How To Spend A Day In Bangalore With Only Rs 500 In Your Pocket!

24 hours on a budget!

Every modern city has developed on the ruins of a great ancient one. And, no matter how the city evolves, it always stays true to its roots. Bangalore is touted as one of the most expensive cities in the country and yet you can experience it with just 500 bucks in your pocket; after all, this was once the pensioner’s paradise!

7 am: Breakfast at Brahmin’s Coffee Bar, Basavanagudi


The city is not an early riser, but you must ‘go against the grain’ so that you can hit the road before the traffic does. We begin our trip from Basavangudi, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Bangalore, which has been home to Brahmin’s Coffee Bar for more than five decades now. This coffee and breakfast place opens at 6 am everyday and shuts down as soon as they run out of idli batter. So, get here in time to have a princely breakfast, comprising their famous Idli (Rs 16) and Filter Kappi (Rs 16). It is believed that the fictional town of Malgudi in R K Narayana’s books was inspired by ‘Basavanagudi’ and ‘Malleshwaram’. The old houses here surely do remind us of the life and times of Swami and his friends! It is a fulfilling experience to just walk around for a while and get lost in your thoughts.
Cost: Rs 30 per head
Open: 6 am to noon and 3 pm to 7 pm

9 am: Lal Bagh Tour


At a distance of just 4 km from Basavanagudi lie the vast expanses of Lal Bagh. Literally translating to ‘red garden’, this botanical garden is home to the largest variety of tropical plants in India. Much is said about Bangalore’s pleasant weather, but global warming is making its presence felt everywhere – the days in the city are getting warmer, so mornings are ideal for a stroll in these gardens, which close at 6 pm. Lal Bagh has a lake, a glasshouse and plenty of shady spots to sit around.
Entry: Rs 20 (for adults; free for school children and senior citizens)
Open: 6 am to 6 pm

11 am: Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace


The Tiger of Mysore, who single-handedly took on the British army, is part of local folklore. And, it all started here at Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace that lies within the old Bangalore Fort. The main attractions of this palace are the gardens, the durbar and the stables. The palace is built entirely with teak wood, making it an extremely expensive property.
Entry: Rs 10 (Rs 100 for foreigners)
Open: 10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday; 8.30 am to 5.30 pm on Sundays

1 PM: Lunch at Shivaji Military Hotel, Jayanagar


Southern cities had a vibrant culture of military hotels where one could enjoy native delicacies on a small budget. They may be overshadowed by posh food courts and dazzling luncheon spots now, but they still exist. You cannot come to Bangalore and not try Donne Chicken Biryani (Rs 150) at Shivaji Military Hotel in Jayanagar. This vintage eatery has been featured in several food shows and international publications. After all the walking around, you deserve a hearty meal! Bangalore’s favourite biryani couldn’t taste any better, especially at this price.
Cost: Rs 150 per head
Open: 8 am to 3.30 pm

2 pm: Reading Session at Atta Galatta, Koramangala


Pic credit: Atta Galatta

The post-lunch period is always a lazy one, but you cannot snooze with just one day at hand to explore the city. So, settle down in Atta Galatta, Koramangala that is a friendly book-cafe. You can browse through their collection of books and use the Wi-Fi without any additional charges. This bookstore often holds readings and free-workshops for bibliophiles – if you are lucky, you might just end up attending one.
Cost: Free
Open: 11 am to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)

5 pm: Film Screening at Alliance Française, Vasanth Nagar


Pic credit: Alliance Française, Bangalore

After an afternoon well-spent reading, explore your creative side at Alliance Française. Bangaloreans are proud that their branch of this international organisation is one of the most active ones, in terms of hosting events. They frequently hold screenings of classic and modern classic French films free of cost. And, if you do not get lucky with the film screenings, you can always explore the exhibition that will be part of their Young Talent Program – they promote young artists with a unique perspective by hosting exhibitions of their works within the AF premises.
Cost: Free
Open: 10 am to 9 pm

7.30 pm: Theatre at Ranga Shankara, JP Nagar


Pic credit: Ranga Shankara

Pick up a quick cup of coffee on the way to JP Nagar where celebrated playwright Girish Karnad’s greatest gift to the arts, Ranga Shankara is located. This auditorium, cafe and art gallery had been created to promote theatre that was dying a slow death after the advent of commercial cinema. You can still watch plays for not more than Rs 100 here. And, 7.30 pm to 9 pm is a slot that never goes empty here, so we’d recommend going a little early just to find good seats.
Cost: Rs 100 per head
Open: 11 am to 9.30 pm

9.30 pm: Dinner at Maiyas, Jayanagar


Dash to this restaurant to gorge on some seriously delicious dosa, with sambar and chutney to go along, for dinner. This is your most reliable and affordable meal at night, before you retire and reminiscence about the day you spent experiencing Bangalore in its entirety.
Cost: Rs 100 per head
Open: 7 am to 10 pm

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