Planning a Trip

Getting There & Moving On

By Air -- Bangalore's airport (8km/5 miles from M.G. Rd.) is the busiest in South India, connected to most of the major cities in India (including Hyderabad). Several international flights to the Far East, Europe, London, and the U.S. fly out of the airport as well. To get to your hotel from the airport, it's best to use a taxi (about Rs 150-Rs 300/$3.65-$7.30/£1.85-£3.70) from the prepaid counter.

By Train -- As a major transport hub, Bangalore is reached by a significant number of rail connections. Journeys from North Indian cities, however, are extremely time-consuming; the fastest connection with Delhi takes 35 hours, while Mumbai is 24 hours away. From Chennai (capital of Tamil Nadu), take either the evening or the morning 5-hour Shatabdi Express or the overnight Bangalore Mail which leaves late and gets in early. To get to Mysore from Bangalore, catch the 2-hour Shatabdi Express (departs Wed-Mon at 11am) or else take an ordinary passenger train (which departs several times a day and takes only 1 hr. more than the Shatabdi) and enjoy the sights and sounds of local commuters, many of whom begin impromptu song competitions in order to pass time. For Hyderabad, catch the comfortable overnight Rajdhani Express (departs four times a week at 8:20pm). At press time, there was talk of a passenger train linking Bangalore with Mangalore, a journey done by road so far. Bangalore City and Bangalore Cantonment are the two railway stations; the latter is a bit closer to the main downtown area.

By Road -- For the greatest amount of freedom, you should hire a car and driver, particularly if you plan to get off the beaten track.

Visitor Information

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) information counters are found at the railway station (tel. 080/2287-0068; daily 6:30am-9:30pm) and at the airport (tel. 080/526-8012; 24 hr.). Karnataka Tourism (Khanija Bhavan, Race Course Rd.; tel. 080/2235-2901 through -2903 or 080/2227-5869 or -5883; www.kstdc.nic.in; Mon-Sat 10:30am-5:30pm, closed Sun and second Sat of the month) is reliable for sightseeing information rather than info on accommodations and dining; ask for a copy of Bangalore This Fortnight. The Government of India Tourist Office is at the KSFC Building, 48 Church St. (tel. 080/2558-5417; Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm), where you can pick up a copy of the free quarterly guide City Info.

Getting Around

By Auto-Rickshaw & Taxi -- Insist that auto-rickshaw drivers use their meters. Generally, the first kilometer will cost Rs 12 (30¢/15p); each kilometer after that costs Rs 7 (15¢/10p). After 10pm, drivers will try to make you pay double; pay no more than 50% above the recorded fare. You won't find taxis that you can just hail off the street, but metered "call taxis" are available almost all over the city -- you can ask your hotel for a reputable number. Expect to pay minimum fare of Rs 45 ($1.10/55p) for 4km (2 1/2 miles), Rs 10 (25¢/15p) each additional kilometer, plus extra for waiting and luggage.

With Car & Driver -- Plan on spending in the region of Rs 150 ($3.65/£1.85) per hour, or Rs 480 ($12/£6) for a 4-hour tour, which will include 40km (25 miles) of free mileage (Rs 12/30¢/15p for every extra kilometer). To hire a car and driver, try Hertz (tel. 080/5537-5404 or -4901), which operates around-the-clock as does Cel Cabs (tel. 080/2346-6666).

Guided Tours & Travel Agents

KSTDC (address above; tel. 080/2235-2901) conducts sightseeing tours around the state. Sita Travels (1 St. Mark's Rd.; tel. 080/2558-8892) and Marco Polo Tours (2 Janardhan Towers, Residency Rd.; tel. 080/4122-1222) are reliable all-rounders. Cosmopole Travels (tel. 080/2228-1591 or 080/2220-2410) is useful for event-related destinations such as the Nrityagram Dance Village.