The Garden City of India: Bengaluru

Distance from Mumbai:  854 kilometres

The beautiful mountains, lakes, expansive flora and fauna – Ooty, built by the British, still continues to capture one’s imagination!

Hairpin Bends

After a quick breakfast consisting of my favourite rice idli and coconut chutney, we left our brilliantly located hotel Berry Hills Resort atop the undulating Dodabetta Mountain for Bengaluru, located some 270 kms away. The mountain roads were traipsing along a really cool set of 36 hairpin bends that offered a rite of passage to one of our most loved cities in Southern India. For the uninitiated, a hairpin bend or turn is a tight corner that gets a vehicle to turn about 180 degrees in order to continue on the road. The seat belts were strapped on tight as we readied ourselves for an exciting downhill drive.

Animal Song

Why is Ooty such a hit with the Southerners? I could see the reasons right in front of my eyes. The majestic hilly landscape, cooler climes and let’s not forget to give credit to the drive. There are the exciting turns of course but the route running through the wildlife parks and reserves just goes on to sprinkle another dose of thrill. Travellers are bound to experience the Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary first. Falling under the ambit of the Tamil Nadu administration, it is home to several vulnerable species like the Bengal Tiger, Indian elephant and leopard. Whizz past it and you enter the Karnataka side of the protected area known as the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. It is common to spot elephants grazing by the roadside in herds here. We weren’t that lucky.

Sun Of A Gun

Gundalpet is the first Karnataka town you come across after the wildlife zone. One look at the sprawling sunflower farms by the roadside and you will be compelled to pause and admire their splendour under the sun. Official reports indicate that some 1.2 to 1.5 million hectres in the state is used to cultivate the yellow flower. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Mysore Musings

Our route brought us to Mysore, the second biggest city in South India and the second cleanest in the country. Having had the pleasure of witnessing the grand Mysore Palace during the Dussehra of 2012, we decided to take the city bypass. But those who haven’t must not miss it. Then there are the fringe benefits. The Brindavan Gardens get their fair share of attention, showcasing one of the oldest musical fountain shows in the country. The place can get crowded but folks come nonetheless with the entire family. Tariq’s favourite was the Mysore Zoo.

Loo Break

Upon reaching the location of 12.372807,76.664261 or the Nilgiri Family Punjabi Dhaba, feel free to answer your nature calls. Located on the Bengaluru-Mysore Road, the eatery not just serves a neat North-Indian but also has clean loos that you can use for no cost.

Toys R Us

Reading a sign that says - Welcome to the Land of Toys - on the highway gets your attention as you enter the precincts of Channapatna. Situated about 60 kms before Bengaluru, the city enjoys attention for its wooden toys and lacquerwork. The earthy tones and Indian concepts of toys is a refreshing change, one that would be wonderful addition to your child’s play.

Regally Yours

We crossed yet another landmark on our way to Bengaluru main city. I am talking about the Wonder La Water Park that is a huge hit with those looking for a gentle break from the city routine. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stop as we were a tad tired and wanted to get to our hotel and rest. MakeMyTrip helped us book a delightful room at Hotel Regaalis. Even before reaching the property, we were really impressed by its location on Lavelle Road, just a few minutes away from MG Road and all the hot spot pubs and restaurants. Hard Rock Caféis just round the block and we zeroed in on it to hang out with friends this evening. Since Gulabo, our car, is sitting comfy in valet parking, we chose to walk the distance and the city looks and feels as pleasant as we saw it last.

Thinking of turning in now as the day was quite eventful. Come back tomorrow! (Pictures Courtesy Tariq Khan)