|
Post by anshjain97 on Feb 28, 2013 13:10:32 GMT
I think it is time for me to write a report on the city I'm living in for nearly 9 years. Bangalore is the capital of a south Indian state called Karnataka. Among other things, Karnataka is famous for its engineering colleges, illegal mining and being amongst the most corrupt Indian states. (this is probably an interesting raid, uh sorry, read. www.karnataka.com/govt/corruption/ ) Still, there's probably some progress: www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Bangalore/BSY-surrenders-sent-to-prison-in-land-scam/Article1-757476.aspxAnyways, Bangalore is known by several monikers, such as Silicon Valley of India, Garden City (but people prefer calling Garbage City now). It is home to more than 6 million people and known for its rather mild climate- despite this summers are hot, sometimes going up to 37C. Bangalore isn't very touristy. It still is a good city for a day or so, it is home to some cosmopolitan culture (cafes, malls, beercafes etc) with a strong, emerging middle class. Below is the iconic Leela Palace Hotel. Nearby is Carlton Towers. Once home to several good restaurants and other commerce, a fire in Feb 2010 killed some 5-10 people and closed the building's operations. Notice the broken glass- several people died by jumping out in panic. Some greenery. Moving towards the main heart of the city... There is a lot of greenery is every part of the city. Bangalore hasn't done a very good job in preserving its colonial architecture- but there are still some pieces.
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Feb 28, 2013 13:29:01 GMT
Below is the East Parade Church. And below is the Bangalore Golf Course. In the CBD (Central Business District) is the main MG Rd (Mahatma Gandhi Rd). THe Bangalore Metro opening in Oct 2011, after several obvious delays.. Here you can see the MG Rd metro station.
|
|
|
Post by bixaorellana on Mar 1, 2013 17:04:08 GMT
Wonderful start to what promises to be a most enriching report, Ansh.
I often think that doing an overview report on ones home city or town is one of the more difficult picture essay undertakings. It's as though you simultaneously know too much, but are reminded of all the things you need to research. Also, since we aren't tourists where we live, we usually don't have have our own photos of landmarks on hand.
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Mar 2, 2013 1:08:16 GMT
Thanks, Bixa. You're right, of course, ; my biggest challenge is that I don't have too many photos- but I'll be posting the whatever I have. Cheers.
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Mar 2, 2013 8:14:09 GMT
With loads of development, Bangalore has really expanded. The fastest-growing area now is around the new airport, which is 40 km from the centre- so lots of outskirts development. Here are some shots of the area. There is a Jain temple here. I'll see if I can find some photos. Meanwhile... Bangalore has a botanical garden called Lalbagh, fairly well-maintained. There is an annual flower show- we went in 2011. Pictures below. (The main design is of the Lotus Temple, Delhi).
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2013 10:31:29 GMT
I really like reports about where anybody is living because they always go beyond the usual sights. I hope you will include things like where your family shops for food and the area around your residence.
Very impressive protection from golf balls along the road!
|
|
|
Post by lugg on Mar 2, 2013 10:44:18 GMT
Great start Ansh, so far it looks a very green and pleasant place , why is it sometimes known as " Garbage City " ?
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Mar 2, 2013 11:22:18 GMT
Kerouac, I hope to- I don't have too many photos but I'll try. I will keep updating this thread weeks/months from now also.
Lugg, thanks, it is indeed a nice place to live in. This city has been having many garbage problems- be it reckless dumping, garbage collectors' strikes and just poor civic services, especially related to garbage collection.
|
|
|
Post by auntieannie on Mar 2, 2013 12:39:26 GMT
oh, Bangalore! that's where my soul seems to live, Ansh! Bangalore was where my friends lived when I visited in 1995 & 1997. They lived in the area that was kind of between town centre and the old cantonment. Could it have been Chandranagar area? At that time you still could see some monkeys in the nearby trees from time to time, although the area was being built extensively. It is so nice that it has kept some of its trademark greenery! Can't wait to see what pics you will post next. I used to hang around an area off MG road a lot when in town. There used to be a textile factory shop there... and the original internet cafe where I created my hotmail account (now lost) when it was new - long before microsoft bought them. I had no idea what I was doing!
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Mar 2, 2013 15:32:20 GMT
Chandranagar? Never heard of it- no one calls that area as "Chandranagar". So I've no idea if that's officially known as that. Actually we lived in Bangalore in 1999 or so- then came back in 2004. In 1999 it was very green, in 2004, parks were poorly maintained, not much appreciable greenery, but now things are slightly improving. I went out this evening. Took some photos but they aren't that good as it was dark and the car's windshield was slightly dirty. I really don't know what to post- any ideas? Here are just some thoughts: Where we do our shopping? Many places- fruits from mostly Western-style supermarkets, and also from the streetside vendors. Other stuff from supermarkets or hypermarkets. Here's one of them: the Auchan (formerly Spar) hypermarket: Here, on this stretch, no streetlights work: Rising consumer expenditure and demand for foreign brands creates this: I can show more, like random street views like these: But what else should I post. I can now agree with Bixa in #2 much more.
|
|
|
Post by auntieannie on Mar 2, 2013 19:03:30 GMT
yes, that has changed a lot. you'll have to excuse me for a minute: OMG!
When I first arrived to Bangalore, it was just before Diwali so when we drove to the commercial areas so I could pick up some salwar kameezes that i decided I would wear, the streets in the shopping area were decorated with many lights and decorations much like we have here over Xmas time. There was one mini-supermarket off MG road for food otherwise you had to find everything in traditional grocery shops. But even at that time MG road was always bustling with vehicles. I was aware that India was developing fast but this thread is really hitting home. goodness me! thanks for your kindness, Ansh!
And thanks for the new pictures! is there any of those slightly better looking public parks you would feel like spending a little time in to show us? do not feel obligated by any means.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2013 19:08:52 GMT
I love all of the street views. So strange to imagine an Auchan in Bangalore, though!
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Mar 3, 2013 2:00:32 GMT
Thanks guys. We usually don't visit too many parks, but having passed by the main park,Cubbon Park, I can say it seems well-maintained. Will have to see if there are pictures, though, not sure.
|
|
|
Post by bixaorellana on Mar 6, 2013 11:39:13 GMT
So much variety! The park you say is fairly well maintained looks extremely well groomed to me. The flower show is monumental. I really like your picture of all the different mounded arrangements -- can almost hear the cameras snapping in that one!
Do you have large outdoor markets where you live & if so, are they daily or weekly events?
What is your school like?
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Mar 6, 2013 11:48:46 GMT
No, I am pretty sure there are no large outdoor markets here- there are many typical Indian style chaotic markets- mostly indoor but with several stalls outside. There are smaller outdoor markets though- mostly rows of stalls and carts selling fruits and vegetables (primarily)- all daily affairs, but heavy rain and sometimes strikes close them down. Think of several carts laden with fruits, sorted by type, with some fruits such as coconuts, sometimes on the ground.
My school? It's located outside the centre- far from the city when it was founded. It is spread over a large space and is mainly a boarding school- though I am not a boarder.
|
|
|
Post by bixaorellana on Mar 6, 2013 19:07:03 GMT
|
|
|
Post by auntieannie on Mar 9, 2013 0:26:21 GMT
I remember the carts going around my friends' area when I was there. Early morning, there would be the flowers (mainly jasmine if I am not mistaken) seller, that was most days and then there would be a veg cart - I don't remember how many times per week and also a cart with a very old fashioned coal-heated iron that offered ironing services - about twice a week if I am not mistaken? and such carts. I got around to recognising which cart was in the neighbourhood by the sing-songs they advertised their trade with.
Is the word "lal" linked to the colour red, Ansh?
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Mar 9, 2013 1:07:05 GMT
Hi, yes, lal is Hindi for red.
Many iron men still use the coal irons, even now.
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Mar 9, 2013 10:47:17 GMT
I have more today: This is a shopping centre- never been inside, but the exterior facade is pretty unique- Below is arguably Bangalore's most popular mall. And here is another mall. It's also very nice but hasn't kicked off well. Hope it doesn't shut down. Look how the trees arch over the road- yes, my school bus does rustle the upper leaves often. Here is another random street view. Now, for something different. As I said, my school is pretty much in the outskirts... it is beyond one of Bangalore's many lakes. This one is called Vaarthur Lake. Also, I went to another mall today. There is a special flea market happening there- only for this weekend.
|
|
|
Post by mossie on Mar 9, 2013 14:46:31 GMT
Thank for this glimpse of modern India. Rather a shame to see the golden arches at the far end of your last picture, but I shall be told that is civilisation today ;D ;D. I prefer to be old fashioned
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2013 21:34:12 GMT
Those pictures are great. A lot of the boisterous activity reminds me of Singapore.
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Apr 12, 2013 9:34:04 GMT
More now: This is how some of Bangalore looks from above. Don't be fooled by the greenery though, this area is jam-packed on weekdays, it is full of residences, offices and commerce. Residential around... Also note the murals on the road. Random streetview: This is another "mall" kind of place, but different. It has shopping as well as offices. Busy evening traffic:
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2013 10:59:38 GMT
Always fascinating to see more! "Bangalore" is one of those mystical names to us Westerners, conjuring visions of maharajah's palaces -- not the clean and modern city that you are showing us.
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Apr 12, 2013 11:04:54 GMT
Yes, starting my Mumbai, Bangalore threads, I had this objective in mind indeed!
|
|
|
Post by bixaorellana on Apr 15, 2013 15:40:41 GMT
Bangalore hasn't done a very good job in preserving its colonial architecture Ansh, is it not preserved in the sense that it's deteriorated, or in the sense that it's been torn down to make way for new development? What about pre-colonial areas -- do they still exist? Also, where I live it's common to have towns and settlements very close to the city, but that display a more rural way of life. Is it the same around Bangalore?
|
|
|
Post by spindrift1 on Apr 27, 2013 7:57:12 GMT
Ansh, I am most interested to read your account of living in Bangalore. I have only been there twice, briefly, and had a Bad Experience! However since then (7 years ago) I have made several Facebook friends who have invited me to visit them. I am delighted to see your photos of the city which I didn't really see at all as I was stuck in monstrous traffic jams most of the time I was there
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on Apr 27, 2013 11:12:18 GMT
Sorry for your bad experience. Bangalore is known for its bad traffic, though outside rush hour things are fine. Also, our metro has begun and will expand more.
|
|
|
Post by spindrift1 on Apr 27, 2013 12:15:02 GMT
No, it wasnt that kind of bad experience! It was to do with someone trying to break into my hotel room in the early hours...
|
|
|
Post by anshjain97 on May 24, 2013 13:16:51 GMT
I don't want this thread to die now... A bridge here Some greenery A residential area: A typical roadside place where we buy fruit from: Sorry, that's all I have for now. I want to revisit the CBD to show you some of the older commercial areas.
|
|
|
Post by bixaorellana on May 24, 2013 18:47:40 GMT
I don't want this thread to die now... Good! It's great when people make these unfolding-over-time threads as it brings the old thread to the attention of anyone who might have missed it the first time, plus allows us to feel we're getting to know a place. Love the fruit stand & all the pics. Hey ~~ you need to answer my question in #24!
|
|