Explore My City Guest Blogger: Jenny from Travelynn Family
Over the past decade, Bangalore has developed a reputation as the IT capital of India, a confident city that symbolises modern, twenty-first-century India.
From a visitor’s perspective, it’s often thought of as a place for weary long-term travellers to take a break from the rest of India and pamper themselves for a few days. Or as a gentle introduction to the country for those visiting one of the hundreds of software companies on business.
Whilst the comfortable climate, air-conditioned malls and vibrant dining scene allow the visitor to take a breather and decompress, Bangalore has a different side to its personality which reflects the chaotic, colourful and contradictory India that travellers learn to either love or hate.
Due to my husband’s work, we moved to Bangalore from the UK in April 2017, with our two boys (aged 2 and 3) and have fallen in love with the city.
It doesn’t matter if you want a day recreating the comforts and routines of home or want to be immersed in the fascinating local culture, Bangalore always has something to offer.
Western (especially blonde) children do receive a lot of attention, with cheek pinching and selfie requests being a regular occurrence. However, these requests come with a smile and are the result of the locals being genuinely interested in interacting with the children; we have generally received a warm welcome from people here.
One thing to always remember (although the constant honking or car horns will make it hard to forget) is the horrendous traffic. Congestion in Bangalore has to be seen to be believed and a seemingly short 5km journey can take thirty long, loud minutes.
With kids in mind, here are our top 5 activities for families visiting Bangalore
Iskcon Temple
Inaugurated in 1997, this is one of the largest Iskcon temples in the world. It may look like a big wedding cake but it has the substance to match the style – climb the steps to marvel at the lavish decorations and stop to observe the fascinating ceremonies taking place, whilst listening to the Hare Krishna chant which provides an endless soundtrack to your tour.
There is a fantastic food market as you leave the main temple so try and time your arrival for lunch if you can. As with most temples, make sure your legs and shoulders are covered and leave the camera at home; photography is strictly prohibited.
www.iskconbangalore.org Open 7.15am-1pm and 4.15-8.20pm Mon to Fri, 7.15am-8.30pm Sat, Sun and Public Holidays.
Big Bull Temple and Bugle Park
Walk underneath the imposing big bull horns and up the steps to the Big Bull Temple, containing a granite sculpture of the sacred animal, adorned in flowers. A few rupees secures a blessing from the priest and remember to place your hand on the bull’s hoof for good luck.
On exiting, follow the steps to the right into Bugle Park and let the kids release some energy by climbing over boulders and mixing with the local kids at the playground.
Big Bull Temple is open 7am-8.30pm. However, Bugle Park does not open until 4.30pm.
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit with kids. Start at the West Gate and stroll along the lakeside path looking for monkeys or munch on some corn on the cob from one of the many street vendors. It’s a treat to enjoy such a beautiful green space in this congested city and allow the kids to run free away from the traffic.
Follow the path to the other side of the gardens, find the Peninsular Gneiss and take the short climb to the top for great views of the city skyline, a small temple and drinks stall.
Open 6am-7pm every day, entry fee Rs20, children under 12 free, camera Rs50.
Funky Monkeys Softplay
Do you feel you need to reward the kids with some normality after all their travelling? Funky Monkeys at 1MG Road Mall is a clean, safe and super fun play area for children under the age of 12.
There are staff on hand inside the play area to watch your little ones so kick back with a chai and enjoy some relative peace.
www.funkymonkeys.in Open 11am-8pm Mon to Thurs Rs450 per child, 10.30am-8.30am Fri to Sun Rs550 per child
Hilton swimming pool
Sample 5-star luxury for a few hours at the Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, with a guest day-pass to their outdoor swimming pools. There is a nice heated kid’s pool and Jacuzzi pool (which is also great for the little ones) as well as a standard main pool.
The staff will look after you extremely well, so sit back on one of their king-size beds poolside and order a beef burger and a cold bottle of Kingfisher. You deserve it.
Rs1500++ adults, children free. Pass is for 2 hours, but you can stretch it to 3
Day Trip Ideas from Bangalore
About the Blogger
We are a family of four from the UK, currently living in Bangalore, India; two boys aged 2 and 3. We are passionate about intrepid travel and believe that having young kids shouldn’t change that. Mum and Dad have travelled 50 countries together and the boys have travelled 10 countries so far.
With a focus on the Indian subcontinent, we hope to inspire other like-minded parents by writing about our adventures and travel tips at travelynnfamily.com
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