We recently moved to Bangalore because I opted for a new job. A relocation comes with its own challenges. Yet, A new location also offers a lot of new opportunities to explore areas around it. For a travel enthusiast, there can’t be better music to hear. Hence we decided to start this page to log our travels in and around Bangalore. We would be capturing our weekly plans and then directing some of these to individual pages for those travels.
Let us kick off the list!!
Weekend 1 – Aug 3/4, 2024 – Transition
This was the weekend we shifted to Bangalore. We landed in the city and moved to our apartment. Since these were the first couple of days, the focus was on getting the infrastructure in the house. So, most of my outings were to home furnishing and decor places to get the house in order.
Weekend 2 – Aug 10/24, 2024 – Getting Settled (In-city, Shopping, Food)
This was the weekend we used to settle in the town and start exploring. We covered two premium shopping malls in the two days closer to our place. This helped us identify our hang-out places. The first mall we visited was the Forum Shantiniketan Mall. It is a pretty good one with a decent food court. You get most brands out here and can spend some time exploring.
The next shopping mall we covered was the Phoenix Marketcity in Whitefields which is definitely a humongous setup. While it is pretty big, it has an adjoining mall called VR which becomes an extension. The great thing about Phoneix Mall is that it has two play zones for kids to engage in. It is hence a great place for a weekend outing. Also, on most weekends, there are shows organized here which adds to the charm of the place.
Phoenix also has a restaurant called Rajdhani Restaurant which serves a fusion set-buffer of Gujarati and Rajasthani cuisine. We have been fond of the chain from Delhi NCR and continued our association with them here in Bangalore.
Weekend 3 – Aug 17/18, 2024 – Escaping to Mysore (Out-of-city, Short Drive)
It was already the third week in the city and we had our car in hand by now. Moreover, this was the extended weekend on the occasion of Independence Day. We planned a three-day trip to Mysore and had a great time in this wonderful city. Known as the “City of Palaces,” Mysore was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore. It has retained much of its royal heritage.
We explored the Mysore Palace, the Vrindavan Gardens, the Mysore Zoo, Karanji Lake, and Chamundi Hills. The journey on the Bangalore-Mysore highway is a treat as well, though it is not a Meerut or Yamuna Expressway.
Weekend 4 – Aug 24/25, 2024 – A Tryst With Birds (In-city, Activity)
This weekend we explored the Birds of Paradise in Bangalore. This NGO run facility is located on the outskirts of Bangalore. It offers a unique opportunity for ornithologists, nature enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike. They can experience the stunning variety of bird species that inhabit the region. The site serves as a critical habitat for many endemic and migratory birds. It is an essential area for conservation efforts. It is also vital for eco-tourism. Visitors can engage in guided tours that provide insights into avian behavior, ecology, and conservation strategies. The visitors can engage directly with some of the reptiles and birds in open environment. In addition to the educational perspective, the place also offers activities to engage casual visitors and kids. It becomes a good weekend activity that people of all tastes and ages can enjoy.
Weekend 5 – Aug 31/Sep 1, 2024 – Relaxing (At home)
We spent this weekend at home and ordered food. After quite some time we enjoyed a relaxed and chilled-out weekend.
Weekend 6 – Sep 6/7, 2024 – Unwinding with good Food (In-city, Activity, Food)
This was the weekend of Ganesha Utsav where the entire city was celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi. This is an important occasion for the region. People establish Lord Ganesha in their homes. They care for the lord like a guest. The entire environment has an aura and bustle around. Rishik participated in the cultural program organized in our society and earned the appreciation of everyone.
We also explored a great dining place called the Bier Library which was close to the area we stayed in. It is a good place to spend time. It is set up in a large area and is very aesthetically designed. There is a lot of greenery inside. A water body serves as a good anchor to the entire decor. The food was good and the service was great. We loved it and it seems it would become our go-to place for more dinner outings.
Weekend 7 – Sep 14/15, 2024 – Devotional Break (In-city, Activity)
This weekend we covered a revered Shiv Temple in the city called Shivoham Shiv Temple. Established in 1995, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its impressive 65-foot tall statue of the deity. This architectural marvel integrates traditional Indian temple design with modern aesthetics. It creates an inviting atmosphere for worshipers and visitors. The temple complex also features intricately carved pillars and serene gardens that enhance its tranquil ambiance.
This is a continuously building page. More details are being added as we explore more of Bangalore and things around it! Keep watching this space for more to come.
Kettle and Travel 