A bristling IT hub, India’s ‘Silicon Valley’ has a host of allurements to grab the undivided attention of the tourist. Bangalore is a very beautiful example of how the past and present have learned to live in harmony together, providing travellers a fantastic cultural experience.

Bounty of Lal Bagh Botanical Garden

Well before Bangalore became one of India’s leading IT hubs in the 80s thanks to its huge digitally-skilled workforce, it was known as the “Garden City”. Its cultured vibe, its unhurried pace, its leafy environs and waterbodies and balmy climes made it a magnet for retired folk to make it their home.

The IT industry boomtime still continues to grow apace. The global slant of business and start-ups scenario have changed the sleepy character of the city to one charged with enormous energy and get-go, one constant remains— the magic of its iconic gardens.

Standing tall amongst the other green lungs of the bustling city Lal Bagh is an absolute must-visit for out-of-towners. This superb verdant landscape is an intrinsic component of Bangalore natural heritage. To get the most of your experience you should sign up for a guided tour of Lal Bagh Botanical Garden— it's restorative, exciting and really interesting. Now it’s even more senior citizen-friendly with the 40-minute guided electric buggy tour.

This historic garden was commissioned by Hyder Ali in 1760 and completed by Tipu Sultan, his son. Hyder Ali was deeply inspired by the idea of the Mughal Garden. This was something he picked up from his father who used to work for a viceroy of the Mughals, who were huge enthusiasts about the concept of the Persian ‘Garden of Paradise’.

Its lazy sprawl over 240 acres in the very heart of the city ensures you can’t miss this grand green lung as you rush about doing whatever you have to do. It is home to the largest collection of tropical plants and sub-tropical plants in the country. Lalbagh’s botanical wealth is also sourced from far-flung destinations such as Australia, Malaysia, the Caribbean, Brazil, the Americas, China, Europe, Africa and many more. Its centuries-old trees are the star attraction amidst also this rich verdure.

The lavish spread of Lal Bagh is studded with various points of interest including the lovely glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, founding father of Bangalore Kempegowda’s watchtower atop a 3000 million years old rocky outcrop, now considered a National Geological Monument, the aquarium and the old Band Stand which also hosts events. Other allurements include the floral clock, the unique Bonsai Garden and the Hibiscus Garden.

In the summer people hangout at Lalbagh Lake located at the southern end; this area features several walking trails, a pretty bridge and a small waterfall. In the winter months the lake sees a lot of birdlife.

Another major draw are the festivals held here including the Lalbagh Flower Show on Republic Day and the summertime Mango/Jackfruit festivals.

Culture High Basavanagudi

One of the oldest residential parts of town, Basavanagudi area in Southern Bangalore, wings you back to a more graceful era. The area is marked by its old bungalows, beautiful gardens and ancient trees. Enjoy the rich vibes of Kannada culture of yesteryears in this intellectual hub of the city which gathered together great writers, thinkers, theatre artists, the rich and the famous too. Gandhi Bazaar is a good place to catch the neighbourhood pulse. Sample traditional snacks and wash them down with a tumbler of delicious coffee.

Wend your way to the iconic Bull Temple, a noteworthy landmark dating to 1537, which draws both devotees and curious travellers. The large statue of the sacred bull, Nandi stands at a height of around 4.6 m and a length of about 6.1 m making it, quite possibly, the biggest Nandi statue in the world.

“PINK CITY”

It may come as a surprise to you that there are Bangaloreans, who are so busy they don’t even realize they have a wonderful gift from Spring, which transforms Bangalore into a “Pink City”. Well, they can be forgiven for this, because they simply take the cherry blossom season so much for granted!

From February to March Bangalore becomes a riot of blooming Tabebuia avellanedae, which gently waft down on pavements and buses, gardens and side streets. Also known as the ‘Trumpet Tree’ this ornamental tree was imported into the city by the British and is a native of Brazil, South America and the Caribbean.

Find your way to Cubbon Park and Lal Bagh, the top favourites for this theatrical display. Follow the blossom trail along the road to Yelahanka to savour this unique treat. Lose yourself in the enchantment at Benniganahalli Lake. Enjoy the season, short though it may be.

Musings in Malleswaram

Once a historic suburban area of the city Malleswaram finds itself in a close embrace of the city’s everyday goings and coming, both day and night. Not that the area is new to the hustle and bustle of the racy days of its avatar as the “Silicon Valley of India”. The past and present have merged unprotestingly in Malleswaram. Immerse yourself completely here in the simmering local life.

The Kadu Mallikarjuna Temple, Dakshinamukha Nandi Teertha Kalyani Kshetra, the CTR tiffin room, Venugopalaswamy Temple, Wood Museum and Sankey Lake are very much on the visitor’s to-do list. Lose yourself in the frantic merry-go-round of temple visits, and shopping sprees, the mingle of vendors and buyers in the flower and spice bazaars.

Sample traditional South Indian fare in the numerous eateries scattered in the area, in what is one of the city’s greenest residential spots. The vibrant art and theatre scene is a big draw here.

Vidyarthi Bhavan

Join the snaking queue at the iconic Vidhyarthi Bhavan, a foodie paradise in the Basavanagudi area. There’s still a long queue to join even though the service is quick and efficient and the turnover rapid. This is where you’ll go for amazing dosas, vadas, khara bhath, kesari bhath, and brilliant coffee.

Established in 1943, it remains true to its roots in terms of serving the most tasty and flavoursome fare as an inexpensive canteen catering to hundreds of hungry students of the nearby National High School and Acharya Patashala. It was taken over by Ramakrishna Adiga in 19670 who hailed from Shankaranaryana, near Kundapur. However, its name, traditions, and recipes remained the same as were the services of many of the employees.

Bangalore has a thousand faces and countless things to engage the visitor. Return again and again to joyfully embrace life lived the Bangalore way.