Lisa does Bangalore - Handbags, Heels and Passport page 2 of 2
Relax and unwind...
What's great about no longer being an, albeit aspiring, backpacker is being able to hang around the stalls and streets but escape to somewhere gorgeous when you need a break, and take it from me you do need a break from the madness.
There is nowhere more gorgeous to escape in Bangalore than the colonial mansion that is the Taj West End hotel. It's hard to believe that in the midst of the city is this garden oasis, its fan-cooled rooms more at home in a beach-side Malaysian island than in the middle of busy Bangalore. Since being built in 1887 its old world charm has attracted Bollywood and worldwide stars alike and earned it the reputation as one of India's finest hotels.
The heritage rooms in the main building (check out my video) are film-set vintage, with all modern luxuries, and the garden villas are huge.
With three superb restaurants and two clear blue pools in twenty acres of gardens there's no need to leave this gilded cage. However, outside there's so much to see and do; there's a visit to the nearby palaces of Mysore, there are local silks to buy, hawkers to bargain with and street food to sample with your fingers crossed.
But it's certainly reassuring to know that once you've had your fill you can return hot, dusty, but sated by the rich culture of Bengaluru to this stunning city sanctuary.
Where I stayed and how I got there:
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Stop over at Taj Lands End Mumbai (double rooms start from 22,500 INR plus 10% tax, based on two people sharing and on a room only basis)
In Bangalore experience the legendary charm of Taj West End (double rooms start from 22,500 INR plus 12% tax, based on two people sharing and on a room only basis).
Air India launched its new 777 carrier from London to Mumbai in March 2009. The airline flies direct from London Heathrow to Mumbai daily.
Getting there
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