As someone based in Bangkok, India has always felt both familiar and distant, its influence found in daily life through food, cinema, and conversation, yet never experienced first-hand. So, when the chance came to visit Bengaluru, I was genuinely elated. A city known just as much for its thriving tech industry as its rich cultural roots, it felt like the perfect place to begin my introduction to India. The experience became even more special when our team at Masala had the opportunity to explore in partnership with our hosts, giving us a glimpse of the city through both its polished and authentic sides.
EN ROUTE
Our journey began with a direct flight from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport via Thai Airways International. The route, just over three and a half hours, is one of the most seamless connections between Thailand and India, linking two dynamic cities. Thai Airways has long been celebrated for its service, and this particular flight is a reminder of why the carrier remains a favourite among regional travellers. While waiting to board, we slipped into the Royal Silk Lounge for bites, tipples, and a dose of relaxation. The lounge offered everything one could wish for: live cooking stations filling the air with fragrant steam, a buffet of dainty servings, a well-stocked snacks and refreshments bar, plus quiet corners with charging stations, private rooms, and even showers. I fixed myself a plate of charcuterie and paired it with an espresso martini, because who says you can’t start a holiday with a little mischief in a glass. Once on board, the flight indeed felt ‘smooth as silk’. Service came with a graceful ease, the crew attentive without being intrusive. A warm meal, thoughtfully prepared, paired with the comfort of cosy seating, set the tone for what promised to be a seamless getaway.
THE STAY
As soon as we landed, the kind staff at Conrad Bengaluru were waiting with warm smiles, ready to take our bags and usher us into the hotel’s car service. The ride into the city was swift and smooth, offering a first glimpse of Bangalore’s bustling streets before we arrived at the hotel. The moment we step through the doors, we were greeted by a soaring lobby anchored by a plush chandelier that casts a moonlit glow across marble floors. It felt both grand and inviting. Check-in was brisk, and we were led to our stay, the 2 Twin Executive Room with Lounge Access, a spacious retreat with twin beds dressed in crisp linens and windows opening up to serene views of Ulsoor Lake. The room was polished with thoughtful touches, from a fully stocked minibar to toiletries from Byredo’s Mojave Ghost line (one of my favourite scents, and spotting it here was a little thrill in itself). A handwritten note waited by the lounge space, along with a tray of fruits and delicate confectionery, a sweet ending note to our evening of travels.
The first morning at Conrad Bengaluru unfolded with a sense of lively indulgence. Breakfast was served at Caraway Kitchen, an all-day dining space elegantly positioned beside a Montblanc boutique in the lobby. The atmosphere was a refined bustle, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with fragrant spices from the live cooking stations. South Indian classics, made-to-order eggs, and daily specials lined the spread, alongside delicate pastries and miniature delights. After breakfast, a touch of rejuvenation was in order. A quick morning workout at the hotel’s fitness centre proved the perfect start, its third-floor space sleek and fully equipped with everything from state-of-the-art cardio machines to free weights and mats for stretching or core sessions. Just steps away, the Conrad Spa offered a more tranquil path to restoration. With six treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite, as well as sauna, steam, and ice fountain facilities, it is a cocoon of calm. Standout therapies include the Bengaluru Grounding Ritual, a 120-minute blend of sandalwood oils, hot poultices, and an aromatic scrub to restore balance, and the Bengaluru Bliss, a 90-minute massage where flowing strokes and herbal potali ease tension as the woody sweetness of sandalwood lingers. Throughout the stay, the Executive Lounge quickly became a favourite retreat for light bites, coffee breaks, or an evening drink. The space flows effortlessly from day to night, offering a breakfast buffet, afternoon high tea, evening cocktails with hors d’oeuvres, and an all-day spread of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and fresh fruit. By lunchtime, after an active morning, Tiamo beckoned.
Perched on the third-floor deck overlooking the infinity pool and Ulsoor Lake, the hotel’s Italian and Mediterranean bistro is a study in laid-back elegance. Its design channels the Mediterranean, with warm wooden accents, terracotta cushions, and ocean-hued crockery that set a sun-drenched mood. The menu is built for grazing and sharing, spanning antipasti, mezze platters, burgers, wraps, pizzas, and classic rice and pasta dishes, rounded out by indulgent mains and desserts. During the stay, there was also the opportunity to sit down with the hotel’s marketing and communications team for a conversation about what truly defines Conrad Bengaluru. Beyond its hospitality and wealth of amenities, the property is rooted in a broader philosophy of responsibility. At its core lies the brand’s commitment to Travel with Purpose, a pledge that is carried through sustainability initiatives such as resource and energy management, renewable energy, EV charging, and waste reduction. The hotel also extends its impact into the community, from supporting the maintenance and construction of the neighbouring gurudwara to assisting orphanages and old-age homes. Inclusivity forms another pillar, with staff from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, welcomed as part of the Conrad family. It is this very sense of purpose that elevates the hotel as a destination that gives back.
THE SIGHTS
Being new to the city, it felt only right to wander and taste our way through its corners. Ahead of the trip, we’d already bookmarked a list of buzzy F&B joints and cult favourites that promised the real Bengaluru feel. With Conrad Bengaluru kindly arranging a sleek car service, we slipped through the city’s lively streets in comfort, ready to dive into its flavours, quirks, and spirit. With anticipation running high, our days of exploring the megalopolis of tech were officially underway.
ARAKU CAFÉ
Our first stop was a real treat. ARAKU Coffee’s flagship in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, is a two-storey café with an electrifying atmosphere, rich with the aroma of freshly ground beans. We had the chance to savour some of their freshly brewed java, each cup a delicate balance of flavour and care. Beyond its sleek interiors, ARAKU is built on a rare seed-to-cup model with no intermediaries, uniting 10,000 farmer-entrepreneurs into a cooperative that champions regenerative agriculture and ensures fairer prices. Exceptional coffee and thoughtful design make this café a must-stop for any visitor to Bengaluru.
LICK
LICK, short for Lavonne Ice Cream Kitchen, is a fresh addition to Bengaluru’s dessert scene, quickly making its mark for all the right reasons. Famous for its iconic pink walls, playful iconography, and rotating specialty flavours, the shop is led by Chef Prathana Narang, whose kitschy, inventive creations have captured the city’s sweet tooth. What sets LICK apart is its fearless approach to ice cream, with bold, bright flavours that push beyond the traditional. Step inside and you’re immediately drawn to the expansive glass case brimming with scoops, each one tempting enough to share (or not) with friends. The space doubles as a lively mid-day hangout, complete with a fun playlist that keeps the vibes just as sweet as the ice cream.
MÄKI PÂTISSERIE
Tucked away on the near-top floor of a shophouse in Indiranagar, MÄKI Pâtisserie is the kind of hidden gem that rewards those willing to climb a few flights. Launched in 2023 and helmed by Chef Aarohi, the intimate bakehouse glows with natural light, chalkboard specials, and the scent of sugar and espresso drifting through the air. This spot is a no-brainer if you’re craving artisanal bread, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and even pudding. It’s neighbourhood craft at its cosiest, where you can unwind and listen to the hum of the kitchen at work.
NATURALS
NATURALS has been a national favourite since 1984, and it is easy to see why. Staying true to their philosophy of slow, small-batch making, the brand puts fruit at the centre of every scoop, letting natural flavour profiles shine without fuss. After hearing plenty of hype from my co-worker and travel buddy, Guru, I was eager to dive in, and the accommodating staff made the experience even sweeter by letting me taste my way through their line-up. The fig and custard apple were standouts; lush, creamy, and never cloying, a perfect prelude before heading off on our next adventure.
TOIT
Toit is a Bengaluru institution and one of the city’s pioneering microbreweries, stretching across three floors with warm, intimate corners, low lighting, and glimpses of the brewing magic at work. The menu packs in hearty pub grub, from classics with a Toit twist to Smoked habanero chicken wings that deserve a cult following, alongside a drinks list that runs the gamut from boozy shakes to crisp cocktails and, of course, their signature craft beers. We went for a flight to cover our bases, but the standout was their Toit hefeweizen, a pale, cloudy brew with a thick white head and malty depth that lingers. A buzzing spot that fills up fast, so reservations are non-negotiable.
LALBAGH BOTANICAL GARDEN
Our first stop was Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a historic green lung of the city dating back to 1760 when it was commissioned by Hyder Ali when he was Sultanate of Mysore, later cared for under British superintendents before Independence. We opted for a guided tour on wheels, which made gliding through the sprawling grounds a breeze, each turn unveiling lush foliage and striking plant life. The real highlight for me was the centuries-old cotton trees, their vast branches stretching skyward while deep roots anchored them in quiet defiance of time.
MTR
After our stroll through Lalbagh, we stopped at Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR), a Bengaluru institution known for honest, comforting South Indian vegetarian fare. The humble beginnings of the Maiya brothers’ coffee club have grown into a global name in South Indian cuisine, yet the focus remains the same: food prepared with care, rooted in tradition, and full of flavour. Post-heat, a plate of crispy dosas, steaming idlis, and frothy filter coffee hit the spot perfectly. For those seeking a taste of the South beyond India, MTR has now opened its first outpost in Bangkok at Baan Silom Building, dubbed MTR1924, delivering the same heritage, quality, and heartfelt hospitality.
BENGALURU PALACE
A visit to Bengaluru Palace is like stepping into a storybook. Built in the 19th century as the private residence of the royal Wodeyar family and modelled after Windsor Castle, the palace is an eclectic treasure trove of art, ornate woodwork, and curiosities. Walking through its manicured grounds, the experience is nothing short of enchanting, perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone seeking the perfect backdrop for that #Bengaluru Instagram dump.
COMMERCIAL STREET
We wrapped up our itinerary at Commercial Street, because no trip is complete without a little retail therapy and a few keepsakes to take home. The area is a lively maze of shops and stalls with an infectious buzz, particularly on weekends, when the lanes brim with energy. We left with bags filled with sweet mithais from Anand Sweets and thoughtful little gifts for loved ones, the perfect way to carry a slice of Bengaluru back with us.
A JOURNEY CONCLUDED
It was bittersweet packing up at Conrad Bengaluru, as, after a day of discoveries, we all agreed we were not quite ready to leave the city’s allure behind. Checkout was a breeze and, true to form, the hotel had a chauffeur waiting to whisk us to the airport. Spirits lifted, however, when we arrived at Kempegowda International Airport’s impressive 080 Lounge Complex in Terminal 2, where the attentive airport team escorted us through to the Shalimar Lounge. Inspired by the Mughal elegance of Kashmir’s Shalimar Bagh, this refined space is dressed with rose garden motifs, hand-painted murals, and subtle architectural nods to history. Reserved for First Class passengers and eligible travellers, the lounge offers a cocoon of serenity before take-off, with gourmet food and drink available on demand.