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World Travel Guide > Guides > Asia > India > Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Local time Bengaluru (Bangalore)

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Travel to Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Flying to Bengaluru (Bangalore)

British Airways runs direct flights to Bengaluru from the UK. Alternatively, there are plenty of indirect options with other airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Jet Airways. There are no direct services from the USA, but you can book indirect flights with several airlines, including Emirates, Jet Airways, Air India and Lufthansa.

Flight times

From London - 10 hours; New York - 18 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); Los Angeles - 22 hours (including stopover); Toronto - 18 hours (including stopover); Sydney - 15 hours 20 minutes (including stopover).

Travel by road

Main roads connect all the major towns in Karnataka, as well as neighbouring states. Out of Bengaluru, roads are often unpaved and, in the monsoon season, many become impassable through flooding. In principle, driving in Bengaluru is on the left. Foreign drivers must be over 18 and possess an International Driving Permit. It's far safer to use taxis or hire a car with a driver, particularly for longer journeys. Those taking their own car must obtain a Carnet de Passage from an international motoring association (e.g. RAC) before entering India. This document guarantees that if the vehicle fails to be re-exported, then the issuing body will pay all duties liable. Motorists are advised to seek cover from an Indian insurer, as insurance is compulsory.

Speed limits within the city are 60kph (37mph), apart from on the airport road, where the limit is 80kph (50mph). The Automobile Association of Southern India (tel: +91 44 2852 1162; www.aasindia.org) can provide more information on driving in the region.

Emergency breakdown services

Automobile Association of Southern India (tel: +91 44 2852 1162; www.aasindia.org).

Routes

The major roads are the NH-7 heading roughly north and south out of the city and the NH-4 travelling east and west.

Coaches

The main coach operator is Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) (tel: +91 80 4959 6666; www.ksrtc.in), which operates buses throughout Karnataka and into neighbouring states. Interstate coach services arrive and depart from the Majestic Bus Stand, opposite the main city railway station. The state bus companies of the neighbouring states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Goa also run buses in and out of Bengaluru. There are also several long-distance private bus operators, of whom the largest is Vijayanand Travels (tel: +91 836 230 7300; www.vrlbus.in).

Time to city

From Mysore - 3 hours; Chennai- 5 hours 45 minutes; Goa - 9 hours.

Travel by Rail

Services

Trains to Bangalore arrive at the main Bangalore City railway station west of the centre near Kempe Gowda Circle. For the north of the city, head to Cantonment station; for the east, visit Bangalore East. There is also Yesvantpur Junction station in the northwest for trains to and from Goa.

Operators

The national rail operator is Indian Railways (tel: +91 80 2530 0000; www.indianrailways.gov.in). There are frequent express connections between Bangalore and all the main cities in southern and central India. Train travel is the cheapest way to travel around India and the higher-class prices offer good comfort and cleanliness. Bear in mind that some journeys can take more than 24 hours, but most trains offer sleeper cabins.

Journey times

From Chennai - 6 hours; Mysore - 5 hours.

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Featured Hotels

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Vivanta by Taj – Yeshwantpur

Soak in the space that's right in the centre of Bengaluru’s business and entertainment areas. The lobby of this luxurious hotel in Bengaluru is a unique mix of chic and classic. This is where sophisticated business travellers can find intelligent work environments and vibrant leisure options in one hot spot.

Gateway Hotel

Many pick this upscale downtown hotel for its superior restaurant, the delectable Karavalli, but the rooms are just as tasteful. The setting here is calm, and the location is perfect for shoppers with their sights on MG Road. They even offer a jetlag service for international guests.

Hotel Empire International

A budget hotel with an unbeatable location right in the heart of Bengaluru, Hotel Empire International is close to the shops and traveller hangouts of MG Road. All rooms are clean and offer air conditioning, safety deposit lockers, and TVs. There’s also internet access and a respectable in-house restaurant.

Iris Hotel

Small but perfectly formed, the Iris offers a big package on a modest floorplan. Its contemporary rooms are compact yet comfortable and include LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. There’s even a small pool, in-house spa and business meeting rooms, all in a great location near Mahatma Gandhi Road.

The Taj West End

This stylish, old mansion was built in 1887 and started life as a boarding house, but soon became a lavish retreat for Bengaluru’s wealthiest colonial rulers. Luxuriously refurbished and surrounded by an 18-hectare (45-acre) garden, the hotel drips with character. There are two pools, a gym and beauty parlour, as well as fine dining at the Mynt, Blue Ginger and Masala Klub restaurants.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru

Located 4km (2.5 miles) from the city centre, the opulent Leela Palace is set in lavish grounds beside an azure lagoon. True to its name, the hotel is indeed palatial, with gilded domes, soaring arches and stylish rooms that strike the perfect balance between heritage glamour and modern luxury. The hotel has three restaurants and a well-regarded spa and gym.