Top 15 Interesting Facts To Know About Bangalore

So you’re looking for some interesting facts about Bangalore. Does that mean you’re planning to move here? If your answer is yes, ours is YAY! Let us tell you how much there’s to enjoy about Bangalore city. From the many, many shopping malls and cafes to the nightlife. From the parks to the weather to the weekend trip to Nandi Hills. From learning some basic Kannada words to making friends for life.

You know, the best thing about Bangalore is how welcoming it is. Just like Stanza Living residences. From taking care of your needs (housekeeping, laundry, food) to letting you find your own community (Go Stanzens!), we try to ensure that you can feel at home, even when you’re miles away from it. Hopefully, this article about Bengaluru will give you that final push you need to move to the city. Because once you’re here, it’ll change from Bengaluru to Namma Bengaluru in no time.

1. Origin of the Rava Idli

Now you must have tasted the plain white Idli made from rice. But thanks to Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, aka MTR, the city boasts of gifting a new Idli recipe to the world. Rava Idli, made of suji or semolina, is probably one of the best things about Bangalore’s cuisine. The dish is now served in all South Indian food joints across the city. Right next to its big brother, the plain Idli.

2. Malgudi Is Inspired by Bangalore

This one is for all book lovers. If you read Malgudi Days as a child, you probably know a lot about Bangalore city. But how? Malgudi might be a fictional town, but the inspiration was pretty much real. R. K. Narayan, the author, based the name Malgudi on two areas of Bangalore – Malleshwaram and Basavanagudi. The next time you visit these localities, you’ll recognise the streets Swami and his friends used to run around.

3. The First City in Asia to use Electrical Street Lamps

Earlier, Bangalore’s roads were lit up by kerosene lamps. They were cleaned, filled with kerosene and lighted by three different workers. That was until 1905, when one day, people saw streetlights lighting up the KR Market. That is how Bangalore became the first city in India to use electricity for its streets. Although now it’s a necessity, imagine being there to witness this historic event. Wouldn’t have felt any different from a magic show.

4. Used to be the City of Lakes

Another interesting fact about Bangalore is that it was home to more than 200 lakes a few decades ago. Sadly, the city was urbanised, and most of these lakes disappeared over time. They were replaced by equally beautiful golf courses, playgrounds and residential areas, so no one complained. 

5. Winston Churchill still owes money to the Bangalore Club

If you wish to know all about Bangalore, you should know that this club is one of the most elite clubs in India. It was founded by a group of British officials, and former UK PM Winston Churchill was a member of the club too. Well, it was recently revealed that Churchill owed the club Rs 13 (a huge amount in those times) that he never really paid off. We guess that’s another thing to add to the list of things the British took from us and never returned.

6. One Of The Highest Hill Stations in India

Bengaluru is surrounded by hills and valleys and is one of the greenest cities in the country. And that’s not just it. The city enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. Yes, even in May-June. That’s because, at a height of more than 900m above sea level, Bengaluru is practically a hill station. If we’re comparing altitudes, this city easily beats everyone’s favourite hill station, Dehradun. Bet that’s another thing you didn’t know about Bengaluru.

7. Fastest-Growing Metro City in the World

The best part about Bangalore city is that it has seen massive growth in the last two decades. And continues to keep growing. In fact, with giants like Cisco, HP, Infosys and Tata putting up base here, Bangalore is now one of the fastest-growing cities globally. And it’s not just us who are saying this. Forbes magazine believes so, too. If you are moving for work, you can find great flats for rent in Bangalore to be close to these tech hubs.

8. Has the Highest Number of Software Companies

Bangalore is called “the Silicon Valley of India” for a reason – there are over 212 IT companies in Bangalore. It was where big boys like Infosys, Wipro and TCS were born. And not to forget the star startups in Bangalore like Swiggy, Flipkart, Myntra, which we all have the city to be thankful for. We won’t be surprised if you come up with an idea for the next big thing in your PG in Bangalore, too.

9. Bangalore Aero Show

The Ministry of Defence organises the Aero India Show at Yelahanka Air Force Base every 2 years. Open to civilians as well, you can see different types of war and regular aircraft at the show. The show is beautiful, and you’ll enjoy it even more if you’re planning to become a pilot or join the Air Force.

10. World’s Largest Collection of Braille books

In case you didn’t know this about Bangalore, the city has a 100-year-old heritage building, inside which is the State Library. This library has the largest collection of Braille books in the whole world. Isn’t that brilliant? Or should we say, Braille-iant?

11. Pub Capital of the Country

One of the most interesting facts about Bangalore is its nightlife. The city has 800 pubs and nightclubs, and very much deserves the title of “Pub Capital of India”. Be it Koramangala or Indiranagar, the various pubs in Koramangala will make sure you always have a dance floor to come to on Saturday nights.

12. India’s first Heli taxi Service

Bangalore is India’s first city to offer Helicopter taxi services (Heli taxis, in short). It’s basically a helicopter which is also a taxi. So instead of leaving yourflat two hours before your flight, you can now reach the airport in 15 mins. All while taking a mini flight.

13. Only Cartoon Gallery in India

Indian Institute of Cartoonists is a Bangalore-based organisation that promotes the work of Indian cartoonists. They have founded India’s one and only Cartoon Gallery, and have organised hundreds of shows to date. But it’s quite sad that India only has one gallery dedicated to a form of art that brings so much laughter and joy.

14. Free Wi-Fi across the city

Another fact about Bangalore that will make you want to move here asap – the State Govt offers free wifi throughout the city. And again, it is India’s first city to do so. The wifi is called Namma Wifi and can be accessed at different points throughout the city. So, bye-bye data packs. There are many otherbenefits of staying in a PG in Bangalore that make life easier for newcomers.

15. City of Gardens

So what if it is not the city of lakes anymore? One important thing you should know about Bengaluru is that it is known as the “city of gardens”. And rightfully so. Be it the city’s pride, Lal Bagh, the locals’ favourite Cubbon Park or the 25,000 acres huge Bannerghatta National Park – if any city knows how to maintain its greenery, it’s Bengaluru. So no matter which area you live in, you’ll always have a park to come to for your morning run.

FAQs

Q: Why is Bangalore called the Silicon Valley of India?

A: Bangalore earned this title because it is the nation’s leading information technology exporter and home to the highest number of software companies in India. Major global tech giants and homegrown startups are headquartered here, creating a massive ecosystem for innovation.

Q: Is Bangalore a hill station?

A: While not a traditional hill station, Bangalore is situated at an elevation of over 900 meters above sea level, which is higher than Dehradun. This high altitude contributes to its famously pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year.

Q: What is the significance of the name “Namma Bengaluru”?

A: “Namma Bengaluru” translates to “Our Bangalore” in Kannada. It reflects the deep sense of belonging and local pride that residents feel for the city, highlighting its welcoming and inclusive culture.

Q: Which was the first city in India to get electricity?

A: Bangalore holds the distinction of being the first city in India to have electric street lamps. This historic event took place in 1905 at the city’s busy KR Market.

Q: What are some famous food items unique to Bangalore?

A: Bangalore is famous for the Rava Idli, which was invented by MTR during a rice shortage. Other local favorites include Mysore Pak, Bisi Bele Bath, and the various offerings at the city’s iconic South Indian tiffin rooms.