The capital of the southern state of Karnataka, the city of Bangalore has been called many names from “India’s Silicon Valley,” and “The Neon City,” to “The Garden City.” In the 1960s, the Indian government located key defense and telecommunications agencies here, and it has since become the science and technology center of India. It is a progressive city that is home to many multinational companies and that has trendy shops and nightlife.
Bangalore is one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities, boasting good restaurants and shopping, lively nightlife, temples and gardens. Some of the city’s main attractions include the Bangalore Palace, a replica of Windsor Castle; the Lal Bagh botanical gardens with over 1,000 species of flora; the Bull Temple with its 15-foot tall stone statue of the sacred bull Nandi; and picnicking at Ulsoor Lake.
Sixty kilometers north of the city are the Nandi Hills. The 600-meter cliff face of Tipu’s Drop provides a stunning lookout and you may also visit the area's temples. Twenty-two kilometers south of Bangalore is the Bannerghatta National Park, a 25,000-acre zoological park. And 40 kilometers from Bangalore, Omthara Kala Kuteera has 30 acres of lush gardens and a rustic surrounding to provide a tranquil, peaceful environment.
You can reach Bangalore by air, rail and road. Regular flights are scheduled to cities throughout India. Many international flights from the U.S. and Europe connect first in Mumbai. The city has daily train and bus departures to major cities such as Mumbai and Chennai.
There are a number of tourist agencies available to provide information. VirtualBangalore.com lists the following information centers, along with other travel services:
India Tourism Development Corporation
Hotel Ashok
High Grounds, Bangalore 560001
011-91-80-22263113
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
10/4, Mitra Towers, Kasturba Road
Bangalore 560001
011-91-80-22212901
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
Transport Wing, Badami House, N.R. Square
Bangalore 560002
011-91-80-22215869
Government of India Tourist Office
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation
48, Church Street, K.F.C. Building
Bangalore 560001
011-91-80-25278570
Tourism Information Counter
Bangalore Airport
011-91-80-25268012
Bangalore Railway Station
011-91-80-22870068
