Bangalore

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Hi,

Me and my 3 buddies started our trip from Kochi, our hometown. We've been planning for this trip to Himachal from sept, but it took us 4 months to finally pool in the money and also to quit our jobs , so that we can leave hassle free. Although we were on a tight budget, we did not have an planned vacation. We had decided to stay till we dry out of cash. And so we did.

My description will be more on the expenses side and also regarding other things like places to go , stay and to eat. I will also try to keep you abreast of the costs incurred. I believe that it will help someone who is planning for a trip on a shoe string budget like us. But lemme tell you, this is one trip you will never forget, especially if you are a person like me from the tropics, close to the sea.

So here it goes.

Am staring off with banglore, the first stopover of our journey. Even though its the most talked about city in India, it was my first time. You can also get direct trains from Kochi, Kerala to Delhi, but we thought to hangout in B'lore for a day and then leave. Some interesting things to do in B'lore.

1. 6 pm would be a good time to start exploring B'lore. Try to get there on a weekend. Night life is amazing. You can get buses to reach any place. Just ask anyone for the bus number to a specific location. Auto rickshaws are a rip off, if you do not speak Kannada.

2. Go Visit Pecos on Brigade Road - Its a must visit if you are a rock aficionado. Its one of the oldest pubs in B'lore which has a tremendous base of loyal customers. Its a small , cramped pub with a just spaces to sit . But the Beer and the food is awesome. Try the Pork. Its famous. It would be also an ideal place to chill out, if you are alone. The music they place is also well chosen and amazing. Pitcher comes at rs.250

3. Purple haze at Koramangala - Yet another great hangout. Much noisier than Pecos as the crowd here goes wild on songs and they just love to sing along. It will be packed on weekends. Pitcher@rs300. They play everything from The Doors to Ozzy. Go there with your buddies, if possible.

4. Corner House ice Creams, Koramangala - Yet another renowned B'lore institution. Try the " Death By Chocolate" a.k.a DBC. Comes at 120rs / head. But its a delicacy i would insist you to indulge in.

PS: Stoners, this could be your next " White Castle " .

Getting to Banglore from Kochi.

1. Bus: Try Non A/c Coaches from Kerala or Karnataka State Road Transport corporations. Go to KSRTC Bus Station at Kochi for Reservations. Try to book at least 3 days in advance. Charges ranging from 450rs onwards. You can also get A/C coaches In between 550-750 rs. Try to pick up buses plying via Coimbatore, which will save time. Buses also go through Mysore, which takes 2-3 hours more.

2. Train : Get your Tickets reserved for Sleeper Class at least 3-5 days prior. Its the most affordable and comfortable mode of transport. First thing get your account set up on the Reservation website for Indian Railways. . Do remember to activate your internet banking option on your savings account. You need that on the website to buy tickets. If you have not planned for it, just get on a daily train to B' lore from Ernakulam North Railway Station , leaving 6.pm everyday. Its a cheap deal. Just 150rs/head. Dont expect anything else other than getting there . The train will be packed.

I hope the info helps you. See you later with more info on Delhi.

Peace.

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Photos

Pecos
The Oldest and Best Hangout in B'lore . Pecos Rocks!

Purple Haze
Let It Roll, Baby, Roll.
Let It Roll, Baby, Roll.
Let It Roll, Baby, Roll.
Let It Roll, All Night Long