December 31, 2009

Bangalore - Top 20 best schools (CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE)

Here is a list of most sought after top schools in Bangalore, compiled from personal experiences as well as from good opinions and references heard from known people and other parents - during school search for self or for close acquaintances in Bangalore. 


It is wellknown that irrespective of the school, children will come up in their life for their talent, skills, hardwork and attitude.However, 'Your recommended Bangalore schools for admission?' is a most sought after question to me from friends, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances alike. Hence sharing it for you - see and research more on boldened school names below.


Please do comment to this blog - with your experiences and suggestions. It will help the readers to add any recently opened schools or to enhance this list!


Top Schools in Bangalore - Wellknown and  Most sought after!
1. National Public School(CBSE), Indiranagar/Koramangala/HSR/Rajajinagar
One of the best school around and everybody wants to get admission here; Focus is on academics and best asset is their professional management, excellent teachers and very low attrition. Sports activities, Taekwondo, Classical dance etc are available for students in the school. NPS also have a much disciplined school bus service. Most parents also seems to have excellent academic background and working class. See NPS website for details. 


2. Sri Kumarans, Jayanagar. Website:kumarans


3. St.Josephs European school - for boys. One of the prestigious and wellknown in Bangalore. St._Joseph's_Boys'_High_School


4. Vidhyanikethan, Hebbal vidyaniketanhebbal


5. Bishop Cottons - for boys is the most famous (ICSE).Business class parents, mostly. Official website


6. Clarence High school, Richards Town, Bangalore -05. +91-80-25470868


7. Royal Concorde, Outer Ring Road, Banasawadi ncfe


8. National Centre For Excellence - NCFE Bangalore, Malleshpalaya - good school and teachers, however a bad reputation for administration and management.


9. New Horizon, HAL 2nd stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore: newhorizon


10. Sophia Girls (one of the erstwhile prestigious schools; now attrition of teachers is heard as a problem!) Sophia_High_School


11. DPS, Hebbal & Basavanagudi dpsbangalore


12. Baldwins Girls
#90, Richmond Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025080 Phone: 080- 2221 1743‎


13. Sacred Heart – for girls 
25, Museum Road, Bengaluru - 080 22293057


14. Cluny convent, Malleshwaram
11th Main, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru - 080 23341316


15. Bethany High School, Koramangala bethany


16. Bishop Cottons for girls (business class parents, convent english speaking, mostly) cottongirls


17. Vibgyor High, Marathahalli vibgyorhigh


18. Frank Anthony Public school - FAPS, Ulsoor fapsbangalore


19. CMR NPS school, Kammanahalli cmr school


20. Ryan International School, Whitefield ryaninternational


For the top and reputed best international schools, see bangalore.sneham.in: top-international-igcse-ib-residential


Do write in your comments as it will be very useful for readers.
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December 24, 2009

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) - Important things you need to know!


The Bangalore Metro runs through the bustling commercial and residential areas of the city. The first phase of Bangalore Metro, consisting of two corridors of double line electrified, will cover a total of 42.30 km.

The East-West corridor will be 18.10 km long, starting from Byappanahalli and terminating at Mysore Road terminal, going via Old Madras Road, Indiranagar, C.M.H. Road, Ulsoor, Trinity Circle, M.G. Road, Cricket Stadium, Vidhana Soudha, Central College, Majestic, City Railway Station, Magadi Road, Hosahalli, Vijayanagar and Deepanjali Nagar.

The 24.20 km North-South corridor will begin at Hesarghatta Road Terminal and terminate at Puttenahalli going via Mahalakshmi, Rajajinagar, Kuvempu Road, Malleswaram, Swastik, Majestic, Chikpet, City Market, K.R. Road, Lalbagh, South End Circle,Jayanagar and Puttenahalli.

Out of the 42.30 km., 8.822 km will be underground near City Railway Station, Vidhana Soudha, Minsk Square, Majestic and City Market and most of the rest will be elevated. 

Bangalore "Namma Metro" route map and travel time

BMRCL site gives a route map as given below. Also, you can see the conceived pictures of different stations.







Bangalore "Namma Metro" will have 41 stations as currently planned, with an end to end travel time of 33/44 minutes.Metro trains would run at a maximum speed of 80kmph.

Details on few Metro Rail Stations:

  • M.G. Road: Elevated stations in front of Plaza theatre; six escalators and staircases; skywalk across MG Road; one lift from underground parking at Plaza. Underground parking also being provided around the promenade area.





  • Trinity Circle: Elevated station on MG Road, adjacent to Nalli Silks. Six escalators, staircases and three lifts with surface parking.


  • Ulsoor: Elevated station on SV Road in the police quarters; five escalators and stairways; three lifts and surface parking area.
  • CMH Road: Elevated station on top of CMH Road in front of Arya Samaj; eight escalators and staircases; three lifts; large parking area at the surface level to house 215 two-wheelers and 60 cars
  • Old Madras Road: Elevated station off the road, in front of Indiranagar 80 Ft Road; skywalk for commuters to cross over to Old Madras Road; eight staircases and escalators. Surface parking facility on both northern and southern side of the station.
  • Byappanahalli: This station is located on southern side of South Western Railway's Byappanahalli station at surface level; largest parking area for 1,000 two-wheelers and 920 cars; separate area earmarked for traffic integration area of BMTC and KSRTC terminals; two escalators, stairways and lifts.
All the stations will have dedicated bus bays to facilitate integration of the transport system.
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Byappanahalli near NGEF junction, Old Madras Road - amazing infrastructure developments


Noticed big constructions near NGEF junction in Old Madras road,Bangalore? Trying to ease traffic congestion in the city, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) has announced integrated terminals at Majestic and Byappanahalli where the Namma Metro, Indian Railways, BMTC and KSRTC systems would be integrated at one place.


Byappanahalli Railway station (Indian South Western Railways)
Bangalore railway station "Byappanahalli" is to be among 16 biggest and showcase railways stations planned in India.It is adjacent to NGEF, Old Madras Road and near to Indiranagar,Bangalore. Indian South-Western(SW) Railways is constructing a world class railway station that can handle 
  • around 5 lakh passengers every day at Byappanahalli
  • capacity to handle around 100 pairs of trains.


    Currently, Bangalore city railway station is the biggest railway station in the city and it can handle around 1.5 lakh passengers every day. Both Yeshwantpur and Bangalore City railway stations are handling more passenger traffic than their capacity. On an average, 8 new trains are introduced to the city every year and the new railway station is expected to meet the needs of the city for say, another 15 years!


    Byappanahalli railway station will be designed to become a nodal point to be easily connected to all the major railway routes in the region. There are reported plans and ongoing construction to provide easy access to the other modes of transport like BMTC and Metro for the passengers from the railway station. Also provisions are planned to connect both Yeshwantpur and Bangalore City railway stations from the new railway station.


    Byappanahalli Bangalore Metro Station


    Byappanahalli, which was not so famous station once upon a time, is going to be a major stop in ‘Namma Metro’. This station acted as a junction for goods trains which used to divert to the goods yard at Banaswadi. With ‘Namma Metro’ it is going to be a very spacious metro train terminus in addition to the existing railway station.Byappanahalli station would have multifunctional facilities which include shopping facilities, medical shops, budget shops, cyber cafe and all required facilities.Picture courtesy:BMRCL.


    The last station of phase one metro will be located at surface level with largest parking area approximately for 1,000 two-wheelers and 920 cars.Separate area earmarked for 
    traffic integration area of BMTC and KSRTC terminals with escalators, stairways and lifts.


    Byappanahalli/NGEF KSRTC and BMTC bus station

    The Byappanahalli station is expected to cater to residents and office goers of  Indiranagar, K R Puram, Pai Layout, Jeevanbhima Nagar, HAL 2nd stage and 3rd stage,CVRaman nagar, Kaggadaspura, Kasturi nagar, HRBR layout, Kalyan Nagar,Marathahalli,Whitefield, Domlur and Koramangala,... will be supported by a Satellite Bus Terminus and Transit Centre of the KSRTC and BMTC that has been coming up at the site of the old NGEF factory.The NGEF satellite bus terminal will be set up on Old Madras Road at Byappanahalli. 

    KSRTC Buses plying towards Kolar and other eastern parts will ply from this terminus. BMTC will run feeder services.


    Keep a watch on the unstoppable progress in real estate development

    When we look for apartments in cities all over the world with well connected metro/tube trains, real estate and rental prices are at the highest for sites with easy access to the stations. Just imagine what is in store for these localities within few years! 

    Amazing development of the locality is in line with Byappanahalli railway station, BMRCL and KSRTC.Have a watch on the progress and real estate prices in few years! Close the deals if you are planning any purchases here.  

    Happy go lucky!
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    December 22, 2009

    Bangalore Bus routes - BMTC bus passes, Google Transit and GPS tracking

    Bangalore Volvo bus routes
    Air-conditioned Volvo buses as a mode of public transport was introduced by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) as a first in the country, on 17th of January 2006.


    Out of all the public transport options in Bangalore, it is strongly recommended to try this volvo service, to go to airport or to city centres, majestic, ourter ring roads etc as it is much easier and most importantly makes you relaxed in traffic and gives you a good view of bangalore! For your last mile connectivity, you have Autos, City taxis and BIG10/pushpak buses.BMTC Volvo Vajra Bus Routes


    BMTC Bus passes
    A single day pass for BMTC, including volvos cost around Rs.75.You can travel in any BMTC buses in Bangalore. For the regular commuter, there are attractive offers on monthly passes as well. Check out BMTC site for latest updates. Bus Passes


    Like Volvos, Pushpaks and BIG10 are also recommended for executive travel options, with a very descent crowd as the charge is higher than normal blue BMTC buses.


    See few good webpages on transfer options from Bangalore City to International Airport:


    BMTC Info - A very comprehensive site for Bangalore bus routes
    A very comprehensive and organised site on BMTC buses and routes.Viewing with maps may load slowly, but in general the best place to access latest information on bangalore bus routes and types. bmtcinfo


    Caution: Normally the ride is quite comfortable in Volvo, pushpak etc. Otherwise, in crowded buses, beware of pick pockets.


    BMTC Google Transit 
    This webpage attempts to incorporate the GPS tracking and is still under construction.However, do check this live bus tracking via GPS below.
    • BMTC Bangalore Live Bus tracking via Global Positioning System(GPS)
    BMTC Mapview GPS Tracking. This is available for use in mobile too.
    Have a safe and comfortable journey!
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    Bangalore city taxi and cabs phone numbers - safe, reliable, secure and affordable

    Coming out a pub and need a taxi? Going to airport and not seeing your agreed taxi yet on time? Unable to communicate with your taxi driver in english? Feel cheated and uncomfortable with the vehicle they send as taxi?  Feeling unsecure with the taxi driver? Autorickshaw drivers not agreeing to drop you home?


    If you have faced any of the above, based on long experience and observation, here are few taxi services found reliable and worth recommending in Bengaluru:

    1. Meru Cabs - modern cars and cabs with english and hindi speaking drivers(080 44224422).Minimum Charge Rs.60. See details at merucabs 
    2. Easy cabs - mostly advertised cabs in town.Minimum charge:Rs.150.(080 43434343).See details at easycabs
    3. Ganesh travels - expensive side, but english speaking drivers and good cars (080 26507766)
    4. Spot City taxi - provides mostly maruti vans/indica, reasonable rates and CONSISTENT service.Minimum charge Rs.150. (080 411 000 00). See details at spotcitytaxi
    5. AirliftOnline - Shared taxi to airport - city transfers. Toyota Innova on a shared basis.Good if you have flexibility to travel on a shared basis (080 42426100). See details at airliftonline
    Always call and confirm:
    1. per km charge,
    2. minimum charge and for how many kilometres(eg.Rs.150 for 12kms),
    3. english speaking driver or not,
    4. type of car and requirements (no.of passengers, luggage) - luxury, sedan, van, comfort...
    5. your pickup address with landmarks and mobile number, 
    6. guaranteed arrival time of driver at the pickup location
    Safety Incase you feel uncomfortable anytime, note down the car registration number, model, colour and SMS to close relatives or friends. You can make a call or start talking in your mobile which could help.


    Prepaid Taxi or Auto Service at main public transport stations From international airport or railway station, it is advised to take a pre-paid taxi, where your address and the taxi details are noted.


    Easy Auto
    Call for an Auto at your doorstep in Bangalore: bangalore.sneham.in: easy-auto

    Keep the above phone numbers handy when you are in need.Have a good time in Bangaluru!
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    Find Bangalore Traffic Information online and on mobile eg. traffic fines

    How do you know whether you have any fines on your vehicle? Won't it be better to know and close fines earlier than getting to know as a surprise when you want to sell - and take a hit on resale value, last minute troubles and huge fines?


    Consider this: You are travelling to work or to college and suppose if you get into an minor accident in Bangalore - be it with a bike, an auto or high end car.You caused them some harm and somehow tackled to drive away soon.Then, later wondering whether they have filed a case against you?  Or, you have just come out of a restauarant or multiplex  where you have parked on road and see a police sticker with fine.Due to time constraints you are not able to pay fine and ignore this? Or, you changed your address several times after purchase and so not receiving any fine notices from police?


    Here is a solution to find out traffic information online, say how much fine you have on your vehicle in Bangalore - even from your mobile. Bangalore Traffic Information System (BTIS) has a website, which is an attempt to give useful info for travellers. Check the website below to see a plethora of options.http://www.btis.in/


    Bangalore Traffic Information on your mobile
    With a GPRS connection from any cellphone service provider, you can now get most of the features of BTIS at your fingertips, through a simple menu-based application. Find locations in the city, get directions, traffic status indicators and much more.http://www.btis.in/mobile_download


    Find Traffic and parking fines for your vehicle license number.
    Try this now, by giving your vehicle number. This service is also available on mobile.Send an sms to 52225 (Airtel subscribers) to query traffic fines. If not an airtel customer, then please use the number (+91) 96639 52225.


    Send the SMS in the following format.
    BTIS FINE
    For example, to find out the status of traffic fines for the vehicle KA-02 EB-8171, the SMS to be sent is BTIS FINE KA02EB8171.


    Bangalore airport bus routes from city
    It is strongly recommended to take this Vayu Vajra Bangalore International Airport Shuttle (Volvo Bus).
    http://www.btis.in/airport


    Submit your Traffic Ideas for Bangalore?
    http://www.btis.in/idea


    Go Green Initiative - Your carpool profile & preferences
    http://www.btis.in/carpool


    There is certainly scope for big improvement in realtime data but if you give major points of commute, this site would be of help! Have a nice time on Bangalore roads!
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    December 17, 2009

    Top Favourite bookstores in Bangalore. Your search ends here!

    Bangalore offers you a variety of bookstores and hangouts for the latest releases to those rare to find and cheap second hand books.
    • Crossword
    ACR Towers, Opp. Gateway Hotel, Residency Road, +91 80 2558-2411-16. Landmark:Above Hyundai car showroom. One of the favourite ambiences for a bookstore and hangout. Books of various genres combined with seating areas, spacious racks- music and movie section, children's section and a coffee shops; this proves to be a wonderful hangout to read, browse and shop.  crosswordbookstores
    Also, on 12th main, HAL II stage, Indiranagar, as given in picture.

    • The Strand book stall
    1st Floor, Manipal Centre, Dickenson Road, +91 80 2558-0000. Best known for the latest releases in art, design, architecture and all at good prices. Strand conducts book fairs every year which boasts of a huge collection as well as upto 80% discounts.strandbookstall
    • Blossoms
    Church Street,off Brigade road (parallel to MG Road),+91 80 2559733,+91 80 25320400. Landmark:near Coconut Grove Restaurant. There are three floors of those rare, hard to find old books. All second hand, good condition and at low rates. You definitely won't leave disappointed.blossombookhouse
    • Gangarams
    72 M G Road, +91 80 2558-6743, +91 80 2558-7277. Four floors crammed with books makes this book store one of the largest book store in India.
    • Higginbothams
    68 M G Road, +91 80 2558-7359, +91 80 2558-6574. This bookstore has a good selection of maps, postcards, guides and novels.
    • Landmark
    In Forum Mall, Koramangala, +91 80 2206-7777 / 78 / 80 - a modern retail store for books and gifts.landmarkonthenet
    • Select Bookshop
    Off Brigade Road Behind Curzon Court Hotel, Brigade Road.Also, available are a collection of lithographs, stained glass paintings and collectors copies of antique books.
    • Oxford Book Store
    At the Leela Galleria (Hotel Leela Palace) - Has some of the latest collection of books and magazines but, doesn't offer any discounts. A Chai Bar attached offering many different blends of tea. oxfordbookstore
    Oxford Bookstore , Bangalore
    • Sapna Book House
    This is a large bookstore on 3rd Main road, near Kamat Yatri Nivas, Gandhi Nagar (Walking distance from Majestic Bus stand). They also have branches in three other locations Sadashivnagar, Jayanagar, and Indiranagar. Sapna Book House also provides online book delivery.sapnaonline
    • Tata Book House
    At the Indian Institute of Science, Malleswaram - Has a large collection of technical books, on which it offers a flat 20 percent discount. Lots of books in a small place. Also worth visiting just because it is in IISc.tatabookhouse
    • Streelekha
    This is a great bookstore to explore the feminist literature and activism that is being produced in India, as well as other texts on the research and work of Indian NGOs. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting. The bookstore is located at 33/1-9, Thyagaraja Layout in Jaibharath Nagar, telephone: +91 80 2549-2783.
    • Fusion Rental
    Provides online renting of books & movies. Vast collection of both books & movies at one place. Free Pick up & Delivery all over Bangalore.


    Other recommended book stores
    • Axis Books, 330/9, Domlur Inner Ring Road, +91 80 40383838,41526657.
    • Reliance Timeout, Cunningham road, Bangalore
    • DC Books, 100 feet road, Indiranagar dcbooks
    • Book paradise, 4th block, Jayanagar, Bangalore
    • Recently I saw a new library opened in Indiranagar HAL II stage 12th main.Once I get the details, will post here. 
    Happy reading!
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    Bangalore - recommended places to buy Souvenirs, traditional gift items

    Looking for traditional gift items or souvenirs once you are in or flying out of Bangalore? Here are the trusted and popular stores:
    • The Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium
    45 M G Road, +91 80 2558-1118, offering a wide selection of some of Karnataka's best hand made products. The carvings made of Mysore sandalwood are an especially good buy. cauverycrafts

    • Kairali - Kerala State Arts And Crafts Emporium
    144, subharam Complex, MgRoad, Bangalore-560001.Land mark: Near Hotel Ajantha. Phone:080 25584082
    •  Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE)
    M G Road - A government run store promoting traditional Indian hand crafts. The CCIE has major outlets in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai.
    • Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation
    45 K.S.H.D.C Complex, M.G.Road, +91 80 2558-1118 - specializes in Karnataka handicraft.
    • Kerala State Handicraft Emporium
    #34, Public Utility Building, MGRoad, Bangalore - 560001.Phone: 080 25588631
    • Kashmir Cottage Emporium for Handicrafts and furnishings
    65, Bluemoon complex, MGRoad, Bangalore -560001.Landmark: Near Vijayalakshmi silks.Phone:080-25321379, 080 41121943
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    3d avatar of Movie theatres and multiplexes in Bangalore, India

    Avatar from James Cameron kick starts a 3D revloution in Indian cinemas. Multiplexes and even single theatre owners are fast moving to cash in on Avatar and slated 3D releases in 2010.
    Reports mention that its a costly affair for the theatre owners to the tune of 50 lakhs to 1 crore plus to get the necessary arrangements. Pricing strategies could be different in theatres for tickets as well as viewing goggles (mostly imported).The 3D cinema experience is expected to reduce piracy and help bring viewers to the theatre.
    If you want to catch a 3D movie in a Bangalore theatre, say, Avatar, following are the options:
    • Urvashi Cinema, urvashicinema (Rs.150 Balcony ticket+Rs.100 mandatory for glass rental, cola and popcorn)
    • INOX, garuda mall inoxmovies (Rs.200/ refundable for goggles;Rs.250/ ticket)
    • PVR Cinemas, forum mall pvrcinemas.com
    • Fame cinemas(Fame Shankarnag Chitramandir & Fame Lido) famecinemas
    • Mukunda theatre, Banasawadi (crowd/area not so upmarket)
    • Movie booking portals: bookmyshow
    • CALL for Movie Theatre in Bangalore: (080)33-555-555
    Many movies are lined up for exhibition in theatres including `Christmas Carol', 'Ice Age 3', Avatar, Rajanikant's 'Sultan' etc. For instance, see the upcoming movie releases listed in Urvashi Cinema:http://urvashicinema.com/upcoming.html


    Happy Watching!


    Trivia: Way back in the 1890s, when British film pioneer William Friese-Greene filed for a patent for a revolutionary 3D movie process. Back then, two images were shown side-by-side and a stereoscope was used to converge the two images for viewing. The first 3D feature film the world saw was Nat Deverich's five-reel melodrama Power of Love in 1922. For India, the first 3D movie experience came much later as 'My Dear Kutti Chathan',a malayalam movie in 1984.
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    Bangalore or Bengaluru - Whats in a name?



    Bengaluru is nearly 500 years old and has grown from a small time settlement when Kempe Gowda, the architect of Bengaluru, built a mud fort in 1537 and his son marked the city boundaries by erecting four watch towers. Today Bengaluru has grown well beyond those four towers into a sprawling metropolis of more than 6 million people and is referred to as the Silicon Valley of India - accounting for a lions share of India's software exports.During the British rule, Bangalore became a centre of colonial rule in South India. The establishment of the Bangalore Cantonment brought in large numbers of migrants from other parts of the country.


    Bengaluru's temperate climate, high quality educational, scientific and technology institutions coupled with a thriving IT and Bio-Technology and manufacturing industry makes Bengaluru one of the most sought after global destinations.


    An apocryphal, though popular, anecdote recounts that the 11th-century Hoysala king Veera Ballala II, while on a hunting expedition, lost his way in the forest. Tired and hungry, he came across a poor old woman who served him boiled beans. The grateful king named the place "benda-kaal-uru" (Kannada: ಬೆಂದಕಾಳೂರು) (literally, "town of boiled beans"), which eventually evolved into "Bengalūru".


    On 11 December 2005, the Government of Karnataka announced that it had accepted a proposal by Jnanpith Award winner U. R. Ananthamurthy to rename Bangalore to Bengaluru.On 27 September 2006, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) passed a resolution to implement the proposed name change,which was accepted by the Government of Karnataka and it was decided to officially implement the name change from 1 November 2006.


    The name Bengaluru, is catching up fast, with several major corporate houses and television channels adopting the new name eg.BIAL - Bengaluru International Airport.


    http://bangalore.Sneham.in gives you a handy bookmark for the city - for your lifestyle and needs.
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    December 12, 2009

    Innovative film city bangalore - timings, must see items, review and tips

    Innovative Film City Bidadi Bangalore (Disneyland kind of amusement park, but not so perfect mega constructions)


    Verdict: Good to go with children for a day outing, as they will enjoy a lot.Also good enough of you have a family or team outing planned.
    Note: They have a good reception desk so that you can manage an unplanned trip there. But you are recommended to book early and go there. Also, plan to be there early in the morning by 9.30 a.m. Take tickets and collect the Site Plan so that you could see the Must See Items early, before the crowd catches up! 


    Must See  Items
    • 4-D cinema (had seen these earlier abroad in Disneyland etc)
    • Cartoon city Amusement rides(DoubleDecker, Rollercoaster(above 5 years),
    • Snowpark (to be opened)
    • Ripleys (especially onesided mirror :)
    •  DinoWorld (not so perfect, but children would enjoy it!)
    Other Recommended Attractions

    • Mirrormaze (donot go with big groups like school children, as IFC staff will come and guide you out.It will spoil the fun!)
    • GoKarting (not so well maintained vehicles with seat belts etc, but you wil lenjoy if you can adjust! :)
    • AquaKingdom, would almost be very crowded.Go with all the swimming gear anyway.
    • HauntedMansion (not so scary, but fun to go and scary enough to go with children and family)
    • ShootOut (good fun for grownups)
    • Wax Museum(not so good quality as you would expect from Madam Tussauds)
    There are also other Minature city and MiniGolf etc.Also, a McDonald.


    Route map from Banglore to Innovative film City 

    Also see the details here:IFC


    Have a fun day outing from Bangalore!
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    S Sreesanth - the celebrity cricketer and his inspiring comeback story!


    Indian cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth is busy thanks giving and visiting temples, for his successful second coming to national team! Here is a brief cap of his inspiring comeback! 

    Out of line and length:

    Sreesanth from the beginning was touted to be a very talented pace bowler, but halfway through lost his focus in his celebrity status:

    • facing several disciplinary actions from national and state cricket boards
    • featuring in Parachute Aftershower Gel, Pepsi advertisements etc.
    • jingoistic field games and beaten by own team member(Bhajji) in public
    • dance shows, brawl at his apartment, latenight parties and while driving
    • numerous egoistic interviews and association with glamourous filmstars
    Finally he was told by the Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) to mend his ways, failing which he could be banned from domestic cricket.


    Business trail

    One of the noted business venture of Sree is 'The Bat and Ball Inn, Bangalore' – a joint venture between Robin Uthappa  and J.K.Mahendra (former Kerala Ranji cricketer). It was officially opened on Thursday- Dec – 6, 2007. It is touted as India’s first cricket home stay with lots of memoralia, a memento shop, boutique and with a cafe and restuarant(Silly Point).

    Inspiring Comeback


    After being ousted from Indian team, Sreesanth then focussed on county cricket and Kerala state tournaments, till he got his re-birth at Kanpur test.He infact thanked the BCCI for allowing him to play in county cricket and recollected how the assocation there with Allan Donald helped him to get his focus on the sport,work ethics,attitude, disciplined training schedule and professionalism in the game.



    Role Model and future focus on cricket 

    After all this experiences in full public light, sufficient enough to mend a normal celebrity, hope the real sportstar in Sree gives consistent performance and become a role model for the aspiring youth as a professional ! Knowing that ups and down are part of ones career, extending best wishes for this talented cricketer, to keep focussing on his game!
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    SMS to find Bangalore route directions and info

    SMS based location search and driving directions service in Bangalore.


    No need to register or download to use this free service. Try it right now by sending an SMS "help" to 90088 90088.


    All you needs to do is SMS and all it charges is the general cost of the SMS service.So,this will be a cheaper service, which could be accessed by every one. Eg. To travel from Koramangala to MGRoad, you need to type in:'From Koramangala to MG Road' and send it to 9008890088.The reply will contain the shortest distance in kilometres, the auto fare and the detailed route with landmarks.


    Try this and write your comments!
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    Wayanad trip from Bangalore

    Bangalore - Mysore - Nanjangund - Gundalupet - Muthanga - Sultan Bathery - Kalpetta -Calicut route:


    Travel time and traffiic
    Important thing to note is that forest checkpost in Karnataka after Gundalupet and before Kerala border, will be closed at 9.00p.m and opens at 6.00a.m for traffic. You need to safely plan some 1 hour buffer, considering long traffic blocks in muthanga checkpost in Kerala, wayanad hair pins, bangalore/mysore city traffic etc.


    Plan 1 to 1.5 hours to cross Bangalore city in peak traffic times and during rains.You could save much of time if you travel early morning from Bangalore.When you return to Bangalore, again be prepared for slow moving traffic from Bidadi/Kengeri to MGRoad, incase you need to touch the city.


    Road Condition and Safe Driving tips
    Bangalore to Mysore road is beautifully done, but be warned of the sudden and umpteen 'bumps and illegal cross roads' made by local villagers, where you could see a bullock cart suddenly infront of your vehicle from nowhere! Also, with good roads when you take speed, almost be certain that there will be a bump waiting for you! So, this is one good road where ABS , DISC brakes etc comes to your rescue! In general. this is one road you could also achieve maximum mileage, if you travel in top gear less than 80kms.


    Road from Mysore till Nanjangud is very crowded and mostly patched.Then there are some stretches through the forest and border, especially Muthanga checkpost where road is patchy.





                                               2007 May snap




    Eateries and restaurants en route
    • KFC outlet in Gopalan mall , Rajarajeshwari nagar, around 20 kms from Bangalore
    • Mc Donald fast food joint and Kamat restuarant exactly 75 km from Bangalore, at BP gas station.
    • Kamat Upachar Restaurant on both sides
    • Cafe Coffee Day outlets (especially one in Gundalupet, is comfortably located)
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    Lost or Buying new Mobile? Does mobile phone insurance work?

    One mobile handset sales firm (Sangeetha Mobile, Bangalore) advertises FREE INSURANCE FOR MOBILES against theft, fluid damage etc. Considering this as an  added advantage, went ahead to buy the mobile from this store!  
    How to claim mobile theft insurance:


    1. get the insurance forms from mobile store
    2. stop the SIM card at Telco service provider.Or ask for replacement.
    3. get the FIR registered and have the police seal and FIR number on insurance form.
    4. submit to Insurance firm  and wait for the inspection and claim procedures.
    Does your mobile insurance work in reality?
    Unfortunately, the mobile was stolen in the second weekend of usage. Police authorities refused to register the case and told that they cannot register the case and gave several excuses and made me go twice to the police station.After seeing the futility of pursuing the case for insurance without this, after two days of  individual followup without any higher escalation, the entire idea of insurance claim was dropped.


    Tip is to buy from a reputed and value for money in a convenient nearby store for you! Insurance if exist, good - then you may get peace of mind but maynot help much in reality!
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    Swedish company ABB to power Bangalore metro rail

    Swedish power gaint ABB won a turnkey project for the first phase of Bangalore Metro Rail Transit System(MRTS), which is expected to be flagged off in December 2012.


    News reports said that the system comprises of two main lines covering 42 km with about 1/5 th of it underground, will serve around 41 stations. While ABB will design, supply, install and commission 4 substations (each rated at 66/33 kilovolts) that receive and distribute electricity along with auxiliary and traction sub-stations, it will also supply products like transformers, capacitors, relays and the associated cables apart from switch gear.


    Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd(BMRCL)'s MRTS is aimed at providing an efficient urban rail network that will help decongest the roads of Bangalore and improve accessibility of the commercial zones.
    Apart from this deal, ABB technologies is already helping to power Delhi,Mumbai,Kolkata urban rail networks.
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    Need of the hour in Bangalore infrastructure and housing

    Infrastructure in Bangalore is not a planned one, but gets executed many years behind the need and in a haphazard fashion without any coordination. Many or most of the envisaged or executed projects regularly adds to traffic and pollution woes and national wastage of fuel and easily make the lack of coordination obvious!


    Few instances:
    • KRpuram hanging bridge and Old Madras Road overbridges by Railways and KRPuram flyover by BDA - totally uncoordinated planning and messy politics with delayed executions and traffic woes
    • Replanning of oneways and blocked portion of Richmond circle Double road flyover. Car navigation systems unless truly dynamic, cannot map 'one ways' in Bangalore!
    • Not planning cycle and pedestrian tracks even for new roads built in 2000 onwards atleast!!!
    • Political transfer of bureacrats across the state in a haphazard manner
    • Not upholding and punishing Lokayukta raided corrupt officials and politicians
    • Powerless role and short term for officials like Mayor and too many civic authorities
    • Bangalore Development Authority(BDA) not executing quality housing and flats in Bangalore (as in the case of Singapore) and leaving it to the hands of upstart realtors and encroachers who built and sold apartments even on drains and with full violation
    Need of the hour:
    • a single empowered coordination committee and 5 year term for bureaucrats, without transfer.
    • make cycle tracks and pedestrian tracks mandatory and safe for ALL roads
    • ensure any public road works are undertaken only with early alternative route facilitation and coordinated approvals
    • BDA to take up quality flat construction and maintenance, instead of allowing private parties to loot commoners
    • ensure ambulance services reach hospitals inspite of huge traffic blocks
    • avoid and donot permit big rallies within the city


    Bangalore's elected representatives and top bureaucrats keep travelling around the world - US, Europe, Singapore or Shanghai to study facilities. With the experience of travelling and living in different cities across the world, I am at a loss to understand why a ring road metro train is not envisaged(not asking budget allocation immediately) and facilitated even in the planning stages of new ring roads like Outer Ring Road or Peripheral Ring roads?! This would help acquire and provision needed infrastructure early and cheap.


    Seems commonsense? Then, why it is not done or all the efforts are failed?


    Do comment and let me know, if you have any insights on this mystery?
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