Bangalore has recently earned the place of the most visited city in India for business and why not? The city has a number of posh tech parks, hosting IT giants from all over the world. Bangalore might be called the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, but it is very different from its namesake, San Francisco. As I have learned, Bangalore has its own charm and has plenty to offer any traveller. If this is your first time to Bangalore, on a business trip, here are a few things you need to know before you get there.
Travel Safe And Beat The Madness
Once you land in the Kempegowda International Airport, you should have no problems finding transport. There are a host of airport taxis and Volvo buses to the city. But the safest option is to book yourself an Uber or an Ola cab. They’re much cheaper than the Airport Taxis and safer than most transport options. In fact, these apps are a safe bet whenever and wherever you want to travel. Getting around Bangalore can be a hectic task, especially during rush hour. You could be stuck in traffic for hours, so make sure you ask your hotel’s concierge when’s the best time to leave. Plus, you could always carry a good book or a pair of earphones to keep yourself occupied. Also, stay clear of autorickshaws! Most drivers are opportunistic and can charge exorbitant amounts of money for short distances. If you do want to try them, however, make sure you ask the driver for the price in advance. You could also take a ride in the city’s metro to get a feel for life here. If you’re planning to travel long distances, rent a car from popular companies, including Zoomcar or Myles.
Find Your Home Away from Home
When it comes to choosing accommodation, it’s best to choose a quality establishment close to your workplace. Most business hotels are located miles away from the airport, so don’t look for accommodation here. Localities like Whitefield, Domlur, Marathahalli, CV Raman Nagar, Sarjapur Road, Hebbal, and Electronic City have the biggest IT Parks in the city and therefore the most number of business hotels. You’ll find everything from posh five-star establishments to more budget-friendly accommodations. Most of the corporates travelling frequently for the business purpose prefer budget accommodation. Treebo Business Hotels in Bangalore are the best budget accommodation option for corporates offering quality services, branded amenities with efficient service.
Shop Smart
If you want to pick up a few souvenirs for your loved ones back home, head to one of Bangalore’s many commercial districts and budget-friendly local markets. If you’re planning to visit a local market, make sure you go along a friend from the city. Most shopkeepers will take advantage of tourists, so having a local friend to guide you and bargain for you is a huge advantage. Also, make sure you check the goods for damage before you buy them. This is because, usually, you won’t be able to return or exchange them. If you don’t have any local friends though, I’d suggest that you stick to shopping at malls.A Culture Hot Pot
A good population of people in Bangalore aren’t natives of the city, giving it a diverse range of cultures and languages. Most people here are either bilingual or multilingual. So, if you don’t speak Kannada, don’t worry. You could easily get away with English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu or Malayalam. The people here are also pretty friendly and welcoming. Make a few friends here and you will truly experience the city.
Find the Best Grub and Ale
Bangalore is known for its delicious food. It doesn’t matter what you’re in the mood for, Bangalore has it all. Right from Middle-Eastern, Korean, Japanese, European, Mexican, Chinese to Tibetan. A word of caution, if you have a weak tummy, do not try the street food. Also, don’t drink the tap water here. Every hotel and restaurant sell bottled mineral water, just ask and you shall receive. If you don’t care to venture out, you could always have a meal at your hotel. Places like Treebo provide food within the premises. If you do have a few treats that you can’t live without, bring them along, as not many convenience stores may stock them. Bangalore has a number of pubs around the city, but nightlife here is cut short, with a curfew of 11:30 p.m. That shouldn’t stop you from having a great time however. If you love ales, sample a few craft beers from the city’s numerous microbreweries and bars. A few places to try are Toit, the Big Brewsky, Windmills Craftwork, the Biere Club, and the Arbor Brewing Company.
Discover the City
Bangalore is known for its beautiful parks, make sure you visit the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and Cubbon Park. The city is culturally rich and boasts a number of contemporary art museums and performance theatres. If you’re lucky, catch a play at Ranga Shankara in JP Nagar or Jagriti in Whitefield. You could also visit the Indian Cartoon Gallery at the Indian Institute of Cartoonists for a lesson in Indian cartoons. Also, visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore Palace, Bannerghatta National Park, and UB City.
Bangalore is known for its beautiful parks, make sure you visit the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and Cubbon Park. The city is culturally rich and boasts a number of contemporary art museums and performance theatres. If you’re lucky, catch a play at Ranga Shankara in JP Nagar or Jagriti in Whitefield. You could also visit the Indian Cartoon Gallery at the Indian Institute of Cartoonists for a lesson in Indian cartoons. Also, visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore Palace, Bannerghatta National Park, and UB City.
If you have more time, visit Bangalore’s neighbouring cities, including Mysore, Shravanabelagola, Halebidu, Belur and Coorg. These cities are steeped in history and are wonderful places for both Indian and foreign tourists.
Now that you have an idea of what the city’s like, plan ahead. The first time might seem intimidating, but you’ll love the warmth and culture of Bangalore. If you fall in love with the city like many others before you, come back and visit again.
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