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Bangalore Life and Bangalore Visitor Travel Tips
(Bangalore, Karnataka, India, IN)



One of the fastest expanding cities in the whole country, Bangalore is a busy city and full of tourist appeal. When visiting Bangalore, you will find plenty to fill your days and preparing an itinerary is always a good way to ensure that you make to most of your time here.

The city's main travel agencies and tourist offices are a good place to organise guided tours of Bangalore, rafting and kayaking trips, accommodation, flights, public transport and even high-end safaris. Travel tips about life in Bangalore.




Bangalore Life and Travel Tips: Useful Contact Details - Bangalore, India, IN
Here are some useful contact details of the city's main tourist centres and post office.

Government of India Tourist Office
Address: KFC Building, 48 Church Street, Bangalore, India, IN
Tel: +91 080 2558 5417
Email: indtour@kar.nic.in
Government of India Tourist Office open: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 18:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
Address: Badami House, Katsurba Road, Bangalore, India, IN
Tel: +91 080 2227 5883
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation open: 06:30 to 22:00

Karnataka Tourism
Address: 2nd Floor, 49 Khanija Bhavan, Racecourse Road, Bangalore, India, IN
Tel: +91 080 2235 2828
Karnataka Tourism open: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:30

Bangalore Main Post Office
Address: Cubbon Road, Bangalore, India, IN
Main Post Office open: Monday to Saturday - 08:30 to 17:30, Sunday - 10:00 to 16:30

Bangalore Life and Travel Tips: Language and Dialect - Bangalore, India, IN
Kannada is Bangalore's official language and is also spoken throughout the state of Karnataka. Other languages spoken in Bangalore include Malayalam, Tamil, Tulu, Telugu and also English, which is very much used to communicate within the city's business world and financial industry.

Some basic Hindi phrases are worth learning and this language remains the country's most important, being widely recognised.

Good afternoon - namaste
Please - kripyaa
Thank You - dhanyavaad
How much is this? - ye kitne ka hai?
Where? - kahan?
When? - kab?
You are welcome - aapakaa svaagat hai
Nice to meet you - aapse milkar khushii huyii
How are you? - aap kaise hain?

Bangalore Life and Travel Tips: Useful Advice and Scams - Bangalore, India, IN

• Banks, Currency Exchange and ATMs - accessing your money is always easy in Bangalore, with plenty of cashpoints on hand, especially along Cunningham Road, MG Road and Brigade Road, including one next to Nilgiri's supermarket
• Bookshops - the best bookshops are available along MG Road (Gangarams Book Bureau and Higginbothams) and also Church Street (Premier Bookshop)
• Clothing and Dresscode - women wearing revealing tops and skirts that are fairly showy can cause locals in Bangalore to stare. When visiting temples and shrines, you will be expected to dress appropriately and may be asked to cover your head and even remove your shoes
• Credit Cards, Cash and Haggling - credit cards are accepted all over Bangalore, although it is wise to exchange some into Indian Rupees. Having some of the local currency helps when haggling at local bazaars and markets
• Drinking Water - do not drink tap water anywhere in the city of Bangalore. Bottled water is safe as long as the seal is intact, although ice should be avoided. Bringing water purification tablets is sensible
• Internet Access - numerous Internet cafes are situated all around Bangalore city centre, with the most popular located along Residency Road and at the City Train Station
• Left Luggage - both Bangalore's Central Bus Stand and City Train Station offer 24-hour cloakrooms, where you can safely leave your luggage for a small daily charge
• Media News - for events listing and what's on guides, 'Bangalore This Fortnight' can be found at tourist centres and is free of charge. Also look out for the 'City Reporter', the 'Deccan Herald' and the 'Times of India'
• Medical Services - Mallya Hospital is located along Vittal Mallya Road and features a 24-hour pharmacy
• Mobile Phones - bring your mobile to Bangalore. It is quite simple to join the local network and regional calls are inexpensive
• Pickpockets - busy crowds are when pickpockets are likely to be present. Be alert and prepared, conceal valuables, cameras and if possible, do use a money belt
• Tipping - you will be expected to tip when eating out at restaurants, as long as you are happy with your meal and service. Both taxi drivers and hotel porters will also be expecting a tip
• Toilets - decent hotels will feature sit-down toilets and also provide toilet paper, which should be disposed of in the adjacent bin. However, at Bangalore's most basic accommodation, traditional Indian-style 'squat' toilets may also be on offer and toilet paper may not be supplied. Instead you will have to simply use the tap and jug provided
• Travel Agents - an number of slightly dodgy travel agents have arrived in Bangalore and are simply out to get your money. Always make sure that the travel agent is a member of one an official accredited associations, such as the Indian Association of Tour Operators. Also, ask them to write down exactly what has been agreed
• Visas and Passports - those arriving in Bangalore from outside of India will require both a current passport and relevant visa, obtainable from local Indian embassies

 
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