Getting There and Around

Getting There and Around

In 2008, Bangalore and Hyderabad both plan to open larger international airports. Until then, their over-served but well located current ones will have to do. Bangalore has connections to every major city in India as well as international flights. Begumpet Airport, in Hyderabad, has similar domestic connections, but fewer international ones.

Because Bangalore is a major rail center, it makes sense to take a train between here and Mysore or Hampi.

National highways connect Bangalore to Chennai, the Kerala coast, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Goa. The best way to see many parts of Karnataka is to hire a car and driver. For journeys outside city limits, figure about Rs. 8.25 per kilometer, and for overnight trips a halt charge of Rs. 150 per night to feed and shelter the driver. Flat rates to get around within Bangalore or Mysore run approximately Rs. 150 per hour.

The three-wheel auto-rickshaw is a convenient, fast, and cheap way to travel short distances on congested streets. In Bangalore the metered rate is Rs. 12 for the first two kilometers, with Rs. 6 per additional kilometer, and unlike most other places in India (including Hyderabad), most drivers will actually agree to use those meters, at least during the day. From 10 PM to 5 AM the fare is theoretically 1½ times the meter reading, but in most cases you'll have to agree on a price ahead of time. (Most trips shouldn't cost more than Rs. 50.) Often, you can hire an auto-rickshaw for the entire day (eight hours) for around Rs. 500; bargain with the driver, and don't pay until the day is done.

In major cities, call taxis are also popular. They're faster and more expensive than auto-rickshaws but cheaper than hiring a car and driver. Taxies charge more or less according to their meters (usually more), with an initial charge of about Rs. 80 for the first 5 km (3 mi), with an additional Rs. 12 for each additional kilometer. Rates usually increase by 50% after 10 PM.

In Hyderabad, auto-rickshaws tend to go the long way to your destination unless you know—or pretend to know—where you're going. Spotting landmarks and an extra dose of patience will serve you well.