This is a look back of my first trip to India in 2011. I had started a blog then, but somehow I lost track of it and when I found it again, I could not add anything to it. Since then I have had more insight and more adventures and I thought I would try to revive some of those early installments. I will be adding these here and there, along with the trip from this year.
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| Casa Piccola Cottage |
Before we departed for our 3 week trip through South India, we
stayed for a couple of days in a wonderful little oasis in the big and bustling city of
Bangalore called
Casa Piccola Cottage, near Johnson Market in the Richmond area (how fitting). Casa Cottage is more like a B&B and is quite popular with travelers from all over the world. When we were there, there were students from Japan, a couple from Germany, one from Sweden. The rooms are nice, they have an outdoor cantina and serve a simple breakfast to start off the day. Some of what I will be talking about is for those of you who haven't been to India. Just some insight on how things work.
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| Our Auto Rickshaw driver getting us ready for the days exploration of Bengaluru |
The resident auto rickshaw driver waited for us to come out in the morning. He was very nice and we brokered a deal for the days travels. We told him where we wanted to go or some things we might want to see. These drivers also have places they want to take you to see. Sometimes you just go along with it, as that is why you might get a deal for the whole day. They get commissions for some of the shops they will take you to. You don't have to purchase anything, they get a small bit just to get you there, and they make some more if you make a purchase. They usually leave these places toward the end of the days journeys. It's the price of doing business in India. We've gotten quite used to it. And who knows, you might just find something you like along the way!
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| A view from the auto rickshaw at the bustling market area |
One of the highlights was the flower market. The colors and activity almost takes your breath away. If you want to see how it really works, you need to go very early in the morning. This is when most of the flowers are bought and sold for use in almost every activity in India. Flowers are an important part of Indian life, especially offerings at the temples. Outside the flower market building, all other items for trade and sale are at your disposal.
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| Color everywhere! |
One famous temple is the
Bull Temple, or Dodda Ganeshana Gudi. It boasts one of the largest sculptures of
Nandi, the Hindu demi-god, in the world. We have been there twice now, and both times it was not crowded, so we could take our time enjoying it. It was built in 1537. There is also a Ganesha temple at the bottom of the hill.
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| Entrance to the Bull Temple |
The area around the Casa Cottage is wonderful to explore and take photos, and I would venture out both in the early morning for some chai, and then again in the evening. There are some decent restaurants within walking distance too.
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| A coconut walla set up |
Another favorite is the
Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens in the heart of the city. It is a lush green area that is steeped in history and full of specimens with lots of walking paths. It boasts on of the largest known Kapok trees, a type of tropical tree that has cotton-like seeds.
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| Largest Kapok tree |
Bangalore might be the Silicon Valley of India, but it has so much to see and do. It is a very "green" city, with trees and green space everywhere. I've been there twice and still find new things to capture my interest. I can't wait to go back!
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