Fun and Frolic - Holiday in Bangalore

Over the years with hordes of young and hip people making the city their home with a sprinkling of foreigners too making the city their temporary home, Bangalore has undergone a definite change. There are luxury hotels, fine eateries, an exuberant café scene, art galleries, spas and of course giant shopping malls and the pub scene that has long been a staple of the city. The year round pleasant climate and the many attractions in the city has made it an inviting place to spend a few days. The city is also a good base from which to explore the outlying coffee plantations of Coorg, famed Mysore palaces, temples of Somanthpur and the silk factories of Ramanagaram.

For those interested in its historical significance Bangalore has a host of monuments. Some of the more interesting are the 18th century Tipu Sultan’s Fort and Palace with teakwood carvings, Islamic influenced architecture, secret chambers and a museum full of ancient photographs. The 19th century Bangalore Palace, supposedly a copy of Windsor Castle may interest visitors with its turrets and gothic windows. Vidhan Souda, the state legislature completed in 1956 is a marvel of South Indian architecture with Islamic and British influences, a ‘must see’ site.

The city’s museums are also great places to visit particularly the Government Museum constructed in the 19th century with excellent collections of ancient artifacts, sculptures, paintings and jewellery. The Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum attracts over a million visitors a year with its interactive science displays and 3 D theatre.

Art lovers would like to know that the contemporary Indian art scene is very much alive in Bangalore as seen by the many galleries showcasing works of modern Indian artists combined with older works from the early 20th century.

If gardens are your thing then a visit to Lalbagh should be on the cards. This 18th century Mughal garden initiated by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan covers 188 acres. The 300 acre Cubbon Park, well landscaped and sporting a huge array of flora and fauna and in which there are several of the city’s landmark buildings is another ‘must visit’ venue.

For visitors who need a little more excitement, the Bangalore Turf Club may be able to provide it. Races are run throughout the year and this is where high society and high stakes come together, a perfect combination for some mayhem.

No holiday is complete without some shopping and Bangalore’s markets, malls and plazas will not disappoint. Whether it is trendy clothes, junk or real jewellery, accessories, gorgeous saris, books or the more mundane wares, Brigade Road, MG Road and Commercial Street are the places to find them. In additional there are the giant shopping malls with their wide selection of merchandise.

The best way to get to know any place is through its cuisine. The restaurants of Bangalore serve up a range of cuisines to thrill any palate. Several of the five star hotels in the city and smart independent restaurants serve up Indian regional dishes, Japanese, Thai and Italian cuisine, Afghan food, north Indian cuisine, sea food, Chinese, Mughal and South Indian cuisine in beautiful settings with excellent service. A decent bite to eat is never far off in Bangalore as cafes serving all manner of food from fast to sedate have popped up all over the city to cater to budding tastes.

Visitors interested in wine tasting, which is the thing these days in Bangalore, can be a part of the many parties that are thrown to sniff, swirl and sip various reds and new world wines accompanied by great food and music.

After the shopping, eating and sightseeing many visitors may like the calm ambience of the city’s many spas that offer various treatments including facials, deep cleansing treatments, aromatherapy, and massages for men and women, an ideal way to wind down.

A holiday is best planned between October and March when the weather in the city is at its mildest. Travel to Bangalore can be a stress free experience if you are planning to stay at The Gateway Hotel Residency Road Bangalore, a Bangalore hotel that is well known for its contemporary spacious accommodation, business friendly services, great facilities and amenities, award winning restaurants serving regional and international cuisine; and to add to it all is located in the most convenient of areas close to business, shopping, entertainment and local attractions.