Visitor Information in Karnataka and Hyderabad

For any stay longer than a couple days, the Eicher map of Bangalore (Rs. 200) is highly useful. It maps most landmarks, neighborhoods, and just about every street. The Guide Map of Greater Hyderabad (Rs. 295) performs a similar service for a city with some very confusing—or just nonexistent—street addresses. Both books are available at bookstores and larger magazine stalls.

The Bangalore branch of Karnataka Tourism that's handiest for most tourists is off of St. Mark's Road and open from 9 am-8 pm daily. In addition to providing information on places throughout Karnataka, it can also book hotels, buses, and tours run by its parent organization, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC). Skyway travel agency is in the same building on Papanna Lane. The Government of India Tourist offices have useful brochures on all of India; the Bangalore office is open weekdays 9:30-5 and Saturday 9-1, the one in Mysore is open Monday through Saturday 10-5:30. The Hyderabad office is open weekdays 9:30-6 and Saturday 9:30-1. All offices are often closed the second Saturday of each month.

For finding out about the latest goings-on in Hyderabad, the Channel 6 magazine (www.channel6magazine.com) is a good source. You can pick it up in major hotels and bookstores. Also handy is the number look-up service at40/3999-9999.

Tourist Offices (Karnataka)

Karnataka Tourism (Khanija Bhavan, #49, 2nd fl., Race Course Rd. 80/2235-2828. www.karnatakatourism.org. Karnataka Tourism House, 8 Papanna Lane, off of St. Mark's Rd. 80/4132-9211).

KSTDC (Railway Station, Bangalore. 80/2287-0068. www.kstdc.nic.in. Bangalore airport. 80/2526-8012 415 Raghavendra Compound, College Rd., Patel Nagar, Hospet. 83/9422-1008).

Government of India Tourist Office (Karnataka State Finance Corp. (KFC) Bldg., 48 Church St., Bangalore. 80/2558-5417. www.incredibleindia.org. Old Exhibition Building, Irwin Rd., Mysore. 82/1242-2096).

Tourist Offices (Andra Pradesh)

Andhra Pradesh Travel & Tourism Development Corporation, Ltd. (APTTDC, Opp. BRK Bhavan, Tank Bund Rd., Hyderabad, 500063. 40/2345-0165; 040-23450444 tourist information center. www.aptourism.in). Government of India Tourist Office (Netaji Bhawan, 2nd fl., Liberty Rd., Himayat Nagar. 40/2326-1360. www.incredibleindia.org).