Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is one of the most hip and happening cities in India and also often referred to as India's Silicon Valley.
Great Indian Developer Summit 2008 will be held at the hallmark of India's academic excellence, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). See Google Maps Reference.
J. N. Tata Auditorium
National Science Symposium Complex (NSSC)
Sir C.V.Raman Avenue
(Across the street from Indian Institute of Science)
Bangalore, India
Ph: +91 80 23092236 and +91 80 23092917
MAP
To download a map of the entire Bengaluru City, click here.
GETTING THERE
By Bus
Buses in Bangalore are cheap and usually frequent, but traveling on them can be very difficult if you don't know the system well. Local city buses display only the route number in English, with the destination and route information is written in Kannada. You can log on to the BMTC online bus route information system, here: http://www.bmtcinfo.com/jsp/ and enter your point of origin and choose your destination as Malleswaram 18th Cross to map your route to the venue.
By Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are everywhere at any time of day. They are yellow three wheeled contraptions that use simple two-stroke engines and belch out pollutants. Nevertheless, they are a fast way to get around the city. Autos are supposed to charge according to the meter, and you should simply refuse to board one where the meter is faulty or the driver refuses to use it. Saying "meter please" will usually do the trick. For a ride from Bangalore Bus Stand ( Majestic / Railway Station ) the fare should be Rs. 50. You can also avail the services of Prepaid counters to hire one. Prepaid counters are located in many parts of the city- MG Road, Majestic etc.
By City Taxis
The taxis in Bangalore are very convenient and comfortable. Most of the vehicles are Maruti Omni Vans or Tata Indica cars, which are much safer than Auto rickshaws, and the drivers are polite. If you are alone or going to an unknown destination, you are strongly advised to choose this option, even though the rates will be double that of an auto. Most taxi companies will charge a flat rate of Rs. 150 for a pick-up and drop from anywhere to anywhere within city limits. Waiting or return trips will be charged extra, as will a lot of heavy luggage. The actual rates are Rs. 120 for 10 km (minimum) and Rs. 12 for every extra kilometer.
You need to call the following numbers for availing this service.
City Safari
91-80-2553-9999
91-80-4110-6666
Chamundi City Taxi
91-80-2520-0333
91-80-2529-3222
Roman Taxis
91-80-2548-6606
91-80-2548-6616
Spot Taxis
91-80-2551-0000
Unicorn [for Kinetic Honda Bike rentals] 98440-24365
HIT THE SACK
Due to demand vastly outstripping supply, good hotels in Bangalore are insanely expensive — with average rates pushing US$500/night, it's possibly the most expensive city on Earth to a businessman expecting a Western-style experience to sleep in. Fortunately prices at the lower end of the spectrum are rather more reasonable.
Budget
Ajantha, 22 MG Road. Good simple hotel with veggie restaurant. Tel:+91 80 2558-4321.
Royal Lodge, S. C. Road (Next to Kapali theater),Clean rooms and convenient to the city’s local transports like the City bus station and the City Railway Station. Tel:+91 080 2226-6951
Sri Rama Krishna Hotel (good, cheap hotel) - in the "Majestic Area" near City Rail and Bus Station. Rs.450 (close to $10) per night will get you a very secure single with morning Freezing cold water, tea/coffee TV, phone in room and a good views if on upper floor (request). However, if you have a problem with cockroaches, then you'll probably want to look elsewhere. Also, make sure you bring mosquito netting as there are vents that are impossible to close. The hotel also has a very popular, large restaurant serving South Indian food. - closed for renovation in late August 2006.
Shree Vaishnav Gujarati Samaj (good, very cheap staying for gujaratis) - just behind "Majestic Area" Nr Sapna cinema, Kempe Gowda circle - a secure and decent place to stay if you are there for a day or two. Costs only 50 rs for a day / bed. A nice canteen just inside the place with gujarati food available. In the vicinity there is another good place available for fast food / lunch named "SLV". Good value for money.
YMCA, Nrupathunga Road (near Cubbon Park), no-frills hotel. Tel:+91 80 2221-1848
Mid-range
Hotel Brindavan - Located just off M.G. Road. Very near to M. G. Road/Brigade Road junction (Also called Cauvery handicraft junction). Nice hotel for lodging & great south Indian food.
Church Street Inn - 46,1-1 Church Street (Opposite Night Watchman Pub, Tel: +91 80 30577190. Complimentary wi-fi access and an in house library from Dr. Seuss to Dostoyevsky! Friendly and intelligent staff.
Hotel St. Marks - St. Marks Road (Near Residency Road).
Splurge
Grand Ashok Hotel, Kumara Krupa High Grounds. Tel:+91 80 22-2404-2211 (9 lines).
Taj Residency Hotel], 41/3 MG Road. Tel:+91 80 5660-4444. Email: mailto:residency.bangalore@tajhotels.com. Besides the Leela, this is considered the Best Business Hotel in India.
Chancery Pavilion, Residency Road. Nice business hotel, good service and food. About $200 US
Park Hotel, 14/7 MG Road. Tel:+91 80 2559-4666.
ITC Windsor Sheraton Hotel, Sankey Road.
Oberoi Hotel, 37-39 MG Road. Tel:+91 80 2558-5858.
Taj West End Hotel, Race Course Road. Tel:+91 80 5660-5660.
Leela Palace Kempinski, Tel:+91 80 2521-1234. The Leela has been voted 'The Best Business Hotel in the World' by Conde Naste Traveller, for the year 2007.
Le Meridien, Tel:+91-80-2226 22 33.
Hotel Royal Orchid, Tel:+91 80 2520 5566. Adjoining KGA Golf Course, Airport Road. Sometimes referred to as the "Royal Orchid Park Plaza". Not to be confused with Royal Orchid Central.
GREAT INDIAN DEVELOPER AWARDS
Great Indian Developer Awards ceremony will be held at the sprawling Palace Grounds, owned by the Mysore royal family. See Google Maps Reference.
The fest will start at 7:30 PM on May 23 2008. For more information see here.
Palace Grounds
Mekhri Circle Gate
Bangalore, Karnataka
India