A day tour of Bangalore with a difference
“I want to see a different perspective of Bangalore”, that was the request from a friend as we sat across each other in the Shangri La hotels lobby. He was in the city on business and had ear-marked a day to spend with me and get a slice of Bangalore too in the bargain. He left it to me to decide on the itinerary and the experiences to be on the menu for the day. I pondered for a while as I ran through the various options. Indeed Bangalore was a potpourri of sights and experiences.
There were many Bangalores that merged seamlessly into a cohesive whole. There was the Bangalore of the upmarket Malls and IT companies, there was the old Bangalore which still treasured memories of the colonial heritage, there was the Bangalore of the temples and old world charm. Choosing from the mind boggling array of options was not an easy task. But having known my friend well, I knew his tastes and inclination and so it did not take me time to chalk out an itinerary. Soon we were out on our exploration of Bangalore, a different Bangalore as my friend would have it.
Bangalore is a city with different facets. Here we explore some unknown experiences that Bangalore offers.
Delectable Breakfast at Brahmin’s Coffee Bar
Our first destination was a small hotel in one of the by lanes of Shankarpuram, a quite residential area in South Bangalore. The small outlet was set up way back in 1965 and has been silently drawing loyal patrons with its tantalizingly soft idlis and exhilarating coffee for decades. My friend absolutely loved the pure taste of the idlis dunked in coconut chutney which we washed down with some traditional, hot and steaming filter coffee.
We relished our breakfast standing outside the little eatery, as we watched the early morning activity in the area, young and old on their way for a jog in the park, a bus conductor hurrying to report to duty, a schoolboy trudging hesitatingly to school. Wow! this is life, uttered my friend, beaming with satisfaction as he polished off yet another plate of idlis.
Marveling at the mystique of the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
In the southern part of Bangalore is located a 16th century temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a temple built in a natural cave and is cut into a monolithic stone. The architecture of the temple enthralled my friend as he listened in fascination to the unique feature of the temple. I explained to him that on the day of Makar Shankranti, the first rays of the sun pass between the horns of the Nandi statue in the temple and fall on the Shiva Linga. This phenomenon is watched by thousands every year. The mysterious stone discs in the forecourt of the temple was another source of intrigue to my friend too.
Experiencing Meditative Serenity at Pyramid Valley
As you travel about 30 kilometres away from Bangalore in the southern direction, you reach an oasis of serenity set amidst lush and well landscaped gardens. This place is the Pyramid Valley and it houses the World’s largest meditational pyramid. A giant pyramid structure emerges in front of you as you walk through a coconut tree lined walkway, serenaded by little artificial streams. The benevolent faces of Buddha statues create an aura of peace as you approach the structure. Inside the pyramid is a huge hall where one can sit and meditate. Meditation workshops are also organized regularly. We spent some time here and were overcome with a strange feeling of peace and bliss. We also had lunch cooked using organic ingredients grown in the farms of the valley, which tasted like ambrosia to us. My friend absolutely loved the place, he described it as an oasis of peace and serenity so near to the bustling city of Bangalore and yet so far away.
Getting Lost in Art at the Chitrakala Parishath
Our last and final destination was a place in the heart of the city, a place that is a hot spot for artists and connoisseurs of art in the city. The Chitrakala Parishath is an arts complex that also houses a network of art museums. The organization also houses a college of fine arts and is at the forefront in encouraging the fine arts in the state. The highlight of the place are the paintings in the Roerich Gallery. The paintings of Svetoslav Nikolayevich Roerich, a Russian painter who had made Bangalore his home, come to life in vivid colour. The museum here houses 117 paintings of the Russian master apart from other paintings from local artists. My friend was lost in this world of art and artists and I had to literally drag him away from the place. After all he had a flight to catch. He had informed me that he was flying to Jaipur on Air Costa in the late evening.
We had dinner at the Rajdhani Restaurant and then I bade farewell to my friend and hoped he had enjoyed his day in Bangalore. He thanked me profusely for showing him a different and fresh perspective of Bangalore and assured me he would be back for more. I turned away thinking what should I plan for his next visit. But I knew that this would not be a problem at all, given the versatility of Bangalore.
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Hi Sandy and Vyjay,
Love it. I visited a few years back. Awesome spot. I can see why it’s the city of gardens. We loved the green-ness of the city and it had great eats too. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ryan
There’s pyramids in Bangalore? I didnt even know this. Now I want to come here because that pyramid looks kinda funky 🙂 Thanks for giving me a new travel idea 🙂
I visited Bangalore a few years ago for a seminar. Unfortunately we did not visit any tourist attractions since the purpose of the seminar was to visit companies and learn about their way of working. I really enjoyed my visit, but next time I will take you recommendations and visit the more touristic places. I’d love to visit the pyramid, it looks really awesome.
Sounds like you put together a great day trip! Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple looks so interesting! I love that it was built into a cave. Pyramid Valley looks intriguing – I would really love to do meditation there. Thanks for sharing the details with us 🙂
We’ve never been to Bangalore. The Pyramid Valley sounds interesting. We’ll definitely add it to our bucket list.
Beautiful pictures. Looks like a very interesting place!
My first time hearing about Bangalore. Thanks for sharing! I love the photo of the pyramid the most!
I love a city that offers a lot of greenery and nature! The Chitrakala Parishath does not look like its in the middle of the city! Your friend was lucky to have you to guide him
Pyramid Valley looks super cool. It seems like something out of a science fiction film with how it rises out of the jungle. A real life example of old Bangalore meeting new Bangalore.
That pyramid looks impressive! The coconut treat also sounds delicious 🙂 I love a good art-history day out. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Your travels in Bangalore look absolutely amazing! That pyramid would definitely be on my list of places to go.
what a great article, I love the way you write down an actual intriguing story. That pyramid especially looks like a unique experience.
Looks like you and your friend had a great day. I had never heard of Pyramid Valley but it looks fascinating.
I guess you showed your friend the heart of Bangalore..although offbeat but very nice sites. We have been living here for quiet some time but never got a chance to visit Pyramid Valley. Will plan soon.
Pyramid Valley is very unusual. The world’s largest meditational pyramid, you say? Will be sure to check it out next time I’m in the area.
I’ve never been to Bangalore but love the sites that you shared in this post. I’ve never heard of the Pyramid Valley before this post!
This is the first image of the mediation pyramid I have seen, I absolutely love it! The artist colony sounds perfect too. It sound like you did a great job putting together the day.
Wow, it sounds like there’s something for everyone there. The pyramids would be amazing to visit in person, and I love seeing art wherever I go.
I know India is magical buy a pyramid inside Bangalore! I didn’t expect that coming!
Pyramid valley is so interesting. I would want to go there and experience that peace an bliss too. I wish I could fly to India and see all these wonderful places!
Pyramid Valley looks fascinating. I will add it to my bucket list for my next trip to India.
I had never heard of Bangalore until I read this. It sounds like an amazing place to experience – and Pyramid Valley is so cool.
What a beautiful place to visit. Bangladore looks amazing. I am glad that you were able to share this location and I Love the idea of seeing Pyramid Valley someday!
Wow, that pyramid is gorgeous! I love the intricate stone work designs on the sides. It is so unique and beautiful.
The pyramid is amazing! I’d love to join you for a day tour. You certainly know how to plan a great adventure.
I’m most interested in visiting the Chitrakala Parishath. I just need to schedule a tri to Bangalore soon.
What a wonderful tour you took your friend on and one that I would love to see. How beautiful and peaceful Bangalore looks. The mysterious stone discs on the pyramid look amazing. I would also love to wander the grounds at Chitrakala Parishath 🙂 #feetdotravel
It looks like you had a great day with your friend. I haven’t yet visited Bangalore and its great to see that you can get to nice peaceful places. I like the idea of going to the artist place, an not sure if the pyramid would be too crowded for me, though I guess something I need to get over if I am to visit India!!
Wow what some beautiful sights to see in Bangalore, I would love to visit them all, especially the pyramid valley for myself, the area looks amazing and I bet the history is great.
I have never seen a pyramid like that even in pictures! It looks like you had an amazing time and the whole area looks so interesting.
I would enjoy visiting here so much. All of the architectural designs are awesome. I could stare at those pyramids all day long.
I love that it’s the city of gardens as for me that’s the biggest appeal and though I have never heard of this place before would be awesome to visit one day
The pyramid is amazing. Bangalore looks like a wonderful place to visit.
It is always a real treat when you are lucky enough to know someone who lives in a place that you would love to see beyond the normal tourist attractions. Your choices that you shared here sound really lovely and I am particularly drawn to Pyramid Valley as a beautiful, peaceful place.
I have never been to bangalore. The pyramids looks stunning. I have never seen a pyramid in real life before, but after reading your post, it makes me want to add it on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
A day tour of Bangalore with a difference?! I would be all about the coffee bar. Breakfast is one of my favorite meals! Looks like a great place to visit!
That is the most beautiful pyramid I have ever seen in my life. I had never heard of Bangalore before reading this post…sounds like I need to take a trip!
I had no idea there was a pyramid there! It is really beautiful with the design on the outside. What an amazing trip!
The Pyramid Valley looks amazing! Oh I wish I can visit Bangalore. I didn’t know they have many beautiful tourist spots.
Bangalore definitely has a lot to offer for everyone. Staying here for a few years now, I can’t deny how I love this city for weather, food, people & more. Surprisingly, I’m yet to visit the giant pyramid. I should check that one soon.
Brahmin’s Coffee Bar sounds yummy! Filter coffee goodness! Bangalore is a fun place to go to. Did not know about Pyramid valley. Would love to see some interior shots as well.
I hadn’t heard of many places in and around Bangalore before reading this blog. Pyramid valley looks like a great place to meditate. In Delhi, there is Lotus temple where people observe silence and introspect!
Being in Bangalore, I have seen pyramids only at Infosys campus I never knew about this place. Now as I am in Bangalore I need to visit many places. And for this I am going to consult with you. Nothing can be better than your, blogs is one is planning to go somewhere.
Never been to Bangalore, but thank you for sharing this. I will add this to my list once I’ll go to India. 🙂
I have been to Bangalore but not have visited the piramid valley. I have a plan to visit India in the very next future and maybe I can visit it…
It sounds like a lovely place with a lot of culture. I’ve never seen a pyramid with designs like that, and the detail on the temple is great!
Bangalore sounds very peaceful. The pyramid looks very intriguing, as I keep saying really need to visit India !
Bangalore is so full of unique sites that would make your jaw drop because of its natural beauty. I would want to see the Pyramid Valley. To feel calm, peaceful and blissful is something I crave for.
I never knew about this Bangalore. Thanks for the post.
Bangalore! I’ve heard great things about this city! I love the look of that pyramid! Hopefully I make it there sometime soon in the future.
Pyramid Valley looks pretty cool! I’d love to see that in person and grab some great pics of Bangalore in general. I’d also like to try that coffee because I’m a sucker for caffeine and I like to try the local coffee in every country. This sounds like a really fun day trip with lots to see and do!
I’ve never thought about visiting Bangalore before. I have always admired their temples and gorgeous scenery. That coffee bar is right up my alley 😉
I always say there is no better way to see a place than by the hand of a local! I was in Bangalore for some hours and i did not see anything of what you proposed to your friend. That pyramid looks very quirky! Interesting to know there are meditation places like that one not far from a busy city like Bangalore
Awesome adventure! I’ve never been to India and this makes me wanna go to Bangalore. Great stuff indeed! thanks for sharing this trip. 🙂
Your friend’s request is quite nice, I would have asked the same thing if I were to go there. I want to see a place in a manner different than most tourists take because I want to go home with a unique story. As a blogger this is very important to me. Having said that I think you’ve managed to grant your friend’s request. For one, I didn’t even know about that pyramid, and wow it looks splendid.
That coffee looks and sounds amazing. I love tasting coffee from different places around the world. I didn’t know so much of what to do in Bangalore, I would love to check out Meditative Serenity looks so special. Thank you for letting me about these places 😀
I had no idea there were pyramids in Bangalore! There is something very grand about a pyramid, for this one to be purely for meditation it must have a special aura about it.
Wow, that pyramid valley is amazing. It would be awesome if my family can visit there someday.
What an amazing trip! I would love to visit Bangalore- your pictures are simply stunning!
This place looks so cool! Loving this majestic and fascinating looking pyramid!
Bangalore looks beautiful! I need to visit pyramid valley- another place I need to visit added to my list!
Wow this place looks fascinating to visit. I had no idea there were pyramids in Bangalore.
I envy your friend for a second. You started the personalized tour with good coffee! Great photo stills, too!
Unique indeed
This is quite nice tour of some hidden wonders of Bangalore. I am so glad you did the off beaten parts of the city. Nice choice of places.
Wow!!! I thought that this would be another post about bangalore but im surprised you were teally anle to show a different side pf the city. I have never heard or seen that pyramid before. It is very interesting!
Bangalore looks really interesting
The pyramid was certainly a shocker. Nice. Glad you had a great time. I looked up the Rajdhani restaurant and their food looks amazing. I would love to try some of their cool vegetarian items.
Who knew there is a pyramid in Bangalore ? What an interesting architectural structure and I like the way it’s used as a place to medidate. Looks like you had a great day. Thank you for sharing 🙂
We had never heard of Bangalore but it seems like a great place to visit from your post. The pyramid definitely looks interesting.
Hi Sandy and Vyjay, this is such a great view of the city we live in. I had of course heard of Chtrakala Parishad and the Brahmin’s coffee bar, the others are really interesting. Thanks for sharing. I will plan a visit to some of these places soon 🙂
What a cool looking pyramid! I love to see this one day!
Being a Bangalorean myself, I can’t vouch that these are some of the best things to do in Bangalore. Besides, I would greatly suggest a walking tour of the business hub of Bangalore, Chikpet. And how can I forget the flower market ( city market) .