Travel is not just about the destination; it is about the stories we create with the people we love. Recently, my family and my close friend Umarali’s family embarked on a whirlwind two-day trip to Bangalore (Bengaluru). From the thrill of a first flight to the lush greenery of botanical gardens and the roar of lions in the wild, every moment was an experience to cherish.
The Journey Begins: A Night Flight to Remember
Our adventure started with a stroke of luck—securing AirAsia flight tickets from Kochi to Bangalore for just Rs. 899! For Umarali and his family, this wasn’t just a trip; it was a milestone, as they were preparing to fly for the very first time. Their excitement was contagious, filling the air even before we left our homes.
Living more than 150 km away from the Cochin International Airport (COK), we decided to drive down in Umarali’s car. After a long drive, we reached the airport in the evening. To fuel up for our journey, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a restaurant near the airport gates before heading inside to complete the boarding formalities.
At 10:00 PM, the engines roared to life. As the plane lifted off the runway, I could see the wonder on the faces of Umarali’s family. The city lights of Kochi looked like scattered diamonds below us. The flight was short—barely an hour—and by 11:00 PM, we touched down at Kempegowda International Airport.
A Midnight Arrival
Bangalore’s airport is world-class, but it is located about 50 km away from the main city. By the time we exited, it was 11:30 PM. The night air was crisp and chilly. We initially headed to the "Uber Point," but the area was chaotic and crowded. Despite booking a cab, the heavy traffic and confusion meant the driver couldn't reach us.
With kids in tow and the temperature dropping, we decided to change our plan. We approached a local taxi driver and, after some bargaining, agreed on a fare of Rs. 800 to take us to our service apartment. My father-in-law, who works in Bangalore, had kindly arranged a comfortable apartment for our stay. We finally reached our beds at midnight, exhausted but eager for the day ahead.
Day 1: Gardens, Palaces, and the Pulse of the City
The next morning, we woke up refreshed and ready to explore. Our first stop was the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden .
The Green Oasis of Lalbagh
Stretching over 240 acres, Lalbagh is a massive green lung in the heart of the city. Since walking the entire distance with children would have been difficult, we opted for the electric cart ride. This was a great decision. Our driver acted as a guide, pointing out exotic trees and historical landmarks. We visited the famous Glass House , inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, and spent time by the serene lake. The "Rock Mount," a giant granite outcrop that is millions of years old, offered a fantastic view of the surroundings.
Stepping into History: Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
From Lalbagh, we took an Ola taxi to Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace . This teakwood structure is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture. While it is smaller than some other Indian palaces, the intricate designs on the pillars, the elegant arches, and the beautifully carved windows and doors were captivating. We explored both floors, imagining the history that once unfolded within those walls.
A Taste of Karnataka
By then, it was lunchtime. We found a busy local restaurant nearby to try a traditional Karnataka-style meal (Oota). While the restaurant was packed—a sign of its popularity—the flavors were quite different from what we are used to in Kerala. It was a simple meal, and while it didn't quite hit the spot for us, it gave us the energy we needed to keep moving!
Exploring the Bangalore Fort
Using Google Maps, we saw that the Bengaluru Fort was just half a kilometer away. We decided to walk. This fort, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is a hidden gem. Entry is free, and though a large portion is now used for military purposes and restricted to the public, the areas we visited were well-preserved. The thick stone walls and the old-world charm provided a great backdrop for photos.
The Traffic Challenge: Majestic to Vidhana Soudha
To experience the local vibe, we hopped on a local bus to Majestic (Kempagowda Bus Station) . From there, we planned to go to Vidhana Soudha. This is where we learned our biggest lesson about Bangalore: the traffic is legendary. We spent a significant amount of time stuck in a bus. We later realized that the Namma Metro connects Majestic to Vidhana Soudha in minutes, but we had missed it.
By the time we reached the Vidhana Soudha , the sun had set. However, the building was beautifully illuminated. We took several photos in front of this magnificent neo-Dravidian structure, which serves as the seat of the state legislature. Unfortunately, because of the traffic delays, we missed our chance to visit Cubbon Park , which was our only regret of the day. We finally took the Namma Metro back to the last stop and took an auto-rickshaw to our apartment.
Day 2: Into the Wild at Bannerghatta
Our second day was dedicated to wildlife. We took a local AC Volvo bus—very comfortable and affordable—to Bannerghatta Biological Park , located on the outskirts of the city.
The Jungle Safari Experience
The highlight of Bannerghatta is the Jungle Safari. After waiting in a long queue, we boarded a fully caged bus. Unlike a traditional zoo, this is an "open zoo" where animals roam in large, fenced natural habitats while humans stay in the vehicle. It was thrilling! We drove through different sections:
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The Bear Section: Watching sloth bears lounging in the shade.
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The Lion & Tiger Section: Seeing these majestic predators up close was a breath-taking moment for the kids (and the adults!).
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The Herbivore Section: Where we spotted deer, elephants, and various birds.
After the safari and a walk through the butterfly park and the regular zoo, we had lunch on-site.
Shopping and Heartfelt Goodbyes
No trip to Bangalore is complete without shopping. We took a bus to Sri Laxmi Shopping Center , where we picked up some clothes and souvenirs.
While shopping, we were joined by Haseeb, a close friend of Umarali who has been working in a multinational company in Bangalore for several years. He arrived in his car and invited us to his flat. It was wonderful to meet his family and share our travel stories over some warm hospitality.
As our trip came to an end, Haseeb kindly drove us all the way to the airport. We checked in for our return AirAsia flight, and within an hour, we were back on Kerala soil.
The best part? Our car was waiting for us right where we left it at the Kochi airport parking. The drive back home was filled with laughter as we looked through the photos on our phones.
Final Thoughts for Ishabil.com Readers
Bangalore is a city of contrasts—where historic forts sit next to modern metro lines, and dense forests are just a bus ride away from bustling markets. If you are planning a 2-day trip, our advice is:
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Use the Metro: Avoid the road traffic whenever possible.
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Plan Bannerghatta Early: The queues for the safari can be very long.
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Bargain Wisely: If Uber/Ola isn't working, be prepared to negotiate with local autos and taxis.
This trip was more than just sightseeing; it was about the joy of Umarali’s family’s first flight and the bond between our two families. Bangalore, with its cool climate and vibrant energy, was the perfect host!
Ikbal Valiyathodi is the founder of Ishabil.com , a travel blog sharing budget-friendly travel stories, stopover hacks, and real experiences from around the world. He believes travel should be simple, honest, and possible for everyone.
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