Possibly the most popular cosmopolitan city of India, Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore) is also one of the favourite tourists' hub. Being one of India's most progressive and developed cities, what attracts people all across the nation here is its soothing perennial climate and the burgeoning millennial scene. From quirky independent cafes, to easygoing craft-beer joints, Bengaluru is the perfect mix for an intergenerational travel stop. Nicknamed as the Garden City, it has a multitude of entertaining options. Visit the main attractions such as Cubbon Park, Opera House, National Gallery of Modern Art, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and the other local tourist spots for an exciting stay! Do not miss to take the day trips around the city!
Explore & Travel bengaluru
bengaluru Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- #BEST TIME TO VISIT
- #CLOTHES
- #DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
- #ELECTRICITY
- #FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
- #FOOD
- #GENERAL
- #GUIDES
- #HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
- #HOTELS
- #INSURANCE
- #LANGUAGE
- #MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
- #MONUMENTS
- #MOVING AROUND
- #NIGHT LIFE
- #PHOTOGRAPHY
- #RELIGIOUS PLACES
- #SAFETY
- #SHOPPING
- #TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
- #THINGS TO DO
- #TIPPING
- #VACCINATIONS
- #VISA
- #WATER AND DRINKS
- #WEATHER
BEST TIME TO VISIT
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Q.When is the ideal time to visit Bengaluru?A.The winter months, October to February, are the best time to visit the city. However, the temperature is pleasant from March to May as well.
CLOTHES
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Q.What type of clothes should we carry while travelling to Bengaluru?A.The weather turns cool from October through January; so, carry appropriate woollen clothes. For the rest of the year, cotton clothes serve well. Bring a good pair of walking shoes.
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Q.What should I wear while visiting the religious places?A.Certain religious places follow dress codes; anything traditional such as long tops/Kurtis with stoles and t-shirts & trousers for men serves good.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
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Q.What is the maximum amount of baggage allowed in the domestic flights?A.Generally, the cabin baggage allowance in Economy Class is 15 kg and carry-on hand baggage is 7 kg. Refer to the airlines’ guideline for more.
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Q.Are the domestic flights safe to fly? Are the airfares expensive?A.Bengaluru is one of the busiest airports in India and follows the required safety protocols keeping passengers’ safety as a priority.
The prices are lower during off-seasons and promotional offers are common for special days. -
Q.Are the domestic airlines punctual?A.Unless there is some serious weather condition, the airlines fly according to the scheduled timing.
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Q.Can I get meals or snacks on domestic airlines?A.Most of the domestic airlines are budget carrier, so you might not get complimentary meals. There’s option to buy food on board.
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Q.How early should I go to the airport counter?A.The check-in counters close 45 minutes prior to departure for domestic airlines. Mostly all airlines have web check-in facility. Find out more from the respective airline.
ELECTRICITY
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Q.What is the general electricity voltage? What type of power points/plugs/sockets are used in India/ Bengaluru?A.Carrying a universal travel adapter is always useful. Check the label; if it reads "125/250V | 50/60Hz", it can be used all across. Power plugs and sockets are of type C, D and M in India.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
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Q.Suggest the top fairs and festivals in Bengaluru.A.• Makar Sankranti (January)
• Ugadi or the Kannada New Year (March or April)
• Karaga Festival (March or April)
• Ganesh Chaturthi (August - September)
• Vara Mahalakshmi (August)
• Vijayadashami (September - October)
• Groundnut Festival or Kadalekai Parishe (November)
• Diwali (November)
• Habba (yearend)
FOOD
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Q.Can I get food according to my specific dietary requirements?A.Yes. Please mention your requirements to our representative.
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Q.Are raw food / fruit or vegetables available in the streets of Bengaluru?A.Yes. You can find seasonal fruits and other foods.
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Q.Are all the food spicy in Bengaluru?A.You will mostly get South India food here, which is semi-spicy.
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Q.Is vegetarian food or vegan food available here?A.Yes.
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Q.Can I get meat and fish as well?A.Yes.
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Q.Is kosher food available in Bengaluru?A.Yes. You can also get online delivery.
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Q.Can I get Halal food?A.Yes. There are restaurants marked selling halal food.
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Q.Are non-spicy European foods available in the city?A.You can find some of the world-class European Restaurants in Bengaluru.
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Q.Are there Pizza Huts/Dominos/Mc Donald in Bengaluru?A.Major multinational fast food outlets are available in Bengaluru.
GENERAL
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Q.Advice on what to pack when travelling to India.A.In a backpack/day pack and carryon suitcase, pack comfortable sturdy walking shoes, layered clothes (cotton/woollen), sunscreen, mosquito repellent, power bank, prescription drugs, power surge protector, combination lock, first aid kit, wet wipes.
You will get most of the things in the urban cities. -
Q.What are the basic rules of etiquette for visitors to India?A.Religious Etiquettes: Menstruating women are usually not allowed inside religious places. Covering head is must for Gurudwara or a Mosque. Leather items are not allowed in Jain temples. Don’t photograph cremation ceremonies.
Table Etiquettes: Food is generally eaten with hands. Hindus usually avoid beef. 5%-10% tipping is common in restaurants.
Greeting: Bow head and fold hands to greet elderly people
Business Etiquettes: Business meetings in India are slightly less formal than the occidental. -
Q.Are the monuments handicapped friendly in Bengaluru?A.Bengaluru has India’s highest number of disabled-friendly parks.
The Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Bengaluru has become the first Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monument in Karnataka to be disabled-friendly.
More plans are there to implant tactile pathway and Braille signage. -
Q.Is it okay to visit the local villages and schools in and around?A.You will require proper permission to visit the private educational institutions. However, you can look around government institutions, especially in rural tourism.
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Q.Is it okay to give money to beggars or children on the streets?A.Try avoiding the panhandlers.
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Q.What are some basic words in Hindi to help me get by?A.• Hello – Namaste or Pranam
• Thank you – Dhanevaad
• What is your name – Aap ka Naam kya hai
• What’s this – Ye kya hai
• Can you help me – Kya Aap meri madaad karenge -
Q.What are the common religions in India?A.India is a secular country and the most commonly practised organised religions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism.
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Q.What are the different types of toilets here?A.You can find both the traditional squatting pan and the western commode. High-end hotels and restaurants have toilet paper to clean.
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Q.Is India LGBT friendly?A.Although decriminalised in 2018, homophobia on a socially traditional country like India remains a major concern. Try to avoid physical intimacy publicly and stay at hotels that are LGBT-friendly.
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Q.Recommend some unique place to visit in India and Bengaluru.A.In India
• Cherrapunji - Meghalaya
• Karni mata temple - Rajasthan
• Dandakaranya - Chhattisgarh, Orissa
• Roopkund – Skeleton Lake - Uttarakhand
• Khardung La Pass - Ladakh
• Dhanushkodi - Rameswaram
In Bengaluru
• Devanahalli Fort
• Nrityagram
• Big Banyan Tree
• Jakkur Aerodrome
• Mayo Hall
• Blossom Book House
• Pyramid Valley
• Turahalli Forest -
Q.Is India a safe family destination?A.Yes, India is a safe place to travel with your kids. Ask India Tours to make the arrangements accordingly.
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Q.How bad is the pollution in Delhi and other part of India like Bengaluru?A.Bangalore is second in the list of most polluted cities in India. Delhi has hazardous level of pollution with AQI (Air Quality Index) of around 468.
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Q.Will I be ogled at in India?A.Millions of foreign tourist visit India and Bengaluru. Unless you are scantily dressed, there are little chances that you will be stared at.
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Q.Are there tourist polices?A.Karnataka has deployed tourist police. There is a 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline (toll-free number 1800111363, shortcode 1363) in 12 languages (Hindi, English and 10 international languages).
It’s advised to keep the telephone number of the local police station handy. -
Q.Can we see snake charmers, cows, camels, elephants, bears, in the streets in Bengaluru?A.No, there are hardly any such wild animals seen on the streets of any urban Indian city.
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Q.What about the stray cows/dogs/animals in Bengaluru?A.They are safe unless you provoke them.
GUIDES
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Q.Can I hire the services of an English / Spanish /French / Italian / Japanese / Chinese speaking guide in Bengaluru?A.Yes. https://www.india-tours.com can help you arrange for the guides.
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Q.Are there women guides to travel?A.Yes. You can get women chaperon to help you go around the city.
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Q.Can I find audio guides at the monuments in Bengaluru?A.Personal audio travel guide app called audio compass is a popular option for those who seek audio guides.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
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Q.Can I find good hospitals in Bengaluru?A.Yes. It is a well known medical hub of the country.
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Q.Can I get the modern day treatment facilities such as dentistry, cosmetic surgery, oncology, cardiology, mas-laparoscopy, hair transplant etc?A.Yes. The multi-speciality hospitals offer all these modern-day treatments.
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Q.Can one find the medicine for rabies, fever, migraine, diabetes easily in the pharmacies?A.Common medicines are available over the counter.
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Q.Are there good Ayurveda Treatment Centers in Bengaluru?A.Yes.
HOTELS
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Q.Are there international brand hotels in Bengaluru?A.Yes. You can find five star and other high-end properties for accommodation.
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Q.Are the hotels expensive?A.The prices for international brand hotels follow standard prices as they have all over.
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Q.What is the average cost for accommodation?A.Starting with the budget hotels, Airbnb, and five-star properties, you can choose the accommodation that suits best for you.
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Q.Can I stay in old palace and heritage hotels?A.Yes.
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Q.Will I find good hygiene and modern amenities?A.Most of the hotels and resorts have proper hygiene.
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Q.Is it safe to stay in the hotels?A.Five star hotels have surveillance camera in entire public space for the safety and security. Even the Airbnbs and mid-budget hotels have the basic safety in place.
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Q.How safe is a lady traveller in Bengaluru?A.The city is one of the safest destinations for solo women traveller.
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Q.Are there handicapped friendly hotels in Bengaluru?A.Yes. Visit https://www.india-tours.com to find out more.
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Q.Can I find handicapped friendly toilets in the hotels?A.Yes, you can find many disabled friendly hotels with all the required facilities.
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Q.Are there western toilets in the hotels, restaurants and monuments in Bengaluru?A.Mostly yes.
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Q.What time do the bars and restaurants close in Bengaluru?A.They are mostly closed by 11 pm but there are some exceptions that stay open for longer periods.
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Q.How to book a hotel or a holiday in Bengaluru?A.Get in touch with us at https://www.india-tours.com.
INSURANCE
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Q.Is it required to have medical and travel insurance for travelling to India?A.There is always a risk of contracting rabies, influenza, malaria, and tuberculosis if you have never been exposed to such conditions before. It is never worth the risk to travel without travel insurance.
LANGUAGE
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Q.Can I communicate in English with the local people?A.Mostly yes. You can learn some basic words in Kannada.
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
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Q.Can I withdraw foreign currencies from ATM machines?A.Most of the ATMs in the country accept international debit and credit cards but you can only withdraw Indian rupees in 2000, 500, 200, 100 denominations.
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Q.Where can I exchange Euros, Sterling Pounds, US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars?A.You can do it at the airport or banks. Our representatives can also help you do it.
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Q.Can I exchange the currencies in banks or hotels?A.Yes.
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Q.Is it safe to use the credit cards in hotels, shops and restaurants in Bengaluru?A.Yes. Make sure you don’t disclose the personal details to anyone.
MONUMENTS
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Q.Timings of the main monuments in Bengaluru.A.• Bangalore Museum - Open all Days
• Lalbagh Botnical Garden - Open all Days
• Bangalore Palace - Open all Days
• Tippu’s Palace - Open all Days -
Q.Are there public conveniences available to travel to the monuments?A.Yes.
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Q.Can I get wheel chair at the monuments?A.Almost all the places of tourist interest are wheelchair accessible. But if you have any specific places that you may like to visit, contact https://www.india-tours.com.
MOVING AROUND
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Q.What is the best way to travel in the city?A.Buses and autos are the most economical ways to travel. App-based cabs and private cars are an expensive but comfortable option.
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Q.Can I get self-drive car in Bengaluru?A.Yes.
NIGHT LIFE
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Q.Can I enjoy the nightlife in Bnegaluru?A.The classiest bars and clubs in luxury hotels remain open 24/7 entertaining guests. You can also find options for late-night movies and theatres.
PHOTOGRAPHY
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Q.Is photography allowed in public places?A.Mostly yes. There are clear signs of restriction/prohibition of photography in certain places, which if not obeyed are subjected to a penalty.
RELIGIOUS PLACES
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Q.Which are the main churches, mosques and temples to pray?A.Churches:
• All Saints’ Church
• Francis Xavier’s Cathedral
• St Patrick’s Church
• Infant Jesus Church
• St. Mark’s Cathedral
Mosques:
• Masjid-e-Khadria
• Khursid Alam Nadwi
• Jamia Masjid
Temples:
• Chokkanathaswamy Temple
• Bull Temple at Basavanagudi (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
• Dodda Ganesha Temple at Basavanagudi
• Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple
• The ISKON
• The Shiva Temple on Airport Road
• Banashankari Temple
• Venkataramanswamy Temple -
Q.Is there any dress code to visit religious places in Bengaluru?A.When visiting religious sites, avoid dresses with short sleeves and shorts. It is better to carry a scarf/ stole in case you need to cover up for unplanned temple / masjid visit.
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Q.Can foreign tourists go to these religious places?A.Mostly yes. If there is any special guideline, it will be specifically mentioned.
SAFETY
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Q.Is Bengaluru safe for a single women or family vacationer?A.Yes. But it is good to be more vigilant of the circumstances if you are travelling alone.
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Q.Shall young boys/men ask for selfie with women traveller, is it okay to go with the flow?A.It is advisable to avoid complete strangers. A dicey situation such as this always demands the presence of mind.
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Q.Shall I go out at night with the local people?A.It is better to avoid strangers even when you are in a group.
SHOPPING
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Q.What to buy from Bengaluru?A.Tarang, Jute Cottage, Prachin, Balaji’s Antiques & Collectibles, Raga Arts are some of the common souvenirs to buy.
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Q.Is haggling allowed?A.Bargaining in roadside shops is fun. Generally, locals start quoting half the said price and continue until the buyer and the shopkeeper seems satisfied.
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Q.Are cigarettes /cigars / tobacco easily available in this city?A.Yes, although smoking in public places was prohibited all across the nation in 2008 and you might be fined if caught.
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Q.Is it safe to visit the shop suggested by our driver?A.Mostly yes. But there’s no harm looking out for other options.
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Q.Can you help me suggest what to buy?A.If you are not completely aware of the specialities of Bengaluru, you can ask for a suggestion from our representatives.
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Q.Are the shops genuine to buy from?A.The roadside stalls might offer counterfeit products. The established brick and mortar shops and the government co-operative stalls do not indulge in such shams.
TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
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Q.Can I get a SIM card? Are they expensive?A.Plenty of mobile stores are available in every part of Bengaluru and you can get different postpaid and prepaid plans based on your budget.
THINGS TO DO
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Q.How about visiting the local markets in Bengaluru?A.M.G Road, Commercial Street, Chickpet Market, Avenue Street, Malleswaram Market, Gandhi Bazaar are the best local markets to visit.
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Q.Can we attend a culinary class?A.Get cooking training programs and workshops. Allow India Tours to arrange for you.
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Q.I want to attend Yoga classes ,naturopathy/wellness/ayurveda therapies here.A.You can join the classes. Ask https://www.india-tours.com/
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Q.What are things to do in Bengaluru?A.From nature tourism, adventure sports to strolling along the alleys, Bengaluru offers a lots. The main attractions are:
• Cubbon Park
• National Gallery of Modern Art
• Visit Koramangala to explore this Spa destination
• India’s largest bowling alley - Mahadevpura
• Amusement parks like Fun World
• Trek up Nandi Hills -
Q.We are interested in voluntourism. Is it possible?A.The team of India Tours can help you arrange for a trip to the NGOs, schools, hospitals, orphanages, or old age homes.
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Q.Can we learn classical Indian Dances in Bengaluru?A.Yes. Visit https://www.india-tours.com/ to find out more about these classes and how they can be arranged.
TIPPING
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Q.Is there any specific amount to tip?A.5 – 10% of tipping is common all across the country.
VACCINATIONS
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Q.What vaccinations are needed to travel to Bengaluru?A.The common courses or boosters usually advised for visitors travelling to Delhi includes Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Selective vaccines of Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis is advised for individuals.
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Q.Which are the optional vaccinations?A.Oral polio vaccine (OPV), Typhoid vaccine, Varicella vaccine, Yellow fever (YF) vaccine are some of the recommended vaccines.
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Q.Name the common medicines I should carry to Bengaluru.A.Analgesic tablets, Antihistamine tablets, Cold and flu tablets, Cough Medicine, Motion sickness tablets, Diarrhoea Medicine, Antacid, Antiseptic Solution and Ointment are some of the common tablets you can carry.
VISA
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Q.Can I get E visa in Bengaluru airport?A.For tourism, medical treatment, casual business, you can get E visa.
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Q.What is the validity?A.E-tourist visa is allowed for a maximum validity of 30 days with single entry but is not applicable to the holders of Diplomatic/Official Passports.
WATER AND DRINKS
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Q.Is the bottled water available safe?A.Yes.
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Q.Is the tap water safe for drinking?A.Not always. It’s better to go with the bottled water for drinking.
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Q.Is mineral water available?A.Yes. There are various reputed companies selling bottled water.
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Q.Is it okay to brush teeth in tap water?A.Mostly yes.
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Q.Are the common brands of alcohol available?A.Yes, you can get plenty of options for whiskey, vodka, gin, wine, beer in restaurants, bars and hotels.
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Q.Is it safe to drink tea and coffee in Bengaluru?A.There are hundreds of cafes to enjoy tea and coffee.
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Q.Can I get pasteurised milk?A.Yes.
WEATHER
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Q.Which is the best time to travel to Bengaluru?A.October to February is winter and is the ideal time to be in the city. March to May is also pleasant.
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Q.Give more information on weather of Bengaluru.A.Most tourists visit Bangalore in winter months. The temperature generally varies from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius in September and March.
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Q.When are the monsoons?A.June- August is the rainy months in Bengaluru.
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Q.Does it rain all the time during monsoons?A.Heavy winds and sprinkling water are common but for some days it rains incessantly during the monsoon months.
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