Bangalore is famous for its youthful energy, cosmopolitan crowd, great weather and international flavour. A modern city, this is the place to get your shopping in south India. If this is going to be your exit city, it is even better. You can optimise your baggage at the end of your trip and fill your bags with souvenirs and trinkets which represent the whole of the south.

We’ve picked out our five favourite places for shopping in Bangalore.

1. M.G Road
The most famous high street and the most famous landmark of Bangalore is M.G Road. Once the only place with exciting night life and branded showrooms, M.G Road still hasn’t lost its lustre with all the new areas opening up. Book shops like Gangaram and Bookworm have entertained and supplied travellers for years. You can also find a huge range of saree shops and places to eat here. Look out for Lake View for the best milk shakes and Cauvery Emporium for cheap to extremely expensive souvenirs from South India.

2. Brigade Road
Perpendicular to the main M.G Road is the other famous high street, Brigade Road. Modern showrooms like Nike, Adidas, Levis and Tommy Hilfiger flank each other. One of the first department stores of south Nilgiris is also located here. Brigade road also has a number of export reject shops with an extensive list of high-fashion brands at throw-away prices. A shopper’s dream come true, don’t miss this one.

3. Garuda Mall
One of the well established malls in the centre of the city, Garuda Mall, is easily accessible and is a great place to catch a good movie or get shopping. Mixes of Indian and International brands line the four storey mall. Though many other malls have sprung up recently, you will find this one the most convenient to get to.

4. Chickpet
One of the most famous shopping stops of Bangalore, Chickpet defines the quintessential ‘bazaar’ of India. Cows, stray dogs, huge shopping bags wielded by exhausted ladies and plenty of snacks shops are characteristic of this saree haven. Great deals and variety, will leave you spoilt for choice. Head here to buy a sari, you are sure to find your pick in the budget that you have planned. Be ready for some aggressive bargaining.

5. Fab India and Mzuri Sana
Indian cottons have always been a favourite for many travellers. Not only are they great to travel in within India, but also make for some exotic dressing back home. Pick up kurtas, tops and furnishings with the best Indian aesthetics, all in soft washed cotton. Stores like Fab India and Mzuri Sana have increasingly become popular with people visiting the city.

6. Levitate
Bangalore has been on a kitsch drive with the youth hooking back to Indian designs and prints. Levitate, the first of its kind, was started by biker Meghna Khanna and is a hit with the travellers. You can find alternative silver jewellery, bags, harem pants, boxers, curious and more in this tiny shop on 100 feet, Bangalore. You’ll find it at Annaswamy Mudaliar Road, Sivanchetti Gardens.

Related articles and links of interest
Bangalore destination guide
Things to do in Bangalore
Best places to enjoy night-life in India