Bangalore is one of the fast growing cosmopolitan cities in India and enjoys the reputation of being India’s Silicon Valley. You will find a lot of foreigners from all nationalities living in Bangalore comfortably, and enjoying their stay for short and long durations.
The aim of this article is to help you plan your stay at Bangalore and make your trip a success. Unlike a visitor who’d have to spend only a few days in Bangalore, sightseeing and shopping, foreigners who come on assignments often stay on for a few months. The information required by such visitors is quite different from that of casual tourists.
Short stay accommodation options:
Chances are that your host company will arrange for suitable accommodation. If this is not the case, you would be able to find luxury and budget service apartments, studio apartments, condominiums and guest houses, located in good residential localities. Most of these usually boast amenities like swimming pool, jogging track, gym etc. Bangalore also boasts of number of hotels that offer excellent service and ambience. While choosing accommodation, it is advisable to first narrow in on the area and location best suited to you.
Foreign visitor registration formalities:
Visa guidelines may require that foreign nationals visiting India on Visas other than visitor visa complete registration formalities with the governmental authorities on arrival. While your local host office would be able to facilitate in this matter, it is important for you to consult the travel desk or browse the Internet to understand the requirements.
Local conveyance options and transportation:
In Bangalore city, you can hire a call taxi /radio taxi, or book a car. If you’re up for adventure, do try the three wheeler vehicles called Auto Rickshaws and pay by the meter. The rates vary depending upon the time of travel.
Local Food & Dining Options
Bangalore city boasts of restaurants which offer all varieties of food, including Indian, Continental, Mexican, Italian, Thai, and so on. When you visit India, one of the most interesting aspects is the variety of food available. Foreigners love Indian food. Food guides available give you reviews and details of the various options. Apart from individual restaurants, most of the five star hotels host buffets offering a great spread at affordable prices. You can also find good pubs though the internet listings.
Shopping
On the shopping front, apart from shopping for souvenirs and Indian items, you can shop for Indian artifacts, leather accessories and Indian clothes. Most international brands are retailed in the city if you wish to buy clothing.
There are so many supermarkets and retail malls, that you’re bound to find one near your accommodation. Here, you can shop for groceries, your personal care items, and other items of use. Super markets like Spencer’s offer international brands of chocolates, cigarettes, liquor, cheese, sauces, packaged food etc.
Weekend Activities
While in Bangalore, you can catch up on golfing or explore the neighboring areas that offer adventure tourism, historical tours including temples, palaces and many more interesting locations. You can even sign up for a short course in Yoga or one of the traditional Indian dance forms if that interests you.
Hospitals and Medical Care
Bangalore boasts a pretty good hospital network and super specialty hospitals that meet international standards. Medical treatment is affordable. Detailed listing is available on the Internet.
Weather
Bangalore boasts of the best weather in the country. The weather is pleasant all through the year and temperatures range from 25 to 35 degrees, except during peak summer. It is little wonder that it is considered as the pensioner’s paradise, due to the pleasant weather.
Local Language and Safety:
Bangalore is by and far one of the safest cities in India with very low crime rates. While the city sleeps by around 11 pm (restaurants close by 11pm), the traffic on the road continues all through the night with BPO/IT employees commuting on night shifts.
People are generally very friendly and cooperative and are eager to help. Most of the people speak English or understand English. City police are very friendly and would be able to help you with directions and assistance.
Local Culture & Dressing Code:
Bangalore is home to a cosmopolitan culture. Generally, people are very hospitable and informal. Inviting guests over for a home cooked meal is one of the practices of socializing, besides dining out. There is no formal dress code or attire required to be adhered to while socializing or dining out. Most of the occasions demand semi formal or causal clothing style.
Have a pleasant stay and enjoy getting ‘Bangalored’!
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—About our writer:
Shanthala Mallya has worked in various corporate sectors for over 20+ years. Her last assignment was with a Multi National Company in Supply Chain Management. She has now turned to content writing as a second career.
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