BCD Travel Recommends: Bangalore

Bangalore, as it is commonly known, was renamed Bengaluru in 2006 and is the capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, the city has reaped impressive growth during this decade’s boom in information technology and boasts the highest concentration of IT companies in the country. Bangalore is also a major industrial and commercial center for scientific and research activity.

While the city’s charms may not be immediately obvious to the business traveler, Bangalore offers numerous interesting sites to visit and plenty of entertainment and culture, as well as great food. Visitors may also be surprised to learn that Bangalore is also reputed for its beautiful green open spaces.

Getting to and from the airport
Bengaluru International Airport is located 35 kilometers north of Bangalore city center (M.G. Road). The cheapest option to get to and from the airport is via the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) airport shuttle service, which operates between the airport and 12 different points in the city at intervals of 30 minutes. The shuttles are comfortable air-conditioned buses (non-AC services are also available) at reasonable rates, which vary according to the destination. A BMTC information kiosk is available at the airport or you can contact the control room on +91 2295 2522.

Meru Cabs, Easy Cabs and Karnataka Taxi are the official taxi operators at the Bengaluru International Airport. On arrival, taxis can be found on the inner curb right in front of the terminal building as well as the designated taxi area round the clock. The approximate fare to the M.G. Road will cost Rs600 (US$13). These taxis operate a metered service and the fare is paid in cash at the end of your journey. Easy Cabs does offer a pre-pay service at its airport counter, which can be paid for by credit card.

Getting around Bangalore
The BMTC manages all buses in the city and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses within the state. Buses are efficient, but recommended only for the knowledgeable or adventurous as you may well get lost on your first few rides. Bus travel is, however, a great way to see and know the real people of Bangalore.

Auto-rickshaws are a convenient mode of transport amid the chaotic traffic and are easily available. Apart from the local language most of the drivers are conversant in Hindi and English. The fare charges are Rs7 per km with a minimum fare of Rs14 for three passengers. When operated out of city limits and between 22:00 and 05:00, the autos charge one and a half times the normal meter reading.

What to see
Here are some of our top picks for Bangalore:

Lalbagh Gardens is one of India’s most beautiful botanical gardens, laid out by Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan in the 18th century. Within the Gardens lies a beautiful lake, dotted with picturesque tiny islands – making it an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic.

Bull Temple (Dodda Basavanna) - The gigantic image of the celestial bull, Nandi, which stands 4.57 meters (15.4 feet) tall, is a classic example of Dravidian architecture. A yearly festival to celebrate the harvesting of peanuts, Kallekai parse, is held here during November and December and attracts large crowds from all over the state. The Government Museum - Established in 1886, this museum is one of the oldest in the country. The museum houses a unique collection of sculptures, inscriptions, paintings, icons and relics from the ancient Indus Valley city of Mohenjo-daro.

The Government Museum - Established in 1886, this museum is one of the oldest in the country. The museum houses a unique collection of sculptures, inscriptions, paintings, icons and relics from the ancient Indus Valley city of Mohenjo-daro.

Visweswaraiah Industrial & Technological Museum is a tribute to Sir. M. Vishweswaraiah, a statesman who was dedicated to bringing science and technology to the common man. This museum contains wonderful information about the marvels of science, complete with various technological gadgets, working models and diagrams.

Innovative Film City is an amusement park built in 2008 and located in Bidadi, about 50 kilometers outside Bangalore. This theme park has contains a wax museum, dinosaur museum, a “Cartoon city’” for kids, a mirror maze, 4D movies and more. Tickets are between Rs300 to Rs1000 (US$6.50 to US$22) per person, depending on which attractions you want to visit.

Where to eat

Bangalore’s culinary scene is vast and multifaceted, reflecting the city’s own social and economic diversity. Along the roadside you will stumble across street vendors and tea stalls, offering quick bites on the go. Restaurants are plentiful, offering a variety of cuisines and are traditionally vegetarian-friendly. Try the masala dosa (rice pancake smeared with red chili chutney and stuffed with potato curry), set dosa (three medium sized dosas), or the benne masalae (thick rice pancake prepared with butter), which are all local favorites.

Sahib Sindh Sultan
The Forum, Koramangala
Tel: +91 80 22067878

According to Asadulla Mohammed, team leader, client services for BCD Travel in Bangalore, this restaurant is “a haven for top Mughlai cuisine in Bangalore, leaving you licking your lips for more.” British Raj meets Mughal opulence in the décor and certainly the food. As you walk into this restaurant, you are transported back in time to the 1850s, when the first railways were introduced in India. One part of the eatery looks like a Pullman-style carriage complemented with cushioned seats, while the other dining area resembles a platform. An average meal for two will set you back about Rs.600 (US$13).

Mainland China
14, Church Street,
Tel: +91 80 25597722 / 65374579
www.mainlandchinaindia.com/contact_bangalore.html

Alice Mathews, branch manager for BCD Travel in Bangalore, recommends Mainland China for “the best Chinese in the city.” Sample the filling buffet, with a wide choice of soups, starters such as wontons and momos, main courses with tasty chicken and seafood dishes, as well as rice and noodles and a choice of desserts. The a la carte menu is slightly more expensive, but has practically anything you could wish for and the sauces are divine. Reservations are recommended to avoid lengthy waiting times.

Koshy’s
St Marks Road
Tel: +91 80 22915840

This old no-frills restaurant that began life as a bakery in the 1940’s serves excellent food and is a favorite among the locals. Must-haves include Koshy’s cold coffee, the favorite “local delicacy” of fish ‘n’ chips and the hamburgers or lamb burgers. For about Rs.300 (US$6.50) you can enjoy a delicious meal for two at this grandfather of all food joints in Bangalore.

Shopping

Bangalore is the home of silks and you can find many retail stores selling exquisite pieces. Bangalore is also famous for its rosewood and sandalwood handicrafts and brass and ivory products. Located in the Cantonment area, the G-Road is the main shopping hub, with many big label stores. The adjacent street Bridge Road is a popular hangout for young people as there are numerous entertainment options. Check out the Fifth Avenue and Mota Royal Arcade malls, where you can find range of items catering to every budget.

FabIndia is a chain store with numerous branches throughout Bangalore. It is a great place for buying Indian clothes, western-style clothes with ethnic prints, home furnishing and durries (traditional Indian woven carpets).

M.G.Road is a very popular commercial area, with numerous sari stores like Deepam Silks and Prasiddhi. There are also plenty of stores here that sell western-style clothes such as The Raymond’s and Cotton World.