YES, this is the city which has been-
-nominated by MSNBC as one of the 12 funkiest towns in the world,
-nominated by Newsweek as one of the boom towns,
-nominated by UN as the 4th Best Technological Hub of the World next only to California, London and Boston.
-listed in top 7 intelligent communities in the world
-called Boomgalore by a German magazine called the ’WIRED’.
-declared the knowledge hub by Times group for highest occupancy of industries in India
Hmmm…it has gone a long way internationally. BUT AT THIS JUNCTURE I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT BANGALORE IS STILL AN INDIAN CITY WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS AS MOST OF THE INDIAN CITIES FACE.
Bangalore has been very high on image. You shouldn’t be surprised to see whopping 43 reviews written on Bangalore and mine being the 44th. It has won accolades by many. But also has been a victim of rigorous critiquing.
Bangalore may be censured because of the infrastructure not keeping pace with the growth which is happening by leaps and bounds . People from every nook of the country are crowding this place . Today, one of the very common problems experienced is an irksome STOP-AND-GO traffic. But the civic bodies are trying to do their best. One of the efforts being the Hebbal Interchange.It is the LONGEST FLYOVER IN INDIA(5.35 kms) with interchange at 5 levels!!! It may become a tourist spot (!) . But lots more need to be done
Civic authorities like BDA, BCC and spearheaded by BATF are bringing a radical change. There has been a major effort by BATF in sprucing up Bangalore . Most of the roads have been paved. Beautiful traffic islands have been made. Parks and Nirmala Toilets have been constructed. And lots more is expected.But but but it is not an NY or a DC yet. People, plzzz don’t land here having such notions. As mentioned earlier…it is still an Indian city.
One thing I have observed is that everyone complains about Bangalore’s public transport. What problems do you have with BMTC? The bus stops are state-of-art. Most of my journeys in city buses have been hassle-free. I am sure most have those who of complained have not used the public transport. They are blinded by prejudices. But one thing...the boards are only in the vernacular which is really bad.
A pretty good weather, cosmopolitan culture, hospitality of the people here and loads of good jobs make it a very liveable place .
But since I have been reviewing Bangalore under TRAVEL I don’t expect the tourists to come to Bangalore to look at the pavements and Nirmala toilets. To confess, Bangalore has never been given a serious thought as a tourist spot. Hang on…this doesnt mean that there are no places to visit.
Now starts a serious attempt to review Bangalore on TRAVEL.
SHOPPING anything and everything is a great experience in MGs, Brigade Road and Commercial street.(Added: Forum, by the Brigade group on Hosur road is the biggest mall in India. It is the Indian version Dave and Buster with both shopping and entertainment coupled. It has 11 screens! This is the place where Mc.Donald’s is coming up)
EATING OUT is fun.In and around M.G. road, there are good restaurants. Another restaurant very famous is MTR.
BOWLING(Amoeba and Megabowl), GO-KARTING (In whitefield’s speed zone) is a big hit. You can visit Vidhana Soudha too. It is beautiful piece of architecture. Bangalore is PUB CAPITAL of India . Since I dont drink, I have no idea whatsoever how the pubs in Bangalore are.
ITPL(International Tech Park Ltd.) is perhaps the most impressive government building(built by Ascendas, Singapore). It houses umpteen number of IT companies. It comprises four edifices. It is analogous to the Hi-Tech city of Hyderabad but looks a million times better. But you need a permission otherwise you won’t be let in. Check this out https://intltechpark.com
ART OF LIVING.
You can have a mind-blowing experience here. It is situated on the Kanakpura road. I heard that if you make it early morning to this place you even get to meet Ravi Shankar.
A FACT: Most of the dignitaries from different parts of the world who have come down to India, be it the ambassadors of their country or the music bands, make it a point to visit Bangalore. After having heard this I think a tourist’s interest may increase manifold.
I would wind up with a hybridised adage(responding to Amrita’s article)
WHEN BANGALORE IS COMMENDED, BANGALOREANS TAKE IT AS IF THEY ARE USED TO PRAISES. AND WHEN BANGALORE IS CRITICISED , BANGALOREANS TAKE IT AS IF THEY ARE BORED OF PRAISES(!)