Bangalore International Airport, known as HAL Airport, is located only six kilometres from the city centre’s M.G. Road. Pre-paid taxis (approximately 1,000 INR) reach the city within 20 minutes depending upon traffic conditions. The new international airport at Devanahalli (30 kilometres from the city centre) is scheduled to commence operations in late March 2008 though after years of delays, this remains to be seen. Pre-paid taxis for the 45 minutes journey from the new airport (approximately 2,000 INR) are the most reliable transport into the city.

The Vidhana Soudha, an impressive Anglo-Indian colonial structure, is the state’s Legislative Assembly building located in the heart of Bangalore. Its size makes it a useful reference point. Bangalore is spread out with large parks and gardens though its CBD is easily recognised. Many of the high tech industrial estates are located slightly out of town on the way to and near the airport.

The Taj West End is the city’s best business hotel, conveniently located within two kilometres of the central railway station and within minutes of Bangalore’s CBD.
Taj West End Hotel, 55 Race Course Road, tel: +91 80 6660 5660,
www.tajhotels.com

Karavalli is Bangalore’s sleekest fine Indian diner, famous for its Malabar Coast seafood specialties. Reservations advised.
Karavalli, Gateway Hotel, Residency Road, tel: +91 80 2558 4545

The Oriental restaurant in the Leela Palace hotel is one of the city’s finest. Southern Chinese/Vietnamese specialties attract wealthy locals and corporate credit card holders alike.

Oriental Restaurant, Leela Palace Kempinski Hotel, 23 Airport Road, tel: +91 80 2521 1234 www.theleela.com

Not far from the CBD is The Club, an upmarket bar and restaurant that hosts visiting Bollywood stars, local politicians and business honchos. This is a rather good place in a city not famous for its nightlife.

The Club, 7th Mile, Mysore Road, tel: +91 80 8600 0768

The Oberoi-Bangalore has a newly renovated spa offering up its fabulously luxurious treatments.

As above, tel: +91 80 2558 5858, www.oberoibangalore.com

The Upper House does very tasty cocktails in a refined atmosphere perfect for relaxing with colleagues after a busy working day.

The Upper House, The Capitol, Raj Bhavan Road, tel: +91 80 2228 1234

The Shrungar Shopping Centre is full of travel offices, boutiques, restaurants and cafes and is centrally located on M.G. Road.

The best day trip from Bangalore is to Mysore. A relatively small city a couple of hours drive away. Its incredibly ornate palace and gardens in the centre of this ancient historic capital provides an amazing contrast to the high tech attractions of business orientated Bangalore. During the Dussehra holiday which varies year to year according to the Hindu lunar calendar, Mysore lights up like an extravagant fireworks display. Best visited on an organised day tour; just ask your hotel concierge.

For the latest on nightlife, shopping, business and dining options, visit
www.virtualbangalore.com

Naked Traveller's Tip: Bangalore has been famous for its relaxed pace and stately gardens much longer than its high-tech call-centred business success. To see Bangalore without a visit to one of its luxurious gardens is not to have seen anything at all. Stroll through the world renowned Lalbagh Botanical Garden which was established in 1760.