Lakes in Bengaluru

 I recently visited Bengaluru. Amidst the bustling city, just before Marathahalli, I came across a breathtaking sight—an enormous tree standing majestically in the middle of a lake. It was early morning, and the scene was serene and picturesque. The lake was fairly clean, and people were leisurely walking along its banks, enjoying the fresh morning air.

What made the experience even more memorable was Bengaluru's infamous traffic. We were stuck for more than fifteen minutes, but instead of feeling frustrated, I found myself grateful for the unexpected pause. It gave me the opportunity to admire this beautiful landscape for a long time. Sometimes, delays are blessings in disguise, and this was certainly one of those moments.

As our vehicle slowly moved around the lake in a semicircle, the magnificent tree remained in view. Its sheer size naturally attracted a variety of birds, adding life and movement to the tranquil setting. Watching the birds circle, perch, and disappear into the dense foliage made the scene even more captivating.

I couldn't help but wonder about the resilience of that tree. How had Mother Nature anchored its roots so firmly in the midst of water? We often think that roots submerged in water for long periods would rot, yet this tree stood there, flourishing with vibrant green leaves. It looked like a giant emerald sphere rising gracefully from the heart of the lake. The gentle ripples reflected shades of blue and green, making the entire landscape appear almost magical.

In that moment, surrounded by traffic yet immersed in nature's quiet splendour, I was reminded that beauty often reveals itself when life compels us to slow down. Nature has a remarkable way of surprising us, teaching us resilience, and offering moments of peace in the most unexpected places.

Journey from Bengaluru to Hyderabad by KSRTC

A few days ago, I visited Bengaluru and returned to Hyderabad by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. I had booked my ticket a day earlier for a cozy sleeper seat. It was a comfortable journey, and the ticket cost approximately Rs. 1800, which is quite a decent amount compared to expensive airplane tickets.

There is a huge bus station at Kempegowda Bus Station, dedicated only to KSRTC buses. A large number of buses were parked at the voluminous, spacious, and gigantic bus station. Even if a person has not booked a ticket in advance, they can often buy one on the same day depending on seat availability.

The conductor and the driver were dressed in neatly ironed white shirts and pants. I think it is their uniform, as all of them were wearing the same attire. The conductor carried a printed list of passengers who had already booked tickets. He checked my ID card carefully before allowing me to board the bus, which was scheduled to start at 8:50 pm.

During the journey, the bus stopped twice — once for dinner at around 11:00 pm and again at about 3:00 am for a washroom break. We finally reached Shilparamam at 7:50 am, although the expected arrival time was 7:15 am.

Overall, it was a memorable journey. I travelled alone, and being a lady, I would say that it felt very safe and comfortable. We can always rely on government services, and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation is certainly one of them.

Bengaluru - Experience in Cab

 I visited Bengaluru, popularly known as the Silicon Valley of India and one of the country’s biggest IT hubs. The city has attracted enormous investment from foreign companies and multinational corporations over the years. As a result, it has become a dream destination for people with strong technical and management backgrounds because of the excellent career opportunities and attractive salary packages offered by leading companies.

However, along with opportunities, the city also comes with a high cost of living. The expenses, especially transportation and accommodation, can significantly affect one’s budget. The real estate sector in Bengaluru has flourished tremendously in the last decade, with new apartments, tech parks, and commercial complexes coming up rapidly across the city.

I travelled to Bengaluru by plane. My destination was almost an hour away from the airport. Unlike Hyderabad, where government taxi services are available at the airport, I did not find such a facility there. We booked an Uber, and the fare to our destination was around Rs 780.

While returning, I had booked a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus from Kempegowda Terminal 1 bus stand. The bus was scheduled to depart at 8:50 PM and reach Hyderabad the next morning at 7:15 AM. To stay on the safer side, I planned to leave at 5:30 PM, believing that three hours would be more than enough to reach the terminal.

But destiny had something else planned.

Suddenly, heavy rain started pouring across the city. I repeatedly tried booking a cab, but no driver was accepting the ride. Every passing minute increased my anxiety. It was a tense situation, and for a moment I genuinely felt that I might miss the bus. The same cycle kept repeating—I booked the ride, and drivers cancelled or ignored it.

Finally, at 6:28 PM, one driver accepted the ride request. It felt like a huge relief, almost as if I had won a lottery. I even selected the extra-priority option by paying an additional Rs 65. Due to the rain and demand surge, the taxi fare had almost doubled and came to Rs 1163, whereas normally it would have been nearly half that amount.

The journey to the bus terminal was equally stressful. The roads were packed with traffic, and at one point the jam seemed endless. I anxiously asked the driver whether I would be able to reach Terminal 1 on time. He calmly replied that everything depended on the traffic flow, which at that moment appeared almost stagnant.

But thankfully, luck was finally on my side.

After a tense and exhausting ride through Bengaluru traffic and rain, I reached the bus terminal at 8:30 PM—just in time. The KSRTC bus was waiting there, ready for departure. At that moment, I felt immense relief and gratitude. What had started as a stressful evening finally ended peacefully, leaving me with an unforgettable travel experience in the bustling IT capital of India.