The Vibrant Heartbeat of Bengaluru: MG Road

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत है
  [Kripya/Swagat hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें/माफ़ कीजिए
  [Kshama karein/Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना चाहूँ
  [Kripya menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँ...
  [Main khareedna chahoon...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितना है?
  [Yeh kitna hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?वक्त क्या है?
  [Vakt kya hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे बीस मिनट हो रहे हैं
  [Das baje bees minute ho rahe hain]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...Kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब आएगी?
  [Agli (bus) kab aayegi?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (....ke liye)]

MG Road, originally known as Mahatma Gandhi Road, was part of the British colonial plan in the 19th century, serving as a major thoroughfare that connected various parts of the city. The establishment of the road was pivotal as it facilitated trade and communication, allowing Bengaluru to grow as a commercial hub.

In the early 20th century, MG Road became synonymous with the modernization of Bengaluru. The road saw the establishment of numerous shops, theatres, and hotels, reflecting the burgeoning cosmopolitan culture. Buildings like the Brigade Road and the iconic Rex Theatre contributed to the area’s reputation as a lively social and cultural hotspot.

Throughout the mid-20th century, MG Road emerged as a cultural hub for art, music, and literature. The Karnataka Chaluvaliga Sangha, which advocated for the rights of Kannada speakers, held meetings in this area, highlighting the road's role in the linguistic and cultural movements that shaped modern Karnataka.

With the liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s, MG Road became a focal point for economic growth. It saw the establishment of several multinational corporations and IT companies, transforming the area into a center for business and commerce, which in turn attracted a diverse population and contributed to the urban landscape of Bengaluru.

In the 21st century, MG Road has undergone significant urban renewal efforts aimed at preserving its historical significance while accommodating modern needs. Initiatives to enhance pedestrian access, improve public spaces, and maintain heritage buildings have played a crucial role in maintaining the neighborhood's unique blend of history and contemporary culture.

MG Road is centrally located in Bengaluru and is easily accessible from various neighbourhoods. From the Kempegowda International Airport, you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle to reach MG Road, which is approximately 38 kilometers away. For those coming from the railway station, MG Road is about 3 kilometers away; you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses also connect MG Road with various parts of the city.

MG Road is well-connected by public transport. The Namma Metro’s MG Road station lies in the heart of the neighbourhood, making it convenient to explore the area and beyond. BMTC buses and auto-rickshaws are readily available for short distances. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle from one of the local bike-sharing services or using ride-hailing apps for taxis.

MG Road is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated streets. Some areas around Brigade Road have been reported to have higher incidents of petty crime, so exercise caution and keep your belongings secure. Refrain from interacting with aggressive street vendors or beggars.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance, 102 for ambulance services, and 108 for fire emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital; Manipal Hospital and Fortis Hospital in the vicinity are well-equipped. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies along MG Road.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for the climate, and consider modest attire when visiting religious sites. Don't wear revealing outfits, especially in temples. Religion: Do respect local customs, including removing shoes before entering places of worship. Don't take photographs where prohibited. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with 'Namaste' (with palms together) or a handshake. Don't use overly casual greetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and enjoy street food from reputable vendors. Don’t waste food or refuse food offered by locals as it may be considered rude.

To experience MG Road like a local, explore the vibrant street markets and try local delicacies from food stalls. Visit the nearby Cubbon Park for a break from the urban hustle. Engage with shopkeepers and locals, who are often eager to share stories. Take advantage of the numerous cafes and bars for a taste of Bengaluru's nightlife, and don’t miss out on local events or festivals that may be happening during your visit.