Beloved Bengaluru

DNA is celebrating its 100 days of existence in Bangalore and has chosen to accentuate this jubilation by giving us a series of articles about Bangalore. It started with their Sunday edition with these pages aptly title “Bangalore Boundless – Everyone’s welcome” which beautifully captured the very essence of Bangalore being the melting pot of cultural diversity – welcoming and housing people from multiple communities – caste, creed or color no bar. Check this (pages 7-14) for some interesting info tracing the beginnings and the history of how Bangalore became a multi-cultural hub.

 

Their Monday edition was about Beautiful Bangalore – shots of 15 beautiful up-coming and aspiring models spread across 8 pages – “encompassing the quintessential woman of Bangalore” – in the photographer’s own words.

 

But what I found truly captivating was their special in yesterday’s edition – Bangalore2Bengaluru – which, as they say, “takes us on a trip into the past and present – book marking the landmarks, images and icons that make Bangalore – to wade through history, understand the present and glimpse the future”. As part of this section they have listed the 100 little aspects of Bangalore – that makes it as special as it is. Do read all about it here (pages 7-14 again)

 

Meanwhile I was strongly inspired to come up with my own list of the landmarks and specialties of Bangalore that I love personally. Here’s my list –

 

• 8th cross Malleshwaram – this hustling bustling street is really one of its kind – just making your way amongst the crowds and shopping for everyday stuff is an experience to remember
• Aero India – the yearly event – the pride and joy with more than 25 countries participating in the biggest air show and exhibition in Asia
• Bashyam Park & NKB – days spent as kids in the mentioned park opposite the LIC building and Sampige theatre – walking , playing around or mostly sitting watching the others doing their bit – and then invariably stepping into NKB for some Mangalore delicacies
• BDA complex, Banashankari – for what else but pani-puri! the corner pani-puri-wala makes one of the best in town – although an increased demand and surging crowds has led to a change in price and attitude!
• BIAL – the much-awaited spanking new hi-tech international airport, besotted with problems ever since its conception – I still feel proud for what it is worth
• BMTC and Vayu Vajra – though much maligned, I think BMTC is one of the best road-transport services I have seen – considering the sheer number of buses and the crowds that use them, it is no mean feat to manage and keep it running. And now of course, we have the swanky new Volvo Vajras adding value and sheen to the transport services in namma Bengaluru
• Cafe Coffee Day – what truly brought the irresistible taste of the simple, unassuming brew on to every man’s palate – a revolution of sorts for sure
• Cauvery theatre – probably the theatre where I’ve seen the maximum number of movies in the city – its proximity to my place of stay mattered of course, but I’ve had some real fun-times here watching my fav flicks
• Commercial street – though I can’t claim to have done much shopping here, I’ve enjoyed the times when I actually have – simply for the amazing way in which it caters to every person’s needs – right from the middle-class public to the ultra-rich folks
• Cubbon park – the one place which truly gives me a glimpse of how Bangalore might have been in the days of yore – the moment you step into its environs the difference is tangible – oh so cool and pristine!
• Darshini filter coffee – not to forget the poor man’s invigorating brew and daily dose of energy and motivation to face whatever it is that he might encounter in the big bad world
• DVG road, Gandhi bazaar – again, the one stretch which has something for everyone – ideal for an evening to be spent shopping or eating-out or just strolling around, taking in the vibrant feel of being in the heart of the city
• Hebbal flyover – 6.25 kms in length and conceptualized, built and functioning beyond expectations – the longest fly-over in the country – in my city of course!
• IIMB – reminds me of stone buildings and days spent playing with tens and more kids – off-spring of dad’s colleagues and co-inhabitants in the staff quarters
• IISc – the temple for Science and Technology – an absolute haven for the academically inclined – surely one of the brightest stars on Bangalore’s map
• Janatha hotel – for the days spent relishing a crispy vada and piping hot cuppa coffee after a jaunt in the by-lanes of Malleshwaram
• Jayanagar 4th block – another favoured hang-out place for the middle-class junta – from show-rooms to small shops and darshinis to restaurants – it has it all
• Malls and multiplexes – of course, the recent additions of the past decade that has up-ped the glitz factor – cool hang-outs for the yuppie Bangalore crowds
• MES College – not only of lectures and special classes and labs and libraries – but rocking fun-times – the type only girl-gangs of our sort can come up with and of course for discovering friendships that are meant to last a lifetime! 🙂
• MG Road and surroundings – for India Coffee House and the horde of book-stores – ranging from Blossom to Crossword to Gangarams to HigginBothams
• Rangashankara – the place that has mainly contributed to keeping theatre and the interest of its enthusiasts alive in this city – for the perfect ambience, lovely food and the avant-garde creativity it breeds
• Sankey Tank – for the peace and calm it fills me with, the soothing effect it has – every time we only just drive past it
• UVCE – The oldest Engineering College in this city – which incidentally has more engineering colleges than any other city in the world and more importantly, the college that’s close to my heart for obvious reasons!
• Vidyarthi Bhavan – the place to be for the crispiest and the best masala dosa in town – complete with a generous helping of the lip-smacking chutney and a dollop of ghee!
• VV Puram food street – a gourmet’s delight – you name it and you get it – the perfect place to explore the choicest of dishes and at the cheapest of prices

I had absolute fun compiling this list. How about you? Any thoughts on what you love best about our city? The comment-space is all yours! 🙂