Bangalore Visitor Guide

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Getting in and out

By Air

Bengalaru Airport is located 30 km (19 miles) from the city centre and serves domestic and international destinations. Transport to the city is by taxi or shuttle bus services (departing every 30 minutes). Car and prepaid limousine hire is also available.

By Land

Bangalore is an important railway station on the southern railway network. It is very well connected to all major cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta, Mumbai, Hyderabad, etc.

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Getting around

The most common mode of local transport here is BMTC buses, but visitors should avoid it as it too crowded by the locals. The other common modes of transport in the city are metered auto- rickshaws and tourist taxis. KSTDC maintains a fleet of cars for hire. The number of yellow top taxis are limited within the city, mostly around the airport area.

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Language

The most common language in Bangalore is Kannada. Most locals can also converse in English, which is the predominate language in the corporate world, as well as in the hospitality industry. Hindi is not much appreciated here as a spoken language.

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Good to know

1. As per Bangalore weather, the summer season lasts from April to June. The maximum temperature during the day rarely exceeds 33 deg C, making the summers quite mild.
2. Winter season in Bangalore stretches on from December to February. The minimum temperature in winters hovers somewhere around 10^oC
3. The monsoon season in Bangalore is from June to August. The southwestern monsoon rains drenches the city in monsoons, taking the humidity to as high as 76 percent.
4. Religion: More than 80% are Hindus, remaining 20% are divided among Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists.
5. Pack light-colored clothing made of airy cotton or linen. For women, modesty is strongly advised. No spaghetti straps, low-cup shirts or miniskirts. Non-revealing attire is mandatory at temples and mosques.
6. During the rainy season, bring mosquito repellent to protect against malarial mosquitoes.
7. Drink only bottled water. When purchasing, make sure the seal is intact.
8. Smoking is not permitted in bars, restaurants and many other public spaces.
9. ATMs, located throughout the city, are the easiest way to get local currency. Most have 24-hour security.
10. When greeting locals, do as they do, whether they offer a handshake or a traditional 'namaste'. Never greet women with a kiss, even on the hand.
11. Be prepared to eat with your hands, though most restaurants will happily grant silverware upon request.
12. In crowded places, don't be afraid to push your way through or risk being pushed out of the way.
13. India is four-and-a-half hours ahead of GMT time during the summer, five-and-a-half during the winter.

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Where to stay

Business Stay

Leela Palace Hotel

Ensconced in 9 acres of tranquility that includes an azure lagoon, The Leela Palace mirrors the lushness of the Garden City, Bangalore. The Leela Palace Hotel is an absolute favorite of all business travelers.
It also known for its finding restaurant called Citrus.
23, Near Manipal Hospital, Airport Road, Tel: 080 25211234, 30571340

Hotel Le Meridien

Another five-star hotel, Le Meridien is. It creates a culturally refined, meaningful and stimulating atmosphere which inspires participants to celebrate the beauty of a moment and the possibilities for insight that live within common occurrences. .
Do visit this La Brasserie, Do visit this La Brasserie?s, the 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant that boasts a 'à la carte' as well as the largest most phenomenal buffet spreads for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the whole of Bangalore
28 Golf Course Road, Sankey Road, Golf Course Road. Phone 22262233, 22282828

The Royale Senate, Bangalore

The Royale Senate is located at Hebbal, next to Baptist Hospital in Bangalore. The Royale Senate is an elegant 3-Star boutique hotel that offers luxurious accommodation, modern facilities and personalized services with warm hospitality to discerning business and leisure travellers.
No 24, Bellary Road, Hebbal, Tel: 91 80 23439860

Tourist Stay

Taj Residency

It is a five-star hotel, which is only ten-minutes drive from the Bangalore airport. It has a business center, banquet and conference facilities, a beauty parlor, an executive lounge, a health club and a swimming pool.
It also hosts a specialty restaurant with European sophistication with Asian flavors called Graze.
MG Road, Near International Airport, Tel: 66604445, 66604444

The Atria Hotel

The Atria Hotel is a four star hotels of the city. The hotel offers the best of accommodation with impeccable service to make the stay pleasurable at the hotel. The hotel provides all the modern amenities and services for a comfortable stay.
P.B. # 5089, # 1, Palace Road, Tel: 2220 5205

Citadel Hotel

Citadel Hotel,Bangalore is strategically located in Bangalore city's commercial hub and is in close vicinity of the lush green Bangalore Race Course - the finest in India. Citadel Hotel is within easy reach of the motorways, providing an ideal base for those traveling by road.
No 41 Seshdari road Anand rao Circle , Racecourse Road, Tel: 9342529229

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What to do

Bangalore, which was only a city known within India a couple of decades ago, has now found its place in the World Map because of the export of software and software professionals to the entire world. The city also attracts a number of tourists every year

Bangalore Fort

Inspired by Windsor castle and built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 in the Tudor style, this summer palace contains a well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. The Fort is particularly famous for its carvings and paintings.

Lal Bagh

This famous 2400 acre park is modelled on the Kew Gardens of London and houses over 1000 species of flora, including rare tropical trees, plants and herbs. The centre of the park is the Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace.

The Bull Temple

This temple houses a magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. Every year in November or December, a groundnut fair is held near the temple and the first groundnuts harvested are offered to the sacred bull.

The Gangadhareshware Temple

Containing a rare idol of Agni, the God of Fire, this temple is unique because on every Jan 13th or 14th, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window, pass between the horns of the Nandi and illuminate the Shivalingam.

Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan

This Muslim shrine attracts both Muslim and non-Muslim pilgrims, for it is associated with both the Sufi saint Tawakkal Mastan and the Hindu Karaga festival.

St. Mary's Church

Built by a French missionary in 1811, this is the only church in the state to hold the status of minor Basilica. Every September, The Virgin Mary's festival is celebrated with a procession that attracts people of all faiths.

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Where to eat

Graze

Graze is a modern European restaurant with Asian flavors. It offers the best of contemporary styles with the finest of ingredients, organically produced herbs & greens from across the world. Graze also offers the largest selection of over 200 wines and some of the finest whiskeys and designer vodkas in the city.

Zen

An grain of pure oriental bliss with cuisines from Japan, Thailand, Korea, Singapore and Bali. It also has live counters of Teppanyaki, yakitori, Korean barbeque and Noodle Bar adds to the fresh sushi, sashimi, tamaki and makimono creating nostalgia for the travelers. On the wine list, Rice wines and Soju add to the experience.

Le Jardin

Le Jardin serves breakfast and a range of Western and Indian cuisine. It is a world cuisine, all day dining restaurant with a myriad of theme nights which keep rotating and is thus subject to periodic changes.

Monsoon

Inspired by the all-encompassing season that influences the landscapes of India, the menu at Monsoon offers an international menu packed with favourites from the Mediterranean, South East Asian and Indian cuisine. Emphasis is on authentic cuisine, subtle flavours, healthy and quality ingredients.

Via Milano

Via Milano is a good Italian fine dining place in Bangalore. The beef lasagna, the pizzas, Tiramisu, are the best sellerhere. One can also find some of best Mojitos in the city.

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Where to drink

The Blue Bar

The Blue Bar is set amidst the gardens of the hotel, just off the Vietnamese restaurant, Blue Ginger. Guests enjoy a wide range of the finest cocktails and drinks, in an open-air setting. The enchanting mood lighting adds to the magical atmosphere.

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe rocks with live music on two stage areas that can be simultaneously used for performances. It serves an outstanding authentic American menu.

Pecos

Great mood, brilliant music, relaxed atmosphere with some great drinks makes this place perfect place to chill-out.

Fuga

Situated in the heart of the city, Fuga, is one of the newer and trendier lounge bars in the city. The onyx stone on the bar counter has flare bartenders getting you tranquilized with the most happening cocktails the city has to offer.

NYK's

The newest hip hangout to see and be seen at, Nyx is a 15000 sft Mediterranean nightclub with an al fresco lounge, an enclosed discotheque, a private dining area, a bed bar and a mini-spa.

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Where to shop

Garuda Mall

The Garuda Mall is one of the biggest malls in south India. It is spread out over 75,000 sq. meters and includes 26,000 sq. meters of shopping and entertainment space on five floors and 120 stores. The glittering retail palace has all Store chains from Shoppers Stop and Westside to Marks & Spencer and Mango.

Cosmos Mall

Cosmos Mall has become a prominent shopping hub of Whitefield and Marthahalli. The Mall comprises an ideal mix of Lifestyle and value brands. Fourth floor has huge rooftop Food Court and Sports Bar Xpress. The major brands present in the Mall are Pantaloons, The Body Shop, EZone, Collection I, Food Bazaar, Lilliput, Depot etc.

The Forum

The Mall is popular among the youth in Bangalore and an attraction to those coming to Bangalore. The shopping mall houses 625,000 sq ft (58,100 m2) of shops over four levels. The mall has everything from shoes to exercise equipment

Lifestyle

This two-story store shopping mall is situated on the Victoria Road . This is a new shopping mall in Bangalore and has already won the hearts of the citizens . The shops of the mall sell items like electronic gadgets, books, cloth materials, sweets, cosmetics, furniture, etc.

Lido

This mall catches the frenzy of the shoppers in Bangalore . This shopping mall sports everything from dazzling accessories to designer wear. The mall offers the best international brand items for the customers. The prices of the items are also affordable.
Add: Old Madras Road Jogupalya. Tel: 41472625

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Business

Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi: It's best to buy a portable plug. Service providers include Tata Indicom, Idea and Vodafone, though the tech-savvy will tell you Reliance is the fastest option. Almost all five-star hotels are Wi-Fi-enabled or have broadband service, but getting online usually comes with a hefty price tag. Domestic and international airports have wireless service, but the connections are slow.

Business attire:

Suits are reserved for boardrooms, conferences and top management. A full-sleeved shirt and trousers is generally considered business wear. Skirts are acceptable for women as long as they're at least knee length.

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Money

Visitors can exchange foreign currency at the airport or any of the banks in the city. The American Express Travel Services office is also a reliable place to exchange money.

Most major banks are on the Cirrus and Visa networks.

Thomas Cook, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank and Bank of America also offer this services.

Avoid exchange of foreign currency at hotels as they don't offer a fair deal.