Due to the impact of COVID-19, you are recommended to check travel restrictions from your government sources and contact local venues to verify any new rules

World Travel Guide > Guides > Asia > India > Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Local time Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Currency

Introducing Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Shopping in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Shopping in Bengaluru offers a wealth of choice, from handmade arts and crafts to beautiful silk saris.

Key areas

For Karnataka specialities, there is an abundance of handicraft shops in and around Mahatma Gandhi Road and the Commercial Street area. Silk, Lambani tribal jewellery, and carvings of sandalwood and rosewood soapstone abound. Sculptures and brassware are sold at a lesser extent.

Commercial Street is renowned for its excellent tailors, serving both men and women, who can create a suit or copy one you already have in a matter of days. Opticians will also craft prescription glasses in a few days.

More general handicraft stores are Central Cottage Industries Emporium (144 MG Road) and The Cauvery (49 MG Road).

Markets

City Market (KR) mostly sells fresh products like fruit, vegetables and flowers. Russell Market is more centrally located, near Commercial Street. It is worth visiting these markets to get an authentic feel for the places where locals do their usual food shopping.

Shopping centres

Bengaluru got its first indoor air-conditioned shopping mall with multi-storey parking - the Forum - in 2004. It is now one of several malls selling European and American branded goods, as well as many well-known Indian chains. Other malls have followed suit, including The Garuda Mall, Bangalore Central and more recently, the Total Mall chain.

Opening hours

Most shops, and particularly the handicraft shops, open late and close late with no absolute set times. However, 1000-1100 to 2000-2100 are typical opening hours throughout the week.

Souvenirs

From quirky knick-knacks to delicious treats, Bengaluru offers a wide range of souvenirs to commemorate your trip. Bring back some Mysore pak, a popular sweet in South India that’s textured like fudge and often infused with cardamom. Mysore Sandal Soap is another regional favourite, as it’s the only soap in the world made from entirely pure sandalwood oil. The rich, milky smell is surely something you’ll want to take home.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Vivanta by Taj – Yeshwantpur

Soak in the space that's right in the centre of Bengaluru’s business and entertainment areas. The lobby of this luxurious hotel in Bengaluru is a unique mix of chic and classic. This is where sophisticated business travellers can find intelligent work environments and vibrant leisure options in one hot spot.

Gateway Hotel

Many pick this upscale downtown hotel for its superior restaurant, the delectable Karavalli, but the rooms are just as tasteful. The setting here is calm, and the location is perfect for shoppers with their sights on MG Road. They even offer a jetlag service for international guests.

Hotel Empire International

A budget hotel with an unbeatable location right in the heart of Bengaluru, Hotel Empire International is close to the shops and traveller hangouts of MG Road. All rooms are clean and offer air conditioning, safety deposit lockers, and TVs. There’s also internet access and a respectable in-house restaurant.

Iris Hotel

Small but perfectly formed, the Iris offers a big package on a modest floorplan. Its contemporary rooms are compact yet comfortable and include LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. There’s even a small pool, in-house spa and business meeting rooms, all in a great location near Mahatma Gandhi Road.

The Taj West End

This stylish, old mansion was built in 1887 and started life as a boarding house, but soon became a lavish retreat for Bengaluru’s wealthiest colonial rulers. Luxuriously refurbished and surrounded by an 18-hectare (45-acre) garden, the hotel drips with character. There are two pools, a gym and beauty parlour, as well as fine dining at the Mynt, Blue Ginger and Masala Klub restaurants.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru

Located 4km (2.5 miles) from the city centre, the opulent Leela Palace is set in lavish grounds beside an azure lagoon. True to its name, the hotel is indeed palatial, with gilded domes, soaring arches and stylish rooms that strike the perfect balance between heritage glamour and modern luxury. The hotel has three restaurants and a well-regarded spa and gym.