How do people in their 20s actually make new friends in Bangalore?
I’m 22M, studying in the US, came back to Bangalore for the summer thinking I’d just slot back into life here. One week in and I’m realizing something I genuinely didn’t expect this city is one of the loneliest places I’ve ever been, and I don’t think it’s just my problem. I shouldn’t be feeling this way because I this is where I grew up but after I left India for college shit just changed I guess.
Here’s the situation. My old school friend group basically doesn’t exist anymore. Some of them I had a falling out with over stupid stuff that I’m pretty sure I’ll never fully resolve or maybe we could resolve it but thats just too much time and effort. The rest are working 9 to 5 corporate jobs, exhausted by Friday and giving random excuses to not meet during the weekends like bunch of clowns.
So I tried to make new friends. And what I discovered is that Bangalore has no infrastructure for this if you’re past college and not in a corporate office full of 24-year-olds.
I tried Playo cause I’m into basketball. The games are great and I get to play the sport I love and pass time atleast. The actual playing part works. But the second the game ends, people pack up and leave. Nobody’s there to make friends they’re there to get their cardio in and head home before traffic gets worse which is valid imo. I’ve played four games and don’t know a single person’s name properly lmao. HMU if any of yall wanna run some basketball games.
And the city itself doesn’t help. Bangalore in 2026 is set up for one of three lifestyles: you’re working, you’re in a relationship, or you’re in college. No idea how people manage to meet new people and make genuine connections like fr. I’m genuinely confused. I’m from here. I have a phone full of contacts. I have money to spend on coffees and meals. And I still can’t figure out how to meet new people in my own city without it feeling like a job interview or a dating app.
So my actual question to this sub: if you moved to Bangalore without a network, or came back after being away, what actually worked for you? Not the generic stuff not “join a hobby class” or “be more outgoing.” What specifically did you do that led to actual friendships? Specific places, specific groups, specific apps, specific routines. I’ll take anything.
And to anyone else feeling this, please say so in the comments. If this problem actually exists then maybe we could come up with something fun and interesting if not I’m delusional and will prolly just dread the time left and go back to US 💀. If anyone wanna chill dm regardless of the gender 😂
PS: the pic is the view from the room 🕊️