Bangalore is the city I grew up in and look back on as a place full of fond memories!
I left there back in 1983 and live here in Germany ever since.
However, going back 'home' is always a thrill for me and I look forward to my trips there like a little kid!!
It has of course, changed tremendously over the years....
but one can still see old buildings and roads that remain a typical landmark for folks like me!
Bangalore is the capital of the state Karnataka (or Canaris) and is situated halfway between the coasts of southern India. A truly beautiful city, despite it's areas of slums and public dustbins (!), full of flowery trees and a moderate climate. The population is at approximately 6 million people.
Well known for many software companies, it has indeed earned the nickname of "The Silicon Valley". Another name that Bangalore has is "The Garden City".
I would like to write down a bit on the traffic of Bangalore......which is partly amazing and partly amusing! In most cities, you would take a taxi to get around. In Bangalore, you take an 'Auto-rikshaw'! Imagine a 3-wheeled motorcycle with a bench seat in the rear, a metal shell and a roof! They are efficient (about 80 miles per gallon) and maneuverable!
The drivers drive 'hell for leather' and are pretty skilled, weaving through traffic at 35 mph with only inches of clearance.
If you're a foreigner, these guys will take you for a helluvuh ride - in every sense of the word!! *smile*
Traffic there has always been an eye-opener and today I cannot believe I used to zoom around on my little moped!! You have vehicles & animals sharing the road. Bulls, cows, goats and dogs.
Vehicles include bicycles, motorscooters, motorcycles, auto.rikshaws, trucks and buses.
The traffic law might appear to be as such:-
1. obey traffic lights (which nobody does!)
2. Honk your horn when passing or about to pass or if you just feel like doing so!
3. The lines working off the lanes are for decoration only, even if they indicated a separation of traffic moving in the opposite
direction!
4. Give way to anything bigger than you are!
Ready, steady, go.....is very prevalent on the roads here and by the time the lights turn green, traffic from opposite sides are practically in the middle of the road!!
It is really a miracle that despite all this chaos, the accident statistics are actually lower than here, in Europe!!
I hope you enjoy the following photographs on the 'Bangalore' photopage!
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