Bangalore: Take time out to enjoy this home of fast-paced technology giants

Bangalore (or Bengaluru) is a hot spot for global IT and other technology companies, and an oft-visited city for business travel by company representatives from around the world. In fact, chances are high that these Bangalore Business Tips and points of etiquette might already be second nature to you. Bring business cards, for example, to first meetings, and be mindful of attention to hierarchy—relationship building is critical.

But let’s forget business for a while. After all, Bangalore also is known for its great temperature throughout the year; lush, green spaces; and, lately, even its beer scene.

Savor Sunday brunch

If you happen to be in Bangalore on a Sunday, add “being lazy” to your agenda. Slow-paced, relaxing Bangalore brunches beckon. Expect to spend hours enjoying the wonderful nuances of Southern Indian cuisine, including dosa (a pancake made from rice batter and lentils), vada (a fritter or doughnut type of indulgence), and, the must-try signature filter coffee (pictured). When you see how this beloved coffee is made, you’ll want one right away!

Keep in mind that spiciness reigns supreme throughout the brunch spread. Try masala dosa served with coconut chutney or any number of compelling options.  Learn more about favorite dishes and etiquette, as well as recommended brunch venues.

Walk it off.

Temperate year-round, the “Garden City of India” offers many opportunities for you to walk off your hearty brunch outside. In the heart of town, you’ll find the 250+-acre Cubbon Park (pictured above). Bamboo, banyan trees, and birds—a true nature sanctuary with plenty of paths to wander aimlessly. If you’ve brought your kids along, there’s even a small amusement park and toy train. Historic buildings (pictured) impressively adorn the park, which is abloom all year.

Or you could take it indoors at UB City, India’s first luxury mall, which lets you combine strolling and shopping for your favorite brands such as Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and more. Take a virtual walk-through here.

For a different kind of outdoor stroll, you could head to the historic neighborhood of Malleswaram, where you could get wonderfully lost for hours in its shops along Sampige Road, as well as in the many temples throughout the neighborhood. Here, you can take an interactive walk down Sampige. Other city neighborhoods to consider are Koramangala and Indiranagar.

Bowl away brunch.

One way to get your post-brunch energy rejuvenated is to head to the Orion Mall, where you’ll discover the postmodern bluO bowling alley with 27 lanes. Even if you can’t get your score out of two digits, bowling here is a flashy, fulfilling, and fun experience. And there’s more than bowling here. In fact, bluO calls itself a “destination” unto itself, with themed lounges (e.g., Playstation and F1), as well as cocktails, spa, and restaurant options.

Round out the day at a pub

You might be surprised that Bangalore, “pub city,” has a pretty well-entrenched beer and respectable microbrew scene, too. You could start with the Biere Club, Bangalore’s premiere microbrewery, and go from there to many other beer options. And, take note:  Bangalore was notorious for closing down early. Just this year, however, the city rules changed to accommodate longer hours (to 1:00 AM) on weekends. Read more.

But if a Monday morning meeting is on your business agenda, you might want to honor the original city closing times of 11:00 so you can wake refreshed and begin again.

After seeing all that Bangalore has to offer, you’ll begin to understand why business moves so quickly; everyone wants to enjoy the city as quickly as possible. For additional travel planning advice, see Bangalore Life and Visitor Travel Tips.

Filtered coffee photo from Daniel Roy on Flickr.