Bangalore Travel Forum

Hi!
I am going to Bangalore for 3 weeks in June-July. This will be my fist trip to India and I can hardly sleep at night, I am SO excited!!!
I do not know what to expect - but I believe that that is the fun fo travelling, right?!
I am going to be volunteering in an orphanage on the outskirts of Bangalore. I have no idea of what my job there will really entail or what my working hours will be, but I am quite sure that I will have some time off here and there to go discover the area a bit.
So, I guess I would welcome ANY suggestions of things to see/do/explore/taste/wear/read/play/visit in Bangalore and the area that would be safe for a young female travelling alone. (I am REALLY into photography and children - I am a teacher here in the USA)
Thanks!

Bangalore....what should I say about it.........A city which emerged at an extremely faster pace as a Software (IT) hub of India. Sometime back, it was only famous for it's climate.

Surrounded by many lakes, Bangalore has a very good climatic conditions i.e day temperature never crosses 35degC most of the year. However night temperature will be somewhere around 12-15degC.

Places to Visit:
a) First and foremost....M G Road.....very famous road in the heart of the city. You will find various types of Restaurants, Factory showroom of all the branded items ......but it is costly.

b) Next is ....FORUM (Near to Kormangala)....a mall housing various restaurants and branded stores but with different style....U can visit here, if it is of interest for you.

c)If you want to travel out @ 140 Km, u should visit MYSORE...really very good location....You will find famous Vrindavan Garden out here, a very famous temple of Lordess Chamundi, King's Palace and various other spots. Ranganathittu....A bird Sanctuary is quiet near to this place.

d)SAVANDURGA......If u are interested in Hill expedition.....U will found fort of TIPU SULTAN. Around 60Km

e)NANDI Hills.....a Hill station @ 70Km

f)KOKKARE BELLURU....A bird Sanctuary @100Km

g)SHIVASAMUDRAM.....A Water fall @ 125Km

Being alone female traveller....u should take proper care of your's as required.
Secondly, Bangalore is very costly and therefore spend wisely.

Due to large no. of vechicles, the city faces serious traffic congestion problems especially during peak hours but in all city is good.

I hope you will find this informatin useful....In case u need to know something specific...u are free to ask.

Keep Smiling
Vivek Dadu

Hi ,

Welcome to Bangalore!!!!! Silicon City of India. It is happening place you will like it. Bangalore is safe and sound just like as another cosmopolitan city. Good thing it's weather , it very cool. But trefic is not that great. Further to explore there are lots of things within the City and near around City. I am born traveler :) I love to explore much more around the city while drive , you can have beautiful waterfall in 5 hours drive (Hognekkal), Historical Place I like , i am sure you will amazed to see is Maysore Palace , 3-4 drive from Bangalore. Wild Life century Mudumalai and Bandipure , twice I have already visited going for drive 3rd time coming Weekend on 24th May, you just missed it :) , never mind let me know when you are here I can guide you.
Yarcard around 7 hour distance good hill station for over night stay. Gokarna is amazing beach just 7 hours drive typically for backpacking, i love to drive that stretch. You can touch Goa also from there just in 5 hours.
You can explore more on this site
http://www.karnatakatourism.com/index.asp
what more? within city there are good pubs, restorents, Malls you can check at
http://www.bangalorebest.com/Winedine/winedine.asp
About the city you can check at
http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/bangalore/
You can use auto rick with city for commutation, be careful while checking the meter and paying. In the night be sure where are you going. when you land buy Reliance Cell phone is good not fancy but give good coverage is even while you roam in remote areas or buy a sim card and a cell phone to keep you connected.
Bye the time you land , new airport will be in operation so much know which area you are going to stay and which route you need to take so you can catch right bus. have you fixed where are you going to Stay? I can send you and maps and other route information you docs and maps. To wear Shirt trousers, jeans, T Shirts, Skirts (Long : if you do not want too much attention :) are fine.
What more feel free to write me email, if you need more info.
Regards / Raj / rajsriv@yahoo.com

Well the first two answers do sum-up most of what you can do in and around Banglore. As regards safety, India is as safe or unsafe as the rest of the world. If you take the normal precautions of not travelling unaccompanied espicially on deserted streets or stretches at Night. If travelling in a taxi from one town to another, make sure the taxi has good references. Always inform your hosts your whereabouts and your schedules. You dont have to dress like a nun, yet lets say less skin will also ward off, lecherous bums.

I think you will be fine after all you are a teacher, and am sure a balanced person. Nothing to worry about. Have a great trip.