If you want to have a preview of the future of India, head to Bangalore, a dynamic and mushrooming city in the centre of South India that has been energised by the explosion of information technology industries and colonised by homegrown entrepreneurs. With its youthful workforce, round-the-clock lifestyle and abundance of shopping malls, Bangalore is a walk-through peek at where the sub-continent is heading in the 21st century. This explosively expanding city lies 855 kms southeast of Mumbai and has an international airport for easy access from all parts of India.

Previously known for its public gardens and laid back pace of life, Bangalore is now a booming software industry centre. Plan at least one day to see the city adequately. The town is considerably more Westernized than many Indian cities. Visit Bangalore Palace, the Palace of Tippu Sultan, once home to the south Indian king famous for battling the British, the Bull Temple, the Indian Institute of Science and the 100-hectare Lal Bagh botanical garden, with its pools, terraces, fountains, trees and herbs.

However the city’s infrastructure has not yet caught up with the fast growth of the city. This is especially felt while driving. Nearby Bannergatta National Park makes for an interesting day trip to watch Indian animals in their natural habitat.

When to travel to Bangalore

The best time to visit Bangalore is in the winter. Although the city experiences pleasant climate throughout the year, the perfect time for visiting starts somewhere around October and the tourist traffic starts lessening after February.