You know how there are places where it feels time fleets? This is one of those places. The Garden City, The Silicon City or as formally known, Bangalore. After having heard so much about its beautiful weather, a desire to visit it had already budded in my heart. Chance and opportunity got together and created a plan for me to fulfill this wish.
I had for sometime now, had the desire to tour the Art of Living Ashram in Bangalore and spend time in Yoga and meditation for a few days. The opportunity provided itself and i decided to take it up. Another motivation for me, apart from the desire to see the Silicon Valley of India and the Ashram, was to visit a very dear friend of mine, Alfiya. We'd had quite a few wonderful moments during our engineering undergraduate as fellows. She works with IBM Research now and has been a resident in Bangalore for quite sometime. Her genial nature indulged itself and she volunteered to be my mate in this expedition. Oh! And yeah, i also had to take Ielts in Bangalore.
With these motivations, i set out for Bangalore on 31st May 2012. The first thing that struck me when i landed was how much cooler it was here. It's the middle of summers and hot, torrid days are of common in the country not excepting the nights. With temperatures of 45 C and above in the cities, it was a pleasant and surprising change to be here. It's true. The delight of a fair weather is incomparable. It sets the mood, the tone of what's yet to come. I was excited to have had a respite of a few days to look forward to.
Exploration began the next day. Alfiya took me to UB City, the largest commercial property in Bangalore, owned by United Breweries. Malls usually aren't a testimony to art. But, the architecture of UB City was really entrancing. Set in an opera style entrance, with shades of cream and gold, the interiors looked truly beautiful. A sense of elegance was prevalent. The delightful part of the evening was enjoying a cup of bitter dark chocolate blended with Indian spices and herbs at 'Bliss'. After that, we made our way to M.G. Road and visited the Karnataka State Arts and Crafts Cauvery Emporium. It had everything that is distinctive of Bangalore; from pure sandalwood crafts to silver and stone work art pieces, from excellent craftsmanship on wood and metal décor to Bangalore Silk Sarees. The day ended on a soothing note with the two of us sharing a lovely meal at 'On the Edge' at 13th Floor. It's a Mediterranean and South Asian cuisine restaurant with a mix of Greek, Italian, Turkish and Thai food. We had a Mezze platter (a Lebanese speciality) and pasta. The food was amazing but the real delight was the terrace setting overlooking the bright lights and greenery of the city.
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| UB City |
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| On the Edge, 13th Floor |
On the 2nd, we started out late in the afternoon, after resting our limbs. Alfiya's room-mate, Deepti accompanied us. Our first stop this time was the Botanical Gardens at Lalbagh. What can i say of its beauty! With tall trees and topsy-turvy grasslands, the narrow lanes shaded by dark woods and pathways that reminded me of Wordsworth's 'Miles to go before I sleep', I felt I was in a green haven. The aesthetics were incredibly pleasing with dark woods, fountains, a lake, a lotus pond and a Glass house. There's a small plateau beyond the paved entrances where Kempegowda Tower is situated. One can see the sprawling beauty of the Gardens from here. There was a Mango Festival going on when we visited. Mango is a speciality of Southern India and one could taste various types of them. I bought about 4 Kgs. of 'Malgoba' mangoes (a popular type grown in southern parts) to take home (I am still in Bangalore as i write this and they've gone a bit yellow by now so we've had to start consuming them! I hope they last the last few days). With a delightful evening spent with nature, we then headed to M.G. Road again (a place I'll be visiting time and again during my visit) to pay heed to one of my dearest passions - Reading! We visited HigginBothams, the oldest and one of the most popular bookshops in Bangalore. Situated in an old stone structure, the bookshop had quite a few genres to offer. But, having heard so much about it, i was slightly disappointed with the collection. The stationary was good, however, and we bought some. I am, in particular a stationary enthusiast (it may sound queer) and new books, notepads, ink pens and pencils make my heart skip a beat. Late Evening was a quiet, domestic affair at home, with a home-cooked meal and warm conversations. A lovely breeze gently reminded us of a warm feeling of satisfaction with a day spent well.
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| Lake at Botanical Gardens |
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| Glass House |
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| Botanical Gardens | |
3rd was spent doodling at home in the morning. Late afternoon Alfiya and I set out for IISc (Indian institute of Science), where she is an alumnus. IISc is a premier institute of Science and Research in India. Located on a sprawling 400 acres, it is a house of education for more than 10,000 students from various fields such as Computer science, Ecology, Engineering sciences etc. in more than 40 departments. It was founded by Jamsetji Tata to establish a place of scientific excellence in India. The campus is beautiful with greenery wherever one sees. The ecology of the place is paramount. The main form of transport for students is a bicycle and it is a delight to take a walk around the campus. We spent the afternoon walking and saw many old and beautiful trees. They had descriptions written on them. The most wonderful part of learning in an environment which is ecologically sound is that there is a connect in everything. I could empathise with the students and felt the environment must contribute in its way to keep them serene when they are pre-occupied most of the day in discerning scientific solutions. We came back late in the evening and enjoyed the 45 minutes drive from the institute to her place.
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| IISc, Bangalore |
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Next day, i was to leave for the Art of Living Ashram for 6 days of meditation and yoga as part of a course. It was a long distance and it took me about 2 hours to reach. I was there by 3 and after the registration process, decided to relax a bit. There was Satsang in the evening with Sri Sri Ravishankar. The whole crowd was a mix of people from different parts of India and the world. The satsang was around the Vishalakshi Mantap, the most beautiful structure i had seen so far. Set against the backdrop of dark blue skies and embellished with glittering lights, it dazzled like a jewel in the midst of heaven. The marble structure is like an inverted cone with a glass dome at the top and surrounded by nature all over. Sri Sri's voice soothed the crowd and he conducted a 20 minute moon meditation. It felt great sitting there in the serenity amidst a joyous people. We had dinner in Annapurna hall. The process was quite simple and what impressed me the most was that there was a sense of independence in everything we did. The dinner was cooked and served by volunteers doing 'Seva' as part of the Ashram and everyone washed their own utensils after a meal. That same night, i received an email mentioning my exam was to be on the 6th and it changed all the plans i had made for the days to come.
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| Vishalakshi Mantap |
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Attending the exam meant exempting from the course as it was required in the Ashram to be fully committed to the course. I was disappointed for a few moments to have come all this way to return without the experience of Ashram life. However, what was to be done was evident. The next day, i woke at 3:30 AM and got ready to head towards Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya at 6. It was a blissful morning and post Yoga, it felt amazing to be in that environment. I had breakfast and soon after set out to straighten matters for an exit. I was leaving that day in the evening. I had decided to spend the day exploring the ashram and what a delight it was! I began the day with an amazing Hot Stone Therapy in Sri Sri Ayurveda Panchakarma. The masseur Samanta was incredible. I've experienced Shiatsu, Balinese and Lomilomi massages before but the Hot Stone is hands down the winner among them all! It was the most rejuvenating experience. With alternate hot and cold lava stones, and a combination of oils and fragrances, Hot-stone therapy is one blessed experience. It is incredible how a bit of relaxation can set the tone for the day. I spent several hours after that, browsing through some handicrafts and ashram merchandise. The Ashram has its own factory and one can buy wonderful handicrafts at moderate prices.
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| Hot Stone Therapy |
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There was 'Darshan' in the evening that day (where Sri Sri meets people) and i decided to join in before leaving. Being a spiritualist, i wasn't inclined to getting involved in it intensely. However, i felt it gracious to honour the creator of such an incredible environment. There were about 5000 people for the Darshan that day. What i felt most acutely was the utter madness in the crowd to get close to him (which ironically only resulted in him shying away from them). The people met him in batches of hundreds with him passing by, blessing and occasionally talking to an eager devotee. Initially, I wasn't even sure what i was doing there or what i was going to talk about. Honestly, after serious contemplation, i couldn't find anything that i was sure i wanted to ask or wish for. The general restlessness in the crowd was most likely, making me think about it. However, once seated i realized i was just there to pay respects to him for the amazing ashram and bringing the gift of Sudarshan Kriya to people; just as we don't leave without thanking the hosts, i didn't want to leave the ashram without greeting him. A little boy of 6th Grade sat next to me and chattered on about how it was unfair that some could get so close to Guruji while others had to wait for so long in the line. He earnestly asked me (with some anger) if the people meeting Guruji in his room were "VIPs" and why had they not like the rest of Ashram inmates waited in the line to meet him. I wasn't sure what to tell him and so had to settle for a "No, they are not VIPs". Apparently, the seeds of the dichotomous society we live in have started to become a part of his observation at such young an age already. He wistfully looked at Sri Sri's closest people, declaring that he'll be there one day. Sri Sri's absence drove the crowd restless and they began chanting bhajans in loud voices to beckon him. Alas, he appeared. The crowd was restraining itself with great difficulty. I sat silently, observing his progress through the crowd. Eventually, he passed by me, our eyes met and he blessed me with a peacock feather. It felt good. Well, blessings always feel good. From parent, teachers, friends and obviously, people who have created something unique.
This was followed by a Nadi Parikshan by an Ayurvedic Doctor and upon receiving my credit note for the programme, i bid farewell to the Ashram at 8:00 PM and headed back to my friend's place. One word on transportation in Bangalore. The public transport system of buses is the best option. It is reasonable and convenient. What most disappointed about Bangalore were the 'auto-rikshaw wallas'. Apparently, there's no strict monitoring of them here as in Mumbai. They blatantly ask to overpay for trips and post 10'o clock take 50% more charges than the meter reading. One will do well to stick with the efficient albeit slower bus system. The Auto- rickshaws are definitely a dark spot on Bangalore's otherwise efficient transportation system.
The next day i had my ielts speaking test. Post exam, i decided to explore the city on my own. I was at M.G. Road and went along the path of HigginBothams. Just before that bookshop, i found another lovely bookshop Gangaram's. This place was incredible. By far, the best bookshop i had ever seen in terms of collection. It was marvellous! Oh! What fun i had. I spent nearly 2 hours in the bookshop exploring and bought several books. It has a great collection and is organised according to publications. I was famished by the time i got free as it was almost 2:30. I stopped by for a bite at Jus Juices in barton Centre and resumed my exploration after resting my bones for a bit. Next, ahead on the path was Cubbon Park, a 300 acre park abundant with flora. Just at its beginning is the Government Aquarium. I spent sometime visiting it. There are several varieties of fishes there such as eels, snake head, lion head, Moon tail etc. I saw some really odd looking fishes, one with an eye the size of a human baby's eye.
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| Eel |
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| Snake Head |
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| White Angels |
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| Jeweled Fish | |
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Post aquarium, i trotted along the park. The park is beautiful with magnificent tall trees and greenery that soothes the eye. I think I've seen greenery enough in Bangalore to pass the rest of the summers quite cheerfully. Along the same path, i came to Venkattapa Art Gallery. I browsed through some paintings that included abstract art, architecture models and facial close-ups. There were also some ancient sculptures enclosed in a Garden just outside the gallery. It was a beautiful evening. I had walked for about 7-8 Km. My real pursuit was for the State Central Library. I had chanced upon the aquarium and the art gallery along the way. Alas! I came to the State Central Library. It is a huge red stone structure that houses more than 2.5 Lakh books on diverse subjects. I browsed through them and was pleased to see comprehensive sections dedicated to Indian History, World History, Political Science, Arts, Religion etc. There were even sub-sections of national leaders and a separate competitive exam wing. It is an absolute pleasure and fortune for the citizens of the city to have access to a state run library which is so well-maintained and updated. Having attained my objective, i headed along Cubbon park to go home. I truly feel there is nothing more marvellous than to set out exploring a city all by yourself. It is fun to hang out with friends but the true spirit of travelling is in exploration and acceptance of the novelty of life.
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| Cubbon Park |
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| State Central Library |
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Well, I've had a marvelous time so far. It's been quality time with Alfi too. The kind we never really spent in college. We went to a nice restaurant yesterday called Casa Piccola. It was an evening spent with good food and a nice long walk. I am nearing the end of my visit to Bangalore and am still ready for a few more surprises and novel experiences. This has been one of the best trips so far mostly because of the ease with which everything happened. And, despite a few jolts here and there, there's an inexplicable joy and peace in the heart. Will keep you updated if something interesting turns up in the next couple of days.
Ciao!
