India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (197 page)

Internet Access
Cybercafes abound in this IT-savvy city. The reliable
Sify i
way
is at various locations; call (
080/2654-6113
) to find out the nearest to where you are;
www.iway.com
).
Reliance Webworld
on M.G. Road (
080/3033-6666;
www.relianceinfo.com
) is another good option with outlets all over the city.

Police
Dial 100 for the Emergency Helpline; to register a complaint dial
080/2294-3400,
-3399; there is an All Women’s Police Station at Ulsoor
080/2294-2585.

Post Office
As always, your best bet for sending mail is through your hotel. The
GPO
(
080/2286-6772
or 080/2289-2038; Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10:30am–1pm) is, however, architecturally interesting. It’s located at the intersection of Raj Bhavan and Ambedkar Road. Dozens of courier options are available—try
FedEx
080/2529-3210.
Other reliable and less expensive options are Professional Couriers or Blue Dart; you will find their outlets all across the city and in practically every market.

Railway
For inquiries, dial
139
or 2220-0971.

Taxis
Call
Gopinath Radio Call Taxi
(
080/2360-5555
or 080/2332-0152; 24 hr.); alternatively
Spot City Taxi
(
080/4110-0000
).

WHAT TO SEE & DO

Although it was ruled by various dynasties, Bengaluru’s chief historical sights date back to the 18th-century reign of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, “the Lion of Mysore,” who put up the most spirited resistance to British imperialism. But more than anything, the temperate climate of Bengaluru is about experiencing an Indian city that brims with bars, restaurants, clubs, and positive energy—a great place for walking, window-shopping (many of the most design-savvy items found in Mumbai and Delhi originate in this city), lounging in al-fresco coffee shops, and letting your hair down—at least till 11:30pm, after which the city more or less shuts down.

If you’re an early riser, the one sight that is an absolute must, is a visit to the bustling
City Market
—an absolute riot of colors, sights, smells, and sounds, with mounds of flowers (Bengaluru contributes to 70% of India’s floral export) and fresh vegetables. The best time to visit is between 6 and 8am. Next off, set off for Bugle Hill, site of the
Bull Temple
(sanctum timings daily 7:30–11:30am and 4:30–8:30pm). Built by the city’s original architect, Kempe Gowda, this 16th-century black-granite statue of Nandi (Shiva’s sacred bull) literally dwarfs his “master,” and is kept glistening by regular applications of coconut oil. Nearby is a Ganesha temple (Sri Dodda Ganapathi), which houses an enormous statue of the elephant-headed deity made of 100 kilos (220 lbs.) of rank-smelling butter. Apparently this idol is remade every 4 years, and the butter distributed to devotees as
prasad
(blessed food).