Bangalore is the capital of Southern state of Karnataka and considered the IT capital and the Silicon Valley of India, it being the largest concentration of software technology related activity, with its numerous Software developing companies, Call Centers and BPOs. This is also regarded as one of India’s most progressive and cosmopolitan city with its attractive shopping malls, elegant lounge bars, high-end star hotels, sophisticated food joints, exclusive pubs, and huge multiplexes. Also nick named Garden City, with its lush green environment and some beautiful parks. Bangalore has all that a traveler would look for; there are parks, temples, shopping malls, historical buildings, pubs, numerous food joints, restaurants and museums.
Main Languages: English, Kannada, Tamil and Hindi
City Telephone Code/ STD Code: 080
Best time to visit: Throughout the year (October to March is the best time)
Tourist Information: Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation (PH: 22275883) and private tour operators.
Distance from other cities:
Ahmedabad – 1495 kms,
Kolkatta – 1881 kms, Chennai – 331 kms, Delhi – 2061 kms,
Hyderabad – 562 kms
Mumbai – 998 kms, Trivandrum - 753 kms
Getting there and away
By Air: Bangalore is well networked with rest of the country and has many international Airlines operate flights to Bangalore from various parts of world.
By Rail: Bangalore is well connected with rest of the country by an extensive railway network. Bangalore City Railway Station connects it to the rest of the country.
By Road: State transport and Private Operators have services in Karnataka and to the neighboring states.
Getting around
By Bus: The BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) has wide network and their buses are the most efficient modes of travel in terms of service and reliability.
Other mode of transport: Apart from the buses, you may also avail the services of taxis and autos.
Attractions in Bangalore
- The Bull Temple
- Visveshvaraya Industrial and Technical Museum
- Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery
- Tipu’s Palace
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Cubbon Park
- ISKON Temple
Besides these attractions, there are many more places that are worth visiting in Bangalore like Shiva Temple, Bangalore Palace, City market, numerous Pubs, shopping complexes and multiplexes.
Around Bangalore
Nrityagram: Nrityagram is 30 KM from Bangalore. It’s a dance village founded by late odissi dancer, Protima Gauri, to revive and popularize Indian classical dance. It offers classes on classical dance, Sanskrit and meditation. Guided tours are offered to the visitors, which includes dance demonstration. Call 28466313 ahead to arrange a visit.
Nandi Hills: Nandi Hills is 68 KM from Bangalore and is a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore. It has a Chola Temple and a view point called Tipu’s Drop, which offers the breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes. Nandi hill is also popular with the rock climbing enthusiasts and hikers.
Bannerghatta National Park: This Wildlife sanctuary is 25 KM from Bangalore, which houses many wilds in their most natural environment and also has a well kept zoo. The main attraction of this place is the short tours in the mini buses inside the sanctuary which houses tigers and lions in their natural surroundings. Avoid weekends as this place gets crowded as it is very near to the city and well connected.
Whitefield Ashram: This Ashram is about 20 KM from Bangalore in Whitefield and has the summer house of Shri Sathya Sai Baba and the Krishna temple complexes. Large numbers of visitors come here for Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s blessings when ever he visits here.
Shivanasamudra: Shivanasamudra is 120 KM on Kanakapura Road and houses the Asia’s first hydroelectric power station built in 1905. But the main attraction hers is the twin Gaganachukki and Barachukki water falls. This place is good weekend getaway from Bangalore and Mysore.
Mekedatu: Makedatu is 98 KM from Bangalore via Kanakapura town. This place has twin attractions; river Arkavathi joins river Cauvery and has a Sangameshwara temple at the confluence and further down stream, river Cauvery flows through a deep gorge with much thunder and fury. A goat (meke) can easily leap (datu) over the gorge, hence the name Mekedatu.
