Getting There By Road

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Main roads connect all the major towns in Karnataka as well as neighbouring states. Out of Bengalaru, roads are often unpaved and in the monsoon season, many become impassable through flooding. In principle, driving in Bengaluru is on the left. Foreign drivers must be over 18 and possess an International Driving Permit. It's far safer to use taxis or hire a car with a driver, particularly for longer journeys. Those taking their own car must obtain a Carnet de Passage from an international motoring associations (ie RAC) before entering India. This document guarantees that if the vehicle fails to be re-exported, then the issuing body will pay all duties liable. Motorists are advised to seek cover from an Indian insurer, as insurance is compulsory.

Emergency breakdown services
Automobile Association of Southern India (tel: (080) 2211 1561).

Routes to the city
The major roads are the NH-7 heading roughly north and south out of the city and the NH-4 travelling east and west.

Driving times to the city
From Mysore - 3 hours; Chennai - 5 hours ; Goa - 11 hours.

Coach services
The main coach operator is Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) (tel: (080) 2287 0099; www.ksrtc.in) who operate buses throughout Karnataka and to neighbouring states. Interstate coach services arrive and depart from the Majestic Bus Stand, opposite the main city railway station. The state bus companies of the neighbouring states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Goa also run buses in and out of Bengaluru. There are also a number of long distance private bus operators of whom the largest is Vijayanand Travels (tel: (080) 2228 7222).