Nothing wrong with BLR except that I preferred the old airport's location. Only 5 minutes from the Leela...

When arriving at BLR don't get the hotel to pick you up (unless you don't mind your company paying for useless things) but simply take a cab. They are in front of the terminal, are metered, dirt cheap and safe. They will cost you at least 75% less than a hotel driver. BLR is excellent for that. Same thing going to the airport.

Don't respond to the hagglers just outside the terminal claiming to be official taxis. Just walk to the clearly indicated taxi stand.

Regarding railway stations: I love them. The one in BLR is quite organized. The one in Mumbai a little less so. Excellent photo opportunities mind you.


Also, they are not in 'bad places', they are in the heart of the real city. Somewhere we Westerners tend to avoid and also will be kept away from by our hosts. India is a fast developing society that has its problems. Violence and crime (especially against women) is growing and everyday you can read horror stories in the local 'Times'. Don't avoid it though. It is there to be experienced. I will never forget the day our moto-taxi was chased by an angry mob...