Bengaluru (Bangalore) Travel Guide

Bangalore (also known as Bengaluru), the capital of the state of Karnataka is also known as the "Garden City" and Pensioners Paradise" and is one of India's most progressive cities.

This is evident by an array of fast food joints, bars, sophisticated lounges and high end malls that the city is home to. Bangalore has many added advantages for tourists like good transport connection across the rest of the state, amenities and plenty of sightseeing.

Bangalore Weather: Bangalore experienced pleasant weather all through the year because of its high elevation. The city of Bangalore has a tropical savannah climate giving rise to distinct wet and dry climates. Bangalore is also known as the "Air conditioned city" of India because of its pleasant weather. The warmest month in Bangalore is April where the temperature touches 33 degrees Celsius and the coldest month is January where the temperature can drop to 15 degrees Celsius.


Climate data for Bangalore


Best Time to Visit Bangalore: The best time to visit Bangalore if from the month of October to February, when the temperature is extremely pleasant and helps tourists enjoy the city more. The monsoon season that lasts from August to October ensures that the city is blooming in greenery and is lovely to look at and tourists many want to consider visiting the city in the monsoon as well.

Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore's City train station is the main hub and the place where you can make reservations. If you are headed to the MG Road area then disembarking at the Cantonment train station is a good idea. Bangalore is well connected to major cities across the country.

Trains from Delhi to Bangalore: Kongu Express Bangalore Rajdhani Karnataka Express Trains from Chennai to Bangalore: Mysore Express Shatabdi Express Lalbagh Express Bangalore Express

Trains from Mumbai to Bangalore: Coimbatore Express Udyan Express Jodhpur- Bangalore Express

Nearest Airport from Bangalore: Bangalore is served by the very new Begaluru International Airport, which started operations recently on 24 May 2008. The city was earlier served by the HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) Airport and was the fourth busiest airport in the India. Bangalore's international airport is well connected to major cities across the country and around the world.

Domestic Airlines Serving Bangalore's International Airport: India Jet Airways IndiGo Jet Lite Kingfisher Airlines Spice Jet Go Air

International Airlines Serving Bangalore's International Airport: Air France Air India Alitalia British Airways KLM Lufthansa Royal Nepal Airlines

Bus Station in Bangalore: Bangalore has a huge and well organized Central Bus Stand, directly in front of the city train station. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (www.ksrtc.in, Ph no: (080): 22870099, 22100091) operates buses throughout Karnataka and to neighbouring states. One of the most popular among these buses is the luxury deluxe buses is the "Rajahamsa"

Other interstate bus operators include:

• Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation: www.apsrtc.gov.in Ph No: (080) 22873915
• Kadamba Transport Corporation: www.goakadamba.com, Ph No: 0832-2438034
• State Express Transport Corporation: www.tnstc.in, Ph No: 044-25366351

Computerised reservations can be made at these bus stations and it is advised to book longer journeys in advance. Apart from government run transport corporations, there are numerous private operators as well who provide slightly more comfortable services at only a mildly more expensive price. Private bus operators in Bangalore can be found on the street facing the central bus stand or you can book these tickets through a travel agency.

KSRTC Buses cover the following major destinations from Bangalore: Chennai Ernakulam Hampi Hyderabad Jog Falls Mumbai Mysore Ooty Panaji Puttaparthi

Local Taxi Companies in Bangalore: Om City Taxi/ Om Tours and Travels: No.1560, 5th Cress, 19th Main 2nd Block, Banashankari Bangalore - 560 050 Tel :+( 91)-(80) - 2660 9999, 2660 5555 Prime Travels: 24, 1st Floor, Brigade Gardens 19, Church Street Bangalore - 560 001 Tel :+( 91)-(80) - 2558 5678, 2558 5741 Fax :+( 91)-(80) - 2559 4880

Tourist Attractions in Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens: Literally translated as the "Red Garden" this is one of the star attractions of the city of Bangalore, the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are spread over a sprawling 96 hectares and is rich in a variety of flora. This park was founded by Hyder Ali in the year 1760 who commissioned it as a private retreat for himself and wanted it be along the lines of the Mughal Gardens in Delhi. Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali's son completed this garden and named it Lalbagh due to it's profusion of red roses. The Lalbagh Gardens is popular for it's collection of rare trees, the famous Lalbagh Rock that is believed to date back to 3000 million years and a glasshouse inspired by the Crystal Palace in London. Lalbagh Gardens host bi annual flower shows, one a week preceding 26th January for Republic Day and the other a week before 15th August for Independence Day.

Bangalore Palace: If you wish to see a replica of the Windsor Castle in the middle of India, complete with Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture, granite turrets, towers and battlements then a visit to the Bangalore Palace Is a must. Spread over a rambling 430 acres the Bangalore Palace was acquired by the King Chamarajendra Wodeyar in 1873 from its original owner Reverend J Garret who was then the principal of the Bangalore Central High School. A visit to Bangalore without visiting the Bangalore Palace is surely incomplete.

Vidhana Soudha: Vidhana Soudha houses the state legislature of Karnataka, constructed in the Neo-Dravidian style of architecture this is one of Bangalore's most imposing buildings. The Vishana Soudha is known for the intricate woodwork on the insides of the building, including the Sandalwood door to the cabinet room and the speaker's chair that is made out of Rosewood from Mysore. Unfortunately the Vidhana Soudha is not open to the public, though it is beautifully floodlit on Sunday evenings.

Bull Temple: The Bull Temple or the Nandi Temple is located in the Basavanagudi neighbourhood of Bangalore. Built by Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore in the 16th century in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple contains a giant monolith of Nandi the bull, known to be the animal mount of Lord Shiva. The Bull Temple remains busy during weekends due to the many ceremonies that take place there. Non- Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Tipu Sultan's Palace: Tipu Sultan's Palace can be found in one of the most congested markets in Bangalore. This palace was initially built as a summer home for Tipu Sultan and was also called "The Abode of Peace". This palace is sculpted entirely out of teakwood and is known for its ornamental pillars, curved arches and balconies. Tipu Sultan's palace is known for the beautiful floral patterns on the walls and a Ganesha Temple, a testament of Tipu Sultan's religious tolerance.

Cubbon Park: Cubbon Park is situated in the middle of the Central Administrative Area of Bangalore and is also known as the "Lung Area" of the city. This park is maintained by the Department of Horticulture of the State of Karnataka and has many tourist attractions like:

Attara Kacheri: The High Court of the state of Karnataka.

Seshadiri Iyer Memorial Hall

Bandstand

Jawahar Bal Bhawan

The Not to be Missed Destinations in Bangalore are:

• The Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
• The Bangalore Palace
• Tipu Sultan's Palace
• The Bull Temple
• The Cubbon Park

Local Markets and Shopping in Bangalore: A few popular places to shop when in Bangalore are:

M.G Road: Here you will find everything from traditional jewellery and handcrafts to branded western wear. When on MG Road go to Jamal if what you're looking for is bone china, Gangaram and Higgin Brothers for books, also check out the Coir Board Showroom, Spencer's Supermarket, Shrunag, Kids Kemp, Saree Kemp and Cauvery Art Gallery among others.

Brigade Road: Brigade road is very popular with the youth of Bangalore as there is a lot to choose from in terms of shopping and entertainment. Brigade Road offers you a choice of electronics, kitchen appliances, toys, music, garments and shoes.

Commercial Street: Commercial Street in Bangalore is a shopper's delight, and has things ranging from garments and textiles, to shoes, art supplies, stationery, jewellery and sports and general goods. Though the quality of clothes you get here may not be excellent this is a great place for bargain hunting and getting some great deals.

Residency Road: Residency Road is the place to be if you're looking for furniture and handicrafts. Many state emporiums are located here including The Uttar Pradesh emporium, Gangotri that have brassware, wooden furniture and jewellery etc, the Orrisa state emporium Utakalika, Gurjari, the Gujarat state emporium and many more.

Forum Mall: One of Bangalore's most popular malls, the Forum Mall is located on Hosur Road in Koramangala. Spread over a massive 6, 25,000 sq ft, the Forum Mall won the Best mall Award in 2007. The mall offers shoppers a wide range of items, right from exercise equipment to clothes and accessories, to electronics, books and chocolates, Forum mall has a never ending variety for all kinds of shoppers providing everything under one roof. Forum Mall contains the popular PVR Cinema and also has a very interesting theme food court called Transit Lounge, which is designed like an airport transit lounge, offering a wide range of food and drink to choose from.

Restaurants in Bangalore

• Queen's Restaurant: Located on Church Street, Queens' s restaurant is open from noon to :30 pm and then from 6pm to 10: 30 pm. Complete with mud walls, wood beam ceilings and tribal décor Queen's has a very earthy atmosphere and will make you feel as if you're in a classy, village mud hut. Queen's is popular for their outstanding Indian food and are always busy.
  
  
• Ulla's Refreshments: Situated on the first floor of the public utilities building, Ulla's is very popular among the locals who enjoy the restaurant's great North India, South India and Indian Chinese fare.
  
  
• Konark: Found on Residency Road, Konark has a colourful and comfortable interior and are known for their special south Indian meal at lunch time, which costs Rs. 75, as well as their pure veg (egg less) cakes and pastries.
  
  
• Mavalli Tiffin Rooms: You can find India's best Masala Dosas at the legendary Mavalli Tiffin Room, also known as MTR. Located near the Lalbagh Gardens, this place is always brimming with locals.
  
  
• Koshy's Bar and Restaurant: Located on St. Mark's Road, Koshy's has been run by the same family for the last three generations and has become an institution in itself in Bangalore. Koshy's has two dining rooms that are always buzzing with customers, who come to Koshy's for their renowned Indian, Chinese, Cajun and Fish and Chips and to enjoy a relaxed beer.
  
  

Night Clubs and Bars in Bangalore

Pub World: Located on Residency Road, Pub World is a combination of a British Pub, A German beer hall, a Wild West Saloon and a Manhattan Cocktail Bar all rolled into one, offering a unique experience indeed.

New Night Watchman: Found on Church Street, this place is cool and dimly lit and has a very relaxed ambience to it. Ironically as opposed to what the name suggest, this is a nice place to come and grab a mid day beer.

Cosmo Village: Situated on Agatha Road, the crowd here are very fashionable and so is the décor, complete with candles, hanging silks, comfortable pillows and fine art, Cosmo Village is a fun place to hang out at.

F- Bar: Located in the Le Meridien F-Bar is a sophisticatedly designed place, containing black walls and sunken sofas and plays hip-hop music and the USP is that every night is ladies night!

Nineteen Twelve: Located on St. Mark's Road, this place has an elegant patio and tastefully done interiors with high ceilings and a stylish crowd. They have a DJ and live music to liven things up and their menu includes an array of wines and cigars.

Cultural Centres in Bangalore

Alliance Francaise: The Allaince Francaise hosts cultural activities and offers French language courses and has a library with French publications.

Millers Tank Bund Rd, Vasanth Nagar
Bangalore
Ph No: (080) 5121346
http://bangalore.afindia.org/

The British Library: The British Library has English newspapers, books, magazines and free internet access for members.

British Library
Prestige Takt
23, Kasturba Road Cross
Bangalore 560001
Ph No: 91-79-2646 4693/ 2646 2398

Last Updated on 5/17/2011

Demographics:

• Time Zone: GMT+5:30
• Region: Bayaluseema
• District: Bangalore Urban
• Population: 5,438,065
• Density: 7665/Km Square