Bengaluru is synonymous with good weather, greenery, and a cosmopolitan culture. The capital of Karnataka, this city has seen a massive surge in IT companies over the years which has resulted in a prominently young and thriving culture. It also earned Bengaluru the nickname, ‘Silicon Valley of India’. The city offers a strange mix of a relaxed, yet fast-paced life. It is known for its diversity and inclusivity, making it a much-loved city.

Festivals

Bengaluru is the perfect city for arts and cultural festivals to take place in. It has a young crowd, perfect weather, and ample talent. Throughout the year, events take place keeping the locals busy and tourists coming in. The city is bustling with regular performances and events by Indian and international artists across genres and categories.

City Scripts – An Urban Writings Festival

26^th – 28^th May, 2023

City Scripts – An Urban Writings Festival is a three-day annual event that features panel discussions, readings, conversations, and workshops with eminent authors, journalists, poets, artists, architects, and others. The eighth edition of the festival will be held in Bengaluru from 26 till 28 May, 2023. 

Organised by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, the event celebrates writings that bring the city alive, as seen through myriad lenses. Over the years, it has seen notable names that include Manoranjan Byapari, C. K. Meena, K. Satchidanandan, Rana Ayyub, and Lawrence Liang, among others.

For more information, click here.

SamaBhav International Travelling Film Festival

20^th February, 2023 – 31^st August, 2023 

SamaBhav is in its fifth edition and will feature documentaries, national and international short films, and feature films on gender-based issues such as discrimination against women and other gender minorities, homophobia, and toxic masculinity, among others. The festival name, which means “equanimity”, is a first-of-its-kind, free-to-attend festival that will be held between 20 February and 31 August, 2023 in Bengaluru.

The event, organised by Men Against Violence & Abuse, sees stirring conversations with filmmakers, media personalities, gender rights activists, and academics. Previous editions have featured award-winning films and notable speakers such as actresses Vidya Balan and Sonali Kulkarni, and transgender rights activists Gauri Sawant and Disha Pinki Shaikh, among other known artists, journalists, and filmmakers.

For more information, click here.

Bhoomi Habba – The Earth Festival

10^th June, 2023 

To raise awareness for environmental crises faced in Bengaluru, and explore inclusive and sustainable alternatives, Bhoomi Habba – The Earth Festival takes place on World Environment Day. To be held on 10 June, 2023, it will feature nature walks, art and photography exhibitions, workshops, documentary screenings, dance, music, and theatre performances. Visitors can also expect stalls selling traditional food and organic produce, and eco-friendly, recycled and up-cycled beauty, fashion, home and children’s products. The festival will be held at the organiser Visthar’s green campus.

For more information, click here.

Travel tips 

Here are some travel tips one should know before visiting Bengaluru

• While Kannada is the local language, Hindi and English are also widely spoken
• There might be many instances where Bangalore is still used. Do not get confused since it is the former name of the city
• The airport is on the outskirts of the city. Account for the travel time to the city when visiting
• Traffic in Bengaluru is unpredictable. Take it into account when commuting locally

How to reach

By air: Kempegowda International Airport, previously known as Bengaluru International Airport, is the primary airport for Bengaluru. The airport is situated approximately 40 km from the city. IndiGo operates more than 100 daily flights between Bengaluru and other key locations in India and abroad.

By train: The two main railway stations are Bengaluru City Railway Station and Yeswantpur Junction. They connect Bengaluru to cities around the country.

By bus: Bengaluru is well-connected with neighbouring cities via expressways and National Highways. Tourists can either drive down, hire a taxi, or use the bus service.

Travelling within the city

You can explore Bengaluru using public transport like the bus and metro. Additionally, auto-rickshaws, self-drive rental vehicles, and taxis – local, private, and app-based – are popular modes of transport in the city.

To know about more such festivals and events, visit Festivals From India, your one-stop shop for all arts and culture festivals in India, made possible by the British Council.