This sleepy cantonment town, also called the Garden City, suddenly transformed itself into India's Silicon Valley when the IT boom hit it around 10 years ago. Bangalore is now a heady mix of cosmopolitan life with happening pubs (first to serve draught beer in the country), multi-cuisine restaurants, big brand shopping and some of the leading rock bands. It also retains some of its former colonial charm, with large mansions and gardens; and has a cool and pleasant climate all year round.

Highlights:

• M G Road this buzzing artery has all the hotspots of the city malls, boutiques, pubs, bars, eateries, bookshops and more.
• Vidhana Soudha This magnificent granite building was built by the first chief minister of Bangalore to reflect the power and dignity of the people and it certainly does a good job!
• Cubbon Park  this pretty park in the heart of the city has dense green foliage, a lily pond, winding pathways and statues of VIPs.
• Lalbagh one of the best botanical gardens in the sub-continent, this park was begun by Hyder Ali and later expanded by Tipu Sultan and the British. Its domed Glass House is a replica of London's Crystal Palace.
• Gavi Gangadharesvara Temple this is one of the oldest temples of Bangalore and was built by Kempe Gowda, the founder of the city.
• Bangalore Palace This flamboyant palace was built by the Wodeyars and is now rented out for film shoots, parties and receptions.
• Tipu Sultans Palace This wooden palace is now in ruins, but you can still see the intricate carvings, grand teak pillars, balconies and arches, all a testimony of Tipus greatness.