- Why should you visit Bengaluru?
- What is Indiranagar about?
- Where should you hang out in Indiranagar and what should you do?
Bengaluru has always been a great destination for travellers who are on their journey of getting acquainted with South India. The city feels like a destination where it gets skipped because of it being a large urban centre however the city has so much to offer in terms of history, heritage and culture! The city has a vibrant modern cosmopolitan feel as well which is perfect for those looking to check out the hip bars, restaurants and more! There is something for every kind of traveller here.
You’ve made it to Bengaluru but you don’t know where to start from? Different areas have different flavours to explore. The West & South of Bengaluru have much more of the traditional residential areas such as Malleshwaram, Basavangudi and the likes. This is where you will get the flavour of old school Bengaluru with its quaint local eateries serving up idlis, dosas and more! The area has a typical style of buildings that is reminiscent of an era where noir and similar styles taking centre stage.
There is Central Bengaluru that has a flavour that is all its own. This is where you will find the bustling commercial hubs, the iconic landmarks and the cultural hotspots of the city. You can visit the majestic Vidhana Soudha, the serene Cubbon Park, the lively MG Road and the historic Tipu Sultan’s Palace. You can also enjoy the diverse arts and entertainment scene, from the classical Carnatic music concerts to the contemporary theatre shows.
Towards the East, you will find newer areas of the city that have risen to prominence in the last decade – Indiranagar is a fine example of this. Starting out as a sleepy suburb in the 70’s, it has risen to become the new epicenter for Bengaluru with its wide array of bars, restaurants, shopping and start-ups!
You can also explore the natural beauty and the rural charm of the outskirts, such as the Nandi Hills, the Bannerghatta National Park and the Hesaraghatta Lake.
Bengaluru is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, a culture vulture, a shopaholic, a tech enthusiast or a nature lover, you will find your niche in this dynamic and diverse metropolis.
What is the story of Indiranagar?
Indiranagar was a brainchild of the 60’s, implemented in the 70’s by the Bangalore Development Authority. It was named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The area was created by combining multiple villages Binnamanagala, Doopanahalli, Kodihalli, Thippasandra and the likes.
The area was a sleepy suburb dotted with large bungalows and independent houses that were mostly owned by retired defence personnel and employees from the public sector. The proximity of public sector infrastructure like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited), Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) created a perfect setting for retiring employees to purchase land (at a time when Indiranagar was considered to be the outskirts of the city).
Owing to Bengaluru having close ties with Defence Services also leads in a similar direction. The direct outcome of this can be seen in two areas that exist – Jeevanbhima Nagar (for LIC employees) and Defence Colony.
Interestingly, the land rates were fairly reasonable till the early 2000’s and the area remained quaint and sleepy through most decades after the 70’s. After the proposal of a mutation corridor in the early 2010’s, the main 100 ft road was eligible for commercial activities. Since then, the area has seen a boom and is now home to a host of cafes, restaurants, bars, brewpubs, nightclubs and shopping! Not to mention that it become home to plenty of startups.
Indiranagar has a cosmopolitan set up that is
Where should you hang out in Indiranagar and what should you do?
There are plenty of things to do in Indiranagar that range from the usual – cafes to the unusual. Let’s check out what is on offer:
1. Café: Home to some interesting cafes for the avid coffee drinker. Each one has a charm and personality of its own. Coffee drinking is a favourite pastime for many especially in an area that is perfect for meeting whether it be business or a regular hangout.
a. Third Wave: Located on 12th Main Indiranagar, this is a fairly popular place especially for the startup community. It is a great place to sit down, have a fresh cup of coffee and meet like minded folks.
b. Sabko: A lot more high end that prides itself on the quality on the coffee. Designed in a minimal and tasteful fashion, this one is for the Instagrammers.
c. Blue Tokai: The one that kicked off the artisanal coffee craze in Bangalore. Sometimes old is gold and this place still does a mean cup of coffee.
d. Ainmane: A little away from the regular spots and a little different as well in its set up. Located on a quiet and quaint street corner, this place exudes cool, chique and local in the same breath.Â
e. Araku: The mecca for Instagrammers. With classy deco, this place is another one that is a hit for couples on first dates.Â
2. Pubs/Bars: There is no dearth of bars around Indiranagar that ranges from cheap to highly expensive.
a. Toit: The brewpub that is signature for Bengaluru. This place has become a must for all those visiting the city. One of the OG brewpubs, this place is a legacy and legendary at the same time.
b. Pecos 2.0: An old school Bangalore styled pub is something not many in this era have experience and as other things of the past, seems to be heading towards disappearance, its great that this place still survives through it all. Beer, popcorn, rock n roll music in a set up with art and album art of rock legends is something that never gets old. Headbang your way through this one.
c. Traveller’s Bungalow: A new addition where swanky meets affordable, this place is tucked away near Bombay Brasserie and does some excellent cocktails at really great prices!
d. Shalimar: A typical dive bar, the place usually is spot with office goers after a weary day at work. The deco and set up is nothing to write home about. However, there are several televisions that literally show anything that is remotely sports related. There are younger folk who come to tank up before heading to the next spot. The place offers excellent coastal Karnataka food which is a one up on the usual dive bars.
e. Bob’s Bar – A favourite among the university crowd, there is a never empty seat in the house. Again, another place popular to stop at before heading to other spots. The place does bite sized food which is super affordable and tasty! The only catch here is that there is no music, no tv’s so it is just the way nature intended us to be – to talk to one another without any distractions.
3. Other Activities: There is more to do than just eat and drink, so let’s check out what one can do
a. Equilibrium: A climbing gym that is a great spot to challenge your physical abilities and endurance in the sport of climbing. Known as India’s first climbing gym, this is a sport that is growing across India.
b. Lahe Lahe: An interesting cultural and community hub that has very interesting activities happening on a daily basis. If you’re looking to do offbeat things like pottery, dance therapy or attending a poetry workshop – this is the place to be. They have activities all through the week.
c. Bangalore International Centre – This is a must stop if you’re keen to attend arts and culture talks, workshops and more. There are free talks on a wide variety of topics, along with classical music, masterclasses, book reading, drama, performing arts and lots more.
 Shopping options are spread from end to end on 100 feet road that has more of the upmarket retail brands. For local shopping one has to head into the markets of Thippsandra where one can see the hustle and bustle that is reminiscent of the city.
The best part of all of this that you can experience this on an affordable budget. Locul Midtown is located in a quaint residential part of 12th main, away from the rush. However, nothing is too far and is a stone’s throw away. Rated among the top hostels in Bangalore, the hostel has plush modern interiors with cool quirks and all-important amenities.
To Book, click hereÂ
