10 EASY TRIPS
Bangalore, India WHY GO NOW?
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The city is a good place to do some shopping. Pick up incense, silks, authentic tribal jewellery, brass and copper ware, soapstone statues, aromatic sandalwood and rosewood carvings and lacquer work. HOW DO I MAKE IT HAPPEN?
M Fly direct from Singapore to Bangalore via Silkair and Singapore Airlines. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia service direct routes from Kuala Lumpur. M Sheraton Bangalore Hotel’s 230 guest rooms and suites combine classic and contemporary designs in a comfortable setting. Sweeping city views from the health club, pool, and spa contribute to great spaces for re-energising your body and soul (starwoodhotels.com).
After visiting the Bull Temple (above) in Bangalore, check out the colourful markets for a bout of shopping
PHOTOGRAPHS: PHOTOLIBRARY
The capital city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Bengaluru or Bangalore, is one of India’s most vibrant and modern cities. Visitors will be amazed by Bengaluru’s unique fusion of new-school, hi-tech sensibility and old-school aesthetics. October is an opportune time to visit Bangalore as the weather is invigorating and because it heralds not one but two festivals – Dusserha (6 October) and Diwali (26 October). Begin your pilgrimage with the Bull Temple. Built in the 16th century by Kempegowda, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s vehicle Nandi. There are many interesting sights to behold at the temple. Spend a weekend to see typical marriage processions, car baptisms (to ward off the evil eye) and multifarious bards belting the latest Bangalore tunes in and around the temple.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
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