Do you need a europe / schengen visa and have a passport with 10 year validity?

BANGALORE, India: If you have a passport valid for 20 years, you're no longer eligible for a Schengen visa, as per the information given in the vfs-germany.co.in/south, India. So, if you're planning to travel to any of the countries to which this visa gives you access, it's best to apply for a new passport right away. 

Most passengers who approached travel agencies for this visa were asked to reapply for a passport. Those travelling at short notice had it particularly tough as the reapplication procedure takes around 20 working days. People have to apply just like they would have for a new one. At the Mumbai Schengen visa website, the instruction is: `The passport must not be older than 10 years and needs to be valid for at least three months beyond the intended duration of stay in the Schengen territory and needs to contain at least two empty pages' 

Other related information: 

Sneham.in article on Schengen VISA and states

How to claim your vehicle life tax refund and insurance claim, after accidents or full damage?

Bangalore, India: When a vehicle is fully damaged, owners can claim the remaining life tax paid for the vehicle from the transport department. 


Do you know that apart from claiming insurance for the damages, you could also claim the balance of your life tax paid. A recent TOI article gives the following:


It is a common practice to submit registration certificate (RC) book to the insurance company and claim money when a vehicle damaged in an accident is beyond repair and needs to hit the junkyard. 

Life tax on a vehicle is assessed on the presumption that a vehicle’s life span is 15 years. If a vehicle is damaged completely in an accident, then owners can claim refund of life tax for the number of years remaining from the 15-year timeframe, after deducting tax for the number of years it was in use on the road.


A valid instance:
In a recent judgment, the Karnataka Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum fined National Insurance Company to the tune of Rs 10,000 and directed it to settle the complainant’s insurance amount of Rs 4.55 lakh with 12% interest. The incident dates back to June 2008 when the car belonging to A M Srinivas of Yashila Healthcare Devices met with an accident. After assessing the damage to over Rs 4.55 lakh, the insurance company asked him to surrender the RC book as they wanted to sell the damaged vehicle as salvage. However, Srinivas refused to surrender the RC, saying the insurance company was free to sell the salvage, but he would be cancelling the RC and getting a refund of the tax. The company refused to settle the insurance and Srinivas approached the Consumer Forum, which ruled in his favour. 


LIST OF PUBLIC RELATION OFFICERS IN R.T.O OFFICES IN KARNATAKA STATE WITH TELEPHONE NO.

BSNL Broadband Customer Service Centers in Bangalore more responsive

BSNL Customer Service Centers (CSCs) which is open on all seven days from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM is very effective. For BSNL Broadband  you can call 1800-424-1600 (toll-free) and register your complain.

They normally resolve the issue on the same day (in my case they came home at 6:00 in the evening to resolve the issue).  Its better then calling the BSNL office.

Bharti Airtel landline or broadband - customer care numbers in Bangalore

Bharti Airtel broadband customer care number is 08041112345. If you are calling from your own landline or mobile phone, then just dial 121.

Just Books - Book Rental library in Bangalore (Indiranagar, JP Nagar, Whitefield, Sarjapur Jn)

Just Books is a new generation books library in Bangalore that provides a unique reading experience to book lovers with a wide range of books for every type of reader - Toddlers to Teens, Dabblers to Bookworms under a modern, vibrant ambience with effective use of technology.

If you are an existing member of Just Books and enjoy visiting the library in person, this registration will provide an additional service. You will now be able to browse and queue your favourite books on the Web before your visits to the library. While at the library, you can see the queued books with availability status & location at your favorite kiosk. Members can add the books to the queue, request for door delivery.

Note: that they dont have technical and academics book in storage - i think, since they allow members to keep the books for a relaxed time, without any fine.

Memberships plans are as follows:

• Basic Plan - 2 books at a time (approx 150 per month)
• Basic Plan with magazine (approx 175 per month)
• Regular Plan - 3 books at a time (approx 200 per month)
• Regular Plan with magazine - (approx 225 per month)
• AVID reader plan - 4 books at a time (approx.3000/year. FREE door delivery <7kms radius)
• AVID reader plan with 2 magazines - (approx.3500/year. FREE door delivery <7kms radius)

Timings: 10.00AM to 9.00 PM , MONDAY holiday!

Locations:

• Indiranagar -12th main road
• JPNagar - Puttenahalli main road
• Whitefield - Tubarahalli, Varthur road
• Sarjapur Junction - Shobha main road, Green Glen Layout

Verdict: Excellent and recommended. Do check it out in the internet or nearby store.

Life Line's TENDER CHICKEN - Best place to buy clean, healthy halal cut Chicken, in Bangalore, as you buy it abroad.

Pure vegetarians, pardon me. For other initiated non-vegetarian Bangaloreans, what is your average experience in going to buy chicken in Bangalore - in local chicken stalls, super markets, cold storages or directly from farms. Whatever may be your experience so far, be pleasantly surprised when you enter and buy from the new outlets of "Life Line's TENDER Chicken".

Very clean store and ambience, halal cut meat and fresh stock arrives everyday by 8a.m. They will chop the meat into sizes you specify in seconds with the machine.

You can get skin or skin out chicken, whole leg, drumstick,fillet, lollipop standard size pieces. Also, you can buy Chicken mince, winglets, gizzard,liver, janatha chicken, pet feast apart from the different best in class masala sachets on shelf.

Working Hours: 8.00a.m - 9.00p.m

Lifeline's TENDER chicken outlets currently opened are:

• Indiranagar - New Thippasandra main road. Phone: +91 80 25216989
• Frazer Town - Budh Vihar road. Phone: +91 80 25806036
• Hennur - Swayamwara Kalyana Mantap Complex, Hennur Cross road
• Kammanahalli - Nehru road, Kullappa Circle. Phone: +91 80 25422773
• Ramamurthynagar - 8th main, TC Palya Road, Hoysalanagar. Phone: +91 80 41737637
• R.T.Nagar - #1, Ganesha block, Dinnur Main Road.
• Ganganagar - #20, Near 108 B Bus stop, 1 st main. Phone: +91 80 23433905
• Chickamagalur - NEar Market, KM Road. Phone: +91 8262 228596 / 7

Enjoyable buying experience, Perfect machine cut pieces, Halal cut, hygienically reared and processed as claimed in pictures, no offal , no waste and only meat isavailable.I recommend these stores, as convinced and experienced of consistent cleanliness, hygiene and quality.

You can also buy quality meat products from: New Frosties Coldstorage:

• Sri Krishna Temple road, Indiranagar,Bangalore - our age old favourite for all meat and fish needs.Phone: 25283024
• Toobara Halli, Varthur Main Road, Whitefield, Bangalore:Phone:  080 28525566/28525577 Mobile:  9886080656 , 9886080611
  

Note: Please be aware that the author have no business interests in any of the above listed services. Just sharing with you afrom my consistently good experiences.

Best garden landscaping services in Bangalore - home, farmhouse, office, parks or big gardens

Bangalore is known as Garden City and true to its heritage spots many beautiful landscaped gardens.

What if you need to find a trustworthy, cheap and best garden landscpaing service providers in Bangalore city or outskirts for your home, office or famhouse?

• Lalbagh Botanical Garden horticulture services: +91 80 26576733
• The Bodhi Tree,282, 1st main, Defence colony, Indiranagar, Bangalore (private)
  
• Indo-American Hybrid Seeds: +91 80 26760111
• Exotica garden landscaping services, Uttarahalli (private): +91 9448955860

Indo-American Hybrid Seeds wil lgive you services like Greenhouse cnstruction, Seed testing etc if you already have a gardener in place.You could also purchase tools like secateurs, sprinklers, lawn movers, cutters, ceramic, plastic and terracotta pots from here.

Private firms like Exotica offer services like landscaping, garden development and maintenance, horticulture consultancy and development of farms.The Bodhi Tree provides architecture, interior desgning and landscaping services.

Here is a good reference site, if you are interested and have ideas t odevelop in garden landscaping: myidealgarden.com

Have a beautiful lanscape and once you have it please do share your comments and experience! 

Top international (IGCSE / IB) residential schools in Bangalore, India

Best and most sought after international schools in Bangalore, India is listed below from personal experiences like Munich International School and from friends who have their children admitted to these schools.

Caution: There is a genuine and widespread demand of International schools with IGCSE syllabus and many substandard operators and real estate builders, commercialise this opportunity to make some fame and quick money.So, beware of the simply 'international' tags in school names.

Important: To see if the school is really international, just check the mix of international students to native students ratio.Do ask for it. Also, see bangalore.sneham.in: Selecting a genuine International School for your child

1. The International School Bangalore (TISB)

Rated in 2009 as one of the best International schools in the world. National Public Schools (NPS) chairman is in the managing board.  NAFL Valley, Whitefield - Sarjapur Road, Near Dommasandra Circle, Bangalore - 562125 Karnataka State, India, 080 22634900.Website: TISB

2. Canadian International School

One of the oldest and well known residential school in Bangalore.Survey No. 4 & 20, Yelahanka ,Bangalore, Karnataka, 560064,080-6451-4001/01/02/03/04/05/06/08 principal@cisb.org.in. Website:CISB

3. Ebenezer International School 

Singena Agrahar, Huskur, Hosur Road,Near Electronic City, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560100, 80-41464326, 41464327 ,Email: info@ebenezerinternationalschool.org Website:ebenezerinternationalschool

4. Sarala Birla Academy

Bannerghatta, Jigani Road,Bangalore, Karnataka – 560083,080-41348200, 080-41348203/04

Sarala Birla Academy is a leading educational institution for children belonging to internationally minded families.Website:saralabirlaacademy

5. Jain International Residential School

Jakkasandra PO,Kanakapura Raod,Bangalore, Karnataka - 562112 ,80-27577050 / 60 / 70 / 80, principal@jaingroup.info. Website: JIRS

6. Mallya Aditi International School

121, 3rd Cross, Yelahanka,Bangalore, Karnataka – 560064, 080-28462850

Website: ADITI

7. Indus International School

Billapura Cross, Sarjapur,Bangalore, Karnataka – 562125, 80-22895900, mail@indusschool.com

Website: indusschool

8. TREAMIS World School

near Electronics City, Bengaluru: Hulimangala Post, Jigani Hobli, Bangalore South, Karnataka - 562104, 080-27803006, 9972399041, info@treamis.org Website:Treamis

9. Bangalore International School

Hennur Road, Kothanur Post, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560077, 080-28465059, 28465060

Website:bangaloreinternationalschool

10. Inventure Academy

Whitefield-Sarjapur Road,Chikkavaderapura Gunjur Post,Via Varthur, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560087, 080-7822102 / 27802600 / 27802606, info1@inventureacademy.com Website: inventureacademy

Hope this listing is useful for you. Do comment with your inputs and experiences as it will help the readers.

Bangalore Maps and related sites

A large map of Bangalore is available here: Bangalore Map .Zoom in to see the sites clearly. 

Map of Bangalore provides comprehensive information about Bangalore and its neighboring cities information. Find Bangalore city map and road network map: Map of Bangalore

The Bangalore City map is available in different sizes and resolutions here, with detailed info on Bangalore India, showing roads, railways, etc: mapsofindia - bangalore map

Happy surfing and geolocating!

Easy Auto: Call for an Auto at your doorstep in Bangalore

Just call +91 9844112233 any time you want an auto to commute and Easy Auto will send it to your doorstep.

These Auto rickshaws have GPS devices installed in them, and they track vehicles using highly sophisticated servers that track the satellite data from the GPS devices that is updated every 3 minutes. It is claimed that Easy Autos are safe, as their drivers are always polite and at your service.

Registered users can see the availability of auto rickshaws in the website itself when they login. Additionally, registered users can store frequently used addresses, create profiles of family etc. so that the Call center will know who the caller is and will be able to assist faster. Registering will also help for future when advanced auto booking is started and SMS could be used for auto service. More details and registration is available at Easy Auto website.

Happy and safe ride!

Note: Authorities want to make it a success story. There are revenue generating options like Advertising on Easy Autos etc. Over the last two years many brands have accepted auto rickshaws to be a viable mode of advertisement and communication for their products. Advertising in auto rickshaws is no longer shocking for the Indian brands looking at more eyeballs and consumers

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.

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:

• Bengaluru-International-Airport-Transport
• Bengaluru Airport to City Commute distance and options
  

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!

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!

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!

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

• 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!

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

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.

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!

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!