Bangalore,[1] officially known as Bengaluru, is one of the most hip and happening cities in India and also a major center of the I.T. industry.

Vidhana Soudha

Districts

Understand

History

The earliest records of a place named 'Bengaluru' were found in a 9th century temple in an area that is now known as 'Old Bangalore'. Once the feudal lord Kempe Gowda was hunting in this area, a rabbit turned and attacked his dog. This made a great impression on the lord and he gave the place a title of gandu bhoomi (the place of heroes) and in 1537, with the assistance of the local king, he constructed three districts protected by a walled fort on the site.

During the next three centuries, Bangalore existed very much in the shadow of its neighboring city Mysore, and control of the town changed hands many times. The year 1831 marked a major turning point for the city. Claiming misrule by the king Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, the British took control of the Mysore Kingdom and, possibly influenced by the city's mild climate, moved the administrative capital to Bangalore. New telecommunication systems were laid, rail connections built, fine government buildings constructed and the city's famous parks and gardens established. After independence, Bangalore maintained its position as the Karnataka state capital, and continues to flourish.

For many years, Bangalore was known throughout India as the most green, liberal and forward-thinking city. In recent years, these attributes have propelled Bangalore to the forefront of the high-tech industry boom in India, and it currently ranks as India's most developed city and one of the world's fastest growing urban areas.

The name Bangalore appears to come from an Anglicization of the native name "Bengaluru" - an adaptation of the earlier name in Kannada: Benda Kaale Uru (The Town of Boiled Beans). Apparently this rather humble name was bequeathed to the city by king Vira Ballala. Once while lost in the area, he was offered boiled beans by an old woman, and it was out of gratitude that he named the area after this simple offering.

Nicknames

• Pensioners' Paradise: Pensioners' Paradise reminds Bangaloreans of the time when it was a sleepy old city with very little to zero pollution, no competition for its resources, low crime rate, wide roads lined with shady trees and pleasant weather all ideal for a quiet retirement.

• Pub City: With its many pubs and bars, and also with the city being the headquarters of United Breweries, makers of the popular Kingfisher Beer, Bangalore is a drinker's dream.

• Garden City: Garden City was once the nickname Bangalore proudly claimed before rising population and pollution reduced the amount of green space.

• Silicon Valley of India: Bangalore is often said to be the center of the Indian I.T. outsourcing movement, and has offices of many foreign tech companies as well as a number of native Indian tech startups. The neighboring cities of Chennai and Hyderabad also vie for this title.

Some Facts

Area: 365.6 sq.km.

Altitude: 914.4 m (3000 ft) above sea level

Geographical Location

• Latitudinal Parallels: 12° 57' N
• Longitudinal Meridians: 77° 37' E

Climate

Unlike other parts of India which are extremely hot in the summer months, Bangalore enjoys a relatively mild climate year round.

• February to May (warmest months)
• June to August (Windy - South-West Monsoon)
• September to November (rainy - North-East Monsoon)
• December to February (coldest months)

Temperature

• Highest maximum of 38 degree Celsius to lowest minimum of 14 degree Celsius

Languages

• Regional Language: Kannada
• Spoken Languages: Kannada,Telugu,Tamil,English, Hindi and Urdu

Population

• Around 70 lakhs [7 Million]

Get in

By plane

Bangalore Airport (BLR) is a domestic airport that caters to certain international flights too. There is a new international airport proposed on the anvil.

International Flights

Bangalore has direct flights to many major European and Asian destinations. Notable international flights are from Frankfurt on Lufthansa, from Singapore on Singapore Airlines, from Kuala Lumpur (KL) on Malaysian Airlines, from London on British Airways, from Dubai on Emirates, from Paris on Air France and from Bangkok on Thai Airways and on Nok Air a discount airline.

Due to aircraft timing and airport capacity constraints, many international flights arrive and depart in the dead of night. For example, British Airways, Lufthansa, JetStar Asia, Emirates and Air France all schedule their flights to arrive and depart between 1am and 4am. Fortunately, the airport knows and expects this, so it is in full operation 24 hours a day. You won't have any more trouble changing money or finding a taxi at 4am than you would at 4pm.

A new international airport is under construction at Devanahalli, 30 km (19 mi) north of downtown Bangalore. The airport's first flight will take off in April 2008. It will cater to 11 million passengers in Phase 1. Its final capacity is estimated to be 40 million passengers.

Domestic Flights

Indian Airlines, now renamed as Indian, connects Bangalore with all parts of the country. Jet Airways has bought over Air Sahara and now renamed as JetLite are other two major domestic airlines that fly into Bangalore from other major cities. [http://www.paramountairways.com/ Paramount Airways is a startup business-class only airline, with service to Chennai and other southern cities. Air Deccan is a popular no frills airlines that operates to most cities and large towns. Other no-frill airlines that operate from Bangalore include Go Air and SpiceJet. Kingfisher Airlines is a Bangalore based airline which boasts about, and confirms to mid air- luxury travel, offering regular flights between Bangalore, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai,Belgaum,Chennai,Hyderabad,Pune,Hubli-Dharwad,Coimbatore.

On Arrival

Once off the plane, you'll need to go through immigration (if you are on an international flight) and then collect your bags. You'll then pass through customs and into the small arrival hall. If you need to get money, there is an ATM on the left just before you go outside the terminal. There are also a few money change booths that will accept all manner of foreign currency.

The best way to get into town is to take a prepaid taxi. There are two choices, a government run service with lower prices or a private operator with better service. At the government-run counter (look for the K.S.T.D.C. booth), you mention the locality you want to reach and pay a fixed amount. You get a receipt with the registration number of the taxi that will pick you up printed on it. Locate the taxi (the driver will probably be waiting for you just outside) and you're set.

For the budget constrained, I would strongly suggest a prepaid auto rather than a taxi as it will be many times cheaper. The Prepaid auto counter is a little hard to locate. You will have to walk a little to reach there although it is within the airport boundaries. The person at the counter will just write down your name against the vehicle no. of the auto and you will pay strictly by meter. If you don't go at the prepaid counter, you will have to hard bargain with the auto driver for the fare and you can easily be taken for a ride !

Another option is to arrange with your hotel in Bangalore to have a driver pick you up at the airport. Some hotels, especially those in the higher price ranges, provide this service for free if you are staying with them. If it's your first time traveling to Bangalore, this is by far the easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel. The driver will be found outside the airport with a card bearing your name, the only difficulty being that about 100 other drivers will also be waiting outside the airport, all vying for your attention. Luckily there is a short fenced walkway that separates the drivers from those leaving the airport, giving you some time and space to find, and if necessary negotiate, your ride into Bangalore. Once you leave the walkway, some drivers may become fairly aggressive, and might try to take your bag without your permission. The best thing do to is to keep track of, and in control of, your belongings. Even the most aggressive taxi driver or tout will leave you alone if you stand firm and make it clear that you do not want their help. Upon arriving at your destination a tip of 20-40 Indian Rupees is plenty.

By train

The Bangalore City railway station is situated in the centre of the city, around the Majestic Bus stand. All trains, both local and long-distance, arrive and depart from here. A new terminal at the Yeswantpur railway station (not very far away from the main railway station) is growing and there are a few outbound trains that regularly arrive and depart from it.

Bangalore also has a railway station in the Cantonment Area, called the Cantonment Railway Station - this is centrally located and in a better part of town. Not all trains stop here, though. However, there is a proposal to develop this into a new hub, in order to ease congestion out of the ever bustling Bangalore station.

Bookings can be done at either the railway station or at a few of Indian Railways booking counters at major residential areas. Booking can also be done online from the Indian Railways site (www.irctc.co.in). Trains do fill up, but most trains have a special reserved quota for foreigners, which can work to your advantage. You have to book at a special desk in the train station, and show both a foreign passport and some proof (such as an ATM reciept) that your money came from a foreign account. For a good reference on the various classes of Indian rail travel, and how to book tickets, see the India Page on Seat61.com. Note that if you are booking at Bangalore Central and are traveling to Mysore, there is a different line for travelers to Mysore and travelers to all other destinations. This is to cater for the large amount of travelers between Bangalore and Mysore. If traveling to Mysore on a Sunday afternoon, arrive early as there is usually a long line for buying tickets!

As with all Indian railway travel, bring some patience for delays. Trains can sometimes be several hours late. A video departure board in the station will tell you what platform your train is on and what time it leaves.

Train travel is usually fairly cheap. For example, a ticket to Chennai, about 360 km (5 hrs) away, costs anywhere from Rs 125 for the lowest class to Rs 1105 for the highest class.

By bus

If you have difficulty in arranging a plane or railway ticket to your next destination, or you prefer a little more adventure, you can go by bus. There are both government and private busses that run services to major nearby cities like Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Mangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai etc. Buses can be a normal luxury bus, a Volvo A/C bus or a sleeper bus for night travel. Some bus operators like Raj National Express/KPN Travels/Customer Needz/RedBus offer online bookings.

All intercity buses arrive and depart from Bangalore bus stand, which is located opposite the city railway station. Officially named after the founder of Bangalore, 'Kempegowda Bus Station' is more commonly known as 'the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus stand' or 'the Majestic Bus Station'. It handles buses that connect Bangalore to all major cities and states in south India. The main bus stand of 'the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) ,' which maintains bus services within the city, is located next to the Kempegowda Bus Station. BMTC has now introduced Air conditioned Volvo buses in order to maintain the status of the IT city.

Unlike other metros, the display boards in the bus show the destination in Kannada. Only the bus number is in English. If you don't speak Kannada, you will likely need to get some help to get on the right bus.

By car

Driving in India can be very stressful. Use of the horn is mandatory in all situations. Lane splitting is the rule, not the exception. And games of chicken, combined with razor thin passing margins are common. One ride in a taxi will most likely convince you that driving yourself is not worth the risk, so if you do want to arrive by car you'll probably want to hire both a car and a driver. Cost varies, but most car/driver combinations cost Rs 1400 to Rs 1700/day. Depending on where you are coming from, you may be able to negotiate a lower fare if the trip isn't far, and it may be a higher fare if you are traveling far and your driver has to travel back on his own time. Be aware that South India, including Bangalore, can get very hot and humid, even in the winter. Although it costs more, consider requesting an air conditioned car if you aren't used to the heat. An "Air Con" car will also help filter out the air pollution, which is considerable, especially on congested roadways. If you want something even more special, such as a fancy car or SUV, be prepared to pay extra.

Get around

By bus

Buses in Bangalore are cheap and usually frequent, but traveling on them can be very difficult if you don't know the system well. Local city buses display only the route number in English, with the destination and route information is written in Kannada. This means you will have to know what route number you need before you get on, which you can find from the BMTC website or by asking locals. Unlike many Western countries, posted route maps of the bus system are rare, although maps are sold at the main bus terminal (Majestic Bus Stand).

City buses will be crowded during rush hours but one can travel with little difficulty during day time. Bus service is less frequent after 9:30 - 10:00 pm and becomes rare after 10:30 pm.

It is always better to buy a daily pass if you plan to travel the whole day on the bus. The daily pass costs Rs 30 and it comes handy if you need to travel on several buses in a single day. Daily passes are issued by the on-duty bus conductor or at the bus stand, mostly till 1 pm in the afternoon. Using this pass you can travel in any bus (other than A/C Volvo) for the entire day, any number of times. It is a very economical option for travel in Bangalore.

There are three major bus stands:

• Majestic Bus Stand also known as the Kempegowda bus stand near Gandhi Nagar is close to the railway station and is quite neatly organized and is easily navigable. There is an inquiry office near platform number 1 on ‘Majestic’ where you can ask the bus number and platform for your desired destination. You can find a large map on display, which you can use to find the bus number you need to take if you know the area you are going to. You can of course always ask the conductor or other passengers. Route maps are also sold on the platforms.
• City Market is around 2 km (1.2 mi) to 3 km (1.8 mi) away from Majestic and could daunt newcomers, since it is very disorganized. It is a large dirt parking lot under an overhead highway, and there isn't much order to where buses park.
• Shivajinagar is in the north. This is also neatly organized and there is an enquiry window to find about buses.

From all of these three bus stands, buses are available for all major regions of city.

Other important bus stands are

• BTS, Important junction of major routes near Lalbag
• Jayanagar, South
• Banashankari, South West
• BTM, South East
• Vijaynagar, West
• Malleswaram, North West
• Yeshwantpur, Far North West
• Domlur, East
• Rajajinagar, North

Buses with black display boards run within the city. Red board buses covers long distance and go to adjoining suburbs. There is a ‘Pushpak’ service with better seating; these buses are tan rather than the usual blue. Recently A/C Volvo buses have also been introduced for select routes.

By auto-rickshaw

Auto-rickshaw drivers are the nightmare of the city. Auto-rickshaws are supposed to charge fares as per the meter reading, which most often equals to 6 INR x Distance (in Kms.), they generally tend to charge on an ad-hoc basis depending on the distance of the destination or the chances of getting another customer from the mentioned locality. However, a bad business sense and the inexplicable reasons elicited by them for refusing to ferry a customer have earned them enough brick-bats. Tourists should be tactful when approaching an auto-rickshaw during night, or during heavy rains. Chances are they will charge exorbitant rates. Help could be taken from the local traffic police to avail atuo-rickshaws during such circumstances.

Auto-rickshaws are everywhere at any time of day. They are yellow three wheeled contraptions that use simple two-stroke engines and belch out pollutants. Nevertheless, they are a fast way to get around the city.

Autos are supposed to charge according to the meter, and you should simply refuse to board one where the meter is faulty or the driver refuses to use it. Saying "meter please" will usually do the trick. If you are desperate to get somewhere, you should at least negotiate the fare before boarding.

Autos add a 50% surcharge after 10 pm (called "one and half"). Some drivers may demand 100% surcharge after 10PM or 11PM but you must refuse to board in such a case. Heavy luggage costs an additional fee of around Rs10 or 20.

Rickshaw drivers are required by law to display their identification on the dashboard or the back of their seats. Refuse to get into a rickshaw that does not.

If a rickshaw driver offers to show/drive you to some great places to shop, firmly refuse. A common tactic is to drive you to local shops where you will be pressured to buy Indian crafts that you probably don't want. Know your destination and insist upon it. Be firm.

The minimum charge as of June 2007, is Rs 12 for the first 2km and Rs 6 for every additional km. A trip from the Airport to Brigade road costs about 50rs including (a good) tip.

Finally, although Bangaloreans are known for their polite and mild manners, some auto drivers are an exception. Therefore be careful in dealing with them.

By taxi

The taxis in Bangalore are very convenient and comfortable. Most of the vehicles are Maruti Omni Vans or Tata Indica cars, which are much safer than Auto rickshaws, and the drivers are polite. If you are alone or going to an unknown destination, you are strongly advised to choose this option, even though the rates will be double that of an auto. The rates are Rs. 35 for 4 km (2.5 mi)(minimum) and Rs 9 for every extra kilometer.

Unlike many other countries, taxis are not marked with 'TAXI' signs on the top. In fact, you must call for a taxi, as it is nearly impossible to hail one unless you are at a major point like the airport. When you call, you should negotiate a fare (or agree on using the meter) and get the taxi's 'number'. The taxi will come pick you up, and call you when they are close. When you go out on the street, look at the license plate for the number they gave you -- it will be the last four digits of the license plate. This is usually in the format "KA" followed by 01 to 05 or 50+, followed by "M" and then another alphabet, followed by a four digit number. Taxis generally have yellow license plates with black letters.

Although it can be hard for non-Indians to grasp at first, the system is actually very effective. If in doubt, ask a member of your hotel staff to help you, and when your taxi comes be sure to tip them Rs. 10 or Rs. 15 for the assistance.

• Bengalooru Cabs, +91 80 2551-7777, +91 80 2530-9999,
• Celcabs, +91 80 2346-6666
• City Safari +91 80 2553-9999
• Garden City Taxis, +91 80 2343-7646, +91 80 2343-4274,
• Gopinath Radio Taxi Services, +91 80 2360-5555, +91 80 2332-0152,
• KK City Taxi, +91 80 5151 9999, +91 80 2525-6333
• RK City Taxi, +91 80 2312 9999, +91 80 2332-7589,
• Roman Taxis, +91 80 2548 6606, +91 80 2548-6616
• Spot Taxis, +91 80 4110-0000

By private car

Most taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers will be more than happy to offer you either a daily rate or an hourly rate, and take you around wherever you need to go. Alternately, your hotel or a travel company can arrange a private car.

If you find a good taxi or auto driver, this can be a great way to go for a foreigner. You'll certainly pay a lot more than if you bought individual rides, but you'll always have a driver waiting for you, and he can help with recommending local tourist sites, finding a good restaurant to eat at, and otherwise coping with day-to-day life. This can take a lot of the stress out of traveling.

Rates are generally something like Rs. 50 to 100 per hour for an auto-rickshaw, and Rs 150 to 250 per hour for a taxi. Rates for a private car booked via the hotel will probably be more. Like everything else in India, rates are very fluid.

See

Although Bangalore is not known as a tourist city, there is still a lot to see. If you only have a limited amount of time in the city, you should consider taking one of the half-day or full-day city tours offered by KSTDC, the government tourist office. They are cheap and cover the city's major attractions with English speaking guides.

KSTDC also offers longer full-day and multi-day trips to places outside of Bangalore. These include pre-arranged transit, hotel, meals, etc.

Typically, the tours (including the city tours) do NOT include entry fees into the attractions. Bangalore, as with the rest of India, has a habit of charging foreigners a lot more than locals. For example, Tipu Sultan's Palace, which is on the half-day tour, charges Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 100 (or $2 USD) to non-Indians.

Landmarks

• Vidhana Soudha - The legislative House of the State of Karnataka, this granite building was built by Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, Chief Minister of the then Mysore state 1951 to 1956. The then Prime Minister Sri Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru laid the foundation on 13th July 1951. It was built at an expenditure of Rs 1.84 crores. Marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing building not only in Bangalore but in India. One of the interesting feature of this building in grand stairs in its front. The grand stairs has a flight of forty-five steps 62 m (204 ft) wide 21 m (70 ft) deep giving a direct access to the foyer of first floor leading to an Assembly Chamber. The architecture of the building is based on Dravidian style, comprising richly carved bases and capitals for pillars, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, heavy pediments domical finials, etc; At the same time, the construction has been on modern designs, making use of the present-day materials like steel, reinforced cement concrete glass, plastic, etc.
• Vikasa Soudha - Is it possible to gild a lily? Well you judge for yourself. This ultra modern construction, adjacent to majestic Vidhana Soudha built in the same classic style, is supposed to come fitted with the latest gizmos to help govern the state. It was inaugurated sometime in February 2005.
• Seshadari Iyer Memorial is a distinctive building constructed of red sand stone in Cubbon Park. It houses a public library and the Bangalore High Court, while the grounds include a children's recreation area with a toy train, fairground and theater.
• Bangalore Palace was constructed by the Maharajahs of Mysore. For many years the building was neglected as a tourist attraction, but is now open to the public.
• Tipu Sultan's Palace, which dates from about 1790, is the summer retreat for Tipu sultan. The two story structure is made mostly out of wood with finely embellished balconies, pillars and arches.

Temples

Iskcon Temple

Lord Shiva Temple behind Kemp Fort, Airport Road

• The Bull Temple is a typical Dravidian style temple, and is famous for its mammoth bull statue that was carved from a single boulder. Legend has it that the temple was built to appease a marauding bull that stole local crops, and that the offering was effective with the bull subsequently leaving the area. Since then, local farmers have held an annual festival to express their gratitude.
• The Maha Bodhi Society Temple (see 'learn' section) is a relatively new structure, with the main shrine built as a replica of the historic stupa at Bodh Gaya. The temple grounds are very peaceful, and visitors are welcome to stroll around. In addition, the temple houses an excellent library of books on Buddhism, many of which are in English.
• The Iskcon Temple, built on a hillock atop scenic surroundings, the Hare Krishna temple is a perfect blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony. The huge cultural complex was built to promote vedic culture and spiritual learning. The annual Krishna and Balarama Rath Yatra is attended by thousands.
• Gavi Gangadeshwara Cave Temple, was built by Kempe Gowda. This temple with four remarkable monolithic pillars is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple also has a rare idol of Agni god of fire. The annual festival is on Makara Shankranti and thousands of devotees flock to see the suns rays fall on the Shivlinga.
• VenkataramanaSwamy Temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. This ancient temple was built by Maharaja Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar and is situated next to the summer palace of Tipu Sultan.
• Dodda Ganapathi - one of the oldest temples in Bangalore.

Parks

• Cubbon Park. A 121 ha (300 acre) green lung in the center of the city. Sitting in the shade of one its many magnificent trees and watching towering bamboo sway in the breeze, it is hard to imagine that you in the heart of a metropolis of over 6.0 million people and one of the world's most dynamic and fastest growing cities. There is also a toy train offering children's rides.

Lal Bagh glass house

• Lumbini Gardens. A new attraction in Bangalore. It is located near hebbal flyover and is on the lake front of Nagarvala lake. It has been recently developed with a grant of Rs 10 crore. Major attractions of the park include boat rides, wave pool and children's garden.
• Wonder La Amusement park. A new attraction in Bangalore. It is India's biggest amusement and water part which belongs to V-Guard firm. This park boasts of several rides(both ground & water). This is one of the best spots to visit in Bangalore, which en dazzles in good quality. It is located in the outskirts of the city off Mysore Road.
• The Lal Bagh. A meticulously cared for garden located on the southern fringes of the city. Throughout its 97 ha (240 acre), there are lotus ponds, fountains, glass houses and stone formations that date back over 3.0 billion years. Described as the most romantic garden in India, it was laid during the 18th century by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. There is a small entrance fee.

Do

• Experience the Bangalore pub scene, mostly around MG Road, Brigade Road, and Church Street.
• Go shopping at Banglore's famous malls and traditional markets, though leave your car as it's almost impossible to find a parking spot over weekends. Some of the more popular malls in Bangalore are 'The Forum,' 'Garuda Mall' and 'Bangalore Central.'
• Try your hand at go-karting.
• Attend a wonderful outdoor concert at Palace Grounds.
• Enjoy the unique shopping experience on Sampige Road at Malleswaram in the traditional south Indian styled shops.
• Visit the beautiful lakes in Bangalore."ulsoor lake" and "sankey tank" offer an enriching, pleasant experience.

Theater

There is a theater hall located in J. P. Nagar, called Rangashankara. 36/2/, 8th Cross, J.P. Nagar, 2nd Phase. Tel: 26592777 or 26494656. Tickets range between Rs. 45 – 100. Usually the evening shows start at 7:30 pm. The theater hall management is very strict about starting time. They will not let you in even one minute after the show has started, so make sure you plan to arrive at least 4-5 minutes earlier. You will not be allowed to bring in any drinks or refreshments. Many local groups perform there, although more often shows are presented by travelling groups touring around India. Quality of the performances varies, but most plays are worth seeing, especially the ones by Indian playwrights and / or directors, as they can show you an "Indian" (or let's say "non-western") perspective. You can visit Rangashankara's website for information on what plays are running. Shows are in various languages, so it is a good idea to double-check whether the play is in English before buying / reserving (“blocking”) tickets.

Movies

Take in a movie at one of the innumerable theaters around the city, splurge at the PVR Gold Class Cinema in Forum Mall or Inox theatre in Garuda Mall. Nani Cinematheque has film series almost every weekend programmed by local film clubs, like Collective Chaos and the Bangalore Film Society. A club membership (around Rs 500/year) is typically required for entrance. The Alliance Francaise and Goethe Institute also host frequent foreign film series and cultural events.

Spa

The professionals of India's "silicon city" work and play hard, and massages and spa treatments are easily available in Bangalore. Visitors might need a little respite from the roaring traffic and fast-paced lifestyle too. Spas are very much a part of Bangalore's East-meets-West culture, and new ones spring up across the city all the time. Among the best is SPA.ce on Cunningham Road, run by an ex-pat Brit. It's best to book in advance for this spa but the colonial-style decor alone is worth the trip.

Learn

Kannada

STUB: Need to add links, classes which teach kannada to outsiders (Indian or Foreigners). Kannada English Dictionary : [2] Utility Phrases in Kannada : [3]Kannada Classes in Bangalore : Please contact Sh. BV Raghavan at 9448878569. He teaches Kannada regularly at specific places like Hosmat Hospital near Mayo Hall etc. Excerpted from the excellent link: [4]

Buddhism

• The Maha Bodhi Society, 14 Kalidasa Road, Gandhinagar, +91 80 2250684, (mahabodhi@vsnl.com), [5], has a very active temple in Bangalore. There are teachings on the Dharma in English on the first two and last Sundays of every month from 9:30-11:30AM, while on the 3rd Sunday there is a meditation retreat. Anyone is welcome to attend. The temple also has a good library and a beautiful garden - a great place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis outside.

• Choe Khor Sum Ling (CKSL), Ashwini, No. 24, First Floor, Domlur Layout, Tel: 080 41486497 (email: admin@choekhorsumling.org), [6]. Tibetan Buddhist Meditation & Study Center is located in Domlur near Shanti Sagar Hotel on Airport Road. CKSL is a center for the study and practice of Mahayana Buddhism following the lineage and example of Lord Buddha. The Center, whose name means 'The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma' was founded in 2003 by Lama Zopa Rinpoche under the guidance of HH the XIVth Dalai Lama. The Center offers courses in various Buddhist meditation techniques and teachings on different aspects of tBuddhism. Teachings are offered free to the public and are conducted in English or in Tibetan (with translation in English). In addition to regular teachings every few weeks the Center invites senior Lamas to give talks on important aspects of the Buddhist path. Such talks are also accompanied by instructions and initiations by the Lama into different meditation practices.

IT Education

• There are many IT training companies in the city that cater to the needs of the Knowledge hungry. Check what they have to offer and the kind of hands-on training they provide. Avoid companies that put out flyers, as they usually do not provide quality training.

Science and Stuff

Bangalore is famous for its innumerable educational and research institutes. The India Institute of Science, [7] , set in sprawling grounds, is the largest and best in India. It does cutting-edge research on almost any topic imaginable. Also, there are other places like JNCASR (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research), the various veternary and agriculture universities, the University of Bangalore, and NCBS (National Centre for Biological Sciences). There is also the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, which conducts two sky-gazing shows daily, and conducts many exhibitions and workshops by / for children. More information can be found at http://www.taralaya.org/.

Other places include the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, DRDO Defence Research and Devlopment Org.), ISRO Satellite Centre, Raman Research Institute, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Centre for Airborne Systems Studies and Analysis, Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre, Gas Turbine Research Establishment, Central Power Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), CSIR Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation (CMMACS), Indian institute of Management - Bangalore (IIM -B), Indian Institute of Information Technology - Bangalore (IIIT-B), Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Science.

In short, Bangalore is the place to go to in India for post-graduation (graduate studies) or higher.

Work

Non-Indians

With a little hard work and persistence finding a job is quite possible in Bangalore. Most of the available positions are in the IT field but not necessarily IT based. Several ex-pats do marketing, quality assurance, accent training and translation among other things. All jobs in India require either a business or employment visa which must be obtained abroad and sponsored by the hiring company. In general, the salary is very high compared to the local Indian wage. Internships in general, pay around Rs.10000-Rs.15000 per month while full-time jobs average between Rs.30000-Rs.50000 per month plus flights and housing. The best resource for jobs is through the expat community. Ask around but a good place to meet people are at the Sunday brunches at the 5 Star hotels or the numerous coffee shops in the MG Road area.

Buy

Handicraft

• The Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium, 45 M G Road, +91 80 2558-1118, is a large store, offering a wide selection of some of Karnataka's best hand made products. The carvings made of Mysore sandalwood are an especially good buy.
• Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE), M G Road - A government run store promoting traditional Indian hand crafts. The CCIE has major outlets in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai.
• Royal Arts & Crafts, 21 K.H. Road, +91 80 2248-4797 has a particularly wide selection of silk carpets and paper mache products.
• Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation, 45 K.S.H.D.C Complex, M.G.Road, +91 80 2558-1118 - specializes in Karnataka handicraft.

Books

• The Strand book stall, 1st Floor, Manipal Centre, Dickenson Road, +91 80 2558-0000, [8]. Best known for the latest releases in art, design, architecture and all at good prices.
• Gangarams, 72 M G Road, +91 80 2558-6743, +91 80 2558-7277. Four floors crammed with books makes this book store one of the largest (as well the most organized) book store in India.
• Crossword, ACR Towers, Opp. Gateway Hotel, Residency Road, 91-80-25582411 - 16 A hot spot for books of various genres combined with seating areas, spacious racks- music and movie section, children's section and a coffee sho- this proves to be a wonderful hangout to read, browse and shop.
• Higginbothams, 68 M G Road, +91 80 2558-7359, +91 80 2558-6574 - a good selection of maps, postcards, guides and novels
• Premier Book Shop, 46/1 Church Street (off M G Road), +91 80 2558-8570. Is a venerable Bangalore institution that has books on every conceivable subject literally stacked from floor to ceiling. Although the store may appear to be utterly chaotic, the owner knows where every piece of his stock lies - just be careful with those elbows, a slight nudge and the whole place will come tumbling down!
• Landmark, In Forum Mall on Luskar Hosur Road, Koramangala, +91 80 2206-7777 / 78 / 80 - a modern bookshop. A good place to pick up the most recent publications. Various household appliances; CDs and DVDs of music albums, computer and video games (the quality varying from time-to-time) and movies can also be found on the next floor.
• Blossoms, near Coconut Grove Restaurant, Church Street (parallel to MG Road),+91 80-2559733,+91 80-25320400 - For those rare- hard to get old books, there are 3 full floors of them- all second hand- good condition and at low rates. You definitely won't leave disappointed.
• Select Bookshop, off Brigade Road Behind Curzon Court Hotel, Brigade Road - Used to be the only old bookstore. Mr Murthy, who runs the bookstore, is one of the most knowledgeable people. His grandfather started the bookstore. He also has a collection of lithographs, stained glass paintings and collectors copies of antique books.
• Oxford Book Store, At the Leela Galleria (next to Hotel Leela Palace) - Has some of the latest collection of books and magazines but, doesn't offer any discounts. It has a Cha Bar attached offering 69 blends of tea.
• Tata Book House, At the Indian Institute of Science, Malleswaram - Has a large collection of technical books, on which it offers a flat 20 percent discount. Lots of books in a small place. Also worth visiting just because it is in IISc.
• Bangalore Book shop,on 17th cross,Margosa Road Malleswaram has a wide range of books on Technical and other books spread over 5000 sq fts.This is one of the best places to buy books in Malleswaram. This is owned by the same people who run Tata Book House, above.
• Streelekha, This is a great bookstore to explore the feminist literature and activism that is being produced in India, as well as other texts on the research and work of Indian NGOs. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting. The bookstore is located at 33/1-9, Thyagaraja Layout in Jaibharath Nagar, telephone: 91 80 25492783.
• Sapna Book House, [9] This is a large bookstore on 3rd Main road, near Kamat Yatri Nivas, Gandhi Nagar (Walking distance from Majestic Bus stand). They also have branches in three other locations Sadashivnagar, Jayanagar, and Indiranagar. Sapna Book House also provides online book delivery through http://www.sapnaonline.com.
• Fusion Rental, First time in Bangalore, Company offering a service of online renting of books & movies. Vast collection of both books & movies at one place. Free Pick up & Delivery all over Bangalore. http://www.fusionrental.com
• The Bookworm, This is a small used book store in one of the by-lanes perpendicular to Brigade Road (near McDonalds). Good bargains on used and new books are available here.
• Elloor Library, A circulating library that has a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, including new titles. Located at Blue Cross Chambers on Infantry Road, close to Commercial Street. Requires membership which includes a deposit.

Shopping

Bangalore provides wide range of options for shoppers. One can buy many things ranging from silk saree and latest clothings to hi-fi electronic goods and latest vehicles. Being IT city, Bangalore provides all kind of services but one might find things to be costlier.

Many visitors come to Bangalore searching only for sandalwood carvings and silk sarees and so miss out on the true Bangalore shopping experience. Here is a low down on shopping - Bangalore style:

The M.G Road/Brigade Road area is the most popular place for tourists, and these two roads are filled with shops of every kind, whether it be traditional handicrafts or the latest western wear (this is especially true for Brigade Road).

Bannerghatta Road a tiresome approach it used to be (sounds yodaish)...but now it's much better..and you have 'Grasshopper' a space that exhibits clothing design from the most experimental designers in India and also showcases other ideas - lighting design, products, theatre, music - an open space for expression! and if that's too boring, you can keep driving and you have a thousand ways that you can take to enjoy the wildlife and the myriad resevoirs strewn across the area - you can still find your very own private haven. Enjoy

Brigade Road was used to be where once British soldiers bought their necessities. How things have changed! Today Brigade road is the centre of yuppie Bangalore, you'll see hordes of college students on the road anytime of day or night. Some of the stores on Brigade Road include: Planet M (a huge music store with everything), Louis Phillipe, Pepe Jeans, Levis,Lee, SanFrisco Jeans, Nike, Titan (great Indian made watches) just to name a few... There are also many eateries on either side of the roads and on the side roads that lead of Brigade road, so that you can refuel yourself for shopping! There are your fast food outlets: KFC (right at the entrance), Pizza Hut at the other end of the road and many cafes including the Indian Coffee Chain Cafe Coffee Day.Also includes a Tattoo parlor.

Commercial Street a legacy of the British is another shopping mecca that sells international brands (similar to Brigade road) along side locally produced items. Commercial Street has more of a bazaar feel than Brigade Road. In addition, it is famous for its tattoo and body piercing centers. The price of goods here is very competitive and it is a great place to pick a bargain.

Malls in India are a recent phenomenon, the first opened back in 1999, since then there has been a boom with malls around every corner in large cities (now also in smaller cities). Bangalore is no exception! Here is list of the major Malls in Bangalore, but beware that there are at least a dozen in the planning and construction stages!

Forum MallThe Forum on Hosur road is in the upmarket suburb of Koramangla, fast becoming a key shopping hub in Bangalore. Again like other shopping areas, you can find anything at the Forum, high international brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Swarovski Crystals to traditional Indian Khadi clothing at the Khadder. Other brands with outlets include: United Colours of Bennetton (much cheaper here than in the west), Pepe Jeans U.K, William Penn, Wrangler Jeans, Weekender and of course Nike. The Forum incorporates the clothing from international brands as well as haute couture boutiques including: Mustard, Isis, B and the Chai shop. For books head straight to Landmark and huge store has everything from books to perfumes and music. On the top floor of the mall you will find a PVR multiplex comprising 11 cinemas. For eating there is everything, Fast food (KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Subway) Cafe Coffee Day and a food court with world cuisines including: Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican and Italian and Indian. Not to be missed is the Indian cusine at Sahib Sindh Sultan and the British style pub, Firangi Pani. So that is a forum for all your shopping needs under one roof! Its just a must see, especially the outside.

Garuda MallLocated on the corner of McGrath and Commissariat Roads, is the newest mall in Bangalore. This Mall is definitely catered to the upper class of Indian society. Many of the same brands as Forum are available as well as some that are not. One of the major draw points of this mall is that it houses the Indian department chain store: Shoppers Stop, which once stood across the road as a separate building but is now part of this new mall. The Mall also houses a INOX cinema multiplex on the top floor.

Bangalore CentralOpened around the same as the Forum, Bangalore Central is more of a large department store than a mall with separate retailers. It still is must visit for shoppers in Bangalore. It is located in city centre on the corner of M.G and Residency Roads (Opposite Mayo Hall), so unlike the Forum it is walkable distance to the main M.G/Brigade Roads shopping area. It has a huge range of everything (like department stores in the west), clothing (Indian and Western brands), electronics, perfumes, accessories as well as a supermarket on the top floor and food court plus a Cafe Coffee Day. They have a altering service with in the store and can be done in two hours depending on the rush.

Safina PlazaIs sale central in Bangalore, located on Infantry Road. Every week there is sale going on of any type. One week it might be home furnishings and the next men's wear. Good place to find some bargains. Many exhibitions are also held here, although there are retailers (Dockers, Lee Jeans, Titan too name a few) here too. So for quiet shopping come here (much less crowded than the other malls). Its best to visit during end of season sales (summer, monsoon) or during festivals (New Year, Christmas, Ganesh Chaturthi).

Sampige Road,Malleswaram Tired of going to mall, and indulging in window shopping.Try Sampige (a flower name) Road. Sampige Road is the heart of Malleswaram and connects Sheshadripuram to IISc.Sampige Road is around 2 km, has a wide range of shops that sells books, electronic items, silk sarees, handicrafts, cloth materials, Hindu pooja materials, sweets and all the trivial things you can buy on earth. Also try Malleswaram 8th cross on Sampige road(aptly named Brigade Road of Malleswram) for a vibrant shopping experience.Sampige Road is also home to best flower market and fruits market in Bangalore. If you are tired of going to individual shops you can go for the best departmental stores in Bangalore like Fabmall, foodworld, Nilgiris.

Marathahalli Main Road and Factory OutletsLocated a distance from central Bangalore (although not difficult to reach), is Marathahalli (a village in a previous life). The main road of this suburb is now a haven for factory outlets for all major brands: Nike, Adidas, Pepe Jeans, Killer Jeans, Louis Phillipe, Levi's, Reebok etc.. You can expect prices here to be cheaper than in the Malls, at least 20-30% price difference but can be up to 50% cheaper when it comes to some of the major denim brands! As if India wasn't cheap enough. Although this is the best place to go to for factory outlet shopping, there are smaller factory outlets scattered across the city. Also look out for sales held by the major brands to get rid of end of season stock (again end of summer or end of monsoon), these are usually advertised in newspapers or look for signs posted on major roads.

Metro shopping mall Near Yashwanthpura railway station and ISKON temple.

Lifestyle near Globus/Garuda Mall

This two-storey store is located in the heart of the new mall shopping district with malls like Garuda Mall, Bangalore Central and Globus, all within easy walking distance and was one of the most coveted stores until the malls came along. It's an easy place to go shopping when you don't want too many options to confuse you or when you're tired and don't want to visit too many shops - you can get everything under one roof here. Good for clothes, cosmetics, watches, jewellery, shoes etc. You also get stylish furniture and other home and living items for a decent price.

ARNAV- The quaint little jewellery store located at Ashoka Pillar,Jayanagar makes for very interesting jewellery buys, a range of antique,restored,contemporary and fusion jewellery are on display.They could help you design a piece of jewellery to suit your needs,an in house jewellery consultant could help you choose your jewellery.They could be reached at www.arnav.in,Tel:2656 8416/99860 01216.

Music and Movies

• Habitat, "Movies and Music" - Church Street, Off Brigade Road is tiny compared to other retail music/movie stores, but its a delight for lovers of good music especially Jazz. Also doubles up as a DVD Rental store with a prized collection of movie DVDs from around the world. Its worth getting a membership even if you're going to stick around only for a couple of weeks!

Eat

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	Under Rs 150
Mid-range	Rs 150-500
Splurge	Over Rs 500

Bangalore is far from the sea, hence if you have a sensitive stomach and are new to the Indian cuisine you should stay away from seafood and fish in Bangalore.

Budget

Bangalore literally has hundreds of fast food joints serving south Indian vegetarian food. They usually are identified with small round steel tables and diners standing around them having food. Dosas, idlis, vada's, curd rice, Vegetable Pulao, rice with sambar, lemon rice are usually standard fare. Quality widely varies, since most of them cater to working people.

• Dumma's Multi-Cuisine. #18/1C, Bellandur Road, Off Sarjapur Road, Bangalore-560037, Ph: 9945150909/9945050909, [10], We Serve North-Indian, Tandoori, Chinese Food. For Free Home Delivery Call - 9945150909 / 9945050909 in and around Sarjapur, Bellandur, Marthalli Ring-Road, Koramangala, HSR Layout. Close to Wipro, Intel, Accenture, Sun City, Sobha, Akme Harmony & Kristal Apartments in south of Bangalore. We take Party and Catering orders.
• Anupams Coastal Express ,Shivanand Circle .. If you want to taste some real good sea food , you ought to go to this place. They make fantastic fish dishes . Neer Dosa with Chicken Pulimunchi ,Kori Roti and Chicken Ghee Roast are some things you really cant miss.
• Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR), 11 Lal Bagh Road, +91 80 2222-0022, +91 80 2222-1706. One of the very old traditional breakfast places in Bangalore. There are a few people who have been having their breakfast at MTR everyday for the past 15 years. Expect a long wait on weekends. Traditional 12 course Karnataka lunches are also available here for around Rs.80 per head. Advance reservations recommended at weekends.
• New Shanti Sagar. This is an especially good chain of south Indian restaurants. Branches scattered all over the city, notably in Koramangala 80ft road, Jayanagar, Domlur, etc. Rs 50-200.
• The Adiga's chain of restaurants to the south of Bangalore. Prominent among them are the joints located in: Jayanagar 4th Block, take the road facing BHS First Grade College, Basavanagudi. Here is the list: Adiga's Park 585,10th Main,42nd cross,5th Block Jayanagar. 2. Adiga's Foodline,502,40th Cross,8th block. 3. Adiga's Delicacy,105,Dickenson's road,Manipal Centre. 4. Adiga's Majestic, Next to Fkcci Bldg, KG Road. 5. Adiga's Nalapaka, Opp.to HSBC Complex,Bannerghatta, Arikere
• Sree Krishna joint a little further from the road connecting Lalbagh Westgate with Basavanagudi.
• SLV chain of restaurants. Prominent among them are located in:Banashankari 2nd Stage, opposite BDA park and the one in J.P.Nagar 2nd Phase near Ragigudda Temple
• Vidhyarthi Bhavan, just off Gandhi Bazar in Basavanagudi - A gastronomic haven - offering some of the best Masala Dosa in the world! This quaint little place is so famous that it has not even bothered to change it's age old sign board (who needs it anyway, the aroma wafting through the air is a good enough indication that you are in the vicinity of the place)!!! Get there early for a breakfast, there's always a bee-line for places to sit.
• Hotel Janatha, 8th Cross Road, Malleswaram - Makes some of the best Vada Sambhar and Masala Dosa in town.
• Corner House, Residency Road (2558-3262), BTM Road, Koramangala (Off 80ft Road), Airport Road (Arlton Towers), Marthahalli (Whitefield Road) is one of the best ice cream parlours offering a variety of treats. Their famed 'Death by Chocolate' (popularly known as DBC) is a must for all chocolate lovers and has attained a cult status.
• Central Tiffin Room (a.k.a CTR), Margosa Road, Malleswaram - Another landmark hotel, dishing out some divine 'Benne Masala Dosa', which literally melts in the mouth.
• Upahara Darshini, on DVG road, Basavanagudi. Another of Bangalore's new found Darshinis dishing out top notch Masala Dosa and Vada Sambhar
• Lake View Milk Bar, MG Road. Tel: +91 80 2558-7410 - excellent ice creams, club sandwiches and burgers.
• McDonalds, Forum Mall - Don't expect to find any beef items.
• Shiv Sagar, Narayan Pillai Street, Off Commercial Street. Tel: +91 80 509-8892 - Don't get put off by the location! It's a great place to eat.
• Coconut Grove, Church Street - try the appams and Kerala parottas with a chicken source dish. Their lunch offer for 80rs is also really good.
• Koshy's, St. Marks Road (below Church St). A Bangalore institution, serving a smattering of Western favorites (like fish and chips) along with the usual South Indian fare in a bohemian-for-India atmosphere. Warning: prices have risen considerably in recent years. On weekends, they serve up greasy Western-style breakfast, including omelettes and Bombay (i.e., French) Toast. Appam and Stew is their Sunday breakfast special and a must eat. Turn right at the entrance for the more expensive (and decidedly less charming) AC room. Rs 50-200.
• KC Das, St. Marks Road and Church St. The most famous Bengali sweets shop in Bangalore. Stop here for infinite variations on rasgullah.
• Udupi Garden, 16th Main BTM Layout. Simple Udupi restaurant. Serves very good south indian dishes at nominal prices. Also serves north indian food.
• Nandini, the Andhra fast food chain serves some excellent biriyani and chicken dishes
• Shezan, on Lavelle Road and Cunningham Road, +91 80 22249319 +91 80 22249667 +91 80 22287895 +91 80 22262195, proposes Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines with a good menu choice where beef, fish, prawn, mutton and chicken meat are available.

Mid-Range

• HOT WOK - #297,100 Feet Road, Indra Nagar. "HOT WOK. It's not a restaurant, it's a way of life."
• 100ft Restaurant - 100 Feet Road, Indra Nagar. westernized cooking, but notably better than any other pasta serving restaurant in the area. The restaurant is a bit of a hybrid, as a store/restaurant. rs 300-500
• Ebony, MG Road. On the 13th floor of the tallest building on MG Road, this stylish eatery offers excellent evening views of the city. Service is a bit slow, but the ambience makes it worth the wait. Book ahead for a terrace seat. Rs 200-400
• Little Italy, 100 Ft Road, Indiranagar. A chic italian vegetarian restaurant, faddish and over priced. Sometimes the staff switches off air conditioning if the tables are less than half-filled!
• Mainland China, Church Street (near Museum Road), +91 80 2227-7722, 2224-5864. Upscale Chinese food. OK food and good service. Serving lunch buffet. The one at St. Mark's Road is closed. Rs 100-500.
• Sahib Sindh Sultan, Address:Level 2, Forum Mall, Hosur Road, Koramangala, Phone: 22067878 Train-themed restaurant with a delicious, upscale menu. Expect a long wait. Or book ahead and roam around the mall or grab a few drinks from the adjoining Firangi Paani. Rs 150-500
• Samarkand, Gem Plaza, 66, Infantry Road (East of Central St), +91 80 4111-3366. North West frontier food (i.e., kebabs, Afghani) in a kitschy atmosphere but the food is great. You will need to book on weekends. Rs 300-600.
• Shiok Far-eastern Cuisine, 2nd Floor, #12 CMH Road, Indiranagar (next to Citibank ATM), +91 80 4116-1800, [11]. This restaurant offers the some of the most authentic South East Asian/Thai food in Bangalore. Rs 150-500
• T.G.I Friday's, Carlton Towers & Airport Road - Don't expect cheap Indian prices. But Happy Hours (1 + 1 free on alcoholic beverages) in the evening should make up for that.
• Pinx, Manipal center (off MG Road). A great place for Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. Rs 200-400 per head.
• Canopy , PU Building, M.G.Road,This restaurant is an open air paradise bang in the middle of the city and serves authentic North Indian food and also has a multi cuisine menu. Cooking techniques date back to the independence era offering the unique taste. Rs.100-500
• Le Rock Pub Cafe, Rest House Road, (off Brigade Road), +91 80 41231001, Hot Coffee to chilled Kingfisher beer on the tap awesome cocktails and even hand rolled Havana Cigars from Salads, Sandwiches, Jacket Baked Potatoes to Entree's. LRC also offers an Oxy Bar Bangalore's first. A must for every tourist visiting this city. Affordable prices.

Splurge

• Blue Ginger, Race Course Road (in the Taj West End). This high-end Vietnamese restaurant has a beautiful setting and excellent food. You may be shocked by the bill, though. Just next door to Blue Bar.
• Cafe Mozaic, 41/3 MG Road (in the Taj Residency). Western-style dining in a casual atmosphere with some pool-side seating. Sundays before 3:30 PM, there is an all-you-can-eat/drink champagne brunch for Rs 1000.
• Grasshopper, 45 Kalena Agrahara, Bannerghata Road, +91 80 2659-3999 (+91 98 4545-2646). Freshly prepared seven course meal served on the table. Reservation required. Closed on mondays. Prix fixe.
• Leela Palace has several upscale restaurants. All-you-can-eat/drink brunch on Sunday is Rs 2000.
• Sunny's at Embassy Diamante, 34, Vittal Mallya Road. +91 80 5132 9366/ +91 80 5132 9391/ +91 80 2212 0496. About Rs. 1,200 for a three-course meal for two, excluding drinks. Among the best restaurants in Bangalore. Try the excellent range of starters with fantastic sauces (salads are fine here!) and the Pasta with a bottle of Grovers is to die for! Also recommend the Hot sandwiches for a lunch-time feast. Owned by an Indian Film director.

Ethnic

• Tijouri. North Indian restaurant inside the Hotel Atria.
• Kamat Yatrinivas, Gandhinagar. Serves special N Karnataka meals with jowar(Sorghum) rotis. They now have a branch on Bull temple road where they have local artists perform when you have dinner.
• Kadambam. Authentic Iyengar cuisine ranging from Puliogare, Sakkare Pongal, Thayir Sadham, of course Kadambam (which is actually a type of a heavenly concoction of Sambhar and rice, akin to Bisibele Huliyanna), and a wide array of traditional Iyengar sweets. It has two branches, one on Bull Temple Road, near Ramakrishna Ashram and another just off West of Chord road, near Modi eye Hospital in Rajajinagar.

Continental

• Herbs & Spice, Off CMH Road, Behind Domino's. Great desserts.
• Casa Picola, [12] has interesting, tasty Italian and continental food in a casual ambience. An old favourite for many locals, it has a few branches.
• Spiga , 76/A Vittal Mallya Road, +91 80 22996781.
• Friends Fast Food, Jyoti Nivas College Road, Koramangala (300m from Forum). Great Conti food at college prices. Casa Picola fans will like this one.
• Cafe Y, Langford Road (Near Prestige Elgin, Hosur Road-Langford Road junction), +91 80 511-44561. Amazing sizzlers and steaks, nice ambience.
• Indi Joe, 1 Airport Road (Carlton Towers), +91 80 4111-3636, +91 80 4112-1234. Offers fondue, pizza, steak and Mexican food. Their Lunch buffet is good.
• Rendezvous, 80 Ft Road, Koramangala. Near Barista and Maharaja Hotel.
• Fiorano Ristorante/ 63, 100 ft Road, next to sukh sagar, 5th A block, Koramangala. +91 80 25534231. Finest and authentic Italian cuisine in Bangalore. [13]

South Karnataka

• Karavalli, Residency Road (at the Gateway Hotel), +91 80 2558-4545. Mangalorean, Goa, Karwar, and Kerala style cuisine.
• Konkan, 6th cross, 6th Block, Koramangala, +91 80 2552-1530. Mangalorean and Goan style cuisine.
• Vidyarthi Bhavan, 32 Gandhi Bazaar, 91 80 2667-7588. Another very old and traditional breakfast place, exclusively known for its Masala Dosa. Similar to MTR, you can find people who have been having breakfast here since times immemorial.
• The Palms, 33 Church Street (at the Highgates Hotel), +91 80 2559-7172. Mangalorean, Coorgi, and Malabari style. (shut for renovations)
• Janatha Hotel, 8th Cross, Malleshwaram. Another great place, famous for its Butter Masala Dosas and Vadas.
• Halli Mane, 3rd Cross, Malleswaram (close to Malleswaram Circle). Truly authentic and top notch traditional Kannada fare
• Kamath Yatrinivas...Majestic, authentic Mangalorean meals
• Kamath Lookaruchi.... On Mysore Road just before Channapatna...amazing food and ambience.Authentic mangalorean meals
• Upaahara Darshini.... On of the bangalore's oldest food joints. Amazing dosas (pancakes!)

• krishna darshini.. vasavi temple street, basavanagudi offers replicas of mtr's delicacies, damn reasonable
• kudla.. for sea-food, attached to Ramashree comforts serves excellent dishes.

Bengali

• Bangaliana, 355, 1st 'B' Main, 7th Block, Koramangala, (Opp. HDFC Bank) Tel: +91 80 2571-1058 - Authentic Bengali Delicacies (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) Restaurant, Take-away, Catering. Specialities: fish, mutton chicken and, of course, sweets.
• Sonar Bangla, 88/1, Shubh Arcade, 1st floor, 16th Cross, Margosa Road, Malleswaram. Tel: +91 80 336-7622 - The restaurant undertakes orders of authentic Bengali food for gourmets who fancy a whole meal and also delivers it at the doorstep. Fish is considered sacred in the coastal state and is consumed universally. So, all fish lovers can take heart as the non-vegetarian cuisine is delivered, but not served at the restaurant.
• 6 Ballygunge Place, 1F., 612, 12th Main, Indira Nagar (above Café Coffee Day).
• Cinnamon, CMH Road (opp BATA Showroom).
• Bhuchu's, 80ft Road .
• Thontiz, 180ft Road .

Andhra

• Bheemas, Church Street, Off Brigade Road, The 'meals' here are to-die-for! Every dish is crafted to perfection by their cooks in strict Andhra tradition. If you have the penchant for spice this place is meant for you.
• RRs, Off Brigade Road, A renovation of the vintage RRs, the fun doubles here with the double storeyed restaurant, one serving Andhra and the other Hyderabadi cuisines. There's also alcohol, all the more reason to indulge on a saturday afternoon.
• Nagarjuna Chimney,(1) Residency Road, Near Old Galaxy Theatre, (2) Jayanagar 3rd Block, Near ICICI Bank, Possibly have a few more branches elsewehere in Bangalore. The Biryani is almost intoxicating, not to mention their 'meals' which are served ritually on a banana leaf. Reach early for lunch, for, there are hordes in the waiting always.

Tamil

• Krishna Cafe, Koramangala (Opposite China Pearl). Traditional Chennai-style food. Dosas, idlis, idiappam and the like with authentic Tamil sambar and chutney. Do note that this place is vegetarian-only, though.
• Ponnuswamy, Koramangala (near the National Games Village, opposite to Legends of Rock). Authentic south Tamil Nadu food. Try the biryani and sukka fry here - excellent fare! No alcohol or smoking.

Fast Food and Ice Cream Parlors

• U S Pizza, Church Street. Tel: +91 80 2559-9347 - If you are looking for a western tasting pizza this is the closest you get, try lamb-pepperoni.

• Richie Rich Icecream Parlor, With three branches around the city, this icecream parlor has a variety of natural icecreams, softies and many scrumptuous fast food items such as pav bhaji and vada Pav which will leave its customers with a craving for its foods. Try the elvis Presley speciality.. or the traffic Jam or Richie Rich Special. The three locations are on St. Marks R, Airport Rd. and Kumara Park East. Tel: +91 802226-9655.

• Phalaamritha Icecream Parlor, 8th Cross,14/1 West Park Road,Malleswaram Tel:6567 5755

Serves 25 Super Smooth Home-made Ice Cream Flavours along with Health Drinks,Yummy varieties of Kulfi's,Milk Shakes,Ice Tea,Ice Cream Novelties and tasty Chaats.

• Corner House, 1 Airport Road (Carlton Towers). - If you are looking for the best desserts in town. The "brown bomb" and "hot fudge" are a must have. Not a place for calorie counters.

Indian

• Bay Leaf, Raheja Arcade, Opposite Forum Mall, Kormangala - A really nice place with reasonable prices.
• Queens, Church Street, Opposite Amoeba - Small restaurant but great food at reasonable prices.
• D A L F R Y D A Y, Banerghatta Road,near IIM -B, besides HSBC Bank and above Fabmall - Now open, serves very good North Indian non vegetarian cuisine in a fine ambience.
• Rasilas,J P Nagar 7 Block, Close to Brigade Gardenia and Millenium - Nice place with very fine cuisine
• Mast kalander, Bannerghatta Road has some very nice North India cuisine. It is very reasonably priced

Italian

• I-Talia, The Park, M.G. Road. Tel: +91 80 2559-4666 - very expensive
• 100 ft Boutique, 100 ft Road, Indiranagar (after Fab Mall when you are travelling from CMH road side) - the food and drinks are good, but it's a bit pricey.
• Little Italy, Nice vegetarian restaurant in Indira Nagar - little expensive. Good food.
• Via Milano, Near Sony World, Koramangla - Very Expensive authentic Italian food. 3 Course meal for 2 will cost an average of Rs 2000/ (wine not included)

Chinese

• Shanghai Junction, No.8, Sri Sai, 60Ft. Road, G Block, Sahakarnagar, Bangalore - 560 092 ( Behind Big Market) Tel: +91 80 41744477 & 41744488

Kerala

• Claypot, Tippasandra - very tasty
• Malabar Cusine, MARATHA HALLI BRIDGE - very tasty
• Kairali, Near Forum Mall, Koramangala
• MAS, Madiwala, 2-3 km from Koramangala
• Gokulam Mess, GM Palaya, 3 km from Indiranagar
• Kerala Spice, Airport Road, Close to Diamond District
• Hotel Ruchi, Vignan Nagar
• Hotel New Malabar, Near level cross, Kaggadasapura
• Tharavadu, Bommanahalli, On Hosur road after silk board
• Priyam Restaurent, Jagadish Nagar, behind BEML
• The Paramount Restaurant, Koramangala , Near Jyothi nivas college
• Little Home, Koramangala, 80ft road, near Wipro K2 office. - Very good south and central kerala food. Bad service though.

Dhabas

• There are few Dhabas catering to all tastes. Both South and North Indian fare is available at most places and is clean and cheap. A special mention is the green park dhaba on the outskirts on bellary road and Golconda Chimney on the airport road. Try the Chicken Kathi rolls and the Biryani.

Some of the Dhabas in South Bangalore Kanakapura Road 1. Friends 2. Queens court 3. Eden huts 4. Green Park (next to Queens Court)

• Try out Boby-ka-Dhaba near Ulsoor Lake. Take a left turn from MG Road - Trinity Circle and ask for Gurudwara (the Sikh temple). Stop your vehicle and get down. Right next to the Gurudwara is Boby-ka-Dhaba.

Drink

What

• Fresh coconuts are abundant in Bangalore, and the water sipped straight from the nut is a healthy, enjoyable and cheap way to quench the thirst.
• As in many parts of India, the yogurt based drink lassi is readily available in Bangalore. It is served plain or flavored with sugar or fruit, mango being a popular one. Lassi is particularly refreshing on a hot day and is also very effective in cooling and calming the stomach after an overly-spicy meal.
• Fresh lime soda, which is offered "sweet or salt".
• Kingfisher is the most popular and widely available beer in Bangalore. It is typically sold in 650 ml bottles, suitable for sharing between two or three people. Note: Indian beer may contain the additive glycerol, which can cause headaches.

Where

Cafes

• Cake Walk - #297,100 Feet Road, Indra Nagar. Tasty and Yummy desserts Cake Walk location
• Cafe Coffee Day - Can be found all over Bangalore. Cafe Coffee Day locations in Bangalore
• Barista - Can be found all over Bangalore. Barista locator
• Coffee World - Can be found all over Bangalore. Coffee World locations

The three places above are India's answer to Starbucks and serve snacks, teas, other drinks & coffee of exceptional quality.

• Coffee Workers Co-op - M.G. Road - a venerable Bangalore institution, with waiters in traditional uniforms and customers slowly savoring the age-old tradition of coffee drinking - though there are just two choices of coffee: black or white.Have some delightful "masala dosa" here.

Pubs and bars

Bangalore is home to numerous pubs and bars - earning it the epithet the Pub City of India. Note that due to recent police crackdowns, pubs close at 11:30 p.m. in most cases.

Budget

Most bars and pubs in the city are somewhat upscale, but many inexpensive restaurants serve beer.and good quality food

Mid-range

• Pecos, Rest House Road (off Brigade Road). This 60's retro pub (a mural of Jerry Garcia greets you at the door) is often crowded on all three floors, including the pleasant roof-top seating area. Free popcorn with every pitcher of beer. Cards are available for frequent customers which make every tenth pitcher of beer free, but you may have to ask several times in order to acquire one and to get it updated.
• Bear Joint Pub (aka BJP), Indira Nagar
• Nasa, Church Street.
• Tavern at The Inn, Museum Road.
• Styx (next to Cauvery Handicrafts on M.G. Road) - known for its heavy metal and hard rock music. 'Happening' nights are Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• Purple Haze, Residency Road. Popular for the classic rock that's played there. Now there is a new Purple Haze off Hosur Road, Koramangala (close to Jyothi Niwas College).
• Sparks,Brigade Road extension, next to Brigade Towers.
• Ego's, Castle Street, off Brigade Road.
• J'Cubez, Banshankari 2nd Stage, opp. BDA complex - For all those rock lovers
• The Bunker, off Residency Road.
• Legends of Rock, 80ft Road, 6th Block,Koramangala.+91 80 41303232. The only pub in Bangalore that lives up to its name. Watch the Legends perform on large format TV's. Its more than a pub its an experience.
• Dewars, next to cantonment railway station - beautifull old bunglow.... slow but charming service (you don't need to order drinks - just buy the bottle!) - excellent tapas kind of food (primarily carnivorous and hell! spicy)no music!...thank god you can actually talk with the people you go out with - might just disappear very soon!
• Opus, Palace Cross Road, near Sankey Road, +91 80 23442580, [14]. A chilled-out, ex-pat friendly lounge with a large outdoor space. Has karaoke on most Sundays and Wednesdays (Kroaknights) as well as regular live music and DJ dance nights. You may need to book ahead on theme nights.
• SOS and Bull n Bush 4th Floor, Garuda Mall,
• Sultanate Of Swing:',' Free entry, mainly plays Rock, Retro, Heavy Metal and has a Video DJ.
• Bull n Bush: Rs.500/- cover Charge, Plays Hip Hop, House and Occasionally Trance.
• Le Rock Pub Cafe, Rest House Road (off Brigade Road)+91 8041231001. The latest watering hole in Bangalore. Rock music across the board screened on large Plasma panels; every song can not only be heard but seen as well. Coffee, Kingfisher beer, cocktails, food and Bangalore's first oxy bar. Open from 10 AM to 11.30 PM.
• Windsor Pub Just Off Mount Carmel's in Kodava Samaja Building, Vasanth Nagar. A small place which serves only beer. Serves good food and nice for a family outing. But only limited tables!!

Splurge

Most hotels have spiffy bars with every imaginable concoction of drinks available.

• 13th Floor, Barton Center, M.G Road. Make a reservation.
• Aura, Cunningham Road
• Blue Bar, Race Course Road - Usually open past midnight. On weekends you need to buy drink-tickets for 1500 rs to enter. Excellent drinks if you make sure Joel makes them. Officially they have a couple's only policy. Spontaneous dancing likely next to the bar.
• Cosmo Village, Magrath Road, has 3 floors (including seating on the terrace). Lounge music played most of the time. This place is a hit with people from foreign countries (mainly European).
• F-Bar (Fashion Bar - a theme bar by FTV) inside Le Meridien
• Fuga The best place for House Music lovers, Richmond Town.
• Firangi Paani, Forum Mall, Koramangala.
• Geoffrey's, Airport Road (Royal Orchid). Really nice place.
• Hint, 5th Floor Bangalore Central, M.G Road. Tuesdays is ladies night (couples permitted).
• iBar, Park Hotel, M.G Road
• Spinn, just next to Brigade road circle. Closes early at 23.30. You have to pay a cover charge of 500rs to enter. Attention! - Saturdays is a party goers energy paradise with full-on house and some hip hop towards the end.
• Taika, Church Street (off Brigade Road) - Usually open past midnight and has a huge dance floor. 3 bars and a lounge area. Entrance varies each night.
• Tuscan Verve (off Brigade Road).

Sleep

Due to demand vastly outstripping supply, good hotels in Bangalore are insanely expensive — with average rates pushing US$500/night, it's possibly the most expensive city on Earth to a businessman expecting a Western-style experience to sleep in. Fortunately prices at the lower end of the spectrum are rather more reasonable.

Budget

• Ajantha, 22 MG Road. Good simple hotel with veggie restaurant. Tel:+91 80 2558-4321.
• Royal Lodge, S. C. Road (Next to Kapali theater),Clean rooms and convenient to the city’s local transports like the City bus station and the City Railway Station. Tel:+91 080 2226-6951 Web:royallodge
• Sri Rama Krishna Hotel (good, cheap hotel) - in the "Majestic Area" near City Rail and Bus Station. Rs.450 (close to $10) per night will get you a very secure single with morning Freezing cold water, tea/coffee TV, phone in room and a good views if on upper floor (request). However, if you have a problem with cockroaches, then you'll probably want to look else where. Also, make sure you bring mosquito netting as there are vents that are impossible to close. The hotel also has a very popular, large restaurant serving South Indian food. - closed for renovation in late August 2006.
• Shree Vaishnav Gujarati Samaj (good, very cheap staying for gujaratis) - just behind "Majestic Area" Nr Sapna cinema, Kempe Gowda circle - a secure and decent place to stay if you are there for a day or two. Costs only 50 rs for a day / bed. A nice canteen just inside the place with gujarati food available. In the vicinity there is another good place available for fast food / lunch named "SLV". Good value for money.
• UG Deluxe (Majestic) Thulsi Thotta, need to get down by the small road opposite to Upparpet Police station and next to Navruchi restaurant, then take right and then immediate left on a small lane and at the end of it take right and you will see the lodge on your right. You may want to take an auto instead of walking down if you are going after a rainy day as your shoes will catch up dirt. Non-A/C rooms cost around Rs. 550 (approx. $13), A/C rooms may cost a Rs. 200 ($5) more than that.
• YMCA, Nrupathunga Road (near Cubbon Park), no-frills hotel. Tel:+91 80 2221-1848
• Others around Majestic, If you are free for an hour, you can just go around the Majastic theatre and the Kempe Gowda Bus Station and look for a budget hotel yourself, as there are many on small streets and roads around this place. Or, you can even trust TO SOME EXTENT a broker who is volunteerly offering you help, but be sure you take a clean look of the rooms before you pay any money to the lodge and the broker.

Mid-range

• Hotel Vrindavan - Located just off M.G. Road.very near to M. G. Road/Brigade Road junction (Also called cauvery handicraft junction). Nice hotel for lodging & great south indian food.

• Church Street Inn - 46,1-1 Church Street (Opposite Night Watchman Pub. Tel: +91 80 30577190 Web: www.churchstreetinn.in The hotel Church Street Inn is. Complementary wi-fi access and an in house library from Dr. Seuss to Dostoyevsky! Friendly and "intelligent staff".

Splurge

• Grand Ashok Hotel, Kumara Krupa High Grounds. Tel:+91 80 22-2404-2211 (9 lines). Email: mailto:grandashok@nivalink.com [15]
• Taj Residency Hotel], 41/3 MG Road. Tel:+91 80 5660-4444. Email: mailto:residency.bangalore@tajhotels.com [16]. Besides the Leela, this is considered the Best Business Hotel in India.
• Chancery Pavilion, Residency Road. Nice business hotel, good service and food. About $200 US
• Park Hotel, 14/7 MG Road. Tel:+91 80 2559-4666. Email: mailto:resv.blr@theparkhotels.com [17]
• ITC Windsor Sheraton Hotel, Sankey Road, [18]
• Oberoi Hotel, 37-39 MG Road. Tel:+91 80 2558-5858. [19]
• Taj West End Hotel, Race Course Road. Tel:+91 80 5660-5660. Email: mailto:westend.bangalore@tajhotels.com [20]
• Leela Palace Kempinski, Tel:+91 80 2521-1234. Email: mailto:bangaloresales@theleela.com . [21]. The Leela has been voted 'The Best Business Hotel in the World' by Conde Naste Traveller, for this year.
• Le Meridien, Tel:+91-80-2226 22 33. Email: mailto:leme.bangalore@lemeridien.com [22]

Talk

Being the capital of Karnataka, the official language in Bangalore is Kannada. English is the common denominator. Other languages like Telugu,Tamil and Hindi are also widely understood.

One common expression probably peculiar to Bangalore would be the "By two coffee" meaning a coffee shared between two people. Mostly overheard at the stand-and-eat darshinis. A very basic use of kannada may be necessary to harangue with autorikshaw drivers.

Contact

The dialing code for Bangalore is 080. When calling from overseas, dial +91 80 XXXX XXXX. If you have a non-working phone number with only 7 digits try to add a "2" in front of it.

If you don’t have an Indian phone number, it is strongly recommended that you get a pre-paid calling card if you plan on using your phone frequently. Because of new government regulations, you need a photocopy of your passport (visa and the ID pages), a color photo, and proof of local address (in Bangalore) when buying a pre-paid card. If you do not have the appropriate paperwork, I would recommend asking a local friend to buy a pre-paid card on your behalf. Pre-paid cards are sold in a few of the shops that sell mobile equipment.

PCOs are a good option. You will find them almost every 100m. These are public pay-phones (post-pay) and there will be a person on the shop to take the payments. Check your bill generated (from the billing machine) and make the payment accordingly. Payments are always in indian rupees.

Internet

There are plenty of Internet Centres which charge around Rs.20 per hour.

Stay Safe

Bangalore is a relatively safe city during day time. But it is equally unsafe once it gets dark. It is not advisable to walk along deserted alleyways or lanes after dark. Rising incomes has brought an influx of people from outside the city, leading to extreme disparities in earnings between locals and expatriates (people from other parts of the state and also from other states) which arguably has resulted in a substantial increase in crime rates. Most of the victims are from IT industry who are waylaid on their way back home, and robbed of their belongings.

Avoid using an autorickshaw if the driver is not alone.

Cope

Hospitals

List of Major Hospitals and health care centers:

• E.P.M.C's women's clinic and surgery-9th block, Jayanagar
• Manipal Hospital - Airport Road
• Mallya Hospital - Vittal Mallya Road
• HOSMAT Hospital (Sports and Orthopedic Medicine) - near MG Road
• Sagar Apollo Hospital - Bannerghatta Road, Tilaknagar
• Wockhardt Hospital - Cunningham Road
• Columbia Asia Hospital - Bellary Road, Hebbal
• MS Ramaiah super speciality hospital, NEW BEL Road, Mathikere(the new ramaiah hospital)
• Chinmaya Mission Hospital - CMH Road, Indiranagar
• Narayana Hrudayalaya - Hosur Road
• Apollo Hospital - Opp. I.I.M., Bannerghatta Road,
• Apollo Clinic - Multiple locations
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health And Neuro Sciences)

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are dime a dozen and you should not have any problem locating one. You do not need any prescription for Modern Medicine Over the Counter drugs and ayurvedic medicine (proprietary and traditional), which are available for most common ailments like fever, headache, etc., But you will need prescription for other medicines, which are categorized as Schedule H drugs.

Get out

Only a few of the major places of interest, such as Mysore and Nandi Hills, and those close to Bangalore need to be listed here. Less famous and far away sites (more than a 90 minute drive) can be placed in their specific district articles. Please help sort them out if you are familiar with this region. {{{2}}}

Scenic spots

• Chunchi Falls - are beautiful waterfalls located in Bangalore Rural. The water from a nearby dam flows down this ravine, and the area is very rocky so one needs to be careful. There are also reports of crocodiles inhabiting the area, though this has not been substantiated. The water from Chunchi flows down to meet Cauvery river at Sangam, a distance of about 15 km.
• Muthyala Maduvu is a picnic spot about 44 km (27 mi) from Bangalore, has an enchanting waterfall and a small temple.
• Kokkare Bellur - a village famous for its rare birds
• Savana Durga - a monolithic rock situated at around 70 km from Bangalore
• Ranganthittu - A bird sanctuary and crocodile farm en route to Mysore
• Mysore - famous for its palace and sandalwood, Mysore is an elegant city and popular tourist center.
• Nandi Hills - 60 km (37 mi) from Bangalore is a beautiful hill station.
• Shivanasamudram - site of waterfalls
• Shivaganga (in Tumkur District) - 56 km from Bangalore and is good trekking site.
  

  

  Shivaganga
• Srirangapatna - a former fortress capital of the region controlled by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.
• Supa Dam Canoeing on Supa Reservoir. This dam is located close to Bangalore.
• Bannerghatta National Park is 21 km (13 mi) from Bangalore. This 100 km² national park consists mostly of dense forest and scrub land, and is home to wild animals like bison, leopard, wild boar as well as being an important corridor for elephants migrating between the eastern and western ghats. Other attractions here are a crocodile farm, serpentarium and a newly added butterfly park. In addition, a portion of the park is used as a sanctuary for wild rescued animals.
• Chamrajsagar Reservoir is 35 km (22 mi) from Bangalore and is an excellent picnic spot near the river Arakavati.
• Hesaraghatta Lake is 29 km (18 mi) from Bangalore with a wonderful climate. It is a delightful artificial lake spread over 405 ha (1,000 acre) and provides facilities for sailing. A livestock breeding and poultry center have been established as a part od a Indo-Danish project.
• Janapada Loka is 53 km (33 mi) from Bangalore and is spread over 6 ha (15 acre). The center was established for the preservation and promotion of folk culture and traditions. An art gallery, open air theatre and museum are also located here.
• Kanva Reservoir is 69 km (43 mi) from Bangalore and is an excellent picnic spot and has facilities for fishing.
• Nrityagram, [23] Hessaraghatta, Bangalore Rural, (28 km from Bangalore City). This unique experimental village is dedicated to gurukula tradition of dance, music, choreography and painting.
• Ramnagara is about 49 km (30 mi) from Bangalore.The place is a treat for rock climbers.One of the famous hills is the Sri Revanna Sideshwara (SRS) hills. The forests around this place are now proposed as a wildlife sanctuary to not only protect the wildlife of the scrub jungle but also to protect the massive prehistoric rocks and boulders that are present all around.

Temples

• Gavipuram Gangadeshwara Cave Temple
• Bull temple
• Ghati Subramanya, 55 km (32 mi) from Bangalore is a famous pilgrimage center and houses a Lord Subramanya Temple. It is 52 km from Bangalore.
• Savandurga, 60 km (37 mi) from Bangalore, is famous hilltop pilgrim center has temples dedicated to Gangadeshwara, Hanna Devi and a cave spring called Pattala.When viewed from a distance, the outline of the hill looks like the figure of a bull (Nandi) on the east, Lord Ganesha from the west, A cobra from the north and a Shiva linga from the south.
• Vasanthapura, 12 km (7.5 mi) from Bangalore, is a small hillock with an ancient temple dedicated to Sri, Vasantha VallabharayaSwamy.
• Magadi is 46 km (29 mi) from Bangalore and is the birthplace of Kempe Gowda. The place has the remnants of a fort and four temples of unspoilt charm.
• Nandi Hills is 60 km (37 mi) from Bangalore. Apart from being a scenic area it also houses two 10th century Chola temples with Vijayanagara style mantapas. The temples are in excellent condition. One temple is at the foot of the hill and the other at the top. The location is famous for Kannada film shootings.
• Sangama is 103 km (64 mi) from Bangalore. Here the river Arakavati joins the Kaveri inside the Chilandavadi forest. A temple built during the Chola period can be found here.
• Whitefield at a distance of about 20 km (12 mi) from Bangalore is the ashram of Sri Satya Sai Baba. The ashram gets devotees from all over the world.
• "Art Of Living Ashram" is at a distance of 21 km from city on kanakpura road (From MG Road toward banashankri) is the ashram of Sri Sri Ravishankar. On regular day satsang is at 7 PM and on sunday its at 4PM.