Considering living in Bangalore? Read our international relocation guide to living in Bangalore before you relocate.
Our guide was written by Laura Byspalko and last published on Sunday 15th August 2010, it's the 2nd edition.
A demographically diverse city, Bangalore is a major economic hub and is one of the fastest growing metropolises in India.
BendhakaaLooru: Place of Boiled Beans
Legend has it that Bangalore got its name from the words "Bendha kaalu" (which means ‘boiled grams' or boiled chickpeas in the local language, Kannada). King Veera Ballala of the Vijayanagara kingdom was lost in a forest and stumbled upon a lone cottage. The old woman who lived there could offer the starving king only boiled beans, "Bendha kaalu". The King found this humble meal tasted better than the richest fare he was used to. In the memory of that incident the place came to be known as "Bendha kaaLu ooru" (ooru in Kannada means ‘city').
The earliest references to Bangalore are around the tenth century-then the district was part of the Ganga kingdom which ruled from Gangavadi and was known as ‘Benga-val-oru', the ‘City of Guards' in old Kannada. In 1024, the Chola Empire captured the city. Today, little evidence can be seen of this period, except a small village in South Bengalooru and one in Anantapur district. In 1117, King Veera Ballala II defeated the Cholas in the battle of Talakad which lead to the downfall of the Chola empire.
…| Population | With an estimated urban population of 80,84,676, Bangalore is the third largest populated city in India. The Directorate of Economics and Statistics India estimates that Bangalore’s population is expected to touch one crore (10 million) by 2012. |
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| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) is the currency used in India. One rupee =100 paise. Indian coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 paise and 1, 2 and 5 rupees. Notes/bills are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. INR-USD conversion rate varies between 40 and 50 INR = 1 USD. Exchanging facilities are easily available throughout Bangalore and authorized moneychangers usually display the rates of exchange. Credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants and shops. |
| Language | Kannada, English Although Kannada is the official language of the state of Karnataka, only 32% of the population use the language. Most people understand and speak English, Hindi, Tamil (The official language of neighboring state, Tamil Nadu) and Telugu (The official language of another neighboring state, Andhra Pradesh), as well. However, if you only speak English you should have no problem getting by in Bangalore. English is the language of communication for the working professionals of the city and most people in the city understand English. |
| Time zone | GMT+5.30 |
| Dialing code | 080 (to dial Bangalore from outside India, you have to dial 0091-80-number, and from within India you have to dial 080). |
| Temperature | The city has a dry tropical savannah type of climate—rains are frequent. Summers are warm, winters are cool. But no weather goes to the extreme. However, the city’s famous climate has become a victim to the general climate change being witnessed all around the world and to rising pollution. The summer temperatures can now be a stifling 36°C and the winter minimum temperature can drop to less than 14°C. June to August coincides with the south-west monsoon period and is characterized with mild to heavy rains. September to October offers the north-west monsoon with rainy days. |
| Electrics | India has electric supply at 220V-50 Hz. The plug used is the old British Standard; it has three larger round pins in a triangular pattern. |
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The full guide contains over 25 chapters of information covering all practical aspects of moving overseas; from fulfilling legal obligations through to choosing a home for your family. Written by expats, for expats, we do not give you the “official version”, we give you the “real version” and that’s exactly what you will need to have the best possible start to your new life in Bangalore. You can purchase our Bangalore guide by clicking on the links on the right-hand side of this page.
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