India is a fascinating place with huge juxtapositions and where all your senses are evoked. I have travelled to India in 2012 and 2015 but it was my first time visiting Bangalore and Chennai. I was there for work travel but I was able to take advantage of the weekends to sightsee and explore. I wouldn’t say May is the best time to visit due to the heat and weather but regardless, I had a great time meeting with colleagues, eating and drinking my way through different restaurants and bars.

Bangalore

Bangalore (or Bengalaru) is known as the “Garden City” where the British used to holiday and have summer homes. It has been built up and is now known as the “Silicon Valley of India” due to the amount of technology hubs in the city.

I stayed at the ITC Gardenia for the weekends I was there which I recommend to be in the centre of Bangalore and the proximity to different sights and restaurants and bars.

The first weekend I spent walking around Cubbon Park which is right next to the hotel, visiting the Government Museum and eating and drinking various establishments including Kebabs & Kurries, Toit (brewery), Loft 38 (bar), Arbor (brewery), Suzy Q, Sanchez, One Night in Bangkok (great place to end the night), Kormangala Social (must have the chicken tandoori momos) and Edo (Japanese but wasn’t a huge fan).

The second weekend, we dined at Jamavar (same group of restaurant that won a Michelin star in London earlier this year) and had the tasting menu which for 5000R (~£50) is expensive for India standards. We also went shopping where I haggled my way and bought a rug and some scarves and we ate at McDonalds (because you have to try the spicy chicken and paneer burger), Bengaluru Oota Company (an authentic experience eating with your hands), Sly Granny (we only went for a cocktail but it was a nice atmosphere), Burma Burma (amazing, flavourful Burmese food), Toast and Tonic (great cocktails) and Skyye (rooftop in UB city).

During the work week, we ate at Bombay Brasserie, Salt, Fisherman’s Wharf and had work events at Byg Brewski and Iron Hill which was a lot of fun.

Chennai

I spent 4 nights here but I was mainly working as it was during the week and unfortunately it was too hot to explore (35-38 degrees celsius on average but the real feel over 42). I stayed at The Westin and hung out by the hotel pool, did do some shopping at the Phoenix Mall and ate at MKC – Madras Kitchen Company, Copper Chimney and Aeseo Korean restaurant (good break from Indian food). I’ll definitely be back to spend more time exploring the city.

As my travels in 2020 and 2021 were limited to the UK and Europe, it was great to be in a country with completely different culture. Bangalore is such a cosmopolitan place and unlike any city I’ve been to in India. The trip overall was great mainly due to the hospitality of my colleagues, so I am looking to visiting again in the future.