Bangalore - a cosmopolitan city

Bangalore is the capital of the southern state of Karnataka, India. This fast-growing city has a thriving IT industry, shopping malls, international restaurants and pubs.

Top tips and attractions in Bangalore

Visit Bangalore October till March when the weather is mild. Winter is from November - January with December being the coolest month having an average temperatures of 15C. February - May are the summer months and April has maximum temperatures of 36°C. Other Indian cities can be far hotter. The Monsoon Season is usually in June-October. 

Travel to celebrate Hindu and Muslim festivals. The 15th  August is the Biannual Flower Show. This takes place during Republic Day Week.  The 26th January is Independence Day. Bangalore Karaga, a festival dedicated to Hindu Goddess Draupadi is celebrated for nine days in March or April. Someshwara Car festival, a procession of Halasuru Someshwara Temple, also happens in April. The Ist of November is Karnataka Rajyotsava, a public holiday to celebrate the foundation of Karnataka state.

Before travel information

British passport holders require a visa to enter India. Find details on the Indian High Commission website. British citizens with valid passports flying into certain airports may be able to apply for an e-Tourist Visa. Vaccinations against, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and  Polio are necessary. The official language in Bangalore is Kannada. Hindi and English are spoken. Road signs tend to be in English. In inexpensive thali costs about Rs 100 and a restaurant meal costs approximately Rs 300.

Getting around Bangalore

A BMTC Vayu Vajra bus travels from the airport to the city centre. It stops at various parts of the city and costs between Rs 50-250. A pre-paid taxi booked at a terminal counter costs around Rs 1,200. Metered AC Taxis cost  between Rs 700 - 1000. 

An additional charge of 20% tax is placed on accommodation prices. Cheap accommodation costs Rs 700, mid range Rs 1500 and luxury, Rs 4000. 

A local bus pass costs around Rs 40, but is not valid on Vajra buses. Metered auto rickshaws cost around Rs 15 per kilometre. The minimum charge is Rs 25, for night travel an extra 10% is charged and add Rs 10-20  for heavy luggage. Pre-book metered taxis. The  lat rate is Rs 150 anywhere within Bangalore. No tip is expected for auto rickshaw and taxi rides.