In my 5 years of living in Bangalore I had the same conversation over and over with random strangers: “Oh you live in Bangalore? Well yes, it’s an IT hub and a solid place to party, drink craft beer and eat but that’s about it no?” and “Not really much to do for children or visitors and the traffic – oh the traffic …” Of course most Bangaloreans have heard this (and even felt this) before and while this may be the truth, if you stay at home being upset about the traffic and wallowing about your life choices, expecting Priyanka Chopra to jump out of a helicopter to save you from dying of boredom, it will be the truth. It could, however, be a totally different story if you decide to put on your adventurous pants, add in a little effort and GO FOR IT. Then Bangalore can be quite a cool and fun place to live and visit, not only to fly through en route to the Maldives or Goa.

Wow, was I tired of having to always defend my Bangalore to people and explain that in fact it is an excellent place to have an amazing holiday while visiting us. Friends and neighbors never stop asking for suggestions of what to do with visitors, the in-laws, themselves, their children. One day it just became a widely circulated WhatsApp list and now as my family and I are leaving this beautiful place, it has become an article – a love declaration – that, as per my hopes, will be kept alive and updated and be used to end and stomp out the debate about Bangalore being a fun-free zone forever! Here is the encyclopedia to Banglorious Living!

JUMP TO A SECTION

• PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES + THE GREAT OUTDOORS
• EXPLORING BANGALORE
• SPAS + SALONS/ MEDICAL TREATMENTS
• CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
• SPIRITUAL- PHYSICAL EXPLORATION
• LEISURE ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES + THE GREAT OUTDOORS

HIKING

There are plenty of great hiking trips to be taken around Bangalore. Nandi Hills is an obvious choice to start with but there are so many more amazing trails waiting to be explored with fabulous views, some historical monuments and cultural experiences along the way. There are reliable agencies like Unventured that can tailor options for any occasion, fitness level and interest including transport and food. Savi Farms has a child-friendly hiking trail, Bangalore Walks is another company to check out (they even run a walk conducted by children’s author Roopa Pai) as well as Rustik Travel.

VINE PRO TIP: Some trails have limited passes per day/week so make sure to book in advance!