Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka. It is also known as the Garden City and has many tourist attractions to enjoy during your visit. Bangalore was founded in 1537 AD by Kempe Gowda.

Money

ATM's are available, making cash withdrawal easily accessible. American Express and Thomas Cook change travelers checks.

Population

Bangalore has a population size of 6.1 million, making it the fifth largest city in India.

Currency

Indian Rupee

Electricity

220 Volts

Time

Indian Standard Time (IST)  UCT + 5:30

Language

A diverse range of languages are spoken in Bangalore including Tamil, Telegu, Kannada and Hindi. English is spoken, especially in tourist areas, and it should be enough to get by.

Area

268 square miles

Dialing Code

+91

Area Code

080

Religion

About 80% of the population consists of Hindus, making it the majority religion. The rest of the population consists of Buddhists, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. There are many religious sites and temples to visit in Bangalore to learn more about the religions practiced in the area.

Altitude

Bangalore is at an altitude of 920m (3021ft) above sea level.

Climate

The climate is mild and temperatures are pleasant. During summer, temperatures reach 27C whilst winter is colder with temperatures of 20C. Monsoon season is from June until September and Bangalore experiences heavy rainfall during this time.

Getting There

Bangalore has a domestic airport so it is possible to fly from other cities into Bangalore. Some international flights land here. The airport is located 15 kilometers from the city center and is well connected to public transport. The City Railway Station of Bangalore is a good way to get to Bangalore as it is connected to most of the major cities and offers express trains. The bus terminal is close to the City Railway station and offers transport from many other major cities in India. Buses are operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation.

Safety

Bangalore is reasonably safe to walk around during the day time, however tourists should always take necessary precautions and be aware of their surroundings. At night do not walk around the cities and avoid alleyways or deserted areas. Do not get into taxis or auto rickshaws if there is another person inside besides the driver. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Internet

There are internet cafes, and if you have your own computer wi fi is available in some areas.