Shopping and Bazaar Trail in Bangalore

Thank you Vignesh for your clear and interesting guide through Lalbagh Botanical Garden and our visit to Bull Temple. Enjoyed it a lot!

Had a great time with Vignesh. Tour was around 4 hours and hit local flower and food markets, handicraft emporium and Commercial Street markets. Vignesh was very friendly and knowledgeable, and he made sure to take me places that were of the most interest.

I think I would have given this tour a higher rating had I not already ventured out by myself earlier in the week to do shopping. When I got in the car, I told my operator the things I was looking for, and I specifically asked him to avoid taking me to a Cauvery Emporium, as I'd been hoodwinked into going there earlier in the week. Lo and behold, our first stop was a Cauvery Emporium, the same one I'd already been to. If you're visiting Bangalore, avoid these shops. They're overpriced and high-pressure environments. Luckily, the operator read my disappointment and took me to Commercial Street where he helped me negotiate prices and find some hidden gems I'd not seen earlier in the week. After shopping, he took me to an authentic buffet lunch, which was very good. I'd say if you have a limited amount of time in Bangalore and you're not too adventurous to go out on your own, this tour is for you. However, if you're like me, it's very possible to have the same adventure all on your own and discover the back alleys near Commercial Street on your own time.

I had the most amazing unforgettable time today. My guide diveakar was the best. He was so fun, so nice, and so knowledgeable. I highly recommend taking a tour with him.

Shifali was exceptional, started on time and just kept getting better, she walked me through three markets, helped me in selecting items, and checked the quality of the products. In addition, she was very informative and taught me a lot, it was like getting a shopping guide and a culture tour all in one. I would highly recommend.

The guide was very helpful, particularly in helping me walk down and across the streets without getting killed by bicyclists, motorbikes, and cars. We went to the Cauvery Emporium, at which I bought two small sandalwood boxes. Westerners should be prepared to squat in the toilet in the store, and bring your own toilet paper and hand soap. We next drove to and walked around several shopping streets. It was a Saturday, so it was crowded. Salespeople in every shop tried to get me to buy something. It is a very different experience from shopping at home, but then, I suppose that's one reason we travel. It is common to bargain here. Quickly I discovered that the merchant knows the quality of the goods, and knows the value of the goods, while I don't, so he is always advantaged in any bargaining or negotiation. After awhile, I just lost interest, and didn't buy anything. This is not the fault of the guide or the tour company; it was just overwhelming with the crowds and the traffic and the noise.