands have a presence in the Whitefield area. Expect to pay Western prices too.
- 2 Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, 8th Rd, Whitefield, ☏ +91 80 4943 5000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. ₹19,423.
- 3 Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Whitefield ITPL.
- 4 Hotel Royal Orchid, Adjoining KGA Golf Course, Airport Rd, ☏ +91 80 2520 5566, [email protected]. Sometimes referred to as the "Royal Orchid Park Plaza". Not to be confused with Royal Orchid Central.
- 5 The Leela Palace Bengaluru, Airport Rd, ☏ +91 80 2521 1234, [email protected].
- 6 The Paul, 139/28, Domlur Layout (off Intermediate Ring Rd), ☏ +91 80 4047 7777.
- 7 Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield.
- 8 Trinity Whitefield Bengaluru (Fortune Select Trinity), 134 - 136, Road Number 1, EPIP Zone, Whitefield (metro: Kundalahalli Purple ), ☏ +918040200200. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. 4-star business hotel being renovated for Marriott's Tribute Portfolio brand. Excellent service, good breakfast buffet, staid but acceptable rooms. Pool (not in use as of 2025), small gym. ₹10,000.
- 9 Vivanta Bengaluru Whitefield, Whitefield Rd, ☏ +91 80 66933333. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₹7,616.

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