Bangalore in May
Apr 19th, 2013, 11:36 AM
#21
Go here: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/india.htm
Note: "Areas of India with Malaria: All areas throughout the country, including cities of Bombay (Mumbai) and Delhi, except none in areas >2,000 m (6,561 ft) in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim." Bangalore is not an exception. I take Malarone.
I thought that Cipro was no longer the antibiotic of choice for travel because the bugs had developed immunity. You should check with a travel clinic - if you are near a university or reseach hospital there may be one there, otherwise see if there is one of these nearby: http://www.passporthealthusa.com/
Not sure why you were given a rec for tamiflu (by who?). I suppose that is for the bird flu outbreak in China, but that is a long way off.
BTW, you do know the normal precautions for travel in Asia? Only bottled (or boiled or otherwise purified) water, including for brushing your teeth. No ice or fruit juice unless you know for sure it was made from purified water. Only hot food, except for fruit you peel and wash yourself. I carry toilet paper, but you may not need to. Definitely take something like Purell.
Note: "Areas of India with Malaria: All areas throughout the country, including cities of Bombay (Mumbai) and Delhi, except none in areas >2,000 m (6,561 ft) in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim." Bangalore is not an exception. I take Malarone.
I thought that Cipro was no longer the antibiotic of choice for travel because the bugs had developed immunity. You should check with a travel clinic - if you are near a university or reseach hospital there may be one there, otherwise see if there is one of these nearby: http://www.passporthealthusa.com/
Not sure why you were given a rec for tamiflu (by who?). I suppose that is for the bird flu outbreak in China, but that is a long way off.
BTW, you do know the normal precautions for travel in Asia? Only bottled (or boiled or otherwise purified) water, including for brushing your teeth. No ice or fruit juice unless you know for sure it was made from purified water. Only hot food, except for fruit you peel and wash yourself. I carry toilet paper, but you may not need to. Definitely take something like Purell.
Apr 21st, 2013, 02:16 PM
#23
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If you're interested in seeing a big indoor vegetable and flower market in Bangalore, I'd recommend Russell Market. A lot of it is indoors, with interesting architecture, color and light. It hasn't changed all that much since it was built in 1927, and you'll get lots of great pictures.
I'd avoid the separate poultry and meat market there unless you're not at all squeamish!
The City Market is very interesting, too, but I found it more overwhelming, and might be better seen when you've acclimated more to India.
Also be sure to try a "set lunch", also known as thali lunch. Usually served on a banana leaf, they're a lot of fun and very inexpensive. A lot of places serve them, I'm hesitant to recommend one as my favorite seems to have changed hands, but a little research or even asking at your hotel will surely provide a name.
I'd second the idea of a side-trip to Mysore if you have a couple of days, a lovely smaller town, with a lot to do in and around, and only a couple of hours away by express train. I'd stay there at least overnight, and if you like temples, the one at Somanathapura is a gem, although you'll need a driver to take you, it is a least an hour outside of Mysore, but the rural drive is very interesting.
I'd avoid the separate poultry and meat market there unless you're not at all squeamish!
The City Market is very interesting, too, but I found it more overwhelming, and might be better seen when you've acclimated more to India.
Also be sure to try a "set lunch", also known as thali lunch. Usually served on a banana leaf, they're a lot of fun and very inexpensive. A lot of places serve them, I'm hesitant to recommend one as my favorite seems to have changed hands, but a little research or even asking at your hotel will surely provide a name.
I'd second the idea of a side-trip to Mysore if you have a couple of days, a lovely smaller town, with a lot to do in and around, and only a couple of hours away by express train. I'd stay there at least overnight, and if you like temples, the one at Somanathapura is a gem, although you'll need a driver to take you, it is a least an hour outside of Mysore, but the rural drive is very interesting.
Apr 25th, 2013, 03:09 PM
#24
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So after all your kind suggestons, I am going to Mumbai. I will have a full day to alone to travel and the rest of the time I am booked up until 6:00. My co-traveller (who is Indian, worries about me going off and exploring alone)! So not sure what I will see but I guess I need a new thread.....one week in Mumbai and one one half days alone! (she will be visiting family that day)
Apr 25th, 2013, 11:33 PM
#25
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Its certainly a better option to Bangalore.Lots more to do and see.The only downside I see would be the weather.Its either muggy and humid or it would rain cats and dogs.Difficult to predict in May.Mumbai is a potpourii.A very contrasting city in itself.From slums to skyscrappers,shanties to mansions.The rich,the poor all live in this one big metropolis.There is method and order in the chaos.Its works.Don't know how.
I love Mumbai.Its is very overwhelming for first timers.For NYers like you,just imagine double the population for a little lesser area than NYC.Around 20 million on a rough estimate.The transport system is far,far better than Bangalore,but its the sheer volumes (as in number of people)that would prevent visitors from effectively using them.The locals are 'at home'with it.
Once again,the best alternative is the Taxi services.There are metered/unmetered taxis around.A colleague's help is a must.
Suggest you start a new topic.There are lot more fodorites who have been there and done that.You'll get specific info
I love Mumbai.Its is very overwhelming for first timers.For NYers like you,just imagine double the population for a little lesser area than NYC.Around 20 million on a rough estimate.The transport system is far,far better than Bangalore,but its the sheer volumes (as in number of people)that would prevent visitors from effectively using them.The locals are 'at home'with it.
Once again,the best alternative is the Taxi services.There are metered/unmetered taxis around.A colleague's help is a must.
Suggest you start a new topic.There are lot more fodorites who have been there and done that.You'll get specific info
