Sunday, March 27, 2011

Bangalore Broadcast

Days are turning to weeks and weeks to months. This year is speeding off without any signs of stopping. In the mad rush I tend to loose sight of my life, as it slips away with any progress....


Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Bangalore Seven Wonders

Recently Bangalore Mirror started a contest " Seven Wonders of Bangalore". During this context, many landmarks, historical building, parks and monuments around Bangalore were showcased. Out of the many, the best seven were picked up.

Here are the list of Seven Wonders from Bangalore:
  1. Pyramid Valley
  2. Bull Temple
  3. Vidhana Soudha
  4. Lalbagh
  5. St Mary’s Basilica
  6. Jamia Masjid
  7. Bangalore Palace
Anyone new to Bangalore will find this list useful. Now there is no excuse that you don't know the Seven Wonders of Bangalore.


So what are you waiting for?

Bye!

Monday, January 31, 2011

Mercedes-Benz Invitational Golf Tournament



The swing is back with the Mercedes-Benz Invitational Golf Tournament. This amateur level golf tournament's qualifying round is being held at Eagleton Gold Club in Bangalore. If you're keen in golf, you can watch how these corporate honchos swing around for a birdie.


The grand finale will be held at the  Le Touessrok Golf Course, Mauritius to be held in April 2011. The winner rides home a Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Are you New to Bangalore?

To an outsider new to Bangalore can look like a bundle of chaos. If you're caught on the wrong place in a traffic, it's enough to be feel suffocating. I too dread the bottlenecks at every junction, and for this reason I avoid the rush hour traffic, unless I need to go very badly.

There are many other issues apart from traffic, like food, housing, education, transportation etc. But beneath all these chaos, there a beautiful world for your to explore socially and culturally. While the new Bangalore is full of dot com folks, it equally has a rich heritage of it's own.

In this city there are many cultural centers, like Alliance Francaise, Max Muller Bhavan, The British Library  etc.

See beyond what meets your eye, explore the other side of Bangalore. If you need help you can just mail me here.

Thanks

Hard Rock Cafe Bangalore

I see many expatriates in Hard Rock Cafe during weekend. On Sunday's there are many expat
lazing inside with heavy brunch.

I love the granite interiors that showcases the other memorabilia of rock stars. For folks like me this place is too expensive, but I think it suits most of the expat's purse.

I wonder if this Hard Rock Cafe gives the same menu similar to other joints across the globe. If yes, then it could be one reason why many expats visit this rocking place.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Memorial Chowdiah hall

( Pic source: indivibe.com)
Every week Chowdaiah Memorial Hall gives host to varied plays, dance recitals, concerts and other events. You can scan through the event section of Times of India to know the latest events unfolding at Chowdaiah Memorial Hall.

It's the cultural hotspot of Bangalore which was established in 1980. This violin shaped building is constructed as a tribute to famed violinist T. Chowdiah. Depending on your taste in arts or in Indian theater, you watch the shows from this esteemed hall.

Foreigners Registration Office Bangalore


Recently I passed by ESI hospital junction, Cambridge layout, Bangalore and I saw couple of foreigners near  one building. The board said " Foreigners Registration Office".

The new facility has authority to handle immigration formalities handled by the other FRROs in the major capital cities of New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

The name of the office read as "Foreigners Registration Office". This office has been relocated from the earlier building has taken this address:

How to reach Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO)
To reach foreigners registration office, you need to come to ESI hospital junction, close to Cambridge Layout, Bangalore. It's located at # 55, off Double Road, Indira Nagar.

If you're hiring a car or auto, tell the driver to take you to take ESI hospital, Cambridge Layout. From there proceed to Indira Nagar double road. It's just few yards from ESI hospital junction. You can't miss this building.

Working hours of FRRO Bangalore

The office will function from Monday to Friday between 9.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. If you're submitting fresh application, you should make it before 1.30 p.m.

In case you need assistance I can tag along with you. 

Thank you.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Expats Community in Bangalore

Bangalore city is inhabited by a wide eclectic mix people from all Indian states and from other countries. The first dwellers came from close by states, those who appreciated Bangalore weather. It was a pensioners retiring place. Recently I passed a park at Indira Nagar defense colony, which is exclusive for senior citizens.

Now Bangalore is at cross roads. Information Technology boom brought in big unexpected wealth to young 20 somes. This big growth from IT outsourcing money also mushroomed mega malls like Bangalore Central, Forum, Big Bazar and other concrete shopping malls.

How to relocate to Bangalore?
At first sight, Bangalore city can look crowded with people and vehicles. Often you might wonder if you can find peaceful life in this buzzing city.

To settle in Bangalore, the most important thing is to find the right apartment. With rent shooting over the roof, it's important for you to locate the best dwelling place within your budget. I would suggest you to search magic bricks site to find ads posted by house owners. House closer to your work place is recommended as traffic can make you dizzy.

If you're looking for someone to help you out to locate a house, I'm available as Banaglore destination consultant. I can take you around to various locations around Bangalore to spot the best residence for your long stay in Bangalore.

If you prefer more professional guest tour services, you can call up this International agency.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Places to Visit in Bangalore

Lalbagh Gardens

This garden has over 1800 species of trees, plants. It's spread over

Cubbon Park
Located at the heart of Bangalore, this wide open space also has The high court state library and a museum. The history of it goes to the rule of English. There are many statues such as Queen Victoria Statue, Major Gen.Sir Mark Cubbon, Rajya Dhurandhar, Sri. K. Sheshadri Iyer, and Sri Chamrajendra Wodeyar.

Bangalore Aquarium

It has wide collection of fresh water fishes.

Government Museum

Established in 1886, it has 18 galleries with large collection of Neolithic coins, antique jewellery, textiles, and miniature paintings.

Bangalore Palace
Build by the King of Mysore, Chamaraja Wodeyar, this place is unique. It's architecture represents Tudor style. It gives an English air to the place. Construction of this place is inspired by the Windsor Castle of England.


Venkatappa Art Gallery
Tipu's Summer Palace
Nandi Bull Temple

To know more about places to see in Bangalore, check this website.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Sunny's Bangalore

European Restaurant in Bangalore
Never been to this place, but heard lots of mixed reviews of this garden and bar restaurant. This Euro restaurant specializes in Italian food, complete with good ambiance. Specialties include, begian-beer, pastas, pizzas, almond crusted fish, tomato-mozzarella salad, tuna salad etc.

The interior of this uptown restaurant is smart with two levels, upstairs being a sort of a lounge-bar.

Directions to Sunny's Restaurant
No 34, Embassy Diamante, Vittal Mallya Road, Opposite Canara Bank, Vittal Mallya Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Ph # 080 22243642

Check Sunny's website for menu

Friday, July 16, 2010

Buy Pure Sandal wood from Bangalore

Oh, the scent of Sandal wood!

Karnataka is synonym with the Sandal wood. Like Bollywood, Hollywood, "Sandalwood" is used as a metonymy of Kanada cinema industry. Apart from movie industry name, Karanataka is one of the largest producers of Sandal wood products, oil and paste in India.

Many tourists who come to Karnataka buy a small portion of Sandal wood that's believed to be scented by the Gods. In many Hindu rituals, sandal wood is extensively used ( idols, beads, paste), and Parsis make sacred fire with it.

But extensive use of sandalwood and high demand of sandalwood, has depleted this resources. Now as a result, many shops sell fake sandalwood in Karnataka and elsewhere in India. In Bangalore many shops still sell fake sandal wood to foreigners by luring them with scented wood as originals.

Where to buy pure sandal wood in Bangalore?

State run Cavery emporium centrally located at the heart of Bangalore sells pure sandwood blocks, oils, power and creams. Apart from it, Cavery has a shop at Jayanagar Complex. Cavery emporium has wide selection of Indian handicraft stuff made of sandal wood and other Indian hand made sovereign. You can also try "Mysore sandalwood store” near ISKON temple.

Sandalwood products you can buy from Cavery:

  • Sandalwood Soap
  • Sandal wood blocks
  • Oils, powder pouches
  • Sandal wood handicraft
  • Fragrance sticks
  • Key chains, pen etc
For more details call Cavery Emporium Ph #: 80 25582656/25580317/25581187

Monday, July 12, 2010

Words from many hearts!


Friendship Bangalore / friends online / find new friends Bangalore / meet new people Bangalore
Friendship - Friends Bangalore

Looking for a Friend ?/Meet Your Soul Mate/Looking for singles near you?/Looking for someone special?

Friendship Ads from Bangalore
  • I want girl/women for friendship,plz contact as soon as poss - 29 years old
  • want a honest friend = 40 years old
  • Friendship (only malayalee) - 34 years old
  • hi girls i am 27m , looking smart call me 9342760348
  • looking for frnds from north n a gal frnd toooo - 20 years old
  • Posted on 08/07/2010 in Friendship - Friends Bangaore › Karnataka 20 years old
  • looking for girls with attitude
  • Healthy Relationship..friendship..fun..24Male
  • Need friends..No Dating NO Sex only friend...
  • Looking 4 A Good Female Friend .27 Male here
  • seekin friends 4 improving communnication [english fluency]
  • looking for nice girl for GOA trip - 30 years old
  • decent relationship only girls because iam male
  • seekin girls... 20 years old
  • any girls/mature 4 good friendship -25 years old
  • Looking for singles near you? Sign up for free today.
  • Find your soul mate here. Sign up for FREE today.
  • Hi, I am nice guy, I looking good friendship with girl,
  • only select Area Male friend
  • Am looking for decent Male person
  • I am lonely in Bangalore ... -48 years old
  • hi girls, see my profile -29 years old
  • Friendship -27 years old
  • looking for female for friendhship -33 years old
  • Looking for a good Girl ( FriendShip ) - 22 years old
  • making good friends - 30 years old
  • Looking for Good Female Friend
  • Facebook does not work?
  • Looking for woman Friends
  • Searching For nice girl for friendship - 25 years old
  • Need a Girl Friend 27 years old
  • Looking for a honest & true female friend -38 years old
  • Looking for friendship from whom needs best friend - only aunties
  • Looking forward to make some new friends
  • Looking for a female friend - just moved in - 32 years old
  • I WANT A WOMAN AS FRIEND -40 years old

That's a collection of personal ads from one of the dating/friendship site. All the posters speak one language thought different words? Some are funny, some desperate, some eager, some covert....... Do you think they have got the match? I wonder? Too many

Which one did you like?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Restaurants and pubs in Bangalore


Ice Bar
One of the most hip and happening lobby bar in Bangalore. Ice Bar at Taj Residency has its own unique line of signature drinks, and a splendid selection of cocktails, liquors like aged malts, cognacs and also Cuban cigars. See the party pics at Ice Bar Bangalore.

i-Bar
The Park.hotel's i-BAR is one of Bangalore's most happening hot spots. Music comes with house and trance on the small dance floor. View pics from Times of India

F-Bar
Hint - Best for Friday nights Cover charges Rs.1000 per couple
Elements - Steakhouse on Nandidurga Rd.
Samarkand restaurant (infantry Road)

Shiro UB City
Opus - Great Karaoke nights especially on Sundays.
MEZZEH, Indiranagar - turkish, persian, arabic food
AYDA Iranian Restaurant in Bridage Road

Italian Restaurant in Bangalore

Via Milano
The ambience is beautiful & tastefully done. You'll love the couches overlooking the city. Try caesar salad, grilled chicken, pizzas , grilled fish, eating bread with the lovely garlic mayo and more. Yum! Check Via Milano site. This place is located at Koramangala.
Landmark: Next to Sony World Crossing, Phone: 41309997, 41309994

Pubs/Restaurants around Church Street, Bangalore
Tavern - Cool pub at Museum road



Mojos - Down Brigade road
Stones - Indira Nagar -

Cirrus - Above Extreme sports bar
Extreme sports bar - Below Cirrus( 80 ft road, Indira Nagar)
Italia - 100 foot road Indiranagar veg. only
Take 5 - Good for Jazz on Sundays 100ft and 3rd main (above coffee day)

Ranga shankara - Watch plays at Jayanagar.



Hard Rock Cafe Bangalore


View Larger Map

Hard Rock Cafe, Bangalore, is one of the popular joints for expatiate community in Bangalore. Every time I visit this granite walled I see lot's of westerner, especially in groups. I think many are tourist and few are the ones working in Bangalore on different projects.

Menu at Rock Cafe Bangalore includes the classic American fare of burgers, sandwiches, salads, delicious starters such as spring rolls, chicken wings, calamari and prawns as well as a few Indian dishes. The BLT, Chicken in Hickory Barbeque Sauce, Mezze Platter and the giant burger with Blue Cheese are definite must-haves at Hard Rock Cafe.

The Hard Rock Cafe's beautiful old stone building with a massive granite wall is lined with all kinds of memorabilia from gold albums to drumsticks and guitar picks.This place has interesting collection Roch Star memorabilia that includes Elvis Presley’s costumes, Eric Clapton's guitars and Shakira's gold camisole.


Different section are available. For less noisy section where you can dine at peace or close to the bar counter where the service is quick and for smokers you have a place close to the open sky.

For booking and info call Hard Rock Cafe, Bangalore at 080 4089 4999. Saturday's are more crowded. Book your table in advance or just walk in for a Rocking time.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Where can I rent a bike at Bangalore

Contact at the below address details for getting a bike on rent.

Where to get a bike on rent for a day in bangalore

At Unicorn Auto u can rent automated kinetic Honda. The vehicles are available by the day, week, fortnight or even more than a month.

To know more about rent-a-kinetic, call us at +91-98440-24-365.

Contact Matthew Joji Abraham’s Unicorn.You only need to fill in the fuel, furnish a copy of the driving licence, address proof and two references and then hit the roads

Another place: Landmark: Near Syndicate BankPhone: 080-22208397, 22208398.

All these details were found from the net. Pls user your judgement to pick the right service provider.

How many friends?

Recently I'was pondering on this question. Shrinking pools of quality friendship has gotten me to think on the life and journey towards friendship. While the virtue of friends is being talked around, the life has now moved to islands of relationship.

It's in this space, I started this "rent a friend" blog. Then how can you get a friend for hire? is it an oxymoron or it's a word used without any true meaning.

I still don't have an answer to these, probably you can give some fodder for thought!

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."

Ecclesiastes

Koshy's @ Bangalore

Koshy's restaurant in Banglore is one of the iconic places to drink and dine. The rustic ambiance, the upbeat regulars, the old timers makes this a favourite joint for many Banagloreans and expact community.

Patronised by the city's old, arty, and intellectuals, Koshy's at St Marks Road stand distinct from the other sassy restaurants. When I first ventured to this famed joint, it was a smokers den.

Here're few lines written by "Anu" from grapewine.

There is an air of purpose to the place - even in the quietest table where an old gentleman sips his beer with the daily crossword for company. There is animated conversation, intellectual debate, raucous laughter and ponderous silence packed into 800 sq ft of tables and chairs. Coffee and cigarettes, jaded waiters, lackadaisical service, high ceilings and old whirring fans (if you aren't in the fancy air-conditioned section). Food is secondary though the menu is elaborate. It's not as tasty as it is expensive, but no one seems to mind.

So, what makes me love this place. Is it the attitude, the food, the beer under checkered table cloth or just another place that allows you spend time under the roof....

All of it in unison. Koshy's has room for improvement about the quality of food and the service. Some waiters looks like they are lost somewhere, with cold looks and cold courtesy... I hope they find someone who loves working there!

Read more from Koshy's website

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Lonely in Bangalore? Just hire a friend

Bangalore city can look chaotic, pollution, or just lonely for expats or people coming in to do business. Streets & innumerable cross can confuse and make your life miserable. For an outsider it all adds to the pile of woes.

If you're going to such process, here a way to get a help for hire. I got this idea on the line so rend a friend sites that's popular in U.S, Canada and in Moscow.

On the same lines, at an individual level you can hire me to go for shopping, or to find local stuff from Bangalore. It's not a date as most people would imagine, but it's more on platonic lines.

Currently, my service is limited to ladies or expat couples. So, if you're looking out for a friend to take out for shopping or to discover Bangalore, then you're welcome.

How I can help you in Bangalore

How I can be of help:

Would you like to get in touch with the local friend from Bangalore? Discover more from my
eyes about the ways of Bangalore. Share quality time and share mutual interests or learn new
ways of life or hobbies. Here're few things I can do for you:

  • Learn few tips to cope with the chaos
  • Teach how to cook indian food
  • Visit gardens/shopping at malls or bargin sale
  • Tips on Shopping for kids
  • Trying different foods
  • Try out new pubs/bars
  • Shopping for Indian Handicraft
  • Teach Indian recepies
  • Shop for Indian Jute bags
  • Buy Sandal wood produts
  • Share mutual interest in cooking
  • Help you out to buy Silk dress/sari
  • Teach you how to wear Sari
  • Explore Itallian food joints
  • Music - country songs & hindi
  • Try authentic Managlore dish
  • Reading - casual
  • Dining out - Like exploring new joints
  • Travelling -
  • Craft & home deco
  • Meeting new people

This list is not exhaustive! Just few points that went through my mind. Mail me at
marigold9999@gmail.com to contact me.