I have been living in this once upon a time quiet city to the most happening city of india and the fastest growing city of india, let me give you all a small highlight of this beautiful city.
Situated at an altitude of 920 metres above sea level, Bangalore is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial and industrial centre of south Indian state of Karnataka. The city, which is spread over an area of 2190 square kilometers, is popularly known as Garden City of India due to its tree-lined streets and abundant greenery seen around. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout the year. However weather is warmest from March through May mercury rising up to 35 degrees C. It is also blessed with a large number of lakes and parks within the city. Today Bangalore is arguably the fastest growing city in Asia with a burgeoning population of nearly four million. It is a city for all seasons. Come any time of the year - Bangalore is beautiful. The uniqueness of Bangalore can be attributed to the open-minded progressive nature of its citizens. It is a true melting pot of different people, cultures, and languages. The city is also home to some of the most high tech industries in India. Bangalore identifies itself more with Delhi - the capital city of India or Bombay - considered as business capital of India, than the rest of Karnataka. Though Kannada is the state language English and Hindi are most widely spoken and understood.
Reaching there: Though Bangalore has an international airport but check out if there is a flight from your city if not you have to reach Mumbai or Delhi or Chennai then catch a domestic Indian Airlines flight or any other private airlines flight to Bangalore. These cities operate multiple flights daily to Bangalore. Bangalore Airport is located about 8 km from the M.G. Road area in the city. Airport coach transfers run by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, tourist taxis, prepaid taxi services and auto-rickshaws provide convenient and speedy transfers to and from the airport. Bangalore is connected to the rest of the country both by metre gauge and broad gauge rail services too.
Accommodation: Bangalore has a wide choice of accommodation ranging from Deluxe Luxury suites to budget hotels. In luxury you will find Windsor Manor, Ashoka Radison, Taj Residency and so on. In medium and budget range Kamat Yatri Nivas, Woodlands, YMCA and more.
Hanging out: There are many things that you and the thousands of visitors like you, can do in Bangalore. The obvious things are Shopping, Pubbing and Eating Out. Its shops are tourist-friendly (check the silks - most of the country’s silk comes from this city), the pubs are the best in the country and offer a variety of options for gastronomic pursuit. Apart from specialty and multi-cuisine restaurants in all major deluxe and standard hotels, the city has no dearth of independent eateries on the arterial MG Road and Brigade Road, which range from drive-in restaurants, fast foods, and more traditional restaurants offering thalis. The udupi cuisine - a specialty of south coastal Karnataka is available throughout the city. Central Bangalore (the M G Road, Brigade Road and Commercial Street area), is a great place in which to wander, for window-shopping or people watching. Roadside vendors sell roasted nuts and corn. There are a few market areas, wholesale districts that make more interesting wandering. Russel Market, Shivajinagar, the Chickpet area is an old wholesale bazaar which offers all sorts of shops including the country’s biggest silk wholesale / retail district. Bangalore is home to the nation’s coffee. The coffeehouses, like Koshy’s and India CoffeeHouse are still hangouts for old Bangaloreans and people like academics, journalists, writers and poets. Apart from silks, beer and coffee (and aerospace research), Bangalore is the nation’s software capital. In tribute, are the hundreds of places that allow you to surf the net. The Cyber Cafe on Brigade Road is the swishest of them.
Pubs and Discos: For over a decade, pubs have been Bangalore’s biggest draw. The draught beer is excellent. Some pubs offer pub lunches. Hanging out includes discos. The crowd is young and hep and the music is new and loud.
Places of interest: The Bull Temple (Basavanagudi) - The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century AD. The grey granite sacred bull, Nandi, is the main attraction after which the temple has been named. The sacred bull has been carved out of a single granite block. It measures 4.57 metres in height and 6.10 metres in length. It has been built by Kempegowda. The Vidhana Saudha - A four storeyed building made after the independence of the country, the Vidhana Soudha houses the State Legislative Assembly and part of the secretariat. The salient feature of the building is its architectural style which is a combination of ancient and modern styles blended into harmony. The building is illuminated on Sunday evenings. Tipu Sultan’s Palace - The Palace which is built of teakwood, was constructed between 1781-1791. Particularly noteworthy are the floral designs on the walls and ceilings. The palace now houses part of State Secretariat. Lalbagh & Cubbon Park - This botanical garden, spread over 240 acres, was laid by Hyder Ali and developed by Tipu Sultan. It was originally called Lalbagh because the garden had a profusion of red roses. It also has a green house with a collection of various kinds of flora. The Glass House built on the lines of the Crystal Palace in London is the main attraction in this huge park. The Cubbon park is a premier attraction for all those who seek some respite from the busy metropolitan life here. The 300-acre park was laid in 1864 by Lord Cubbon. Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple - On January 14th every year. Something extraordinary happens in Bangalore’s Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple. On that day a ray of sunlight passes through an arch between the horns of stone bull that stands outside the temple and lights up the idol inside. It is a phenomenon that is proof of the technical excellence of ancient architects, of their knowledge of astronomy combined with great architectural skill. The temple itself is dedicated to Shiva and is a natural cave carved out of a monolithic stone.
Your stay is extended and you are looking for a hill station to escape? Bangalore is close to some of the most famous and popular hill stations of India - Coorg, Kodaikanal, Ooty. These are perfect hill stations where in you will find all the features and world class facilities of an ideal hill station.
A word of advice - if you are planning to visit India or settling down in India make Bangalore your home away from home.