A city of 2 or sometimes even 3 names, but it doesn't matter because you'll enjoy it just the same!
I've heard many times from different people over the years that India somehow seems a daunting place in their mind to visit. As a foreigner writing this, who was in the same position not too many years ago, I'd like to talk a little about this. As far as holidaying goes, Europeans have, if anywhere, traditionally headed to Goa, mostly for the attraction of the idea of cheap prices, great beaches and a familiar semi-mediterranean feel, in a different part of the world.
Other parts of India evoke a different perception in tourist's minds - a country of great cultural and physical beauty and a mystical charm, but a stark contrast to their familiar world, which is great for the 'adventurous' traveler, but daunting for the average Westerner.
I've heard similar ideas from business people. If they are a little more adventurous, the idea of working in India is probably quite appealing to them. If they are a little less so, it seems daunting and somewhere they might subconsciously avoid unless it's really necessary. Even with its far more different culture and language, they may be happy to go to China or other parts of the Far East, simply because they've spent time there over the years for work, and have become familiar with the territory.
If you're travelling to India for the first time, Bangalore can be a great introduction. Because it is one of the most developed cities in India, and probably one of the most 'westernised' cities in India, if not the most. That has come through a cycle of large IT companies both foreign and catering for foreign markets, with facilities catering to foreigners and the Government following up with better and better infrastructure to support the growth of this sector. Whether you think this 'westernisation' that's good or bad, it gives a familiariaty to people from many parts of the world that makes an easy introduction to India.
The obvious point that makes things easier for foreigners here is language. There are many languages in India, and actually the local language is not Hindi, but Kannada. English and Hindi share a kind of joint second place, in that English is spoken daily by many people in various industry sectors in Bangalore, and often as bridge between the many Hindi speakers origianally from outside of the state, and local Karnatakans.
Then culturally, again because of the various industries, but particularly technology, many of the people you will meet when doing business will have studied or worked abroad, travelled and share many more experiences and views than you might expect. There is a very Western subculture in Bangalore of people who like to live and enjoy a pretty similar lifestyle to the USA or Europe. You'll soon find like minded people and make friends. The people of Bangalore are extremely welcoming and will make you feel at home. The saying is 'Guest is God' in India!
All the facilities you would expect of any modern city are there - decent roads and highways to major destinations, a new International airport that rivals any in the world, good hotels ranging from clean budget ones to 5 star, restaurants serving nearly any kind of cuisine you can think of and plenty of Western style bars serving craft beers and even microbreweries.
You'll find many familiarities in business and the way of things working in general, because most of the laws are follw ons from those written in the former British colonial times.
Medical facilities are excellent with some of the most advanced equipment in the world in the private hospitals.
And then there's the weather. The weather is generally consistent all year round in temperature, which runs around a nice 22-30 degrees celcius. Despite the fact it is actually quite South and near the equator, Bangalore's unique positioning gives it a very mild climate that is very different from more tropical climates on the same latitude. There is a rainy season, but the rain tends to come once a day, hard and heavy, then go away until tomorrow.
If you want some more traditional Indian culture, and I'd always highly recommend getting involved, then that is certainly there also. There are lots of restaurants with good local food, live music and arts, toursist attractions to visit around Bangalore and more.
Now don't get me wrong, if it sounds like you just landed in New York, no it's not quite! It's still India, the developing country, and not everything is quite perfect yet! You will experience the chaotic traffic that you've seen on TV. You will experience power outages when it rains, and big traffic jams when those same rains happen. You do have to be 'careful' with the food and water, although nearly all modern restaurants and bars have great standards and use only filtered water in their ice!
But Bengaluru is a great place to live, play and do business that you're sure to enjoy. Come and visit us and take a look at what it has to offer for business and travel experience - we will always make sure you are well looked after, comfortable at all times, and go home having had a good time and wanting to return!
