Bangalore

Introduction

Government Building

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Bangalore is one of the biggest cities in India and is located in the state of Karnataka. Bangalore was established in the 16th century by a local ruler, Kempe Gowda. The name Bangalore (or Bengaluru) originated from the Kannada word (language of the state Karnataka) benda kaluru which means "boiled beans", the meal that was offered to the 10th century Hoysala-king when he, hungy as he was, knocked at the door of an old lady.

Today, Bangalore is also called the Sillicon Valley of India because of its sprawling IT business these days. Bangalore is the fifth largest and fastest growing city of India. Before the high-tech boom started (at the end of the eighties) the city was especially known as Garden City because of the green areas and its comfortable climate. With its growing population of young professionals the city breathes a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Although it's not as popular as cities like Delhi or Mumbai, it is in fact India's third most populous city and the fifth largest urban agglomeration in the country.

Neighbourhoods

• Nandi Hills
• Skandagiri
• Sivanasamudram
• Talakkad
• Somnathpur Channakeshava Temple
• Savandurga
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
• Kokkare Bellur
• Lepakshi Nandi & Temple
• Shravanabelagola
• Hogenakkal
• Sangam
• Mekedatu
• Chunchi Falls
• Bheemeshwari
• Bannerghatta National Park
• Maidanahalli Blackbuck Sanctuary
• Melkote Temple
• Pandavapura & Kunti Betta
• Shivaganga
• Siddarabetta Caves

Sights and Activities

Nandi Temple

Nandi

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The Nandi Temple is located in the neighborhood of Basavanagudi. This temple is exclusively for the worship of the sacred Hindu god Nandi, the bull. This temple was built in 1537 and is home to one of the largest Nandi idols in the world with a height of 4.6 metres (15 feet) and is 6.1 metres (20 feet) long. This temple is not one of the largest in India but is a very nice visit.

Bangalore Palace

The Bangalore Palace located in the heart of the city and was built to look like a smaller version of Windsor Castle in England. Construction started in 1862 and was not completed until 1944. The castle is currently owned by the Mysore royal family. The wide and open grounds of the palace are used to hold public event including large concerts for bands like Iron Maiden, Sting and The Rolling Stone. The interior of the castle has an amazing design and is being renovated.

Other Religious Sights

• International Society for Krishna Consciousness is an interesting temple that mixes modern and ancient styles.
• St Patrick's Church was built in 1844 and is on Residency Road.
• St. Mary's Basilica was built in 1685 and is the only minor basilica in all of India.

Parks and Green Spaces

• Cubbon Park is a popular park in the city and spreads over 250 acres and has nice attractions like a rose garden.
• Hesaraghatta Lake is a nice green space to relax by.
• Lal Bagh is a nice botanical garden located in the city limits. Built in 1760 these gardens are a great place to visit to smell some flowers or just enjoy the grass and trees. The gardens are also home to the Lal Bagh Rock which is over 3,000 million years old.

Other Sights and Activities

• Shopping - There is great shopping to be found in Bangalore, especially on Brigade Road or Forum Mall.
• Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka. This large building is built in a Neo-Dravidian style.
• Karnataka High Court is an amazing red building with great columns.
• MG Road also known as South Parade, is a popular shopping and hang out place.
• Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is a great modern museum that is fun for the whole family.
• Modern Architecture - Bangalore is home to some amazing modern buildings like the class pyramid, which is the headquarters for Infosys.

Around Bangalore

• Bannerghatta National Park is only 22 kilometres south of the city and is 25,000 acres. This park is home to several different animal species, such as white tigers.
• Nandi Hills Fortress is a great place for a hike during the summer.
• Savandurga is home to two nice hills and is 60 kilometres from the city.
• Thottikallu, also known as TK falls, is a nice waterfall.
• Muthyalamaduvu is a nice green space 40 kilometres from the city and home to a 92-metre-high waterfall.
• Shivanasamudra Falls is a nice set of waterfalls. These twin waterfalls are home to the site of the first hydro power station in Asia.

Events and Festivals

• Karaga Festival - The Karaga festival is celebrated in the month of March-April. Karaga is the name given to an earthen pot, which symbolizes Shakti. Devotees place a karaga on their heads and join in the procession taken out at night. The procession comes to an end at the Sampangi tank, where all the pots are immersed in water. It is believed that balancing the pot on the head is like a test through which the strength of a person's character is tested. In the main temple procession, a priest, dressed up as woman, undertakes the same procedure.
• Kadalekaye Parishe (Peanut Festival) - Kadalekaye Parishe, also known as Peanut festival, falls in the month of November. It is held in order to celebrate the first groundnut crop of the year. As a part of the celebrations, the farmers of the city visit the Bull temple to seek blessings of God.
• Makara Sankranthi (Pongal) - The festival of Makara Sankranthi, also known as Pongal, is celebrated in all the states of South India. The festival marks the onset of spring season and with it, the commencement of the harvest season.
• Ganesh Chaturthi - Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as a commemoration of the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. It falls in the month of September and is celebrated throughout the country.
• Dussehra - The festival of Dussehra is celebrated all over the country, including the state of Karnataka. It falls in the month of October-November and marks the victory of good over evil.
• Diwali - Diwali festival is celebrated in the month of October-November. On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and seek blessings of prosperity.
• Mahashivratri - Mahashivratri is the festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It falls in the Hindu month of Magha and is celebrated throughout India. On this day, devotees visit the nearest Lord Shiva temple and offer Panchamrit (mixture of five sacred elements), fruits and sacred leaves to the Shiva Lingam.
• Ugadi - Ugadi festival marks the beginning of the Kannad New Year, along with the advent of spring season. It falls in the second half of March or first half of April and is mainly devoted to Lord Brahma. The day begins with a ritual bath, early in the morning, and comes to an end with prayers that continue late into the night. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the world on this day only. Another popular belief related to Ugadi is that on this day, Lord Vishnu took an incarnation in the form of Matsya.
• Varamahalakshmi - Varamahalakshmi or the Lakshmi Puja is celebrated in the month of August, throughout the state of Karnataka. The Puja dates back to the Vedic age and is mainly performed by the married females. They offer garlands of cash, jewelry and other valuables to the Goddess and pray for the prosperity and happiness of their husband and their family. After the performance of the puja, they offer vermilion (kum-kum) to at least five other married ladies

Weather

Bangalore has a tropical climate with warm/hot and humid conditions year round. March to May is definately the hottest time of the year with temperatures averaging around 33 °C during the day and just over 20 °C at night. Between June and February, temperatures are a much more bearable 26-29 °C during the day and between 15 and 18 °C at night. The disadvantage is that between May and November almost all of the annual rain falls, making December and January (like much of India except the Himalayas) the best time for a visit).

Getting There

By Plane

Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) is a large international airport and is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the city. This new airport was opened in May of 2008 and has good connections. Currently the only way to get to the airport on public transport is on Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) which runs twelve bus routes from as many locations in the city to connect to the new airport although the city metro and a high-speed rail are planned to be built and in operation in 2011. This large airport has direct service to almost every airport in India, most major cities around Asia and a few European cities. Lufthansa flies to Frankfurt, British Airways to London, Air France to Paris and other international connections go to Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Dubai, Mauritius, Bahrain, Malé, Muscat, Singapore, Jeddah, Riyadh and Colombo.

By Train

Bangalore is an important railway station on the vast and extensive Indian Railway network. It is well connected to all the major cities of India by fast trains, including those to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad. For more details about timings, fare and availability of seats have a look at the Indian Railways official website.

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

A rapid transit system called the Namma Metro is being developed and is expected to be operational by 2012. Once completed, this will encompass a 42.3 kilometres (26.3 miles) elevated and underground rail network comprising 41 stations. It is expected to connect central locations in Bangalore to Devanahalli and the Chikballapur regions.

BMTC provides bus services throughout the city.

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Bangalore is far from the sea, and as such the quality of seafood can vary. Some of the higher end and popular seafood places manage this well. Bangalore literally has hundreds of fast food joints serving south Indian vegetarian food. They usually are identified with small round steel tables and diners standing around them having food. Dosas, idlis, vada's, curd rice, Vegetable Pulao, rice with sambar, lemon rice are usually standard fare.

The great thing about dining out in Bangalore is that delicious food is available from regions all over India. Tantalize your taste buds at these top Bangalore restaurants:

1. Jamavar - The opulent Jamavar has consistently been voted by Forbes as one of the top ten power dining restaurants in the world. Step in to a lavish interior of chandeliers, silk, silver cutlery, and elegant handcrafted wooden furniture. The restaurant offers a culinary voyage spanning the length of India, accompanied by the finest choice in single malts, liqueurs and Cognac. Outdoor seating is also available.

• Address - Leela Palace Hotel, 23 Airport Road, Kodihalli, Bangalore. Phone: 25211234.
• Opening Hours - 12:00pm to 2:00pm for lunch. 7:00pm to 11:30pm for dinner daily.
• Cost - Around 2,500 rupees ($60) for two people.
• What's Good - The Spiced Lobster Neeruli and delicious south Indian curries.

2. Samarkand - Traditionally dressed waiters at this unique restaurant serve up sumptuous cuisine from the Afghani frontier. Diners make their selection from menu cards in the form of a local newspaper, and can watch the food being cooked in the open kitchen. Eating the traditional way with fingers is recommended to get the best taste from the food here. It gets very busy so reservations are a must!

• Address - G-66 Gem Plaza, Infantry Road, Bangalore. Phone: 41113366.
• Opening Hours - 12:00pm to 3:30pm for lunch. 7:00pm to 11:30pm for dinner daily.
• Cost - Around 800 rupees ($20) for two people
• What's Good - The chicken is sure to be amongst the best you'll ever taste. The kebabs are also not to be missed.

3. Dum Pukht Jolly Nabobs - This restaurant gets its intriguing name "Jolly Nabobs" from the term given to employees of the British East India Company. Diners can expect a recreation of the glory days of the Raj era, with a fusion of north Indian and English cuisine, and distinctly British decor. Food is cooked according to the dum phukt tradition, in containers over a slow fire. It's very tasty!

• Address: ITC Windsor Sheraton & Towers, 25 Sankey Road, Bangalore. Phone: 22269898.
• Opening Hours: 7:00pm to 11:30pm for dinner daily.
• Cost - Around 2,500 rupees ($60) for two people.
• What's Good - The kebabs and biryani (rice).

4. Koshy's Jewel Box and Parade Cafe - Every city has a much loved dining institution that's withstood the test of time to remain a local favorite. Koshy's is Bangalore's. It's a simple place with consistently good food, and has been serving people since before the British left. Head for the newer, air conditioned "Jewel Box" if you're after a fancier menu with a few exclusive options. However, the more laid back non air conditioned section is what attracts the diverse crowd for breakfast, a leisurely Sunday brunch, high tea, or to linger over a beer or vodka.

• Address - 39 St. Marks Road (at the intersection of M.G. Road), Bangalore. Phone: 2221-3793.
• Opening Hours - 9:00am to 11:30pm.
• Cost - $12 for dinner for two.
• What's Good - The breakfasts are very popular.

5. Karavalli - Seafood lovers should make it a point to come to Karavalli, where the specialty is coastal Indian cuisine served on banana leaf. The restaurant is decorated in the style of a traditional local house, with high wooden ceilings and a variety of antique furniture and seafarers maps. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed inside, and outdoor dining is also a treat in the open-air courtyard and garden.

• Address Taj Gateway Hotel, 66 Residency Road, Bangalore. Phone: 25584545.
• Opening Hours - 12:30pm to 3:00pm for lunch. 7:30pm to 11:30pm for dinner daily.
• Cost - Around Rs. 1,200 for two people.
• What's Good - The seafood.

Drink

Bangalore has an active pulsating cosmopolitan nightlife. Bangalore nightlife is very active and exquisite as Bangalore itself. Bangalore is known as the Pub Capital of India. There are many excellent pubs and bars in the city, which are open till early hours in the morning. ‘Nightlife’ is defined as a collective term for popular entertainment that is available from late evening to early hours of the morning. It includes bars, nightclubs, live music, theaters and restaurants. Nightlife is more suitable for young adults.

The nightlife of Bangalore draws major international artists including pop and rock stars.

• Chowdaiah Memorial Hall - Hosts regular classical music performances, and also film, drama and dance.
• Rabindra Kalakshetra - Plays are regularly staged at Rabindra Kalakshetra. It is also a venue for occasional Art Exhibitions.
• Gallerie Zen - Known for high-end art.

Bangalore Nightlife is very trendy. For a great personal experience you have a choice of the following venues:

• The Park Hotel's i-BAR - One of Bangalore's most trendy spots. The ambiance is accentuated by house and trance music to which dancing is encouraged. The profusion of beanbags multiplies the pleasure. A resident DJ also entertains the patrons.
• 13th Floor - Situated inside Ivory Tower hotel. 13th Floor is a rooftop cocktail lounge where one can view the Bangalore skyline.
• Liquor Cafe - Groovy lounge bar catering to a young crowd who comes for acid lounge music.
• Hypnos - Cocktail Lounge famous for its Sheeshas (hookahs) filled with apple, strawberry and other flavors while enjoying Lebanese cuisine.
• Insomnia - Insomnia is a duplex club with an upstairs bar and a dance floor below. There is a resident DJ to entertain the guests.
• Dublin - An Irish pub situated in ITC Windsor Sheraton.

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

• Bangalore University

Keep Connected

Internet

There are plenty of Internet Centres which charge around Rs.10 per hour. If you have a laptop with wi-fi connection, free internet services are also available at some places like "The Forum" mall.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

There are many places around MG Road and all the touristical area in Bangalore where you will be able to make domestic and international Calls.

Post

India Post is the national postal service of India, and on their website you find details about prices to send postcards, letters and parcels, both domestically and internationally. For most postcards to send internationally, it is better to visit the post office before writing on the card as you may need quite a few stamps. Parcels must be taken to a tailor, he will then sew it up in white linen. Make sure he seals it with red wax, otherwise the post office may refuse to send it or try to get you to pay them to do it. Sewing up a parcel should only cost 50rs to 200rs. In general, post offices are open from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm in most bigger towns and cities, though there are regional variations and some might keep longer hours or be open during (part of) the weekend as well. Ask around. There are post offices at the following locations:

• Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore-560001
• Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore-560001
• Queens Road Cross, Bangalore-560001
• MG Road, Bangalore-560001
• Brigade Road, Bangalore-560001
• Museum Road, Bangalore-560001
• Director Of Postal Services - Location - Palace Road, Bangalore-560001
• General Post Office - Location - Bangalore Gpo, Bangalore-560001

External Links

• Official Governmental Website
• Virtual Bangalore
• Bangalore at Karnataka tourism website