9 Reasons To Love Bangalore
It took me some time to like Bangalore. Initially, I viewed it as one of the nice-cities-turned-bad sort. All I could see was vehicles, over-crowded spaces and layers of pollution. However, as I spent over a month there I got a chance to explore it bit by bit. I got to know the real Bangalore – a city that personifies comfort and great living. Today, it’s one of my favourite cities in India.
Here’s how I was charmed –
Tree-lined streets
Bangalore is known to be a ‘City of gardens’, so its green spaces are no secret. I particularly liked Indranagar, Cubbon Park, Richmond Town and the Old Airport Road where there are long stretches of trees. It’s amazing to pass through the tree-shaded roads.
Lovely weather
After the greenery, I like its moderate weather. I dread extreme winters, so Bangalore is just what I like. It is a bit hot during the summers, but not unbearably hot. When you feel you can’t take the heat anymore, rain showers come to your rescue. There is nothing like ‘bad’ weather in Bangalore.
Great eateries
How can you resist good food? At least, if you are in Bangalore, it’s hard not to indulge. I can vouch for all the foodies out there that they would find Bangalore absolutely enticing. Some of my favourite eating places are Crème and Crust, Little Italy, California Pizza Kitchen and Golkonda Chimney.
Helpful and friendly locals
I got to interact with the locals while travelling on buses. Even though I didn’t understand their language, they were usually warm and approachable. Since I was totally clueless about the roads in Bangalore, people guided me about where to get down and how to go around the city.
Comfy transport system
Minus the autos, Bangalore has great transport system. I have never enjoyed travelling by buses like I did in Bangalore. Even the non-AC buses are so cool. Travelling from one corner of the city to another is so comfy and easy. I admit, the AC buses are a bit costly, but it’s worth it. There is no harm in paying when you get to travel peacefully.
Old English architecture
I’m fascinated by old English architecture and Bangalore has its share of colonial buildings. The city is filled with beautiful old-era churches and cathedrals. It’s possible to find a church in every neighbourhood of Bangalore, which is quite interesting.
Safe for women
Yes, I found it safe for women. I walked alone at quite a few places and had even lost my way, but I didn’t get any stares or lewd remarks. People are generally nice and respectful towards women.
Easy-going vibe
The general atmosphere of Bangalore is very easy-going. People seem to enjoy life. Nobody is bothered about anything. Although Bangalore is one of the metropolitan cities of India and a city of IT professionals, it’s still modest in some way. I didn’t see any obvious snobbery, which is quite evident in Delhi.
Lots of weekend escapes around
Bangalore has lots of weekend escapes around – Nandi Hills, Mysore, Ramanagar and Makalidurga to name just a few. I visited Dandeli, a small town in North Karnataka, which is around 459 km from Bangalore.
Some disappointments –
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
It was such a disappointment. I was taken aback to see it. There is hardly anything to marvel at and I had to buy a ticket to see it!
Bangalore Fort
It was even more disappointing! It is situated in the midst of a bustling market-place and the majority of the fort is converted into a hospital (as reported by a local). It hardly looked like a fort.
I couldn’t find National Gallery of Modern Art
When I was in Delhi, I visited NGMA quite often. It’s a great place for art and photography buffs. I was eager to explore Bangalore’s art and culture scene too, but I guess, I failed. I roamed around MG Road hunting for NGMA, asked people about it, but nobody seemed to know anything.
All in all, Bangalore is definitely my kind of a city.
Is Bangalore your kind of a city too?
