Tamil Nadu & Karnataka - Audley Travel

Young girl, Tipu Sultan Mahal, BangaloreThe business district, BangaloreBangaloreBangalore represents an important centre forbusiness, science and technology and is one ofIndia’s largest, wealthiest and most populous cities.With its cooler climate and endless opportunities,it attracts the young and educated from all overIndia. Once known as the Garden City, it is nowdominated by IT parks, shopping malls, trendybars and restaurants. However, the past has notbeen forgotten and the combined legacies of TipuSultan, Haider Ali and the British still live on inLalbagh Botanical Gardens, Cubbon Park and theordered tree-lined streets found all over the city.To most visitors Bangalore’s hi-tech modernitycomes as a surprise compared to the relativesimplicity of the rest of India, but with directflights from the UK and excellent road and raillinks, it is an excellent starting point for tours ofSouth India.52LAIKA, BANGALOREThis small boutique styled hotel has just eightrooms over two floors in a brick house, locateddown a quiet lane off bustling MG Road in centralBangalore. The rooms are adorned with oldKeralan beds, hand-painted, tiled mosaic tablesfrom Goa’s Portuguese era and window louvresfrom Bangalore’s old mansions. Continentalbreakfast is available in the small dining area andthere are plenty of restaurants within walkingdistance for lunch or dinner.TAJ WEST END, BANGALOREOriginally built in 1887, the Taj West End wasone of Bangalore’s first hotels and is still one ofthe city’s finest. Set in eight hectares of maturegardens, the hotel is an oasis of calm in an ideallocation, not far from the city centre. The refinedcolonial rooms are spacious and very comfortable.A swimming pool and fantastic range ofrestaurants makes the property a great choicefor your first or last night in India.Taj West End, BangaloreSeating area, Shreyas, BangaloreSHREYAS, BANGALOREThis wonderful retreat is located on theoutskirts of Bangalore and offers a mixture ofguest rooms, tents and cottages. Here the focusis very much on promoting health and wellbeingthrough yoga sessions with highly trained yogamasters, suitable for both experts and beginners.This property contrasts contemporary style withantiques, and the facilities include a swimmingpool, two yoga halls and a fully-equippedaudiovisual room. Guests are encouraged toeat together at the communal dining table,with organic home-grown vegetables alwayson the menu.