Bangalore City Guide
Bengalooru, formerly Bangalore, has more regard and recognition now, as the Silicon Valley rather than the earlier title of Garden City. It is the IT capital of India and harbors many multinational companies. The city is the state capital of Karnataka and its pleasant climate is cool and welcoming. Winters are not harsh and summers are not bad in this part of the world. The city has very good connectivity to other parts of the state in terms of transportation and also got interesting sites to visit.
How to Get There
There are a few direct International flights and others travel via Chennai and Mumbai. But there are many domestic flights that can easily fetch and land you in Bengalooru. The new airport is at the outskirts of the city, but not to worry, the transport facilities are ample. The main two railway stations are the City station and the Cantonment Station that connects to all major cities of India.
Accommodations
Hotels that are not very harsh on your pockets are Hotel Pai Viceroy, Hotel Museum Inn and Hotel Tricolour. They offer moderate facilities that will fit your bill. And amongst the swish hotels, there is The Leela Palace. Sheraton Windsor Manor, Gateway Hotel, Taj West End The Grand Ashok and Hotel Tricolour are some opulent hotels and all of these have the five-star amenities.
Sights to See
The must-to-visit places are; Vidhana Soudha which holds the state legislature and also a monumental grandeur, Botanical gardens of Lalbagh which is a pleasant and soothing area in the heart of city. For historical reverence you can visit the Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan's Palace. And if you want to shop there are malls with International brands of clothing, jewelry, etc. MG road, Commercial Street and Brigade road are also major shopping spots and places to hang out with in the evenings usually.
Where to Eat
There are a variety of food outlets in Bengalooru. The fast foods chains are bustling with crowds. You can grab a snack at KFC, Mac Donald's and Pizza Hut. If you choose to have a sumptuous meal you can try out Ebony's, Copper Chimney, Solitaire, Samarkhand or Legend of Sikandar or you can also taste a mouthful of good south Indian breakfast at MTR. There are many Chinese restaurants like the Three Quarter Chinese and Rice Bowl that is worth a visit and also inexpensive or you can just laze around at Koshy's Bar and Restaurant or at any of the Cafe Coffee day outlets.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Bowling alley at Amoeba is quite popular. The nightlife of Bengalooru is restricted though with the party time only up to 11:30 pm but you hang out at some famous pubs and bars; NASA, Pub World or check out the 13th Floor and 1912 to sway on some good music. Nina Cinematheque screens classic Indian and European films on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And also check out for painting, art and crafts exhibition that are regularly organised at Chitrakala Parishat. Nrityagram is a dance village set up at the outskirts of the city and is a pleasant getaway. You can also go to the Bannerghatta National Park if you are an animal lover. Ranga Shankara is a theatre lovers club and it organizes English and regional language Plays quite often.
When to Go
The best thing about Bengalooru is its pleasant weather almost throughout the year thus making the city hospitable, although September-February is ideal time to be here. If you are coming in September be prepared for sudden showers and carry your umbrellas.
More Tips
Mysore and Shravanabelagola are very close to Bengalooru and a day trip will be definitely a good idea. Cauvery Emporium is the place if you wish to buy sandalwood handicrafts. Bombay Store is also good for antique murals shopping.