Settling into Bengaluru: Early Impressions

I moved to Bengaluru on 1st September, 2023, after nearly six transformational years in the Bay Area. These initial days have pleasantly surprised me with how the city has changed since my last stay here in 2015. 😊

Here are my top 10 takeaways:

1. Closer Family Ties: My time in Bengaluru has strengthened my bond with family in Indore and Thiruvananthapuram. The freedom to connect with them at any hour, without the constraints of differing time zones, has made staying involved and caring for them much smoother and more fulfilling. It brings me immense joy knowing I can take a short flight home to be there for special moments or simply enjoy some heartwarming family time.

Celebrating my father-in-laws contributions to Chandrayan-3 as a Dean at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

2. Vibrant Community Spirit: Bengaluru is a hub of togetherness, and it feels like everyone is converging here! Reconnecting with old friends has been delightful. People in this city are incredibly friendly and approachable. Even casual chats with local vendors, house help, shopkeepers, fitness trainers, security guards, and a few kind strangers have quickly turned Bengaluru into a warm and welcoming second home.

Catching up with Old Friends

3. Exercising Regularly: Bengaluru makes it easy to stay active, with Cult fitness centers dotted around the city and its pleasant weather, not to mention the numerous parks and lakes. On my very first morning here, I joined a Cult Hatha Yoga class, and on days when a reservation isn’t available, I opt for a refreshing run around the lake. Staying active has become a seamless part of my routine.

After a Hatha Yoga Class @Cult Sarjapur

Running track and views at the Kaikondrahalli Lake

4. Wholesome Eating: With the support of household help, I’ve gained precious time in my day while still prioritizing a healthy diet. They prepare fresh watermelon juice after my workout, serve up a balanced breakfast, and peel pomegranate seeds on-demand.

Breakfast and snacks at my Airbnb

5. Inspiring Stories: Among the many stories that breathe life into Bengaluru, one that struck a chord was meeting an extraordinary woman at my Airbnb. She stands as the sole female worker in the mines of Jharkand, working tirelessly to make them more sustainable. Her journey is a testament to the resilient spirit that defines the new aspirational and progressive India.

6. Navigating Traffic: Navigating through Bengaluru’s traffic can be a bit tricky, but I’m fortunate to live just 15 minutes away from work. With a little patience and a playlist of podcasts, music, or phone calls, even the longer distances over weekends have become enjoyable! Having an Activa scooter has been a game-changer, making short trips a breeze.

I borrowed a friend’s Activa and have been using it to get around short distance, including my office!

7. Rainy Days: When it rains, Bengaluru can get a bit chaotic. There are traffic jams, and it’s tough to find a cab. However, with a dependable pair of waterproof boots and a sturdy raincoat (for both yourself and your bag), navigating the city during monsoons has been manageable.

My waterproof rain boots and the stretchable rain coat for my office bag

8. Acts of Kindness: The warmth of Bangaloreans never ceases to amaze. One rainy day, when I found myself stranded at a store, a compassionate stranger, the auto driver of an IT professional in an auto, came to my rescue and offered to share the auto ride, ensuring I got home safely.

9. Living the Good Life without Breaking the Bank: Here in Bengaluru, you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy yourself. Whether it’s hopping on a convenient Uber rental ride, taking as many stops and breaks as you need to get all your errands done in one go, or treating yourself to a bit of salon pampering at home. Even when I decide to treat myself to some nicer groceries or dine out at a slightly fancier restaurant, it’s all comfortably doable. It’s a real relief not having to stress too much about money.

You can rent a car for 2 hours at less than $8!

Salon at home from Urban Company — Everything for less than $70!

10. Festive Energy: Bengaluru truly comes alive during festivals. The collective joy of celebrating special occasions, most recently Ganesh Chaturthi, with family, friends, and the community is nothing short of heartwarming.

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations

These initial days in Bengaluru have been absolutely wonderful and have rekindled my sense of belonging. I feel both privileged and fortunate to have the professional opportunities and unwavering family support that led me back to India. Here’s to wholeheartedly embracing this vibrant city and the countless adventures that await! 🙏🏾

P.S. Thank you ChatGPT for editing my first blog 😁