High-rise apartment buildings tower over streets, you can get martinis at the trendy Blue Bar or a cappuccino at the Starbucks-like Cafe Coffee Day, and the stylists at Bounce, a high-end salon, will give you the best cut of your life.
Bangalore, India, has become hip, fun and effervescently energetic, riding high on the shoulders of prosperity. But this city of about 6 million is not a tourist magnet. It’s the capital of Karnataka state and primarily a business center, and it’s hard to spend more than a couple of leisurely days here.
There’s not much sightseeing besides a couple of pretty parks and some architecturally interesting government buildings. Unlike Delhi or Rajasthan to the north, it has no romantic rose-tinged palaces and forts, no camel rides in the desert, no villagers wearing mirror-work skirts and tops.
Its traffic jams are legendary. Average speeds in Bangalore are 10 to 11 mph, according to a March report from the Institute of Transportation and Consultancy. Things have gotten so bad that the chief executives of Wipro and Infosys, top tech companies here, early this year threatened to take their businesses elsewhere if the government didn’t improve the mess.
When this non-stop city wears you out, it’s time to get away.
And that’s what more and more middle-class Bangaloreans are doing. There are more vacation spots and activities to try outside the city than ever before.
For visiting Americans, that means more places to see and stay.
– Angsana Oasis Spa & Resort Bangalore; angsana.com/bangalore. This Marriott-style resort north of the city is affiliated with the Asian luxury chain Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. The 8-acre resort has a spa, a conference center and a meandering, man-made stream, with a pool and waterfall. Room rates start at $178.
– Shreyas, Santoshima Farm, Gollahalli, Byrashetty Village, Nelamangala; shreyas retreat.com. This stylish yoga retreat is on the outskirts of urban Bangalore. A great place to recover from the punishing flight, but beware the train (and its piercing whistle) that runs behind the property. Doubles from $200.
– Kapila Wilderness Retreat; kapila retreat.com. The five-hour drive from the city to the retreat takes you through rural India. It’s rough around the edges, but it’s clean and brings you close to nature. Doubles from $120 a night, including meals. Activities such as safaris and kayaking are extra, about $11 each.
– Kabini River Lodge; junglelodges.com. State-run chain of lodges in key wilderness areas. The sprawling Kabini property occupies a lovely high spot on the river. Doubles from $220.
To learn more
– Karnataka Tourism Development Corp. at kstdc.nic.in.
– The Government of India Tourist Office at incredibleindia.org.
[L.A. TIMES].
