One of the most predictable parts of our trip planning process happens when we are sifting through potential flights. Inevitably we notice one of the stops where we change planes, find that random location mildly interesting and immediately start discussing whether it might be wise and prudent to turn that short stop into an extended layover, you know, just because. I mean, who knows when we might be there again? Unless that stop is Bangkok, of course, in which case the answer is inevitably “soon and often”.
Which is precisely how we found ourselves with 36 hours to spend in glorious Bangalore, the grandly nicknamed “Silicon Valley of India”, less grandly, “Call Center Capital of India” and quite dubiously, the “Garden City” (are they sure?). As it turns out, our journey from Kathmandu, Nepal to Cape Town, South Africa could be most efficiently accomplished by passing through this enormous chaotic place (8 million people, 3rd largest in India).
Our site includes affiliate links to products we recommend. If you use one to make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
We had, actually, many years ago, spent a few hours in the Bangalore airport, so not exactly what you would call a “visit”. All we remember is nearly missing our connecting flight because I was eating a breakfast donut in a far too leisurely manner. So it felt like there might still be a touch of unfinished business. Plus, it’s India, we thought it might be fun. And a learning experience, especially considering I have already mentioned everything we knew about Bangalore. And, full disclosure, a couple of those came from Wikipedia.
Along with this one: it’s NOT called Bangalore anymore. Which, I guess, is a fairly important bit of information. It seems that in 2014 the name was officially de-Anglicized to the more traditional Bengaluru. So there’s that. Of course, it turns out that during our actual visit, anytime I said Bengaluru people sort of looked at me funny. Partially, I’m sure, because of my pronunciation which, we can assume, sucked. But also partially because no one else seems to call it Bengaluru, either.
Now, I understand 36 hours in a city doesn’t exactly make us honorary locals or linguistic experts (that requires 20 minutes of Duolingo per day for a week prior to arrival) but it definitely seemed to be a pattern. So don’t say Routinely Nomadic never provides any useful advice. We RARELY provide useful advice, which is quite different, I’d say.
Now, on to the photos and their explanations, which somehow manage to be even less useful than everything I’ve already mentioned.
We had a lot of very stereotypical expectations for a huge Indian city like Bangalore but “utterly gorgeous airport” was not one of them.
The horrendous traffic and constant honking definitely were, though.
Famous Church Street was a little light on churches but quite heavy on co-working spaces and Western restaurants, fulfilling every 18th century British colonist’s dream.
We finally made it to India for dragon egg season.
India and pepperoni pizza go together like greasy hands and clean shorts.
Endless tuk-tuks, though, that’s very Indian. They were everywhere, and most of the drivers were pretty sure we’d like a free ride to Commercial Street where they had a friend we’d probably like to meet.
Less is NOT more. Not when it comes to Hindu temples. Or money, in my opinion.
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is basically a big fancy park with just an $0.85 entrance fee that is one of Bangalore’s top tourist attractions. Yet not a single tuk-tuk driver could understand the way I said the name (or anything else I said, for that matter).
Helpful travel rule: never pass up a really big tree.
“I’m just going to stick my head in this tree for no apparent reason”, is what I assume she was thinking.
This tree was probably carved into such an unusual shape by a person. But… what if it wasn’t? Can you imagine?
Climbing the sacred hill.
Resting at the top of the sacred hill.
Leaving the sacred hill. An epic saga in three acts.
According to the Bengaluru Bonsai Park, ALL trees can be trimmed into a bonsai tree. But, based on this evidence, I’m not sure they can.
Tipu Sultan’s Palace is cute but very small and simple. Presumably built for one of those rare “austere sultans” that are known for being very frugal with the royal treasury. Which also explains the outsized entrance fee.
Bangalore Fort is also small, but completely free to enter. A better balance, we found.
There are random street markets on every corner, but only a few are full of tall trans women offering to touch your head for luck.
Cows are sacred in India yet you always see them eating garbage. Or are they sacred BECAUSE they eat all the garbage?
Here’s me clearly not impressed by the nutritional qualities of Laynni’s infamous Hot Rods, or the fact she’s now carried them 2/3 of the way around the globe.
*All Hot Rod sponsorship offers should be made through our official Contact Us page, along with an official explanation of what YOU think she might see in them.
Summary
Bangalore: What’s That Smell?
Not their official tourism slogan… yet… I’m still waiting to hear back. Nonetheless, we very much enjoyed our short visit to huge, historic BENGALURU and, no promises, but we would potentially consider discussing adding another awkward-length layover there sometime in the future. Potentially.
Pin it for Later!
Other Posts You Might Like:
Bangalore by Morning, Insects by Night
I always enjoy living vicariously through your visits to places that I will probably never travel to in my lifetime!
Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying it, sometimes we also find ourselves in places we never really thought we’d end up!