Bangalore

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Beginning in Bangalore

An August 2005 trip to Bangalore by dackelynn

Bull TempleMore Photos

I started my research in Bangalore. In between studies, my classmates and I explored this growing city.

  • 10 reviews
  • 15 photos

Beginning in BangaloreBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Bangalore
There is a lot of culture to be found in this sprawling, increasingly Westernized city. Seeing the working Venkataramanaswamy Temple, shopping on M.G. Road, and taking a break at Lal Bagh gardens shouldn't be missed!

Quick Tips:

Keep an open mind, and when it doubt, watch those around you!

Best Way To Get Around:

Rickshaw drivers will try and make the most of you. If you ever feel uncomfortable, pay the driver a fair amount for the trip you've taken and change rickshaws! They do have meters and they should be using them, although many will refuse to. It is possible to use the city buses if you have a general idea of the routes. Women can sit in the front. Many parts of Bangalore are walkable. Keep in mind that crossing streets is an experience in itself, and keep a sense of humor!

Shiok Far-Eastern CuisineBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Shiok Far-Eastern Cuisine and Cocktail Lounge"

Although this restaurant may be a bit hard to find (it is located on the 2nd floor), the trip is well worth it. The interior is beautifully decorated and the food, mostly Thai (with some other Eastern influences), is delicious and inexpensive. The servers are all very polite and attentive. I ordered pad thai and it was wonderful and cost maybe around $4. Shiok Far-Eastern Cuisine also serves cocktails for a reasonable price! The cocktail bar is also very stylish and alluring.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 20, 2006

Shiok Far-Eastern Cuisine
2nd Floor, #12 CMH Road Bangalore, India 560 038
+91 (80) 4116 1800

Taj West End HotelBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Perhaps you can't afford to stay in this classy five-star hotel. Well, you can still eat lunch here! My friends and I opted for the buffet-style lunch, which came with a drink and cost approximately $12. There is a variety of food: Italian, Lebanese, and Mediterranean. There is also a separate Vietnamese restaurant called Blue Ginger. There was a very large selection. The food is beautifully displayed and delicious! The service was great, and eating in the garden was fun. After eating, we took a stroll through the beautiful gardens there.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 20, 2006

Taj West End Hotel
Race Course Rd. Bangalore, India 560 001
+91 (80) 66605660

Bull TempleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Bull Temple"

Bull Temple
This temple is a short trip out of Bangalore. Bear in mind that when you do arrive, you'll have to brave lots of beggars. After you've climbed up the steps, you'll enter the main temple area. Remove your shoes. When you enter the temple, do not step on the raised entryway, as this is considered improper. You'll circle around the giant Nandi, or bull, and exit again. If you feel like it, you can give money or receive darshan (a small gift). If you do choose to take pictures, don't disturb those around you. Overall, this is a great experience in Hinduism.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 20, 2006

Bull Temple
Bangalore, India

ISKON TempleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

ISKON Society is also known as the "Hare Krishnas" for their devotion of Krishna. At this temple, nearly all of the visitors will be Indian. This temple is almost like a theme park. You must stand in a large queue to enter. You will surrender your shoes and camera (no pictures are allowed AT ANY POINT).

You follow a marked path around the temple area. If you choose, you can take a meditative path and say the "Hare Krishna" chant over 100 times while walking up to the main temple area. Once you enter the temple, there are countless things for sale. There is also a small exhibition area. Finally, near the end, you can receive darshan (a gift, usually food, from the god/goddess). Then you reclaim your belongings and exit.

Visiting this temple is a very strange, almost surreal experience due to the design of the large temple and the capitalistic nature of the sightseeing. The ISKON temple is very different from other Hindu temples.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 20, 2006

ISKON Temple
Chord Rd. Bangalore, India

Tipu's Summer PalaceBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Tipu's Summer Palace
This palace was constructed in the late 18th century. Tipu's Summer Palace doesn't seem as grand as many other Indian palaces. It was primarily used as a summer retreat. It is relatively small, but the dark wooden architectural design is unique. The gardens are well maintained and peaceful. Tipu's Summer Palace is worth a stop, especially when also visiting the nearby Fort and Venkataramanaswamy Temple. The entrance fee is minimal and there are no tours offered. You are allowed to wander around inside the palace, which has a few interesting exhibits.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 20, 2006

Tipu's Summer Palace
Bangalore, India

Venkataramanaswamy TempleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Venkataramanaswamy Temple
This large temple is near Tipu's Summer Palace. In fact, the loud music is what drew us to this place. Inside this 300-year-old temple you might find a lot of activity going on, no matter what time of day! You will be very welcome to look around as a long as you maintain a respectful attitude.

If you go inside the main temple, you will find men and women in separate queues, waiting to receive a blessing. If you choose to do this, remember to have taken off your shoes and take out a few rupees, because a small monetary gift is expected, and when the time comes, hold your hands for darshan (food that the god has blessed). You may also receive a mark on your forehead.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 20, 2006

Venkataramanaswamy Temple
Bangalore, India

Lal BaghBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Lal Bagh
These beautiful gardens stretch for 240 acres in the center of Bangalore, so set aside plenty of time, because there's plenty to see and explore, and you may want some time to relax! Of particular interest are the different kinds of lotus flowers located around the lakes. There is also the Lal Bagh rock, which dates back millions of years.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 20, 2006

M.G. RoadBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Along M.G. Road you'll find all kinds of souvenirs and other items--for a price! If you are looking for souvenirs, your first stop should be the Cauvery Arts and Crafts emporium. This government-run store has set prices--no bargaining! It has two stories, and you'll find everything from large wooden statues to bundles of incense sticks for fair prices. They'll ship your purchases for a price, and you can pay with credit cards. Other shops along M.G. Road sell posh jewelery, English books, and stunning fabrics. There's also a movie theatre and large malls nearby.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 20, 2006

M.G. Road
M.G. Road Bangalore, India

Bangalore Central MallBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This new mall has lots of offer. You'll find clothes (Western and Indian), cosmetics, books, and home items (i.e. bedding). On to the top floor is a food court, so if you are having a craving for Baskin Robbins, you can certainly indulge! There is also a small grocery section where you can pick up all of your favorite snacks and find some new ones. Although this is an all-in-one store/mall, be sure to pay for your purchases in the section you found them in--leaving the first floor with a pair of pants in order to find a book upstairs could be construed as stealing!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by dackelynn on July 20, 2006

Bangalore Central Mall
Bangalore, India

About the Writer

dackelynn
dackelynn
Misaka, Japan

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