The picturesque South Indian city of Bangalore, which is also the capital of Karnataka state, is located at an altitude of 949m above sea level and is situated on the Deccan Plateau. Bangalore’s temperate climate has earned it the sobriquet of the “Air Conditioned City of India”. The city prides itself for its immaculately landscaped gardens, parks, wide tree-lined avenues, a plethora of flowering trees, shimmering lakes all of which has endeared the city to the discerning international traveler. It is among the best five garden cities of the world.
Today, Bangalore is one of the most cosmopolitan cities of India and also the most liberal which finds expressions in the city’s many pulsating discotheques, happening pubs, shopping plazas and top rate multi cuisine restaurants and bars.
The harmonious blend of cutting edge technology living in peaceful existence with the city’s rich virile past is unmatched by any other cities in India, nay the whole of Asia.
What to see
Bangalore Palace, Cubban Park, State Assembly Hall, High Court Building, Lalbagh, Fort, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Bull Temple.
The old part of the city consists of narrow, winding streets, an endless variety of small cottage industry services and old temples.
The museums are to be found around Cubbon Park while some of the city’s historical relics are located to the southern part.
Where to stay
Bangalore has an eclectic mix of hotels ranging from super deluxe luxury types to the grungy. Some of the leading hotels of Bangalore are – The ITC Hotel Windsor Sheraton & Towers, Taj West End and The Park.
The ITC Hotel Windsor Sheraton & Towers is an excellent choice and the hotel is marvelously designed. The manner in which the old world ambience is merged to the contemporary deserves kudos. The hotel is located within driving distance from the city centre while the airport is just 33 kilometres away.
From the impeccably landscaped gardens, intricate wood panelling and classy Queen Anne furniture, this outstanding hotel is bound to charm the most discerning of guests. The hotel’s 240 fabulous guest rooms and opulent suites is the ultimate in indulgence and grandeur. The hotel’s signature in-house restaurants, such as The Raj Pavilion, Dum Pukht, Royal Afghan, Dublin and Dakshin are all award-winning restaurants and each of them are unique in their own way.
Another hotel worth checking into while in Bangalore is the opulent Leela Palace. The hotel is soothingly tucked away in nine acres of splendid greenery, which is inclusive of a lagoon. The hotel marvelously showcases the royal historical heritage of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire.
The Leela Palace offers an array of accommodation options for today’s discerning traveler – Deluxe Rooms, Conservatory Rooms, Royal Premiere Rooms, Executive Suites, Royal Club Suites, Turret Suites, Royal Suites and the absolutely opulent Maharaja Suite.
Dining at The Leela Palace Bangalore can be a heady affair. Be it The Citrus, which is open 24 hours and is renowned for its wood fired Pizzas, Pastas and Risottos to the distinctly Indian “Jamavar”, a whole new world of culinary delights from the West and the East can be savored here. Try out the Pan Asian restaurant -- Zen, fabled for its authentic Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Balinese culinary delights.
Where to eat
In Bangalore Idli, Dosa and Sambhar compete with McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Barista. Some of Bangalore’s most popular eating joints are located in the Indiranagar neighborhood, offering the very best of Oriental delicacies.
Peacock at 100 Feet Road offers Continental, Awadhi and Punjabi cuisines. Via Milano located in Koramangla offers mouth watering Pizzas along with grilled, baked, roasted and stewed dishes.
Other premier restaurants in Bangalore are La Casa, Lotus, Sunny's and Nilgiri's Cafe.
What to buy
Bangalore offers a whole new world of shopping experience. With the presence of glitzy shopping malls to the emporiums that sell a variety of handicraft items, shopping in Bangalore is truly an international experience. The main shopping districts of Bangalore are located at Brigade Road, Commercial Street and MG Road.
Shopping complexes like Shrungar, Barton Court, Spencer’s the Coir Board Showroom, Saree Kemp and Cauvery Arts are great shopping destinations.
