Home to Bangalore’s biggest lake, Ulsoor is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, renowned for its quaint narrow streets lined with stylish home decor stores and boutiques selling handwoven saris and numerous temples like the impressive Halasuru Someshwara Temple, which dates back to the 16th century. Visitors can enjoy the sunset views while boating at the lake, which also has a walking trail along the shore. Connected to the center by the M G Road, Ulsoor remains a sleepy, spread out suburb closely connected with nature and still manages to be hip and buzzing with activity, thanks to a cluster of bakeries, cafes, watering holes and plenty of curio shops in the vicinity.

South Bangalore’s friendly neighbourhood, J.P. Nagar is home to not only cute bungalows of prominent singers, actors and artists but also to multiple rooftop bars, microbreweries and pubs. While the well-known theatre for arts Ranga Shankara is a great hub for all seeking an artistic indulgence, Puducherry’s Aurobindo Ashram has a serene branch in the heart of this busy locality for those looking to relax and enjoy some quality time. Laden with parks, J.P. Nagar is inhabited by the affluent local families of Bangalore and at the same time known for the amazing array of street food including the bajjis available at Basavaraj’s Bajji Bandi. Among the many good parks in the neighbourhood, the Mini Forest is a great place for peaceful morning walks.

In the heart of the city’s business hub is Bangalore’s most favourite garden. Cubbon Park is a beautifully maintained 120-hectare garden where all the local residents of the city take a break. A landmark ‘lung’ area of Bengaluru, the gardens are dotted with a lot of colonial heritage and charm, which are today a part of the state capital’s political centre. Home to the red-painted Gothic style State Central Library, the magnificent Vidhan Souda built in Mysore Neo-Dravidian architectural style, the neoclassical Attara Kacheri built in 1864 and housing the High Court, oldest museums and GPO in its vicinity, a trip to Cubbon Park is a great heritage walk. Sundays at the park are quite a treat with a plethora of activities to choose from - concerts, fun runs, yoga, tiny farmers market, the list is endless.

The central transport hub of the city, which is home to Kempegowda Bus Station, popularly known as Majestic is the busiest part of Bengaluru. Flooded with budget hotels and narrow lanes leading to local markets selling used books, electronics, antique artifacts, fabrics to clothes, it is a cluster of Bangalore’s oldest shopping areas. Chickpet is a paradise for those seeking innovation and creativity in shopping. Historically known for supplying fine silk sarees to the royalty, this place houses a number of shops dealing in silk sarees, textiles, gold and silver. Haggling is a mandatory skill for this market and an entire wardrobe can be bought for Rs. 500 if you are really in the mood. Take a break at popular old local restaurants serving North Karnataka speciality meals like at Kamath Yatri Niwas.

Close to Jayanagar and home to the Bull temple after which it was named, Basavanagudi is one of the oldest localities in the vibrant metropolitan of Bengaluru, with structures replete with character, architecture and rich history. Numerous old and beautiful temples define the true essence of this green locality filled with chirpy markets like the colourful Gandhi Bazaar, many parks with ancient trees, a wide range of unique eateries and dotted with tiny lakes. Taking a stroll here is full of Malgudi Days throwback moments since this pretty lush green neighbourhood has still retained its old-world charm, which might remind you of scenes and stories from the popular collection of short stories by RK Narayan. From a stately old spacious home that once belonged to the Diwan of Mysore, a shop in a heritage family home, a 100-year old home that has turned into a reservoir of modern art, there is a lot of cultural confluence at every step.