bangalore en[1]

Population:5.3 million

Currency:Rupee, Rs1 = 100 paise

Opening hours:Shops Monday to Saturday from10:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to20:00.Restaurants and clubs must closeat 23.30.Banks Monday to Friday 10.00 –14.00 and 10:00 – 12:00 onSaturdays.

Internet:www.bangalore-karnataka.comwww.bangalorebest.comwww.virtualbangalore.comwww.karnataka.comwww.discoverbangalore.com

Emergency numbers:Police, 100Fire, 101Ambulance, 102

Tourist information:Karnataka TourismKhanija Bhavan, Race CourseRoadTel: +91 (0)80 22352901and +91(0)80 22275869Opening hours: Monday –Saturday, 10:30-17:30www.kstdc.nic.inGovernment of India Tourist OfficeK.F.C. Building, 48 Church StreetOpening hours: Monday –Saturday, 10:30-17:30Tel: +91 (80) 25278570www.incredibleindia.org

BANGALOREPUBLISHING DATE: 2010-07-09 | COUNTRY CODE: INContents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Cafés, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps

Copyright © 2011 ArrivalGuides AB. All rights reserved. For more information visit: www.arrivalguides.com

BANGALOREBangalore is where India is headed. Bangalore is India’s fifthlargest city in India and is said to be the fastest growing cityin Asia. Also known as Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka isthe technological hub of India and is where the country’snew, confident and global identity is being forged. A oncesleepy regional capital is today a modern, serene metropolisthat will come as a big surprise to those who are arrivingfrom other parts of the country for the first time. Aswealthier Indians flock to live here, Bangalore has become acosmopolitan city with a vibrant café and bar culture. Thecity might lack historical sites but more than makes up forit’s buzzing, relaxed and liberal atmosphere and a locationthat makes it a perfect base for exploring the beautifultemples and evocative palaces of the Deccan.

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THE CITY #THECITY#

Once known as The Garden City of India,earliest records of a place named’Bengaluru’ come from a 9th centurytemple in an area that is now known as’Old Bangalore’. Legend surroundBangalore. One legend has it thatBengaluru (meaning ‘Town of BoiledBeans’) got its name after an old womanserved cooked pulses to a lost and hungryHoysala king. Another has it that thefeudal lord Kempe Gowda was hunting inthe area, when a rabbit turned andattacked his dog. This made a greatimpression on the lord and he gave theplace a title of gandu bhoomi (the place ofheroes). In 1537, Kempe Gowdaconstructed three districts protected by awalled fort on the site.

For the next three centuries, Bangaloreexisted very much in the shadow of itsneighboring city Mysore, and control of thetown changed hands many times. Itbecame an important fortress city underHyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. In 1809 theBritish Cantonment was established. In1831, after claiming misrule by the kingKrishna Raja Wodeyar III, the Britishmoved their regional administrative basefrom Srirangapatnam to Bengaluru, andrenamed the city Bangalore. WinstonChurchill enjoyed life as a junior officerhere, famously leaving a debt of Rs 13 atthe Bangalore Club. The city’s reputationas a technology hub was established earlyin the 20th century. In 1905 it became the

first city in India to have electric streetlights, and since the 1940s has been thehome Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, India’sfirst aircraft manufacturing company.

Bangalore is constantly changing. A newinternational airport opened last year,while a new city centre has risen in aclutch of skyscrapers on the old UnitedBreweries site at the Cubbon Park end ofVittal Mallya Road. The city is split into twomain districts, ’Urban’ and ’Rural’. Withinthe city itself, Mahatma Gandhi Road (M.G.Road) running from Trinity Circle at oneend to Anil Kumble Circle at the other isthe main thoroughfare filled with banks,smart shops and restaurants. To the westis the city’s other main hub, Gandhinagarto the west is where you will find thecentral bus stand and the main railwaystation. Nicknamed“Majestic”, the area iscrowded, busy and and full of shops,cinemas and budget hotels. Between M.G.Road and Gandhinagar is Cubbon Park,Bangalore’s very own Central Park in NewYork. In the northern part of town are theRaj-era buildings, the High Court and theracecourse.

The Bangalore Urban district contains thecity itself and many of the main sights.This is further divided into the North,South and also the Anekal districts,comprising more than 600 villages in total.Anekal is about 40 kilometres fromBangalore city centre and is known forbeing home to Muthyalamaduvu, agorgeous picnic spot that boasts excellentviews of the surrounding hills, and includesother draws including the ancient KambadaGanesha and Sri Bandi Mahakaliammatemples. The Bangalore Rural districtcomprises in excess of 1,000 differentvillages and is a good place to visit if youwant a break from the city in the lushcountryside. Outside the city, Savandurga,60 kilometres away is a famous hilltop with

|DESTINATION: BANGALOREPUBLISHING DATE: 2010-07-09


temples dedicated to Gangadeshwara,Hanna Devi and a cave spring calledPattala. When viewed from a distance, theoutline of the hill looks like the figure of abull (on the east, Lord Ganesha from thewest, a cobra from the north and a Shivalinga from the south.

DO & SEE #DOANDSEE#

Most of Bangalore’s main attractions arelocated in the city’s centre. Despite its’long history, Bangalore’s chief historicalsights date back to the 18th-century reignof Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, "theLion of Mysore," a national hero whoresisted the British occupation of Indiamost strongly. The extraordinarytimber-built Tipu Sultan Summer Palace, inthe heart of the city, gives a fascinatingglimpse into Bangalore’s past and gives thecity so focused on the future a sense ofperspective. Next door is the still hugelypopular 17th-century temple built by theWodeyar kings. North of the temple arethe ruins of Bangalore Fort, largelydestroyed during the Anglo-Mysore War.Located north – west of Cubbon Park, theVidhana Soudha, Karnataka’s StateLegislature and Secretariat building, is oneof India’s greatest buildings. Despite therush of modern life, Bangalore has a strongreligious tradition. Be sure to head toBugle Hill, and the Bull Temple. Built byKempe Gowda, this breathtaking16th-century black-granite statue ofShiva’s sacred bull, Nandi, literally dwarfs

his master, and is kept continuallygleaming by coconut oil.

Bangalore is a city to be experienced andexplored. Filled with bars, restaurants,clubs, and incredible shops, it is perfect forwandering. The Garden City is famous forits parks, of which date back over 200years, including the most impressive of all,the botanical gardens of Lal Bagh. Ofcourse, India has some of the tastiestcuisine on the planet and the regionalcuisine in Bangalore is excellent. Aftervisiting Lal Bagh, be sure to pop in for ameal at a local institution, the Mavalli TiffinRooms.

Nandi TempleOn Bugle Hill, is the site of the NandiTemple (Bull Temple), (sanctum timingsdaily 7:30-11:30 and 16:30- 20:30). Builtby Kempe Gowda, the object of venerationis a magnificent statue of Shiva’s sacredbull, Nandi, 15 feet tall and over 20 feetlong, that is carved out of a single block ofgranite. The 16th-century bull is keptglistening by regular applications ofcoconut oil. In November and Decemberevery year, when the groundnuts havebeen harvested, a groundnut fair is heldnear the temple. Nearby is the Sri DoddaGanapathi (Ganesha temple), whichhouses an enormous statue of theelephant-headed deity made of butter.

Address: Bugle HillPrice: Free

Bangalore PalaceBangalore Palace was built by Rev. Garrettto look like a smaller replica of WindsorCastle in England. It is the seat of SrikantaDatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Bahadur, thecurrent Maharaja of Mysore, and head ofthe royal Wodeyar dynasty that ruled theKingdom of Mysore between 1399 and1950. Inside, explore the lavish interiors,some rooms are hung with a surprisingly



large collection of nudes. The palacegrounds are extensive and often are thesite for live concerts – The Rolling Stoneshave played here.

Address: Palace RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 23315789Price: Rs 200Internet: www.royalsplendourofmysore.com

Cubbon ParkThe Cubbon Park, laid out in 1864, coversan area of 300 acres and is filled with anextraordinary selection of flora and fauna.It is a popular spot for picnics and playingcricket. Within its premises are the PublicLibrary, the High Court, the GovernmentMuseum and the VisveswaraiahTechnological & Industrial Museum. Todaymany visitors come to view the lovelybuildings that surround the park as well asto visit the Government Museum andVenkatappa Art Gallery.

Address: M.G. Road, Kasturba roadPrice: FreeInternet: www.incrediblekarnataka.org

Government Museum and VenkatappaArt GalleryA fascinating museum that focuses manilyon Indian sculpture with works fromKhajuraho, Bihar, and Madhya Pradeshdating back to the 10th century, Buddhistfigures from the 4th- and 5thcenturyGandhara school, and Hoysala carvingsfrom Belur, Halebid, and Hampi. The ArtGallery is comprised of two floors anddisplays 600 paintings.

Address: Cubbon ParkOpening hours: Closed on WednesdaysPhone: +91 (0)80 22864483Price: Rs 4

Vidhana SoudhaThe Vidhana Soudha is one of India’s finestpieces of architecture. Located in thenorth-west of Cubbon Park it is aneo-Dravidian granite structure and ablend of styles from across India and

boasing the country’s most recognisablesymbol - the four-headed gold lion ofAshoka, India’s celebrated early Buddhistking. Across the road is Karnataka’s HighCourt building, Attara Kacheri, with itsimpressive red brick and monumentalCorinthian column façade.

Address: Cubbon Park

Lal BaghSpread over an area of 240 acres, Lal Baghpark contains a variety of plants and trees,a deer park, and one of the largestcollections of rare tropical plants in India.Conceived by Sultan Hyder Ali in 1760, hisson, Tipu, expanded the gardens further,planting exotic plants from Persia, Turkey,and Mauritius. The British-built-GlassHouse, has an annual flower show.

Address: K R RoadPhone: +91 (80) 26573667Price: FreeInternet: www.horticulture.kar.nic.in/lalbagh.htm

Tipu Sultan´s Summer PalaceBuilt toward the end of the 18th centuryentirely from teak, Tipu Sultan’s SummerPalace is an elaborately decorated relic ofBangalore’s royal past complete witharches and minarets. This palace wasoriginally a summer retreat and it took tenyears to plan and complete theconstruction.There is a museum detailingthe life of Tipu Sultan, his militaryconquests and that of his father Hyder AliKhan. Next door is theVenkataramanaswamy Temple, a 300 yearold temple built by the Wodeyars. To thenorth are the ruins of Bangalore Fort,largely destroyed during the Anglo-MysoreWar and bear the testimony of the struggleby Tipu against the British Raj in India.

Address: Mari Gowda Rd, Shanti NagarPrice: Rs 50

Karnataka Chitrakala ParishatThe Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat art



gallery is the best in the city. Here you willfind an eclectic collection of Indian andinternational contemporary art, as well asthe lavish gold-leaf work of Mysore-stylepaintings, and folk and tribal art fromacross the subcontinent. Don’t miss thegalleries devoted to Russian masterNicholas Roerich and his beautiful paintingsof the Himalayas.

Address: Kumarakrupa Rd, Vasanth NagarPhone: +91 (80) 2226 1816Internet: www.chitrakalaparishath.com

Ulsoor LakeLocated on the eastern side of the city,Ulsoor Lake is Bangalore’s best, and evenhas its own small islands. An artificial lakeconstructed by Kempe Gowda II, the lakeis spread over an area of y 1.5 squarekilometers and is dotted with islands.Boating is very popular here.

Address: M.G. RoadPrice: Free

Jawaharlal Nehru PlanetariumOpened in 1989, the Jawaharlal NehruPlanetarium is one of the most populartourist attractions in the city. The domedsky theatre inside has daily, exceptSundays, shows at 15.00 and 16.30 on themarvels of the universe, the planets andthe solar system and will delight childrenand adults alike. There is also an activeobservatory.

Address: Sri. T. Chowdaiah Road, High GroundsPhone: +91 (80) 22266084Internet: www.taralaya.org

Visvesvaraya Industrial & TechnicalMuseumTechnology lovers shouldn’t miss thequirky Visvesvaraya Industrial & TechnicalMuseum. Named after M. Visvesvaraya,the Dewan of Mysore, the five maingalleries include a variety of differentdisplays, from a replica of the Wrightbrothers’ 1903 flyer to virtual-reality

computer games.

Address: Kasturba Rd, CubbonpetPhone: +91 (80) 22864009Internet: www.vismuseum.org.in

Iskcon TempleEstablished by the International Society ofKrishna Consciousness (Iskcon), alsoknown as the Hare Krishnas, the lavishIskcon Temple is situated eight kilometresnorth of the city centre. Among the fivemain shrines, there is an unmissable oneto Krishna and Radha.

Address: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord RdPrice: Free

St. Marks CathedralSt. Marks Cathedral is located on the busyM.G. Road. Construction work wascompleted in 1812 but it was only in 1816that St. Marks Cathedral got consecratedby the Bishop of Calcutta. The cathedralwas reconstructed in 1927. Inspired in partby the original St Paul’s Cathedral innLondon, but in the colonial style ofarchitecture, St Marks’ boasts amagnificent dome and Roman arches andthe best maintained church bells in thecity.

Address: M.G. RoadPrice: Free

EATING #EATING#

Bangalore is a gourmand’s paradise. Thelocal cuisine takes in influences fromAndhra, Chettinad, Hyderabadi, Tamil,Mangalorean, and Keralan dishes with a



big emphasis on rice, sambar and rasam(vegetable stew and soup) dishes.However being a global capital, you canfind a great variety of international cuisinehere from sushi to pizza. But the realdelight of Bangalore is to indulge fully in itsdelicious local cuisine. There is somethingfor everyone. You should start the day witha plate of unbeatable masala dosa – acrepe stuffed with spiced potatoes, andknown as “food of the gods”, and chai tea.Many of the best Indian restaurants are tobe found in the top Bangalore hotels. Ifyou are on a budget a basic meal for onecan be found easily for under under Rs500.

A typical meal consists of steamed rice,flavoured rice, curries, vegetable dishes,pickles, one or two sweet dishes,poppadoms, buttermilk, curd and ghee. Itis traditional to start your meal with asweet dish and finish with curd rice. Mealsare served on a well-rinsed Banana leaf.

Bangalore’s cuisine is a rich blend ofrecipes from all over the Karnataka region.The well-known pandi (pork curry) isdelicious with rotis (unleavened bread).India is a vegetarians’ paradise and typicaldishes include gourds and brinjals that alsoincorporate many typically English onessuch as cauliflower, carrot and cabbage.Outside Bangalore closer to the coastseafood, such as prawns and mackerel,forms the basis for many dishes.

Bangalore has its own version of Mughlaicuisine, which is a perfect blend of regionalcuisine and Persian culinary influences.Choose from various biriyanis, chappatis,kebabs, grilled chicken and meat. High teaand tiffin are popular throughout India,and Bangalore is no exception.

EbonyIndian and western businessmen head tothis restaurant for its variety of food from

Indian to Thai to French. Try the Manan’spepper mutton that comes from the templetown of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.Vegetarians should sample the paneer kairidopiaza, made from paneer, mangoes,onions, and fresh coriander. Ebony is anelevator ride up to the 13th floor andboasts a terrace with tables overlookingthe city. It also serves a choice ofcocktails.

Address: 13th Floor, Ivory Tower Hotel, Barton Centre, 84 MGRoadPhone: +91 (0)80 2558 9333Internet: www.hotelivorytower.com

JamavarJamavar at the Leela Palace KempinskiHotel is one of Bangalore’s chicestrestaurants. From North India aresucculent kebabs and fragrant biryaniswhile the southern cuisines are spoken forby some delectable curries. It serves thebest tandoor dishes in the city.

Address: Leela Palace Kempinski Hotel, 23 Airport RoadPhone: +49 (80) 25211234Internet: www.theleela.com/hotel-bangalore

KaravalliSet in a wonderfully evocative location thatcalls to mind an old, royal Mangaloreanhome complete with antique furniture andan open-air courtyard where you can dineon wrought-iron furniture, Karavalli dishesare the tastiest in the city. Try the Goanbaby lobster, Alleppey fish curry andMangalorean black pomfret, courtesy ofChef Jose Thomas.

Address: Taj Gateway Hotel, 66 Residency RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 5584545Internet: www.tajhotels.com

MavalliTiffinRoomsA much loved and revered Bangaloreinstitution, the Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, servessome of the best Indian food in town,particularly the masala dosa, a ricepancake with a meat or vegetable filling).



Address: Corner of Lalbagh and Siddalah RoadsPhone: +91 (0)80 22220022

Olive BeachPart of a chain with branches in Delhi andMumbai, Olive Beach is popular withBangalore’s in-crowd and serves Indianfood with real gusto. But the best is for lastwith the unforgettable desert of Affogato,coffee beans and Kahlua ice cream withamaretti bitter almond cookies.

Address: 16 Wood St., Ashok NagarPhone: +91 (0)80 41128400

Daddy´s DeliJust south of M.G. Road, Daddy’s Deli ispopular with young, up and coming Indiansand tourists, who come from far and wideto taste the delicious Paris dishes. Thewalls of the restaurant are lined with linedwith Zoroastrian scriptures and writingsabout Parsi history.

Address: 12/3 Alexandra StreetPhone: +91 (0)80 22294594

I-t.ALIAThe best Italian restaurant in Bangaloredoes not disappoint. Abhijit Saha andMandaar Sukhtankar’s i-t.ALIA ischaracterised by a deep love of the bestItalian regional cuisine. Exquisitelyprepared dishes from the gnocci arrostitesedano e gorgonzola, green apple androcket lettuce salad with walnuts andGorgonzola dressing to the gamberonigrigliati conpatate arrosto, carciofi epomodoro, king prawns with artichokes,roasted potatoes, and tomato, aredelicious and as authentic as anything youwould find in the old country.

Address: The Park Hotel, 14/7 M.G. RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 25594666Internet: www.theparkhotels.com

Blue GingerThe Taj West End’s Vietnamese restauranthas lush tropical foliage and a serene lotuspond to match the fine dining. Chefs work

in their open kitchen creatingmouthwatering dishes includingcoconut-based Vietnamese caris (curry),braised fish with pepper and garlic andcrunchy stir-fried greens with garlic.

Address: Taj West End Hotel, Race Course RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 66605660Internet: www.tajhotels.com

Sunny´sOne of Bangalore’s new breed ofsophisticated restaurants, Sunny’s hasspacious outdoor and indoor seating areaas well as a relaxed lounge bar. The menuris inspired with tasty dishes from bakedbrie with toasted almonds to stir-friedcalamari and spicy lamb lasagna.

Address: Embassy Diamante, Vittal Mallaya RdPhone: +91 (0)80 22243642

ShiokThe name of the restaurant means"yum-yum" in Malay and the food herecertainly is that. A fine-dining restaurantand cocktail-lounge that serves a selectionof authentic and delicious cuisine fromThailand, Malaysia, Singapore, andIndonesia. Affable owner-chef MadhuMenon’s dishes include tasty lemon grasschili prawns and tangy spiced fish grilled inbanana leaves and divine Singaporeblack-pepper crab.

Address: 96 Amar Jyoti LayoutPhone: +91 (80) 41161800Internet: www.shiokfood.com

Halli ManeBangalore’s busiest restaurant serves onlyvegetarian dishes from good-sized thalis tobuffets. It’s cheap, bustling and veryfriendly. Owner Mr Baburao will help youchoose your meal.

Address: 14, 3rd Cross Rd, off Sampige Rd., MalleswaramPhone: +91 (0)80 23469797

PiccolaIf you want a break from Indian food andare on the budget, then Casa Piccola is the



place for you. It is clean, airy and servesgood quality European food from pizzasand pasta to casseroles. A relaxed upstairslounge, Casa del Sol, serves tapas.

Address: 131 Residency RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 2221 2907

Udupi ParkUdupi Park serves traditional north andsouth Indian food to mainly locals. It is oneof the cheapest and most reliablerestaurants in the city.

Address: 30 Church Street

CAFÉS #CAFES#

With the emergence of a cosmopolitan caféculture, new cafés and fast food outlets arespring up fast in Bangalore. As well as thepredictable chain cafes like Barista andCoffee Day are hip and happeninghangouts with DJs, live music as well asmore traditional settings. For high tea andtiffin head to one of the chic hotels in thecity like the Leela Kempinski.

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BrewHaHaA lounge cum coffee shop, BrewHaHa is abright, cheerful place done up in purpleand blue with flashes of orange. You cangrab a coffee and chill out on the beanbags, play boardgames or just sit with alaptop. With a wide selection of beverages,including the Willy Wonka Special – strongcoffee spiked with mocha - and the yummyCalvin Brew (hot chocolate and peanutbutter), and food from croissants totortillas.

Address: 88 Industrial Layout, JNC Road, KoramangalaPhone: +91 (0)80 41218997

Cafe TerraFormerly the very popular Dek Lekkerbek,Café Terra is hidden in the first floor of abuilding in 80 feet road in Koramangala.Framed prints on the walls and a bookcasefilled with Tintin comics create abistro-diner atmosphere. A great place forbreakfast – their speciality is Belgianwaffles. Breakfast for two is around Rs250.

Address: V3 Trinity, 1020 First Floor, 80 Ft. Road, First Block,KoramangalaPhone: +91 (0)80 41313553

Hard Rock CaféExcellent location, friendly waiters and agood selection of snacks from burgers tobuffalo wings. They even have their owntipple Lemon Drops.

Address: St Marks Rd, BangaloreOpening hours: Closes at 23:30Phone: +91 (80) 41242222Internet: www.jsmcorp.in

Café Coffee DayA reliable Starbucks-style café chain thatserves a wide a range variety of coffeesand teas in relaxed, contemporary cafes.They also serve pizza, quiches, cakes andsundaes.


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Address: 112, Raheja Chambers 12, Museum Road, MuseumRoadPhone: +91 9986210208Internet: www.cafecoffeeday.com

Soul Deli CafeA hip newly opened basement café on M.G.Road. A waterfall at the entrance andoutdoor seating with neat chairs and fansto keep it cool complete the laid back hippyvibe. Food is a mix of west meets eastfrom chicken tikka salads to chilli burgersand Moroccan Chicken. Be warned. Theportions are big.

Address: 65 Bluemoon Complex, M.G. RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 25589991

Crust and CreamA new pastry café that serves a fantasticvariety of delicious deserts. Their chocolatecup cakes are delicious, particularlywashed down with a mango milkshake.

Address: 384/1 Sri Hari Plaza, 13th Cross, SadashivnagarPhone: +91 (0)80 23610785‎

KadambamAn atmospheric restaurant where you canalso stop by for the best South Indiansweetened filter coffee. Immaculatepictures of deities and Tanjore paintingsline the scrubbed walls. The food is tasty,plentiful and cheap. Perfect for anafternoon snack.

Address: 4/1, 22nd Cross, 3rd Block, JayanagarPhone: +91 (0)80 30935438

BARS & NIGHTLIFE #BARSANDNIGHTLIFE#

The tech-savvy denizens of Bangalore

might work hard but know how to enjoythemselves. The city has seen a boom inthe numbers of pubs, bars and clubs.However thanks to vigilant local authoritieswho have imposed a 23:30 curfew onpubs, bars and clubs, Bangalore’s partyhas yet to really start. The only exceptionsare 24 hour coffee shops that are servicedby some of the best hotels in Bangalore,such as Leela Palace or Pinxx. Despite thisthe city offers some great nights out if youplan properly. The best clubs and bars stilltend to be located in the smartest hotels.

i-BARBangalore’s most happening night spot atthe trendy Park Hotel is a great place todance to house and trance from DJ Deepakon the small dance floor. Or chill out on thebeanbags with a local Kingfisher beer.

Address: 14/7, The Park Hotel, M.G.RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 25594666Internet: www.theparkhotels.com

13th FloorA chic, sexy 120-seater rooftop cocktaillounge where you get a large dose of theBangalore skyline while you sip cocktailsnamed after weapons.

Address: 13th Floor, Ivory Tower Hotel, Barton Centre, 84 MGRoadPhone: +91 (0)80 2558 9333Internet: www.hotelivorytower.com

Liquor CaféA trendy lounge bar on the covered rooftopof a building, Liquor Café draws a hipcrowd of Bangalore’s beautiful people.Music is laid back acid and jazz lounge.

Address: Cosmo Village, Magrath RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 41127373

1912 - The Living RoomLocated in a lovely old stone building thatlooks like a historic monument, 1912 - TheLiving Room is the place to see and beseen. It attracts Bangalore’s brightest, whostrut their stuff on the dance floor to rock,



hip-hop and trance. International DJsregularly play sets here.

Address: 40 St. Marks RoadPhone: +49 (0)80 22997290

NoirLocated in the luxurious Le MéridienBangalore, Noir is up there with the best ofBangalore’s clubs playing retro and housemusic. The hotel is also home to the F-Barand Lounge, a franchise of the FrenchFashion TV bar chain. You can snack ontasty Japanese and Korean snacks.Occasionally there are fashion shows.

Address: Le Méridien Bangalore, 28, Sankey RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 2226 2233Internet: www.lemeridien-bangalore.com

NASANASA will bring a smile to your face withthe good-looking bar staff dressed in pilotoutfits. Inside looks like a space capsuleand draws big crowds to a bar called the"Fuel Tank".

Address: 1/A Church StreetPhone: +91 (0)80 25586512

Purple HazeBangalore’s most popular club, Purple Hazeis a mecca for the city’s legions of rock andmetal fans. Grab a beer and sing along toclassics with the locals.

Address: M.G. Road, near Richmond CirclePhone: +91 (0)80 22213758

DublinAn Irish pub in Bangalore, Dublin is suaveand rather sophisticated. It also serbes amean Guinness and is one of the mostpopular watering holes in the city. Thereare regular DJ nights.

Address: ITC Windsor Sheraton, Windsor Square, 25, GolfCourse RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 22269898Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com

Blue BarThe Blue Bar is a stylish open-air bar set

amidst the beautiful landscaped gardens ofThe Taj West End Hotel and surrounded bywater. Stylish interiors feature solid teakflooring. The music is a blend of lounge,house and retro. A great place for an earlyevening cocktail. Dress to impress.

Address: The Taj West End, Race Course RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 66605660Internet: www.tajhotels.com

Polo ClubThe Oberoi Hotel’s smart Polo Club has allthe touches of opulence fit for aMaharajah. An alfresco bar that overlookslush gardens, relax in the deep leathersofas and sample the exemplary serviceand of course a great drinks list.

Address: The Oberoi Hotel, 37-39, M.G. RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 25706617Internet: www.oberoihotels.com

SHOPPING #SHOPPING#

The best shopping in Bangalore is to befound along and around M.G. Road,Commercial Street, and Brigade Road.Tourists are well catered for in shops likeCauvery

Arts and Crafts Emporium, Central CottageIndustries Emporium, and Karnataka StateSilk Industries Emporium, where you willfind all manner of souvenirs as well as artsand crafts and textiles. Bargain huntersshould head to Malleswaram, Shivajinagarand K.G.Road.

For beautifully made silks and gorgeoustextiles, a must stop is Shop Ananya. Hereyou will find silver jewelry from Jaipur and



Amrapali as well as bronze sculptures andwonderfully crafted teak furniture. Forstonework head to Natesan’s Antiquarts at76 M.G. Rd (Tel: +91 (0)80 2558-8344). Ifyou are looking for beautifully wovenIndian rugs look no further than TheBombay Store at 99 EGK Prestige on M.G.Rd (Tel: +91 (0)80 25320014. For goldand jewellery, visit the quaint Jeweller’sStreet.

Those looking for Indian clothes from sarisand salwar kameez for women to andsherwanis or men, should head to DeepamSilk International at the BluemoonComplex on M.G. Road (Tel: +91 (0)8025588760) It’s a big shop with a great linein silks spread over four levels so try not toget lost. The friendly staff will guidethrough the wonderfully diverse range oflocal clothing.

Brigade Road used to be where Britishsoldiers bought their essentials TodayBrigade Road is where Bangalore’s youthshop at stores including music store PlanetM, Louis Phillipe, Pepe Jeans, Levis, Lee,and Nike. The Titan boutique specializes inIndian-made watches.

The Leela Galleria at the Leela Palace Hotelon Airport is an excellent stop for thoselooking for top designer brand from bothIndia and beyond. Choose from RituKumar, Aki Narula and Sanchita Ajampur.Choose exceptional lines at Svisti, andperfumes from Baccarose’s Parcos.

Premier Book Shop at 46/1 Church Streetoff M G Road (+91 (0)80 2558-8570) is aBangalore institution that has books onevery conceivable subject stacked fromfloor to ceiling. It is chaotic but veryatmospheric.

Located along MG Road, the BangaloreCentre is the city’s biggest shopping centreand resembles a department store. Hereyou find pretty much everything from

clothes and essential household goods tosouvenirs and food. Other shoppingcentres include the Garuda Mall onMcGrath Road, and the Safina Plaza incentral Bangalore. On the Sampige Road inMalleswaram you will find the smart,expensive department stores as well astwo bustling markets.

The city’s largest vegetable and fruitmarket is in the heart of the city. "KRMarket" City Market was named after theMysore king Maharaj Krishnaraja WodeyarIV. Over a century old, the market is thebusiest and most colourful in the whole ofthe city. Be sure to head to the FlowerMarket section of the market at dusk, aspellbinding area filled with the mostbeautiful flowers stretching as far as theeye can see. A smaller but equally liveliermarket can be found on Gandhi BazaarRoad, the Gandhibazaar.

SLEEPING #SLEEPING#

There are plenty of accommodation choicesfor every budget. Those wanting to be inthe heart of Macau will prefer the characterof the old city, while those after somerespite will like the beachside locations onColôane and Taipa Island.

EXCLUSIVEThe Taj West EndHotel Taj West End is a 5 deluxe hotel,situated near the city centre but spreadover 20 acres of landscaped gardens and afine tribute to the garden city of India.



Built in 1887, as the city’s first hotel TheTaj West End’s gothic architecture that hasbeen meticulously preserved. A stay at the177-room hotel is a unique experience.Guests to this hotel can have the hotel’sconcierge set up fishing excursions toKabini, which is now a reserve forelephants and tigers. The hotel has animpressive number of facilities includingtwo swimming pools and two tennis courts.The restaurants are some of the best in thecity and include the excellent Vietnameserestaurant Blue Ginger and the new, verycool Masala Klub – located next to a 120year old tamarind tree and serving upstylishly crafted North and South Indiandishes.

Address: Race Course RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 66605660Internet: www.tajhotels.com

The ParkA member of the über trendy DesignHotels, The Park is the chicest hotel intown. A pristine, white, four-story buildingin the centre of the city’s business district,The Park’s 109 rooms reflect Indianethnicity and international influence. TheHotel is an urban retreat with interiorsdesigned by Sir Terence Conran. The topfloor of The Park is known as TheResidence, the most luxurious section ofthe building, where silk and leather add anextra measure of Eastern opulence. Toprestaurants include Monsoon, 24 hourrestaurant I.t-ALIA and the Hip lounge Bar.There is a temperature controlled lap poolwith outdoor lounging in colourful gazebos,and you can unwind in the Aquazonehealth Spa.

Address: 14/7 M.G. RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 25594666Internet: www.theparkhotels.com

GOOD VALUEThe Leela Palace Kempinski BangaloreThe Leela Palace is a Bangalore institution.

The Leela is often compared with a palacefor its gold leafed domes, ornamentedceilings and majestic arches. There are 256deluxe rooms and suites in addition toConservatory rooms that have beautifulviews of the splendid gardens thatsurround the hotel. Facilities are extensiveand include swimming polls and spas. Thethree restaurants, Citrus, Jamavar and Zenoffer Indian, Japanese and Far- Easterncuisine. Afterwards relax with a whisky atthe Library Bar.

Address: 23, Airport RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 2521 1234Internet: www.theleela.com

VivantaAn ultra modern hotel for the globalgeneration, Vivanta opened in 2009 andhas 199 rooms and suites in three themes,Delight, Indulgence and Allure. All roomscome with very high spec technology.There is a well-equipped fitness centre andpool. Dining is excellent. Chef AnandaSolomon has a range of restaurants fromall-day dining at Latitude, North-WesternIndian cuisine at Terracotta and a rooftopbar and grill, Tease – a stylish gardenpavilion where you can eat or drink andlisten to DJs. Vivanta even has an in-housedeli, Caramel, that serves a range ofhealth-foods.

Address: ITPB, WhitefieldPhone: +91 (0)80 66933333Internet: www.tajhotels.com

BUDGETRoyal Orchid CentralThe 130-room Royal Orchid Central is avibrant, clean hotel that is very popularwith Indians and tourists alike, and haswon several awards. It is easy to see why.The hotel is outstanding value for moneywith friendly efficient service. Rooms areclean and well-looked after. Facilitiesinclude Pinxx, a lively 24-hour Coffee Shopand Paparazzi – Celebrity Food & Jazz, an



award-winning restaurant.

Address: 47/1, Manipal Centre, Dickenson RoadPhone: +91 (0)80 25584242Internet: www.royalorchidhotels.com

Komfort TerracesKomfort Terraces is a boutique hotel in theheart of Bangalore on the M.G. Road. The32 well appointed rooms are simple butclean. It’s a perfect location from which toexplore the city. The hotel even has itsvery own Chinese restaurant, Soul.

Address: 301, 3rd Floor, Blumoon Complex, M G. RoadPhone: +49 (0)80 41501413Internet: www.komfortgrouphotels.com

Hotel VT ResidencyA cheap, friendly 50 room hotel popularwith business people on an overnight stayas well as backpackers. It has aninteresting location too, opposite Satya SaiBaba’s Ashram. There is decent vegetarianrestaurant open to 23:00. Breakfast buffetevery morning.

Address: 1, 3rd Cross, H Siddaiah Road, Sudhama NagarPhone: +91 (0)80 41478900Internet: www.vtresidency.com

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

AirportThe much-anticipated BangaloreInternational Airport, 44 kilometres northof Bangalore, finally opened in May 2008.Bangalore Metropolitan TransportCorporation (www.bmtcinfo.com) runstwelve bus routes from locations inBangalore to connect to the new airport.There are buses every 15 minutes to and

from the airport. The cost for each trip inthese buses ranges between R. 20 and Rs200 depending on the distance. This is thecheapest and an extremely convenient wayto get to the airport. Air Conditioned Taxiservices to the BIA is also available. A highspeed rail link to the Central BusinessDistrict is being planned that will cut traveltime to about 22 minutes.

Share Taxis are operated by Airlift arelocated just outside the terminal buildingnext tor the bus stand with the bright redVolvo buses. The yellow Share taxis areand red Toyota Innovas are veryconvenient for a one way trip to the citycentre. Cost is around Rs 300. Hertz (+910(80) 9972502292) and Akbar Travels(Tel: +91 (0)80 66783810) provide pricybut very slick limousine and car rentalservices.

Internet: www.bengaluruairport.com

Public TransportBangalore has an extensive publictransport system. Bus services arefrequent and cover the entire city butcongestion can sometimes make travellingslow. Driving in India is not a good idea.Lane discipline is practically nonexistentand the use of horn at all times,mandatory.

Buses in Bangalore are cheap andfrequent. Many have seats reserved forwomen in the front. Bus service is lessfrequent after 22:30. Try to avoidrush-hour between 17.00 and 19.00 onweekdays when the buses will be packed.Ordinary city buses display only the routenumber in English, with the destinationand route information written in Kannada.You can find the routes on the BengaluruMetropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)website www.bmtcinfo.com Bus maps aresold at the main bus terminals:Kempegowda bus stand, also known as the



Majestic Bus Stand, near Gandhi Nagar isdirectly opposite the Bangalore City railwaystation, Shivajinagar in the north.

Buses with black display boards run withinthe city. Ordinary city buses are white andblue in color. Red board buses covers longdistance and go to adjoining suburbs. Theordinary city buses are white and blue incolor. Pushpak with better seating thesebuses are tan rather than the usual blueand are slightly more expensive. Red Volvobuses, Vajra, operate on certain routeswithin the city and are air-conditioned, arethe best option for tourists.

Introduced in early 2009 known, Big 10consists of ten routes along major roadsinto the city. Big 10 buses are yellow, haveLCD destination boards. Go tohttp://btis.in/big10 for information.

Daily bus passes costs Rs 30 and areissued by the on-duty bus conductor or atthe bus stand. Using this pass you cantravel in any bus (other than the Vajra) forthe entire day, any number of times.

Kempegowda bus stand, also calledMajestic Bus Stand, near Gandhi Nagar isdirectly opposite the Bangalore City railwaystation Shivajinagar is in the north andCity Market.

Car hire is rare in India. What is morecommon is to hire a car and a driver. Costvaries, but most car/driver combinationscost Rs 1400 to Rs 1700/day. Choose anair-conditioned car as Bangalore can getvery hot. If you want to travel in style, youcan hire an SUV, but you will have to paymore. If you want to hire car Europcar(+91 (0)80 41460451 /www.europcar.co.in) has an office at 7thCross, Veerabadra Nagar, Marathali Post.

TaxiBangalore taxis are convenient andcomfortable. Most of the vehicles are

Maruti Omni Vans or Tata Indica cars -much safer than auto rickshaws. Taxis areunmarked. Instead, the taxis will bemarked with the logo of the fleet operatoror taxi company on the sides of the car.Some companies have a yellow sign withan identification number on the top.

If you are alone or going to an unknowndestination, you are strongly advised tochoose this option, even though the rateswill be double that of an auto. Most taxicompanies charge a flat rate of Rs 150 fora pick-up and drop from anywhere toanywhere within city limits.

Alliance Travels

Phone: +91 (0)80 25213082

City Safari

Phone: +91 (0)80 251106666

Gopinath Radio Call Taxi Service

Phone: +91 (0)80 23605555

Popular Cabs

Phone: +91 (0)80 26524665

PostBangalore Main Post Office is on CubbonRoad and Monday to Saturday. 08:30 to17:30, and Sunday, 10:00 to 16:30.Stamps for post cards broad cost Rs 6. Thesmall red postal kiosks, usually attached topoles, can be found throughout the city.

PharmacyPharmacies can be found throughout thecity. There are plenty along M.G. Road.You do not need any prescription for overthe counter drugs and ayurvedic medicin,which are available for common ailmentslike headaches and fever. Most pharmacieswill deliver 24 hours a day, usually for asmall surcharge. Ask your concierge foryour nearest one. Chemists with 24 hour



service include.

Apollo Pharmacy

Address: 665,19th Main 21st Cross, RajajinagarPhone: +91 (0)80 22957421

TelephoneCountry code: +91

Area code: 080

Electricity220/250V 50 Hz Plugs C & D

#ESSENTIALINFORMATION#


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