Bangalore expats: What's keeping you there?

Shaktipalooza

So we just finished our 23 day scouting mission in South India.

We've been considering moving there for over two years now. Karnataka is our number one choice due to a more agreeable year round climate.

Spent five days in Bangalore. Peoplewise, we think it would be easy to fit in with the progressive younger generation there.

Citywise, the traffic and pollution is HORRENDOUS. It was really discouraging to see and is causing us to rethink our transition plan of living/working in Bangalore while we set up our business. One to two years down the road we'd move out about one hour plus away from the city but still, the living conditions within Bangalore just didn't seem appealing at all.

Did we miss something? Are there nice sections of town where you don't have to travel 1-2 hours through traffic snarls and two-stroke exhaust just to get to work?

Do any expats plan to stay there long term? Our plans have been to make a considerable investment, requiring 10 years minimum to see a worthwhile return.

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crvlvr

Which parts of bangalore did you visit? Bangalore is expanding fast. Moving to a place "an hour outside town" is no guarantee that the city won't catch up in a year or two.

What kind of business are you planning to invest in? There is a severe shortage of hotel rooms in bangalore.

rangss

There is a severe shortage of hotels in Bangalore!

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Shaktipalooza

Well, now that you ask... We want to open up a boutique hotel/resort outside of Bangalore. Took a drive out to Ramnagar area and was very impressed with the scenery.

We're open to any location within reasonable driving distance of Bangalore. Some friends of ours have coffee plantations near Hassan, also a very beautiful area.

Ideally we want to be able to attract both the Indian and westerner crowd, which would likely mean location near International attractions like Sravanabelagola, Belur, Halebidu (sp?), etc.

We just came away a little jaded about everyday living conditions there. I think on this trip our romantic notions about India faded quite a bit. That's good because we'd rather have realistic expectations before we decide to commit so much time and resources.

crvlvr

The demand for hotel rooms in bangalore is by the business travelers. Although a weekend retreat on the outskirts of Bangalore should see business (on the weekends).

I would recommend Mysore (over bangalore) which offer tourists a number of sights within the city and a variety options for day trips. Mysore also has pleasant year around weather (&tourist season) and decent everyday living conditions.

Shaktipalooza

I'm thinking a resort near Bangalore would be a welcome weekend retreat for those stuck in the city. Still, it would be nice to have consistant business during the week. That's why I'm still thinking of areas where I might also attract the ferangees.

crvlvr

Mysore attracts quite a lot of foreign tourists intrerested in yoga. then there is always goa..

scub_a_holic

There are already some nice retreat spots just outside of bangalore.

However, as an expat in Bangalore. Getting away from Bangalore needs to be futher than just a little bit, to actually get away.

ro-anD

I second Scub a holic, there are so many retreats around Bangalore- offering ayurveda/spa treatments, golf, and solitude, nature and more.
Mysore, belur, Hampi and other such areas would be a better option- Hampi from what i understand does not have any boutique accomodation in spite of being a very popular tourist destination.

Traffic and congestion are at its worst in bangalore..especially during peak hours (9-11 and 1730 on) But I've been reading our new CM Kumaraswamys interviews and agenda, and maybe just maybe things might ease up. He's here for 20 months..lets see

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Malkers

I got here in June 04 and the traffic and fumes have easily doubled in that time. I read the other day that 700 extra vehicles are added to Bangalore's roads each day, that dilutes ok in a big city but times that by 7, then by 30 and you can see where it is going. The roads are actually starting to improve now and the tarmac is a little thicker so much less potholes but another 12 months and it will be crazy.

Your best bet for a hotel resort is near the new airport at Devenhalli. Thats a fast developing area and a big trunk road is being built to give fast access to the city. Even the top hotels here are jam packed nightly and you are pushed to book a room even 3 months in advance in places like Leela, Oberoi, Taj West End & Sheraton and the prices have gone ridiculous, Leela is something near $600 per night cheapest so many corporate companies have their staff communting by air from Chennai daily and saving a fortune!

If I had the money I'd invest near the new airport, its estimated completion is next year so add another 2 - 3 years for the ACTUAL completion and you shouldn't go far wrong!

Cheers
Malc

TimMakins

What a pity someone doesn't go out and kick-start the Nandi Hills. That place could be a goldmine but as it was when I was last there, its just a sorry-collection of shacks and indifferent eateries. The views are stupendous, and the climate's great. What an amazing resort that would make if handled right.

Tim in Ireland

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Malkers

Totally agree with you there Tim, awesome place completely wasted, melted and refrozen ice cream, beggars, monkeys and the customary piles of shite and rubbish, could be a goldmine and they just don't see it!

scub_a_holic

Maybe its a subtle plan to keep big resorts out

Shaktipalooza

We were hoping to check out the Nandi hills but time ran out.

We're not looking to do a bit ultra-mega resort. If I had that sort of money we'd probably be thinking of other things, like retiring.

Our goal is to do something that doesn't actually end up as a blight to the landscape and environment. We do need to purchase enough land to hold the snack shacks and endless piles of garbage at arms length.

Very interesting comments about locating further away from Bangalore.It would actually be easier if we located closer to the Hassan area since we have loads of friends that could help us there. Here's a pic from a friends coffee estate:



Here's a nice view we came across in Ramnagar area:

TimMakins

Yes, it sure is interesting scenery around Ramnagar. That's where they filmed part of the caves in the film 'A Passage to India' - check out my page here:

http://www.mapability.com/travel/p2i/marabar_3.html

Tim in Ireland