Book cheap flights to Bangalore

By Indian standards, the city of Bangalore, though warm, is reasonable and mild throughout the year, its temperatures rarely rising above the low 30˚Cs or dipping below the mid-teens. But of course, like anywhere in India, it’s subject to the annual monsoon, which, lasting from July to September, makes this the least popular season for visitors. It’s the best time to come by if you’d like to avoid the crowds and get better accommodation deals; but you’d best not forget your raincoat. By contrast, the winter months of November to February, which boast the least rain and the most measured temperatures, are the most popular for visitors. They’re a good time to come if you’re looking for an outdoorsy escape, but do be prepared to put up with heavier crowds.

South African passport holders do require a visa to visit Bangalore, or anywhere else in India. Visas can be applied for on the Indian Visa Online website.

The South African High Commission in India is located in New Delhi.

Address: B18 Vasant Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, 110 057

Phone: 91 11 2 614 9411

As with many countries, the Centres for Disease Control recommends that visitors to India ensure that all of their routine vaccinations are up to date.

Though malaria remains a relatively serious issue in India, Bangalore, fortunately, is located in one of its less affected regions. Nonetheless, bringing antimalarial medication, and taking steps against mosquito bites, would be in your best interests.

In terms of safety, Bangalore isn’t considered one of the country’s most liveable cities for nothing – serious crime is, in general, low in this city. Nonetheless, incidents are known to occur, and petty crime can be an issue, so visitors should take care of their personal safety and valuables, and not wander the streets late at night.

Needless to say, a city that hosts such a heavy yearly influx of not only tourists, but also business people and entrepreneurs, boasts an extensive selection of accommodation options of every level of comfort and affordability.

Naturally, a city so heavily built on business is all about efficiency; as such, travellers have a wide variety of options available whenever they should need to get somewhere in a hurry.

The city is home to the Namma Metro, the second largest metro system in India; and though still under construction, it boasts several dozen stations and lines which reach across the city. Numerous bus services, are available (though, in the case of both, studying the routes would be advisable before setting out).

And for the traveller who prefers a more personal ride, a great many taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to flag down on any street corner. And if you’re planning a long-term stay, cars, motorcycles and – should you wish to skirt around the traffic – bicycles are all widely available for hire.