Bengaluru (Bangalore) began as a 16th-century mud fort and grew into India’s tech capital, where ancient temples brush shoulders with Art Deco bungalows and shimmering glass towers. For couples, it’s a city of leafy parks, languid cafes, and dusks scented with jasmine from its storied flower markets.

Beyond the bustle, romance lives in small moments: hand-in-hand strolls beneath rain trees in Cubbon Park, filter coffee rituals, and early morning drives to Nandi Hills for a horizon that glows gold. Food is a love language here—crispy masala dosas, soft idlis, and the famous Death by Chocolate sundae to share.

Practical notes: Bengaluru is pleasant most of the year; mornings and late evenings are coolest. Metro and app cabs make getting around easy. With a modest budget, you can eat exceptionally well, enjoy scenic gardens, and weave in one memorable day trip without breaking the bank.

Bengaluru (Bangalore)

India’s “Garden City” rewards unhurried exploration. Start with the red-brick State Central Library and the bamboo groves of Cubbon Park, move to pastel blooms at Lalbagh’s glasshouse, then into the historic Pété (old town) of markets, palaces, and temples.

• Top romantic picks: Nandi Hills (sunrise views), Cubbon Park canopy walks, Sankey Tank sunset stroll, Church Street cafe-hop, KR Flower Market early-morning color burst.
• Best budget bites: CTR Shri Sagar (butter masala dosa), MTR 1924 (rava idli, masala dosa), Veena Stores (idli-vada), Airlines Hotel (open-air South Indian classics), Corner House (legendary “Death by Chocolate”).
• Neighborhoods to stay: MG Road/Church Street (central, walkable), Indiranagar (cafes, dining), Malleshwaram (old Bangalore charm, markets).

Where to stay (budget-friendly, central): Use these search pages to compare deals and locations close to Church Street, MG Road, or Indiranagar for easy transit and nighttime dining.

• Search stays on VRBO (Bengaluru)
• Search hotels on Hotels.com (Bengaluru)

Getting in and around: Fly into BLR (Kempegowda International Airport) or arrive by train at KSR Bengaluru. Expect 60–90 minutes from the airport to MG Road by taxi (roughly ₹900–1,300 depending on time). Trains and long-distance buses arrive closer in. For flights and trains, start here:

• Trip.com — flights
• Trip.com — trains (India)

Day 1: Old Bangalore romance, parks, and a flavorful night out

Morning: Travel to Bengaluru and check in. If you arrive early, drop bags and recharge with a classic South Indian breakfast: try CTR Shri Sagar in Malleshwaram for crisp, buttery masala dosa (share one—portions are big), or Airlines Hotel off St. Mark’s Road for open-air idli-vada and filter coffee under rain trees (easy on the wallet, timeless on vibe).

Afternoon: Ease into Bengaluru with a shaded stroll in Cubbon Park. Peek at the red-sandstone State Central Library, walk the bamboo avenues, and people-watch on the broad lawns. Continue to Church Street for a cozy coffee date at Matteo Coffea or Dyu Art Café (courtyard charm, art on the walls), then browse independent bookstores. If you like markets, drop by the KR Flower Market (earlier is best, but late afternoon still smells like roses and marigolds).

Evening: Join a local-led walk to soak in history and neighborhood rhythms—ideal icebreaker for a short trip.

• Bangalore Evening Walking Tour: Temple, Market, Lake

  

  Stroll Malleshwaram’s lanes at golden hour—temples, fragrant markets, and quiet lakeside views—perfect for couples who love culture and calm.
• Prefer to eat your way through the city? Swap in this delicious alternative: Street Food walking tour in Bangalore with a food evangelist

  

  Vegetarian feast across India’s regional snacks, with stories in every bite—great value and very date-friendly.

Post-tour dinner options nearby: Veena Stores (idli-vada with coconut chutney; light and pocket-friendly), CTR Shri Sagar (if you didn’t already), or head to VV Puram Food Street for live dosa griddles, holige (sweet flatbreads), and ghee-soaked delights. End with Corner House for the famed “Death by Chocolate.”

Day 2: Nandi Hills sunrise, Lalbagh gardens, and a classic lunch—then depart

Morning (early): For a romantic start, leave around 4:30–5:00 AM for Nandi Hills (about 60 km; 75–90 minutes by cab). Catch sunrise from Tipu’s Drop as mist curls over the countryside. Walk the ramparts, find a quiet bench, and savor filter coffee from a local stall. Weekdays are quieter; carry a light jacket. DIY cab round-trip usually runs ₹2,000–2,800 depending on waiting time.

• Prefer a guided, later start? Consider: Nandi Hills Day Trip from Bangalore

  

  Includes hotel pickup and sightseeing around the fort and viewpoints—stress-free if you’d rather not arrange transport.

On the way back, stop for a cozy breakfast: Indian Paratha Company (rustic parathas with lassi; highway café ambience) or Nandi Upachar for South Indian tiffin.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Return to the city for a gentle wander through Lalbagh Botanical Garden. See century-old trees, lotus ponds, and the 19th-century glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace—great photo spots beneath soaring arches. For a celebratory, budget-friendly lunch, go classic at MTR 1924 (try rava idli, masala dosa, or a wholesome meals thali).

Departure: Aim to leave for BLR airport 3–3.5 hours before your flight to factor traffic. If your train or bus departs mid-afternoon, sip one last filter coffee at Airlines Hotel or grab bakery bites from Asha Sweets in Malleshwaram.

Optional add-ons for a future visit or a longer Day 1:

• Old-town history with palaces, fort walls, and markets: Bengaluru Pété Walk (Tipu Palace, Kote Vishnu, Fort, KR Market)

  

Budget tips for couples:

• Metro + autos keep costs low; save cabs for predawn Nandi Hills.
• Split dosas and thalis—portions are generous and prices friendly (₹120–300 per dish at the classics).
• Free or low-cost romance: Cubbon Park, Lalbagh, Sankey Tank, Church Street bookstores, KR Flower Market (carry small change for flowers).

This 2-day romantic escape near Bangalore balances golden-hour nature with garden calm and street food joy. You’ll leave with sunrise photos, the scent of jasmine in your hair, and a new love for filter coffee—and each other.