Urbanaut

Turahalli Forest

by urbanaut A reserve forest in the suburbs, Turahalli is a local haunt for South Bangaloreans looking to escape the noise and rush of the city without going too far. There are plenty of trails to traverse through on foot or by bike, and quite a few boulders to practice climbing if you’re feeling it. It’s especially great for morning walks, and you’ll get a great view of the city from atop the high points.

Koshy's Parade Café

by urbanaut Perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee and feel that Old Bangalore vibe (also serves beer if you're in the mood for it). Writers, literates and artsy folks are usually spotted on the left portion of the restaurant, while the right portion is a formal fine dining. A perfect Ying Yang. You find a lot of regular customers who have an amazing rapport with the staff, and are always fun to strike a conversation with.

Goobe's Book Republic

by urbanaut Goobe’s is an eclectic library-slash- bookstore on Church Street and yet another Bangalore institution, as far as books go. Owner Ravi Menezes and his team of enthusiastic librarians and booksellers do more than give out books– they try to uphold a “think for yourself” philosophy. You’ll find literary classics, autobiographies, graphic novels and quite a lot of science fiction in here.

Bhartiya Jalpan

by urbanaut Fantastic spot for Indian street and comfort food - the chaat (this is difficult to explain and is best understood if one tries it) is superlative. Stock up on sweets and snacks to take home as well.

Konark Vegetarian Restaurant

by urbanaut A delicious South Indian breakfast spot that turns into a go to place for Bangalore’s fitness population over the weekend, after a run or game of footie.

Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

by urbanaut Sat at the foothills of Bangalore’s beloved Nandi Hills is this temple complex that’s at least a thousand years old. It’s a glorious example of Dravidian architecture; the temple complex houses two other temples added on by majestic empires that once ruled over Karnataka. Don’t miss the Shringi Theertha, the sunken temple pond whose surroundings are a feast for the eyes.

by urbanaut The Bookworm is a Bangalorean favourite for new and pre-loved copies of books of nearly every genre under the sun. Dig through the piles to find antique gems such as a 20-year-old copy of The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to The Galaxy or an ornately bound Shakespeare. Owner Krishna Gowda is well-loved for his earnest attitude and readiness to help find any book, even if it means upsetting a few precarious piles of novels. You can also return books bought from The Bookworm to get 50% back in store credit, although we dare say you’ll spend that money on another tome.

Corner House - Airlines Hotel

by urbanaut A Bangalore institution - the ice creams here are a must try (shares a space with another Bangalore classic - Airlines) and they score extra points for being totally plastic free when you dine-in

Vv Puram Food Street

by urbanaut Insane variety of South Indian food, North Indian chaat , a chance to amp up your hustling skills and embrace the inner foodie in you. This place comes to life at 7 in the evening and requires some serious skills to be able to try out every delectable dish on this popular eat street in Bangalore.

Suryawanshi Restaurant

by urbanaut Authentic Malwani (Maharashtrian) food in Bangalore. Very local spot but go with an empty stomach and an afternoon to spare afterward

Brahmins' Coffee Bar

by urbanaut This small family-run business is open for a few hours each day - offering a limited speciality menu

by urbanaut Legendary, no frills, healthy South Indian breakfast spot. This tiny outlet is a great place for a quick bite since all you have is a dedicated sidewalk space to finish your meal. You will also find the famous ‘Chutney man’ sitting by the sidewalk serving his famous (and unlimited) chutney

The Kitchen of Joy

by urbanaut Kitchen of Joy is a port-key to the street food spots in the by-lanes of Calcutta.

by urbanaut Local spot - good for a late snack (takeaway for post-drinking meals)

Manchanabele Dam

by urbanaut If you’re desperate for a quick getaway from Bangalore, head to Manchanabele Dam, only two hours or so away from the city centre. A nearby reservoir forms a beautiful lake to look out to from the top of a not-so-steep hill. There are a couple of trails of varying intensity that you could choose to explore, which lead you to different parts of the dam. We’d highly recommend visiting in time for sunrise and sunset.

by urbanaut Earn your breakfast and filter coffee after a run in Cubbon Park - Airlines is a Bangalore stalwart

Janardhan Hotel

by urbanaut Very local South Indian restaurant - good for a satisfying breakfast (don’t expect an ambience)

Shri Sagar - CTR

by urbanaut Butter heaven! The benne (butter) masala dosa is to die for. If you are looking for super crispy dosas in Bangalore, go here. Pretty sure all the awards and recognition that this humble establishment has received makes it worth the try

Bengaluru Oota Company

by urbanaut A homestyle kitchen run by two amazing women who cook the food of their families (Konkan and Mangalorean cuisine). They’ve won numerous accolades (deservingly) for their delicious, authentic food.

Begum Victoria Cheese

by urbanaut Started by Bangalore’s favourite chef Manu Chandra, along with two partners, Begum Victoria handcrafts organic cheese, which is ripened in their own cheese cave. I can vouch for their brie, manchego and fontina, which are on the stronger side.

by urbanaut A hole in the wall that serves up the best kachoris in Bangalore. Run by a family from Madhya Pradesh, it is only open for a few hours in the evening and has a small menu that includes kachoris, samosas, bhajis and gulab jamuns.

Vidyarthi Bhavan

by Map My Stories A heritage vegetarian restaurant, started in 1943 as a small student's eatery (from where it gets its name) serving classic South Indian breakfast.

Ice & Spice Burgers

by urbanaut Bangalore’s OG Burger Queen Mrs Kuttapa bringing joy to the city with her burgers, cutlets and mayo subs. An iconic food institution in Bangalore, she’s back in business at the age of 76!