A ₹500 Day Out in Bengaluru

Bengaluru can be a costly city at times. A cup of coffee now, an item of food next, an auto excerise or two, and you realize that you have unwittingly spent ₹500. 

But, a good day outside of Bengaluru has to cost a fortune right?
Not at all. 

It is actually possible to spend a whole day in the city with only ₹500, if one makes a proper effort in planning. It doesn't require a fancy restaurant or a costly activity or shopping spree. There are a lot of pretty places, local Chennai food and interesting streets in Bengaluru, which you can visit without breaking the bank. 

So, if you are with ₹500 in your pocket, and a free day, here is one simple thing to do. 

🌅 8:00 AM – Start With a Simple Breakfast:

Start with a simple breakfast. Have a basic South Indian breakfast! Don't need to look for an expensive café. Head to a local darshini or small restaurant and order something such as idli-vada, dosa or khara bath, accompanied by a cup of filter coffee. For a basic breakfast, you can expect to pay between ₹60 and ₹80, depending on the restaurant.

Estimated cost: ₹70 The truth is that you must be having some sort of a feeling of satisfaction getting your day started with hot dosa and filter coffee in the city of Bangalore. 

🌳 9:00 AM – Spend the Morning at Cubbon Park:

After being awoken by the early morning sunshine. Spend the morning at Cubbon Park. Take a walk towards Cubbon Park after breakfast. This is the place where you can make one of the best experience without having to spend much money in Bengaluru. Stroll through a park, relax under a tree, read a book, listen to music or just observe everyday park goers. Making a plan is not necessary! That's really what's great about it. An hour or two amongst trees can be a mini-break for a busy resident of the city. 

Entry/activity cost: ₹0
The total expenditure till now: ₹70 

📸 11:00 AM – Explore the Vidhana Soudha Area:

Our first stop is the Vidhana Soudha Area, which we will be taking a tour through around 11:00 AM. From Cubbon Park, you can walk towards the Vidhana Soudha area. Vidhana Soudha is one of the most identifiable landmarks of the city Bengaluru. Look and photograph the outside, even if you just don't go inside. Take some photos, explore the area and enjoy the architecture. Great news – there is no cost to this. 

Cost: ₹0
Money spent so far: ₹70

🍛 1:00 PM – Have an Affordable Lunch:

Likely, by now you'll be hungry. Opt for a local restaurant that prepares South-Indian dishes, rather than a fancy restaurant. If you check out any of the establishments, you can surely find the cheaper option regarding rice, sambar, vegetables, curd and other accompaniments. Set aside around ₹100–₹120 for lunch.

Estimated cost: ₹110
Amount spent so far: ₹180 

Yes, there's more than half the budget still left. 

🚶 2:00 PM – Walk Around the City:

Join the parade and tour the city as they march. Walk around the city at 2:00 PM. The really free part of your day is now! Don't hail an auto or cab right away; walk around the neighborhood streets. Bengaluru has numerous parts to point out, exploring which is just walking around the city. 

You might find: 

• Small shops 

• Old buildings 

• Local cafés 

• Street vendors 

• Bookshops 

• Flower sellers 

• Interesting architecture 

It's not always necessary to see a touristic site to appreciate a city. Sometimes walking through its streets is what's attraction. 

Cost: ₹0 

📚 3:30 PM – Browse Avenue Road:

If you enjoy books, make your way towards Avenue Road. Well known to bookstores and second hand books. Don't have to purchase anything. Simply stroll through the books, and you will see what is available. However, provided you have a excellent second hand book, it is possible to save ₹50 – 80 on it over the course of the year. 

Optional book: ₹60
Total money spent till now: ₹240 

And now you can bring a piece of the day home with ₹500 and the offer is valid today! 

☕ 5:00 PM – Filter Coffee Break:

Simply cannot be thrathered without any Bengaluru day. Go to a local café or restaurant and order a hot coffee filter in a small restaurant! If you find yourself hungry, you can always add a little snack of your choice. 

Estimated cost: ₹30–₹50
Let's have the money saved for coffee for ₹40.
Money spent so far: ₹280

🌇 6:00 PM – Enjoy Bengaluru in the Evening:

Seasoned city dwellers will begin to notice the changes in the city. As the sun begins to set, the roads become busier, shops pick up activity, and the nightlife of Bengaluru starts. Why spend money on yet another activity, find a nice, public place or a street with some hustle and bustle and enjoy the atmosphere. 

You could: 

• Sit in a park Explore a market walk 

• Watch the sunset 

• Take photographs 

Listen to street musicians and for the sound and Visit local shops giving no money for any items purchased. Don't set out to fight the urge to spend. The mission is to find pleasure in the city. 

Cost: ₹0 

🍦 7:00 PM – One Small Evening Treat:

Reward yourself with a small treat before you go home. 

Maybe: 

• Masala puri 

• Bhel puri 

• Corn 

• Chaat 

• Ice cream 

• Vada 

• A small snack 

No, you're not eating the whole dinner for a meal. Save some ₹50-60 for nighttime snack. 

Estimated cost: ₹60
Total expenses incurred: ₹1060 

🚌 8:00 PM – Head Home:

It is now time to return home! In case you are traveling via public transport from Bengaluru, then, you can save more than you get from multiple autos or the cab services. Allow for the return trip ₹100-₹120 based on origin of your travels. 

Estimated travel cost: ₹120 

Money spent so far: ₹460 

Overall, This means you may have to run the entire day at a price of approximately ₹460. You can still get a little margin of safety of ₹40. But, depending on origin and destination, and food and beverage selection, it's possible for prices and transportation charges to change. Final Thoughts Being on a budget of ₹500 per day seems a low amount for a major city like Bengaluru. With a little planning, however, all it's needed for a simple and enjoyable day out. No need to travel to a costly coffee house or to make reservations. There are parks to explore, old streets to explore, sights to landmark, food to sample, filter coffees to drink, books to pick up and just enjoy the atmosphere of the city. 

So, the next time someone announces, 

“Let's go out, but I don't have much cash, you have it,” 

you can say, ₹500 is enough, Let's explore Bengaluru. 😄💸

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Keep exploring. Keep discovering. 💛