About Bangalore
Language – Kannada is the local language in Karnataka (South India) though English is widely understood and spoken.
Weather - The city of Bangalore experiences a very favorable weather throughout the year. The warmest month in Bangalore is April and the coldest month is January.
Bangalore always experiences a very soothing weather with warm summers and cold winters, neither the summers are very hot, nor are the winters very cold. The maximum temperature level at the summer time can rise to 36°C whereas that during winter can even goes below 17°C. The average annual rainfall in Bangalore is 859 mm. The weather in Bangalore is neither too humid nor too dry.
The most favorable time to visit the city is during the months of October to February when the climate is highly pleasant.
Medical Assistance - The pharmacy at B. W. Lions Superspeciality Eye Hospital carries all the common drugs. However, there are many well-stocked drug stores. You should bring your own supply of any special medicines you take, as they may not be readily available in India in the same prescription strengths.
Culture / Conduct - South Indians are mild mannered and are quite open to foreigners. The following tips should help you understand what appropriate behavior is.
- Use only your right hand to give or receive anything.
- Avoid criticism of local customs or traditions.
- Avoid aggressive behavior.
- Shaking hands: Don’t shake hands unless a hand is offered. If in doubt say “Namaste” with both hands clasped together, especially when greeting women. Handshakes may be longer and could involve both hands at times.
- If your host insists on paying for things, don’t force the issue.
- The approach to time in India is more relaxed than abroad, so don’t be surprised if people turn up late for meetings or just cancel it at the last minute.
Banking Facilities
- Visit www.xe.com to find the current exchange rate
- Currency Exchange: You can contact any government approved exchange office or hotel to change money, or you may ask the hospital cashier for help.
- ATM machines are available in plenty and usually handle VISA & Master Cards.
- If you change money from your local currency to Indian currency, keep the receipt. You will need it later if you wish to change your extra Indian currency back to you local currency.
Internet - There are plenty of Internet Centres which charge around Rs.10 per hour. If you have laptop with Wi-Fi connection, free internet services are also available at some places like "The Forum" mall.
Local Transport - Local Transportation in Bangalore is very good.
City Buses - The city buses run by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) can get you to any place in the city. Most popularly called by its erstwhile name of "BTS", these buses although can help you reach your destination safely.
Autorickshaw - Alternate transport mode of local transport in Bangalore comprises of the Auto rickshaw (auto for short). It is the classic mode of getting around in the city which is now more and more popular with commuters. A rickshaw is a three wheeler which fits two or three people and is also a cheap way of travelling around the city. The fares are usually 1.5 times the normal fare if you travel before 6.00 am or after 10.00 pm.
How to Reach
Bangalore is accessible by air, rail and road from every important city and other states in India.
By Air: The Bengaluru International Airport is located 40 kilometers north of the city’s central business district. This will allow both the city as well as the airport to develop. It is spread over an area of approximately 4000 acres and besides the regular airport services it will offer a hotel, shopping mall, food courts and other convenience amenities in the upcoming project phases.
The Bengaluru International Airport can earn the city of Bangalore the unique distinction of becoming the regional hub for South India. With all the new international flights, it has already marked the beginning of better connectivity between India and the rest of the world. The airport has welcomed the introduction of new international carriers into Bangalore making new destinations directly accessible to air travelers.
While the terminal building is built to comply with the peak hour demand of approximately 3000 passengers per hour, we are yet to see passenger traffic hit this number at the airport. It is well equipped to handle the increasing traffic volume for the next few years. 1100 flights (international and domestic) operate from Bengaluru International Airport every week on an average.
International: Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air India, Sri Lankan Airways, Gulf Air, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Arabia, Oman Airways, Air Mauritius, Tiger Airways, Dragon Air, Kingfisher Airlines.
Domestic: Jet Airways, Jet Lite, Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Indigo, Spice Jet, Paramount Airways.
Rail: Bangalore is well connected to the rest of the country both by meter gauge and broad gauge rail services, one of the important railway stations on the southern railway network. There are two major railway stations in Bangalore - The Bangalore City railway station and Bangalore Cantonment railway station. The City Railway Station is the main terminal in Bangalore. You can get full information about the trains from Bangalore City Railway Station, Enquiry Tel.: 131, Reservations Tel.: 132. It is therefore wiser to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. The reservation and enquiry office is open from Monday to Saturday between 8 A.M. and 8 P.M., on Sundays, from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Road: Bangalore is located at the junction of National Highway 4, 7 and 48 that connects it to all parts of the country with good roads. Smooth roads and good bus service connects other cities and towns of the state and neighboring states are also connected by road. All neighboring State Road Transport Corporations, from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa, connect the city with their respective states. In addition the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation also runs reciprocal services to all parts of the state as well as inter-state services. The Interstate Bus Terminus is located near the railway station. The Main bus terminal in the city is opposite City Railway Station.
On arrival at the airport or station always opt for a prepaid auto / taxi so that you do not need to pay extra when disembarking.
