- Destinations
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- Bangalore
Bangalore
Until 1831, Bangalore slumbered in the shadow of neighbouring
city Mysore. When the British took control over the local kingdom
they moved the capital to Bangalore, upgrading its infrastructure
in the process with fine colonial buildings, roads, rail
connections and wonderful parks and gardens. Bangalore, now
officially known as Bengaluru, is today the state capital of
Karnataka - and is still known informally as the 'Garden City' due
to its leafy avenues and quiet suburbs. Bangalore was the first
city in India to become electrified, and has ever since retained
the cachet of being India's most technologically modern and
progressive city. It is also quite literally one of the country's
coolest cities, with an average temperature far lower than the
scorching plains of the surrounding region. Among other advantages
Bangalore enjoys, are noticeably cleaner streets and a generally
calmer and less frenetic atmosphere than other Indian cities.
Bangalore is also well-known as the centre of India's IT and
telecommunications industries, and thus attracts professionals from
all over India and abroad. The influx of westerners and
knowledge-workers, coupled with the rise in affluence, have made
this India's most modern and secular of cities - imbued with
relaxed and refreshing attitudes that many find liberating, but
others find scandalous. Bangalore is not a city packed with tourist
attractions, but is more often used as a base for tourists to
explore the charms of southern India. However, that doesn't mean
there isn't plenty to see in the city itself. Apart from some
attractive buildings and parks, what is on show here is the modern
face of India: confident, brash and progressive, connected to the
world at large and evolving all the time. It's a fascinating and
energising glimpse into the future of this developing superpower of
a nation.
Information & Facts
Climate
Bangalore's cool climate is one of the city's chief attractions
- especially to sunburnt travellers arriving from the coastal areas
of Karnataka or Goa. The city's altitude of altitude of 920m (3, 021
ft) above sea level brings milder daily temperatures than the
plateau below. Overall, the climate of the city can be described as
tropical wet. The summer months of March to May are hot and dry,
while June to September is the monsoon season, with its heavy
rains. December to January are typically cool and dry, and thus an
ideal time to visit. Throughout the year, evenings are mild and
pleasant.
Eating Out
Bangalore is a great business hub - and like any world-player in
the business world, it has some great restaurants to suit all
budgets. Try a thali at Konark, Punjabi fare at Oye! Amritsar, or a
copious Mediterranean-style brunch at Casa del Sol.
Language
Although English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages
Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into
100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at
banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to
obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in
India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is
illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is
advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart
from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small
denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely
accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs
are not generally available.
Night Life
Combine affluence with a young, educated demographic, and plenty
of expats - and in Bangalore, you get a lively, cosmopolitan
nightlife to rival any city in India. In fact, so active is the bar
scene, that Bangalore has earned the moniker 'Pub Capital of
India'. Popular hangouts include Pecos, famed for its jazz, draft
beer and loyal clientele; Zero G for its many dance floors,
Wednesday-night Bollywood theme and spectacular city views; and
Fuga, a swanky nightspot on Residency Road. Also along Residency
Road is Casa Del Sol, popular for its Salsa Sundays. Last orders
are generally taken at 11.30pm so don't expect too many late
nights. Many bars and clubs segregate men and women, incredibly, in
a largely futile bid to preserve moral standards. A positive aspect
of Bangalore's nightlife is that walking between venues late at
night is perfectly safe.
Shopping
The city's best buys are high-quality Indian silks, Lambani
tribal jewellery, and woodcarvings. The liveliest place to shop is
the MG Road and Brigade Road area, which contains a good mix of
traditional stores, souvenir outlets and more modern shops. For
mall shopping, and all the westernised boutique stores and fast
food outlets you might expect, head to Forum Mall on Hosur Road.
Bangalore Centre on MG Road and the department stores on Sampige
Road are also worth a look. For discount outlets and factory shops,
catch a taxi to Marathahalli Main Road. Looking for fake brands
like Nikey and Addidas? Make a beeline to the underground emporia
of Arihant Plaza, opposite the beginning of Commercial Street.
Don't expect bargains in the high-rental shops - this is an
affluent city, with prices to match. One place you can haggle is,
of course, the markets, which are also the best place to find
Indian souvenirs and trinkets. City Market is mostly a local market
but has plenty of foodie gifts, and Majestic Market is packed with
cheap Bollywood and world cinema dvds, interesting curios and
keepsakes.
Sightseeing
Apart from the great shopping that Bangalore has to offer, there
are also a number of interesting attractions dotted around the
City. Most notably, Bugle Hill and the Bull Temple, Cubbon Park,
Lal Bagh and Vidhana Soudha.