Things to do in Karnataka
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Mango Tree
Creativity blends with culinary excellence at this rural-themed chill-out joint, spread out under the eponymous mango tree by the riverbanks. The walk out here is through a banana plantation, and the food is delicious – the restaurant does lip-smacking dosas for breakfast and dinner. The ambience is simply overwhelming, and the terraced seating perfect for whiling away a lazy afternoon, book in hand.
reviewed
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Mavalli Tiffin Rooms
This legendary joint, commonly called MTR, has been feeding Bengaluru its stock South Indian fare such as masala dosas for more than seven decades. The queues can get long during lunch hours.
reviewed
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Liquid Lounge
The coolest (and loudest) pub in town, this place has funky posters and neon-lit interiors, including a backlit Les Paul guitar replica dangling above the bar! A good selection of beers is on offer, and its staff in floral shirts are a courteous lot.
reviewed
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The Only Place
Burgers, steaks, apple pies or the classic shepherd’s pie – no one serves them better than this oldie, which boasts semi-alfresco interiors and a relaxed vibe.
reviewed
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Ebony
Rated highly by Bengaluru’s foodies, this place high up on a skyscraper serves the best Parsi food in town, along with some delectable Thai and French dishes.
reviewed
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Nagarjuna
Not a place to linger, this fast-moving, constantly packed-out joint dishes up spicy-as-hell Andhra specialities on banana leaves.
reviewed
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Tandoor
Consistently good tandoori, biryani (steamed rice with meat or vegetables) and kebab dishes.
reviewed
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Namdroling Monastery
Bylakuppe's highlight is the Namdroling Monastery, home to the jaw-droppingly spectacular Golden Temple, presided over by an 18m-high gold-plated Buddha. The temple is at its dramatic best when school is in session and it rings out with gongs, drums and chanting of hundreds of young novices. You’re welcome to sit and meditate; look for the small blue guest cushions lying around. The Zangdogpalri Temple, a similarly ornate affair, is next door.
reviewed
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Bidar Fort
Keep aside a few hours for peacefully wandering around the remnants of the magnificent 15th-century Bidar Fort. Sprawled across rolling hills 2km east of Udgir Rd, this fort was once the administrative capital of much of southern India. Surrounded by a triple moat hewn out of solid red rock and 5.5km of defensive walls (the second longest in India), the fort has a fairy-tale entrance on a roadway that twists in an elaborate chicane through three gateways.
reviewed
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Gomateshvara Statue
A steep climb up 614 steps takes you to the top of Vindhyagiri Hill, the summit of which is lorded over by the towering naked statue of Gomateshvara. Commissioned by a military commander in the service of the Ganga king Rachamalla and carved out of a single piece of granite by the sculptor Aristenemi in AD 981, its serenity and simplicity is in stark contrast to the Hoysala sites at Belur and Halebid.
reviewed
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Grasshopper
Save this one for a special occasion. Some 15km south of town, this leafy boutique restaurant run by a designer couple has no menu; you just have to go by what it tosses up for the day. Besides, you have to book at least a day in advance and inform them about your food preferences. The upside of all this is a scrumptious, heart-warming meal, which you’ll remember for a long time to come.
reviewed
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Zenana Enclosure
A walled compound known as the Zenana Enclosure holds the Lotus Mahal, a delicately designed pavilion which was supposedly the queen’s recreational mansion. The Lotus Mahal overlooks the Elephant Stables, a grand building with domed chambers where state elephants once resided. Your ticket is valid for same-day admission to the Vittala Temple.
reviewed
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St Aloysius College Chapel
Catholicism’s roots in Mangalore date back to the arrival of the Portuguese in the early 1500s, and today the city is liberally dotted with churches. One of the most impressive is the Sistine Chapel-like St Aloysius College Chapel, with its walls and ceilings painted with brilliant frescoes.
reviewed
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Virupaksha Temple
The focal point of Hampi Bazaar is the Virupaksha Temple, one of the city’s oldest structures. The main gopuram (gateway tower), almost 50m high, was built in 1442, with a smaller one added in 1510. The main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Shiva.
reviewed
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Vinayaka Mylari
Locals line up for the dosas (paper-thin, lentil-flour pancakes) and soft Mysore-style idlis (rice dumplings) served with delicious coconut chutney at this decades-old operation. A masala dosa and coffee make a great breakfast or lunch.
reviewed
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Harima
Practically a home-away-from-home for Bengaluru's expat Japanese, Harima is pretty much on the mark for its atmosphere and Japanese food, including sushi, noodles, tempura and more obscure dishes such as natto (fermented bean sprouts).
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Casa del Sol
This is a relaxed Mediterranean-style bistro that has a semi-alfresco area. Wednesday is disco night, Thursday has free salsa classes and Sunday has an opulent brunch (Rs600) with unlimited drinks and children’s activities.
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Konark
This place serves tasty Indian food in colourful, comfy surroundings. The lunchtime South Indian thali is a gut buster; for something less filling, opt for the snack dishes, or eggless cakes and pastries.
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Olive Beach
This spot duplicates the groovy Mediterranean style and deliciously authentic food of its Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay) sisters. Book ahead for the great Sunday brunch with free-flowing booze.
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Paparazzi
Spicy chicken kebabs (served on a flaming skewer) and decent caesar salads are served with sweeping city views at this supertrendy place. The around Rs200 set lunch is a good option.
reviewed
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Gramin
A wide choice of flavourful and breezy North Indian fare is on offer at this extremely popular all-veg place. Try the excellent range of lentils, best had with oven fresh rotis.
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Queen’s Restaurant
The rustic, tribal decor in this cosy restaurant complements its lip-smacking Indian fare, especially the vegie dishes.
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Wonder La
Located 30km out of Bangaluru on the Mysore highway, this massive aqua park offers dozens of water rides.
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Legend of Sikandar
Legend of Sikandar serves Lucknowi, Hyderabadi and North Indian cuisine to general applause.
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Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium
Not the cheapest place, but the selection is extensive and there’s no pressure to buy.
reviewed
