I’m headed back to Bangalore for a business trip in June. I went last year but the trip was so last minute and brief that I didn’t have time to see much. This time I have the basics covered so I should have more time to see some sights.
Any suggestions on a day trip or two in the city or a relatively short drive out of the city? Last time we stayed on Whitefield Road at the Vivanta Taj Hotel and I suspect that’s where I’ll be this time. I’ll have a driver each day, and I should be able to use him on nights and on the weekend when I’ll have a day or two. We went to Commercial St last time which was fine for the evening.
I’d like to visit some temples or other cultural sights, and if possible get out to somewhere I could get in a short hike. Is it feasible to go to the Nandi Hills for a day trip?
I’ll use my bump here, Regis…
Its been 10 years since I left Bangalore - and when I went on short visits since then, I found that things have changed beyond recognition.
Nandi Hills was definitely a day trip when I lived there - but not much to see there. Take a trip around some of the temples in town like the Bull Temple. A trip to Mysore (a tad more than a day trip) could be fun too,
Looks like I’ll be staying downtown rather than out on Whitefield Road, so I think I’ll probably spend my extra time on foot. We’ll be right off MG Road, any restaurant recommendations?
I second the Mysore trip. It should take around 2-3 hours one way. Mysore has some nice stuff to see and all of it is quite close. You can try some Mysore Dosa which is quite good (If you ask them to hold the butter)
There are a couple of palaces which are quite decent and clustered together.
If you dont have time for Mysore, I think Bull temple is quite nice too. Quite old-timey and close to MG Road. Tipu’s palace was totally underwhelming and I would only go ther if I had nothing else to do.
Personally I think Nandi hills are overrated and I hate the hordes of monkeys that hang around there.
As for the restaurants, my information is quite dated (Around 3 years old at least) but some nice ones:
13th floor - Sorta good view, ok food, nice atmosphere.
Queens - Great food, a bit cramped so better to book early.
Koshy’s - Used to be good, not too sure about how it is these days.
Also, a slightly further but I like this place much more, since it is quite loungy.
100 feet
and
http://www.chaipatty.com/ (Cafe)
For something with more nature, I think Ramanagaram is good. Its got some good rock climbing and its not very toursity. Although it might be a bit hot now…