Getting to Bangalore
Located in the southern part of the state of Karnataka in South India, Bangalore is easily accessible by many forms of transport. About 998kms from Mumbai and 562kms from Hyderabad, Bangalore is one of the most hip and happening cities in India. The city welcomes visitors from both India and other countries to this colourful Indian city with a perfect blend of nature and modern technology.
By air
Bangalore has a domestic airport that also receives international flights from all over the world including Asia and Europe. Bangalore Airport is eight kilometres from MG Road and it takes about 20 minutes by car from the city centre to the airport.
Facilities for passengers include postal services, restaurants, airline counters, bookstores and shops selling local products where you can buy handicrafts, paintings, saris and last-minute souvenirs for your friends and family.
From the airport, you can take a taxi, available outside the airport. There are two kinds of taxis: government taxis offer poor services, while private operators are a bit more expensive, but provide premium services. You pay a fixed amount depending on your destination.
By rail
Bangalore is well-served by train services to and from Bangalore City Railway Station, located in the heart of the city. The new terminal is at the Yeswantpur Railway Station, conveniently located near the main station. Train services between Bangalore and other cities in India are frequent. Bangalore also has a railway station in the Cantonment area, the Cantonment Railway Station. Not all trains stop here at the moment, but this station will act as a new hub in the future.
If you want to travel by train to Bangalore, book in advance as tickets can quickly become sold out. Bookings can be made at either the railway station or at a few of the Indian Railways booking counters in major residential areas. Alternatively, you can book online at the Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in).
By bus
Buses connect Bangalore to all major cities and states in South India. The citys bus stand, commonly known as Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus stand, is located opposite the citys railway station. The display board shows the bus number in English. Everything else is written in Kannada, so you must check in advance which bus number will take you to your destination. There are frequent services for both inner and outer-state buses.
Alternatively, you can use services run by private operators. These run good services to nearby major cities, including Bombay, Goa, Chennai, Mangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai and others.
By car
Driving in Bangalore, or in India in general, can be quite difficult if you are not used to the road etiquette andthe way that the local people drive. You must drive on the left and there are a lot of one-way streets. The best option is to rent a car that comes with a driver.
By auto-rickshaw
Auto-rickshaws are numerous in Bangalore. If you only need to travel a short distance, it is convenient to hail an auto-rickshaw and go to your destination. They are quite frequent and are usually found clustered near bus stands and main roads. Auto-rickshaws charge according to the meter. Remember not to get in the vehicle if the driver refuses to use the meter. Some drivers will also offer to take you to the specific shops from which they get commission; simply say no if you arent interested.
By taxi
Taxis are everywhere in the city. Taxi drivers are often more polite than rickshaw drivers. It is your responsibility to make sure the driver activates the meter when you get in.