Drink and be merry

Among Indian cities Bengaluru has the unique distinction of being the only one to have become a part of American slang: "Bangalored" being a back-handed compliment to the city's hugely successful outsourcing industry. It is a peculiarly urban triumph for this erstwhile retirement haven, which over the course of a couple of decades has taken the lead in redefining the country's economy.

The city is synonymous with information-technology giants such as Infosys and Wipro, not to mention countless other software-driven large, medium and small companies. The buzz is quite at variance with the city's intrinsic laid-back nature, which owes in part to unarguably the best weather of any major city in the country.

It's quite possible to look on Bengaluru as a small town that has suddenly blown up to several times its size. From traffic to basic facilities, almost every part of the city's urban infrastructure feels the strain. For a taste of the real city, look beneath the mess of the Metro work, currently tearing up the arterial roads, and the inescapable traffic, into the green expanse of Cubbon Park, or the little bookshops that boast some of the best collections of cult graphic novels in the country.

The city also possesses a vibrant arts scene, supported generously by new-age industry czars. But perhaps one of its best faces is put forward at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a small ground that retains a sense of intimacy in contrast to the magnificence of, say, Eden Gardens. No matter what the game is, or who's playing, Bengaluru always rises to the occasion.

Weather

While north India heats up like a cauldron in early summer, Bengaluru, which has the best climate of all the metropolitan Indian cities, is still tolerable. Temperatures usually hover between 25°C and 30°C C during the day and evenings are pleasant.

Getting around

The common man's mode of conveyance is either the bus or the auto-rickshaw. However, buses are not advised if you aren't familiar with the local language. Auto-rickshaws are tricky: drivers are known to fleece their passengers - if they agree to go where they're asked to at all. The best bet, therefore, are app-based cabs - Uber and Ola are easily available in the city. In Bengaluru's cool weather, walking is also a real option if the distances are not too great.

Where to stay

Since the Chinnaswamy Stadium is located bang in the heart of the city, there are plenty of options for accommodation.

High-end
Less than 2km east down the road from the stadium is The Oberoi Bangalore (from Rs 11,000), a five-star hotel with all the trappings and 2.8 acres of gardens. Round the corner from it is The Park (from Rs 7000), a boutique hotel with cosy rooms and excellent service. One of the newer five-star hotels in town is the ITC Gardenia (from Rs 13,950), an architectural marvel with superb restaurants.

Mid-level
A short walk from the stadium, The Chancery (from Rs 6000 for early birds) is well equipped and offers good value for money. Also a stone's throw away is Museum Inn (from Rs 4500), with comfortable rooms and earnest service. Hotel Empire (from Rs 1650) on Infantry Road and Church Street has all the basic facilities, and the bonus of an excellent location. Signature Inn (from Rs 1200), though farther from the stadium, is a well-connected option, as is Ajantha Trinity Inn (from Rs 1200) on Residency Road.

Where to eat

Bengaluru offers all kinds of cuisines, from Western and Oriental to authentic South Indian and excellent North Indian.

High-end
Frequently voted the best standalone restaurant in the city, Olive Beach serves excellent Mediterranean food. Karavalli, set in a faux Mangalorean house in the Gateway Hotel, draws from the culinary gems of the four southern states to present a menu that makes it hard to make up your mind. Small plates and nouvelle Indian cuisine are the order of the day at Chef Manu Chandra's Toast & Tonic, where local ingredients meet western technique to fabulous results. It's also a short stroll from the stadium.

Mid-range
Southindies, as the name suggests, does south Indian food, all vegetarian. Be prepared to be surprised. Coconut Grove specialises in Kerala cuisine: try the wafer-thin appams with a fish or mutton stew. Koshy's is a city institution: the air-conditioned half on the right serves food that's a throwback to the era of the British Raj.

Budget
The non-airconditioned section of Koshy's is the heart of the restaurant, serving decent snacks and meals, coffee and beer. Empire on Church Street, is a favorite for chicken dosas. The ever-dependable India Coffee House is a short walk away for small eats and coffee.

Where to party

Bengaluru's idea of a party is to kick back with some craft brews and complain about the traffic, at one of the city's many classy lounges and rooftop bars.

High-end
Skyye, at UB City, has great drinks, fantastic views and a cool atmosphere. Toit, among Bengaluru's best brewpubs, does spectacular craft beers and even better food and is packed to the rafters on weekends.

Mid-level
The 13th Floor cocktail lounge lets its magnificent view set the tone for a night of partying. The newly opened Koramangala Social is a sprawling rooftop garden pub with the best value-for-money drinks in town. Expect a long wait for a table.

Budget
Go to Pecos as much for the nostalgia - this legacy pub has had the same retro-rock playlist since it opened - as for the cheap beer. Plan B has a friendly atmosphere and lots of choice in small eats.

Must-Dos

Walk around Lalbagh, a 240-acre garden dating back to the 18th century. Its successive mentors have left their personal imprint on the place, importing trees and plants from all over the world. If you're a keen botanist, sign up for a Sunday morning walk with Bangalore Walks.

Eat at MTR, a Bengaluru institution. There are usually queues here at lunch and dinner, so arrive early. Or head here for breakfast after a walk around Lalbagh.

Visit Tipu Sultan's summer palace, a grand two-storied structure constructed entirely of teak wood, in Chamrajpet, in the heart of the city. Combining elements of Hindu and Muslim architecture, it's worth the visit if only for the atmosphere.

Catch a play at Rangashankara, if you happen to be a theatre enthusiast. The auditorium was built with public donations, and is today at the cutting edge of performances in town.

Have a South Indian thali. Choose from the coconut-heavy Kerala thalis, or a local Karnataka meal.

Drive to Mysore, 140km away, for a day or two. Very different in character from Bengaluru, Mysore still retains the charm of the princely state it used to be. A must-visit here is the Mysore Palace, especially at sundown, when it is lit up by 97,000 light bulbs.

All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, but please confirm it independently as required. All prices mentioned are in Indian rupees. Hotel prices are for double rooms. Prices are indicative and subject to change