When a work opportunity to travel to Bangalore, India, presented itself, I was so excited. I had never been to India before! Then, the questions started. What will Bangalore be like? Do I need a visa to travel there? And, of course, what do I pack!? Read on for my tips, advice and favorite moments from my trip.
Why Bangalore?
With a population of over ten million, Banglore is the third most populated city in India. It’s also home to many top engineering universities and tech industry talent, which has attracted many top technology companies to Bangalore. So much so, the city is now nicknamed, “The Silicon Valley of India.” . However, it’s not allll business in Bangalore. Those who enjoy craft beers and cocktails will find tons of cool options throughout the city. Plus, the city is also home to a number of temples, shrines, parks, museums and more.
Before You Go
As a U.S. citizen, whether I was going to India as a tourist or on business, I needed a visa. The process is actually fairly easy, as you can apply online. I found the website a little clunky and some of the fields did not have enough space for the number of characters needed, so be prepared to get creative. Oh, and give yourself time. It took me over an hour to fill out the online forms for the business eVisa. However, it’s still far better than lining up at an embassy! To learn more about the process and to see if you need a visa, visit this website.
The Arrival
I flew British Airways to India and was lucky to score a premium economy, non-stop flight from London to Bangalore. Confession: the plane British Airways has on this route is rather old and does not even have plugs to charge your laptop or USBs to charge your phone (the horror, I know). I was very surprised given the price of the flight, but it is what it is, I suppose. From London, you can also fly Emirates with a layover in Dubai, which I would absolutely do during the times of year when a stopover for a few days there would be welcome.
Old school!
At least there’s bubbly!
My Stunning Hotel – The Leela Palace Bangalore
After a 10+ hour redeye, an hour in the airport and another 1.5-hour drive, we arrived at The Leela Palace Bangalore. It was one of those pinch yourself moments. Just off a very busy street in Bangalore, we pulled into what is best described as a fairytale pale pink palace surrounded by a tropical oasis. I stepped out of the car to the sounds of birds chirping and the faint sounds of car horns, completely in awe of the beauty surrounding me.
We were greeted warmly by the hotel staff, who immediately took our bags and whisked us into the equally stunning air-conditioned lobby to check in. I would later learn from a lovely member of the hotel staff, who insisted on personally walking me around the hotel when I asked for directions, that the design of the Leela Palace Bangalore was inspired by the royal residence in Mysore and translated into a stunning hotel. With four restaurants and a charming Library Bar, a full-service spa, gym, pool, the hotel oozes style. From the exotic Indian music playing quietly in the background to incredible floral arrangements, every inch of this hotel has been thoughtfully designed – and it shows. It’s no surprise to me that TripAdvisor (where I have previously worked) awarded the hotel a 2018 Traveler’s Choice award – quite an honor, but very well-deserved in my opinion.
From the stunning hotel facilities and grounds to my oversized bedroom (arguably the size of my London flat), I felt a bit like royalty staying there. I could not recommend it enough. For more of a tour, you can watch my travel vlog at the end of this blog post (or link here)!
My only regret? Not getting to spend time around – and in – the Leela Palace’s stunning hotel!
Exploring Bangalore
As I was in Bangalore for work, this will not be my usual travel blog filled with recommendations of sights to see (but TripSavvy does have a nice list if you’re in the market for that – click here!). However, whether you are coming for work or for leisure, I thought I would share my overall observations as a first-time traveler to both India and Bangalore.
It May Be The Silicon Valley of India – But There Are Still Cows In The Streets
Perhaps this is a silly insight, but I was so struck by how impressive the tech scene is in Bangalore. There are so many world-class talent and companies in Bangalore, yet there’s such a difference between the big office buildings and the city’s streets. I know it’s such a stereotype of India, but I even saw cows in the streets!
Bangalore’s Reputation For Bad Traffic Is True – Embrace It
As I told friends that I was going to Bangalore, every one told me to brace myself for the traffic. After visiting, I can tell you that the rumors are true. However, as I didn’t get many opportunities to sightsee, I took the time in the car to observe. In doing this, I realized that the traffic in Bangalore is part of the experience.
To someone not from Bangalore, it can feel chaotic, but the more you drive around, you realize there’s an order to the chaos. There’s much more awareness of what and who is around you and the horns are used with purpose to alert others that you’re there. Everyone is trying to get somewhere in the fastest way, the best way they know how to. It’s an experience to watch it all in motion.
Packing Tips – What To Wear & Bring
In planning for the trip, I asked so many women either from India or with a lot of experience traveling there for advice on what to wear in Bangalore. What actually helped the most was when my dear friend Gabi went through my closet with me and pulled out a few maxi, shift and tunic-y dresses that I could either wear with jeans or with leggings. I only bought a pair of the 3/4 leggings from Lululemon for this trip – everything else was my own!
Bill’s NYC tunic dress – originally a Marshall’s find, but here are some similar options: https://fave.co/46hBdxc and https://fave.co/3ZKYvJm and https://fave.co/3ZQ4EEj and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13mX and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13m0
Long navy cardigan – originally a Marshall’s find, but these are cute too: https://fave.co/45iFm2D and https://fave.co/46EatXy and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13l3 and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13nL
7 For All Mankind High Waisted The Skinny in Indigo: https://shopstyle.it/l/b13pN and https://fave.co/45hj2GL
Converse All Star sneakers: https://fave.co/3ZII948 and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13pK
Navy Michael Kors dress – no longer available, but here are similar ones: https://fave.co/3S46VKr and https://fave.co/3F57cVr and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13nq and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13nr
Me Too Beige Ballet Flats: https://fave.co/3tkjEy3 and https://fave.co/46giG4E and https://fave.co/46iKAwJ
Long navy cardigan – original a Marshall’s find, but these are cute too: https://fave.co/45iFm2D and https://fave.co/46EatXy and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13l3 and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13nL
Cynthia Rowley floral dress – old out but similar: https://fave.co/3LPalMO and https://fave.co/3rFHYdf and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13nV and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13nW and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13mk
Converse All Star sneakers: https://fave.co/3ZII948 and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13pK
Long navy cardigan – originally a Marshall’s find, but these are cute too: https://fave.co/45iFm2D and https://fave.co/46EatXy and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13l3 and https://shopstyle.it/l/b13nL
In general, I felt like I nailed it in terms of wardrobe compared to what I saw other women wearing as well. Despite people telling me that Bangalore is more Western and I could show more skin, I mostly saw women wearing long tunics with leggings or jeans, dresses and leggings, sarees or jeans and a flowy top.
Watch My Bangalore Travel Vlog!
To see more of my Bangalore trip, check out my vlog! Tune in for a tour of my stunning hotel, The Leela Palace, tips on what to pack, shopping highlights and what I saw in Bangalore.