Karnataka

Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka states and is a thriving modern business centre and is referred to "Silicon Valley of India". It is regarded as the most liberal city in India with it's modern cafes and shopping malls.

The town was founded by Kempegowda in the early 16th century. Two centuries later, Bangalore became an important fortress under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, though not much remains of this period. The British moved their regional administrative headquarters to Bangalore in 1831 and the town began to grow from there.

It is now considered thescience and technology centre of India and is now houses of many multinational companies.

Dont's:
When visiting mosques or temples shorts or sleeveless tops are not to be worn. Smoking and the holding of hands, the touching of carvings or statues and the touching of someone's head is not permitted. Removal of shoes prior to entry. These apply to both men and women. In some mosques you will be required to cover your head.

Never point the soles of your feet to another person or statue.

The right hand should be used for all occassions. The left is considered dirty.

When swimming nudity is not allowed, even in remote areas. Women should wear a sarong if they are in public view.

Some animals are considered sacred, please check with local authorities.

Extreme climate, warm inland from April to mid-June falling to almost freezing at night in winter, between November and February. Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September. The climate is pleasant between October and March, blast-furnace hot between April and June, and dripping with humidity between July and September.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens in summer with warmer clothes in winter and on cooler evenings. Waterproofing is essential during monsoons. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer between June and September.