*This article contains video clips for better insights of the spots from my solo trip in Bangalore so do click the links.
It was noon when I received a call for Interview in Bangalore. I was quite excited because it was totally unexpected and moreover for it was going to be my first solo trip. I had one month in hand to prepare and get family agreed on the fact that I will go all alone. They insisted on taking some friends or cousin along but clearly disagreeing I managed somehow and left them no other choice in hand but to grant me permission for going solo in Bangalore.
Now let me give you a little insight about Bangalore and then I will continue with how I made a work trip convert into a solo trip.
Bangalore is a city in Southern India in the state of Karnataka. The city host the silicon valley of India for the techies with all the major companies offices established. From a travelers point of view, the city is a hub for shopaholic with numerous local market and malls overloaded with premium brands to fill your wardrobes with. One can witness Indian heritage at the Bangalore Palace or go for a deep dive into nature’s laps at Nandi Hills.
But how I ended up traveling solo in Bangalore?
Well as I told you I was there for an interview but with no return dates finalized I only booked a one-way flight from Delhi.Since it’s wintering here flights were getting delayed so booked an early morning Spice Jet flight to report there at 2 in the noon.
I was there at 11 in the morning and stuck!!!
They refused to entertain before the scheduled time. Standing at the gate, struggling over my thoughts I took this as an opportunity to start exploring the nearby areas.With 3 hours in hand, I visited two spots Commercial Estate and the Ulsoor Lake.
Commercial Estate
Market located close to the Manipal Center offers shoppers all kinds of goods from high-end brands to local street. The faces of the market are the big shops and as one walks down the street in the back are the shops for low-cost shopping.
Ulsoor Lake
Another nearby site was this Lake. On recommendation from a rickshaw driver, I agreed to give it a visit. But, I wonder it was a big mistake to trust him. Wondering why I said so? Well, the gates to the lake were closed and I had to just see it through the grills.
It was quite a large lake with a central island though the place was not attractive and can be skipped if short of time.
After a long wait, it was time to report at the center. By the time all formalities were completed we were all set for the Dinner and then after a short walk in the vast campus, we were ready for a good night sleep. All this was taken care on the company’s end.
The next day after the process we left the campus post lunch. Waiting along with others at the station in a dilemma to decide the further action it was 7 in the eve when I received a message for flight booking for the next day.
Immediately called up my brother to get it canceled and book ahead in time.But, it was not as easy as to cut the cake and I was asked to check-in in the hotel for the night and take a half day city tour as the flight was in the eve the next day.
Day 1 of rambling solo in Bangalore
Next morning I was there again calling my bro to get it rescheduled and luckily this time I was successful. Now I was enjoying the relishing breakfast at Ramada by Bangalore and eagerly waiting for the agents’ text for the new flight bookings. The masala omelet was so delicious that without second thoughts I ordered it twice and the strawberry flavored yogurt just can’t be left out.
Five hours before departure my new bookings were confirmed and now I had 2 days to spend in the city and go solo in Bangalore.
And then started the real fun….
It was 1 in the noon and I quickly checked out from the hotel…Now you must be wondering why did I do so if I had to stay for two more nights?
Well, If you see my previous experiences you will find that I don’t stay at the same place for more than one day to enjoy a variety.
Today I visited a nearby Church followed by Racecourse, Bangalore Palace, and Iskcon Temple and at last Orion Mall.
St. Mary’s Basilica Church
It was quite hot in the noon and with no idea where I was going walking on the roads I discovered this church and since it was Christmas time I couldn’t miss visiting it. The place was quite crowded and a huge tree ( of course Christmas tree) welcomes you. Further, as you go the interiors of the church were well decorated with props. After spending half an hour I left and explored the street market outside which were full of items like stars, Santa, trees and much more giving a full-fledged festive feel.
Race Course
I was really excited to visit this as I had heard from the locals and hotel staff that one can visit the stallion and see the jockey practicing for races and even enjoy witnessing the horses merely for an entry fee of Rs.20 or Rs.40. But all my expectations were gone vain when I was told that “It’s just on television on which the race that was taking place in Chennai is telecast live for people to bid money”.
Bangalore Palace
Watch the video for better insights
Quite disappointed I headed to next spot. The moment I got down in the first sight of the palace seeing the fortified towers of the palace left me with only excitement and no more disappointments. I quickly took few pics of the exterior and moved in. Purchasing the tickets for Rs. 285 ( will vary for foreigners and camera ) and dropping my luggage at the counter started my 40 min audio tour. An audio tape was provided in your preferred language.
As I moved up the wooden stairs the beautiful carvings at the posts can be seen. Also, it had uniqueness in it for no two flowers were carved out to look similar.
The walls were decorated with paintings of prominent personalities and also the architectural blueprint of the palace. The ceilings were crafted with relief paintings which make you feel the grandeur of the palace.
The sprawling ground surrounding the palace and a vast garden is used for organizing events like music concerts or more.
Iskcon Temple
It was 3:30 in the noon when I was here. From the entrance itself I could see the numerous stairs that were to be climbed in the temple. Now, since my phone’s battery was dying and I was totally dependent on it for hotel booking and GPS, I decided to first book a place to stay nearby and then return back to visit the temple after throwing my luggage in the room.
At 5 in the eve I moved out of the room back to the temple. The temple, devoted to Lord Krishna is majestically built-in four levels with the top-level residing the main temple.
The temple gives an amazing sight at the sunset and it not only looks grand from outside but is actually big with a whole shopping and food street present in the basement of the temple.
Orion Mall
This was the last spot for the day and I had to quickly cover it before the phone dies.
Close to the Iskcon temple at a walking distance is the mall which was not left untouched with the Christmas celebrations.
On one end was a huge Christmas tree shining in the lights and on the other end was a stage where people were getting selfies with the Santa.
Within it resided numerous brands to cater to your shopping lust and on the top floor is the gaming zone which your kids are gonna die for. Be ready to lose some money to try hands in the food court and relish your taste buds.
The day was coming to an end so I returned back to the hotel by 9 PM and filled my tummy at the hotel’s restaurant.
You may also like- The hanging pillar of Lepakshi Temple
Day 2 of rambling solo in Bangalore
On the second day of rambling solo in Bangalore, it was planned to visit Nandi Hills which is about 1.5 hrs by road from Bangalore. On a chat with one of my blogging friends from Bangalore Neha who shares her traveling experiences on Revolving compass she suggested me to visit Lepakshi too along with Nandi Hills. And there I was all set by 10:00 AM after a heavy breakfast waiting for the bus at Majestic Bus Terminal.
Here I met another solo guy Shyam, who was traveling to Nandi Hills and since there were no direct bus at that moment I asked him join me for Lepakshi and then further to reach Nandi Hills by the eve so as to witness the spectacular sunset and leave the next day after sunrise.
Lepakshi Temple
Watch the video for better insights.
From majestic terminus, we took a bus going towards Gorantla and after 3 hrs bus ride we were dropped at Kodikonda check-post and were to take an auto-rickshaw for further 16 km. In total it cost Rs. 120 + 15 .
Located 120 km North of Bangalore in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi village is significant for the shrines of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Veerbhadra. The temple is an archaeological site and is supported on numerous pillars one out of which has gained popularity for it is hanging and touches the ground only at a pinch of a point.
200 m from the temple is built a giant granite statue of Nandi Bull ( Vehicle of Lord Shiva) which faces towards the shivling in the temple which is guarded by a serpent majestically carved out of a single rock. Myths are that it was carved while they wait for their mothers to get the food prepared. At 3:00 PM we rushed for the Nandi hills for we did not want to miss the sunset.
Nandi Hills
Route – Lepakshi – Hindupur ( Auto-rickshaw) – Chikkballapur( Bus) – Betta Cross (Bus) – Nandi Hills ( Hired a two-wheeler)
All thanks to the bad public transport, the bus we took for Chikkballapur dropped us at 6:30 PM and since we had no bookings for stay at Nandi Hills we were recommended to stay there itself.
After dinner we found another Church, better than the previous one.
Chikkballapur being a small village has not much hotels so at 7:15 PM we decided to settle for a lodge named Swagath Guest House very close to the bus stop.
As told by the locals we were suppose to catch the morning bus at 6:00 AM for Nandi Hill but to utter shock there was no bus till 7:30 AM and so we decided to take the next bus which would drop us half-way at Betta Cross from where we luckily got a two-wheeler on hire ( Rs.6 /km & Rs.10 / hr).
Reaching the hill after missing both the sunset and sunrise we thought we would find nothing much to be amazed about but to prove us wrong our cameras didn’t took a breath of relief. All clicks….clicks…clicks………….
There was an amazing hike through the forest, a picturesque 270 degree wide open scenery, a heritage building and also shooting of a promo for a Kannada film.
Reached the Bangalore airport at 1 in the noon for a 6 PM flight so had plenty of time to explore.It has all you need feed your shopping lust to hunger calls.Time to bid a goodbye to Bangalore…..
Tips from my experience –
- Always have a power bank and rely on GPS
- Use Ola auto instead of local autos for they are cheaper
- Make your booking for stay at Nandi Hills prior and reach there by evening
- Nandi hills timings are from 6 at dusk to 6 at dawn
- Hire a car for you can cover both Nandi hills and Lepakshi in a day and return back to Bangalore on the same day
Follow us for more great experiences upcoming soon…
Wow!!! This sounds like quit the experience. Love the photos!
thanks…and yes it was an overwhelming experience.since it was my first time going solo..
A nice article on Bangalore 🙂 I’ve been to Bangalore but exploring the city didn’t happen as it was just a stopover in my travel route. In fact, I had no idea that there are so many attractions in the city that are worth exploring. Next time, will surely make it.
I too was completely unaware of the diversity of the city untill I went there exploring…
Love the photos too. What a great trip. Would you recommend this for families?
Yes for sure…all those spots I mentioned in the article are good to go with families…you won’t face any kind of problems in any case…if planning a trip feel free to drop your queries..
Such an awesome article about Bangalore. I wish to see the Bangalore palace and Chikkballapur as they are great sights to behold.
Glad you liked it…and yes they are great for a day trip from Bangalore….
This is the benefit of travelling alone, we can explore the city by ourselves. I wish to solo travel to banglore and will surely visit all the places you have mentioned. I will save this page rightaway. 🙂
aww…that means a lot to me and yes solo travel is one of the best experience in life…must go solo and yes feel free for queries..
Thanks for such a handy list of all things to do in Bangalore. I haven’t been there yet but wanted to for a while so this will be useful for sure. Like how protective your family members were, when you decided to go, and I face similar situations even now.
It feels great to know that it comes out to be helpful for you and if you find any queries unanswered in the article please feel free to ask….
You had a pretty productive time in Bangalore for someone traveling solo for the first time, I’m impressed. You’ve discovered a lot of places indeed. And I wasn’t even aware that Bangalore has so much to offer until I read this post of yours. I’m not sure if I read too quickly though that I missed it or if you didn’t mention it, but what happened to your interview?
Probably the luck wasn’t with me in that case…result not selected
The palace and race course seem very interesting. Did you place any bets on the horses? Also, any South Indian places that you recommend?
The palace and the St. Mary’s Basilica Church are beautiful! This is a great post, very informative! I haven’t actually read a blog about Bangalore until now! Very cool! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks….means a lot to me
Great to know about different places .thanks for sharing
Thanks and hope you liked those
I’m all about nature so, would go for the deep dive into nature’s laps at Nandi Hills to redeem my soul, we all need that at a point!
That’s something we have in common.. i too am a nature lover
Bangalore Palace looks astounding! I will definitely take note of it and the other spots you mentioned if I get the chance to travel to Bangalore.
Ya that’s really a nice one and also if you love nature then must visit nandi hills in the morning
This is really good info
Thanks neha..glad you liked it
Great Mohit. You managed to cover so many places in and around Bangalore. Hope you enjoyed your trip to Bangalore. Nicely covered everything in your post. By the way, how was the hospitality of my city?
Ya i enjoyed a lot though little hurdles faced but they only made the trip more memorable…. and yes the city was a great host…
I see you are starting up your blog well if you ever visit north india feel free to contact
The breakfast sounds delicious at the Ramada! It must be great to have such a nice hotel to relax in, in such an overwhelming city! I have lots to do when I visit IT city!
I too didn’t expected that the city would have so much to explore…
Nice .. Hope you had an amazing time in Bangalore. Nice pictures of all the places
Wow, you did so much in such a short space of time. I didn’t know there was so much to do in Bangalore. The palace and Nandi Hills both look beautiful.
Hahah, Well i still feel that there was more I could have done If managed the time properly but had an amazing experience for whatever I did
Thanks for these great tips and background info on Bangalore. Thanks for showing us how much can be done in a relatively short visit. Wow it has some amazing sites, palaces to temple to nature. The Palace alone seems like it could take up a whole day.
Ya there’s a lot specially if one has to explore and not just visit…For the palace one can spend only 40 mins on a single ticket inside the palace rest its upto you if you want to revive yourself in the beautiful garden outside
The place you stayed in seems so nice. Also, these are such great destinations to explore. I would love to visit the Lepakshi Temple and Nandi Bull. Those really piqued my interest 🙂
thanks..and the spots you chose are definitely gonna be loved by you…
Sounds like you got a lot done on this solo trip! Too bad that lake was closed. I really like the photos from the hike!
Thanks…. and yess i too didn’t expected i would see that much untill i did
I have been reading a lot about the various interesting places to visit in India and Bangalore is another place to check out. What’s cool about your post is it shows the natural beauty as well as some of the cultural sights. Nandi Hill is an amazing view!
thanks…feels an accomplishment to get those praises…and yes nandi hills is even better than this if you get to capture the sunrise….if you ever visit India then probably we can catch up to exchange our experiences..your photography is marvellous
Such a nice itinerary to visit Bangalore. I have been there a few times, but I havent visited the Lepakshi temple and Nandi Hills. Thanks for all those little tips. Probably I need to plan that whenever I get a chance next 🙂
A those two are the gems around the city… if you need info about public transport feel free to ask as i did the same
I was some hours in Bangalore but I don’t remember having seeing anything on your post. A pity I did not stumble upon it for my trip, nice descriptions and pictures.
Thanks… well there’s always a next time for you missed something…
that was a great article on Bangalore, have been there so many time, but never visited it like you did.
Thanks…glad you liked it…i too had no of how my trip was going to be as nothing was planned
The Orion Mall is a place I would first go to when I get to Bangalore! I need to buy stuff before I ran out of souvenir items.
Hahaha….seems you are a shopaholic… Bangalore is a perfect match for you
Love the article. I’m planning a trip soon so this will be very helpful. Thanks so much
You’re most welcome… hope this helps you and if still any queries please feel free to put forward
Happy to see you made most of your time in Bangalore and enjoyed the sights. I must say you covered a lot in the limited time at your disposal. Today there are different Bangalores, one the Bangalore of the Gardens, Bangalore of the Malls, Bangalore of the IT companies, etc..
yaa…bangalore is a host for all kind of travelers weather you love heritage, nature or temples…
Looks like Bangalore has everything for someone. Love reading your experience and your photos are awesome 🙂
Thanks danik…. feels accomplished after getting such comments
oohh. now i know that Bangalore is the Silicon Valley of India. wow. probably why a lot of tech startups by Indians come from there. And lots of sights to see too!
yaa..Bangalore is all set to host you no matter what you are looking for and believe me you won’t be disapointed
You’re my hero! I’ve wanted to go to bangalore and would probably have to go solo. I love traveling solo but usually go to countries where I know the language and something of the culture. Bangalare is everything new to me so, you rock!
Thanks a lot….your comment makes me feels so accomplished and full of pride…. language was quite a barrier for me too because their regional was different than mine buy little little mix of hindi and english and some sign language made me cross that barrier…. all the best for your trip and feel free to put up queries
Congrats on the interview, I hope it went well. It seems like you made up for the early arrival by seeing some incredible architecture!
This is such a great post. It’s really thorough and informative. I think it’s really cool that you went solo too!
thanks a lot….and yes I too felt great and accomplished once I was back from the trip
Well now you have another friend who is saying the same thing…do visit once…i am sure you will love it
Wow you were able to turn an inconvenient situation to your advantage! And I am happy you made the most of your solo travel in Bangalore! I think a great factor is your adventurous personality! Thanks for this post! I’ll be keeping in my mind the tips you shared!
India is a very intriguing place to me. I’d like to check it out some day.
you are most welcome to the country of diverse culture and nature…i am sure you will love it
Great post! You really made the most of your 2 days 🙂
hahah….and I still feel that could have explored a bit more…but glad you liked it
It looks like you accomplished so much in a short amount of time! Beautiful photos!
Thanks….
Don’t you just hate when you arrive early and someone refuses to see you? This has happened to me many times but I have just rolled with the punches. I am glad however that you got to explore in your short visit. 🙂
Well I do hate because that’s totally not being courteous but when there is nothing I can do I figure a way out and you won’t believe the luggage I was having with me throughout the trip…
Every single person that has been to India absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, I haven’t been yet, but I see why they are so fascinated.
ya its definitely an amazing place and I would also recommend the same thing as your friend did
Nice video! I’m pretty ignorant about India because there’s so much going on and so many different cultures in one nation. Thanks for some insight on Bangalore. I really liked the temples and St Marys Basilica.
Thanks… well the diversity of cultures and nature is what all visit India for..I understand your concerns but anything bad can happen at all places no matter where you are…
Wow! You did so much in such a short amount of time. I’m glad your good times outweighed the disappointments. I think you did quite well for your first solo trop!
thanks…ans yes somewhere in my mind i was prepared to face the hurdles…and don’t let it ruin my trip
thanks…surely visit it once and for any query drop me a text..might be able to solve
Bangalore is not a place I would consider seeing, so thank you for sharing. It looks like an interest place. Nice to learn about a place I probably wont get to.
May I know why would you not visit? I guess the city deserves one
India is such a fascinating place. We went last year and although it was difficult at times, it was very memorable. Next time, we’ll go here!
Well we all know while travelling we have to face some problems but all are worth the experience and memories we create…..
You managed to fit so much in and see so much in only two days! I’ve never really considered India before, especially solo but its good to see you got so much in
well I hope my post made you give it a thought that you should now visit India..
Oh I didn’t know there was so much to see & do in & around Bangalore – I spent a day there between trains but I was too tired/lazy to do anything, but I did visit quite a few bars, cafes & bookstores, it’s quite a cosmopolitan city!
There lot more than I have covered here in the given time…ya train journeys are get quite tiresome sometimes but I still love them
Great post! I love the panoramic photography! They look so cool!
Thanks
I guess you covered most of the bangalore. I would have recommended Cubbon park or Botanical garden. Its always better to take a ola, uber or zoomcar and visit the places you mentioned. Buses and autos would be too cumbersome. Though within bangalore buses are a good option as there are frequent A/C buses throughout the city.
I love when you can combined a work trip with some exploration of your own and it sounds like you made the most of your time there! I’ve never visited this part of the world but I would definitely go there based on your post.
Thanks Sam….glad you liked it and yes I thought if I have traveled so far then why not just make the traveling worth by exploring the city..
moreover I was excited for doing it alone
oh..that’s great….hope that article helps you and if not let me know if there’s any query..
Oh yeah. I probably would be asking you a lot as the trip date gets nearer, will be next month though. thanks again!
thumbs up…reach me through facebook so as not to load the comments with our chat….would be happy to help
I never thought of Bangalore as a big tourist draw. But now, after reading this, I can see myself visiting there. Would love to check out that temple!
Feels glad the my post drew your attention towards the city…there are many more amazing temples around the city you must visit too if have time in hand and its something that’s of your interest
This must have been one amazing work trip. Liked it how you managed and utilized your time well. I personally like train journeys. Thanks for the share. Enjoyed reading it.
Thanks for the appreciation…feels great
Great write up Mohit… and lovely clicks!!!
will go solo for Bangalore now 🙂
thanks…glad you liked it and for you need to know any more of Bangalore please feel free to ask…
Definitely 🙂
Nicely packaged 🙂
Nice trip! I’d love to visit India! And Banglore is now on my bucket list.
Moi by Inês
Great… let me know when u visit I may help and we may even meet
Sounds like you had quite the experience! Would love to visit one day!
Yesss…it was a lot fun and adventurous
Such a thorough account! If I’m ever headed to Bangalore, this is the first place I’ll look.
that’s so kind of you to say that…if you ever visit the city I am just a text away to help you
You have covered the most important parts of Bengaluru already.. nice one.
Thanks…
Traveling solo is really something everyone should do. I love that you really had a great time doing the tour around the city. How was the interview?
Ya it was my first solo trip and loved every bit of it.. The interview went fine but results were not as expected and that what made me to head out for a solo trip