Bengaluru for Business

In all my years of traveling the world for work and pleasure, I've come to the conclusion that there is nowhere in the world like Bengaluru, India. From the moment you deplane and make your way down the long, brick airport hallways to immigration, to the stomach-churning taxi ride into the city, and beyond, it is the most fascinating, and challenging place I have ever traveled.

Over the last five years, I have had the pleasure of traveling to Bengaluru for work two to three times a year, and no matter how much I think I learn from the prior trip, I always find myself learning, seeing, and eating something new every time I'm there.

The best part about traveling to the same city for work over and over again is having the excuse to balance exploring with relaxing, never rushing to cram everything in, knowing you will be back in a few months. The following lists outline the best experiences I've had in Bengaluru, from hotels to restaurants and site seeing musts!

Hotels

As the most rapidly growing city in Asia-Pacific in 2026, Bengaluru is HUGE, and it’s important to choose your stay based on where you need to be. The Central Business District around MG Road is as central as it gets. North Bengaluru is the new emerging hub with easy access to the airport. Hotels in Whitefield and East Bengaluru are closer to the IT hub and corporate companies, and are perfect if you’re here on a work trip. If you’re hard-pressed for time and wish to evade Bengaluru traffic, there are some swank options around the airport in Devanahalli. Here are my favorite options around the city and my experience at each.

1. 

   Taj West End Bengaluru

   Nestled amidst 20 acres of lush, landscaped flora, Taj West End Bengaluru offers a serene sanctuary that feels worlds away from the city's urban bustle. Originally established in 1887 as a modest boarding house, this luxury heritage property seamlessly blends Victorian-era charm with contemporary refinement, featuring open-air corridors, shaded courtyards, and centuries-old trees. Guests can indulge in fine dining at the award-winning Vietnamese restaurant Blue Ginger or relax with high tea under the canopy of its manicured gardens.

2. 

   The Leela Palace

   A grand architectural tribute to the Vijayanagara Empire, The Leela Palace Bengaluru stands as one of the city's most opulent landmark hotels. Spanning seven acres of manicured gardens, its palatial design showcases intricate stone carvings, soaring archways, ornate copper domes, and shimmering crystal chandeliers that reflect classical Indian royalty. The property is home to acclaimed dining destinations, including Jamavar for fine Indian cuisine and Le Cirque Signature for Franco-Italian flavors, making it a premier choice for luxury travelers seeking timeless elegance.

3. 

   Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE

   Positioned within the vibrant Embassy ONE development, the Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru delivers a sleek, modern luxury experience tailored to contemporary urban travelers. The hotel’s architecture features light-filled spaces, minimalist interior design, and expansive glass facades that frame views of the city skyline and surrounding gardens. Guests can unwind at the chic rooftop lounge Copitas, celebrated for its innovative craft cocktails, or enjoy curated dining options that fuse international and local culinary concepts.

4. 🔒 Subscriber-only item — unlock to view.
5. 🔒 Subscriber-only item — unlock to view.
6. 🔒 Subscriber-only item — unlock to view.

Restaurants

The best restaurants in Bengaluru span a wide range, from LUPA’s sweeping Italian dining room on MG Road, to the intimate, chef-led minimalism of NĀVU. Cocktails are a serious business here too and global flavors shine alongside diners in the traditions of Karnataka’s kitchens. Together, these restaurants reflect a city equally driven by innovation and a deep sense of place. If you are staying at any of the hotels recommended above, there are plenty of restaurants onsite with terrific options. If you want to explore, call the front desk, and ask them to book a car to one of my favorite spots.

1. 

   LUPA

   Founded by chef-restaurateur Manu Chandra and Chetan Rampal, LUPA is a European-inspired fine dining destination located near MG Road. Named after the mythological she-wolf of Roman legend, the 11,000-square-foot space combines open-air courtyard seating, rustic-chic architecture, and modern indoor spaces. The menu offers a creative take on classic European flavors, highlighting handcrafted pasta, artisanal cheeses, and fire-grilled meats paired with an extensive wine selection.

2. 

   SSaffron

   Perched on the 18th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, SSaffron provides guests with elevated North Indian cuisine accompanied by sweeping views of the city skyline. The restaurant's design features warm timber accents, subtle Indian motifs, and floor-to-ceiling windows that accentuate the high-altitude setting. Its menu highlights regional tandoori specialties, rich curries, and slow-cooked kebabs prepared using traditional recipes and techniques.

3. 🔒 Subscriber-only item — unlock to view.
4. 🔒 Subscriber-only item — unlock to view.
5. 🔒 Subscriber-only item — unlock to view.

Tourist Activities

Bangalore’s greatest landmarks are undoubtedly its incredible architectural masterpieces. From palaces to the state legislature, there are plenty of tours to keep you wishing you were born a princess. To see works by India’s most famous artists, pay a visit to any one of the great museums or vast public parks. Here are a few of my favorite site seeing adventures in and around Bengaluru.

1. 

   Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)

   Located in the heart of Bengaluru's cultural district, the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) is a private museum housed in a striking modern architectural structure. The institution holds a collection of over 60,000 artworks spanning textiles, photography, craft, and fine arts from the South Asian subcontinent. With multimedia galleries, an auditorium, a specialized research library, and an open rooftop cafe, MAP serves as a center for art history, education, and public cultural events.

2. 

   Lalbagh Botanical Garden

   Spread across 240 acres in southern Bengaluru, Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a historical park commissioned in the 18th century by Hyder Ali and expanded by his son, Tipu Sultan. The garden features centuries-old tropical trees, a lake, a glasshouse modeled after London's Crystal Palace, and a geological monument known as the Lalbagh Rock. It hosts bi-annual flower shows during India's Republic Day and Independence Day, drawing visitors from across the region.

3. 🔒 Subscriber-only item — unlock to view.
4. 🔒 Subscriber-only item — unlock to view.
5. 🔒 Subscriber-only item — unlock to view.

Helpful Tips

International travel is stressful no matter how often you do it or how much you plan ahead. India is no different, if not event more stressful. Here are a few tips and tricks to making you life easier.

1. 

   E-Visa

   1. Keep your passport valid: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your arrival date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
   
   2. Apply early! E-Visa approval can take up to 6 weeks, so apply early via the government website as soon as you book your tickets or know you are headed to India. Make sure you print at least 3 copies of the final approved visa.
   
   3. Print physical hard copies of your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and hotel and/or car reservations, as airport officials, immigration staff, and others may frequently request paper copies.

2. 

   Ground Transportation

   1. Book your airport transportation through your hotel, they will have nicer cars, people to assist at the airport, and it will all be booked to your final bill. There is also additional safety with this option.
   
   2. Auto-rickshaw etiquette: For short trips where metro stations are out of reach, hop on an auto-rickshaw; always request that the driver turn on the meter, or negotiate a clear total fare before getting in if they refuse.
   
   3. In general, the hotel staff will discourage you from walking around, as cities in India operate very differently from cities everywhere else in the world, so book cars with your hotel when possible!

3. 

   Money

   1. India runs almost entirely on digital payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Foreign visitors can sign up for specialized solutions like "UPI One World" at airport money exchange counters or select banking apps to scan QR codes seamlessly at local shops and street vendors.
   
   2. Carry a backup of physical cash (INR): Keep small-denomination Rupee notes (₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100) handy for tipping, small street stalls, public restrooms, or auto-rickshaw drivers who may not accept digital payments or cards.
   
   3. Inform your home bank: I know it seems old fashioned, but India has a high rate of fraud issues, so notify your bank of your Indian travel dates to avoid automated fraud blocks on your international debit and credit cards when making hotel, restaurant, or ATM transactions.

4. 

   General Tips & Tricks

   1. Stay connected with an e-SIM or local SIM: Purchase an e-SIM prior to landing, or pick up a physical local SIM card (Airtel or Jio) at the airport terminal arrival hall by presenting your passport and e-Visa printout.
   
   2. Hydration and water safety: Stick strictly to bottled or filtered water (ensure sealed caps) and avoid tap water, including ice cubes at small local eateries, to prevent waterborne illnesses.
   
   3. Power and plug adapters: India uses Type C, D, and M plugs operating at 230V and 50Hz. Pack a universal adapter with surge protection to keep your electronic devices safely charged.
   
   4. Cultural etiquette at temples and heritage sites: When visiting religious or historical landmarks (such as Kadu Malleshwara Temple), dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees, and remove your footwear before entering temple premises or private homes.
   
   5. Weather and seasonal attire: Bengaluru enjoys a moderate, elevated climate compared to the rest of South India, but afternoon heat and unexpected monsoonal showers are common, so pack light, breathable fabrics along with a compact umbrella or rain jacket.