Top 5 Bangalore Hotels – My Pick

When you travel as much as I do, you sort of become a travel and hotel expert. Or an amateurish reviewer, so to speak. Work has taken me to the Garden City of India plenty of times and I can now segregate the best of Bangalore hotels from the worst. Here are my picks for the best that Bengaluru has to offer, in no particular order:

1. THE WINDSOR BENGALURU - There's something about this Bangalore hotel that commands respect. It is by far one of the best business hotels in India according to me. The imperial appeal and the old world charm mix beautifully. I enjoyed my short stay very much here during August 2006.



2. ANGASANA OASIS SPA & RESORT - Somehow it makes work seem un-worklike. Well of course, it's a spa and resort after all. Not to mention the business facilities are also up to the mark. This hotel in Bangalore is the way to go for an actual and authentic "working holiday" experience.



3. THE LEELA PALACE - This one is a much preferred hotel for our company. In fact, I have stayed here 6 times. Even so, I am yet to get bored of this place. The opulence is always nice to see and the touch of heritage is fantastic. It's the ambience of this hotel that always excites me. I especially look forward to visiting the Library Bar at the hotel to unwind after a day with tough clients.



4. THE PARK BANGALORE - I must say, I am unabashedly biased when it comes to the Park Hotels and Bangalore is no exception. If choosing an accommodation in this city is up to me, I mostly end up choosing this Bangalore hotel over the others.



5. TAJ RESIDENCY HOTEL BANGALORE - This one is a great business hotel in the true sense of the word. Very close to the airport, efficient business facilities and a superb staff, it offers much more than a high flying executive would ask for. They even have a bookshop, museum arts shop and a spa.

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Rajasthan Tourism – Yes! Shopping is a Must!

The wildlife is great, the cuisine is interesting and the architecture is simply brilliant. But what about shopping? Shopping can be an activity in itself as far as Rajasthan tourism is concerned. But the activity is not for the faint hearted. In order to bag the best deals and choicest of things, you have be in the know. Having a b and sturdy pair of walking shoes will also help in slowing down the fatigue.

For all those who believe in retail therapy and thrive on it (like me), Rajasthan is a treat. But what can one buy in royal Rajasthan? Ranging from art and antiques to exquisite jewelry and quilts, there is no dearth of delights in this land of the Rajputs. I especially like the snuggly quilts you get in the capital city Jaipur known as the Jaipuri Razai. Close to Jaipur in Sanganer (recommended by many Rajasthan tourism guides for a quick excursion), one can find great handicraft items, which is where I bought this miniature marble chess set for my cousin Erin. Being the clotheshorse that I am, I also bought a great deal of hand printed textiles in a range of hues. I also got some sober colors for mom.

Other things that are worth buying are lac bangles (which are quite delicate by the way), tie & dye fabrics, oxidized silver jewelry (must buy), mirror work apparel, and kundan jewelry (if you have the cash and somewhere to wear the stuff).

Every day and every nook and cranny in Rajasthan gives you a glorious opportunity to shop. Make the most of it. After all, tourism in Rajasthan flourishes on shopping too!

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