Bengaluru | Life in The Silicon Valley of India

Nicknamed the Silicon Valley of India, the booming city of Bangalore, now officially known as Bangaluru, is a city of energy and development.

As India’s most westernized city, Bangalore is an industrial powerhouse that offers a relatively well-developed infrastructure in comparison to many of the other cities found in India. However, despite its status as a leading industrial centre, it is still very much in the development stage and expatriates living there will need to contend with living in an area that is still very much in the throws of improvement. That said, there is a lot more to Bangalore than meets the jaundiced expatriate eye. Those who look beyond the power cuts works in progress, congestion and construction chaos will find that Bangalore is actually one of the prettiest cities in India. With year-round salubrious weather, stunning parks and tree-flanked avenues, it has earned itself a well-earned reputation as the “garden city.” Amidst the magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens, there is also the chance to observe some of the authentic traditions, backstreet markets and fascinating culture.

Home to 7 percent of expatriate assignees to India, Bangalore is no stranger to the expatriate crowd. As the base of the most high-tech industries in India, it attracts overseas workers from throughout the world and offers a blend of cultures and people from different backgrounds.

What’s the draw?

-A contemporary, busy city that is often referred to as India’s most livable city.

-Great year-round weather.

Live there:

As with many Indian city’s Bangalore is full of challenges for expatriates. However, if living in this thriving city is approached in the right manner it can also provide an interesting and enriching experience for. Our expatriate guide to living in Bangalore

The bureaucracy in India is well documented and if you make any mistakes there’s a high chance that you have to go back to your country of origin to recommence the visa application process. Use our relocation guide to make sure you get it right the first time!

Should you go for the bastion of expat housing, Palm Meadows, or would you be happier in Whitefield, an area further out of town when living in Bangalore? There are a multitude of different housing complexes and developments available in Bangalore. Make sure you read the truth about them from a real expat before you make a decision. Our international relocation guide contains a detailed list of the various expat housing areas in Bangalore, together with information about nearby schooling, entertainment and leisure facilities, and transportation options.

Bangalore is thriving with life and vigor, those who are prepared to leave their comfort zone and seize the opportunities that this part of the world has to offer will not be disappointed.

Bangalore has something to offer anyone and everyone, from a diverse range of bars, restaurants and nightlife to cinema, art, theatre and sport. Home to Kingfisher, India’s most popular beer, Bangalore has long been known as a laid-back, beer-drinking city. The development of wineries in the city’s northern outskirts over the past decade has also added stature to Bangalore’s cosmopolitan reputation. From sipping tea in an idli/dosa shop to knocking back some sake with your sushi, there are several great spots to discover and keep your taste buds’ various hankerings at bay.

The city had long been known for its nightlife too until the BJP government enforced strict laws on earlier closing times for restaurants and bars. This appears to be changing, with an extension currently being passed, which will keep nightlife alive and hopping until 2 am.

There are also numerous art galleries and museums in the city worth checking out. Bangalore is home to several artists, so be sure to keep track of ongoing events, performances and opening shows by following the Bangalore edition of Time Out magazine. Both contemporary and traditional forms are prominent in the city, so you’re sure to get sweet and savoury flavours of both Indian and international arts and culture.

As for sports, India is cricket-mad, and Bangalore is home to the Royal Challengers, a team in the IPL (Indian Premier League). During the season, games are regularly held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium near M.G. Road and Cubbon Park. And if you need a break from all of the entertainment the city has to offer, you’re just a short drive (or train ride) away from some of India’s m