Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
M Chinnaswamy stadium may not have the aura of the Lord’s or the imposing nature of Eden Gardens, but ever since it was given Test status in 1974-75, this prominent landmark in Bengaluru has witnessed some of the finest moments in the history of cricket.
This stadium has shown the propensity to ignite great careers and churn out unforgettable classics that are more than statistics for any cricket fan. A skinny Antiguan lad with a Roman nose and a lanky, bespectacled Barbadian made their debut in the first Test played at this venue. Few could have imagined Sir Vivian Richards and Gordon Greenidge would begin two of the game’s most decorated cricket careers from this venue.
But they were not the only ones – the ground has seen greats like GR Viswanath, BS Chandrasekhar, EAS Prasanna and modern-day giants like Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble hone their skills. Dravid’s unflappable technique against short-pitched balls has its roots in the countless hours he spent on the concrete steps of Chinnaswamy stadium, facing steep, rising deliveries.
Sunil Gavaskar perhaps played the most memorable knock of his career here and that too in his final Test appearance. His swansong innings in 1987 against Pakistan on a minefield of a surface is still remembered around the world with awe for its technical perfection and sheer mental precision.
The stadium was refurbished in 1996, but some attributes did not alter, its allure intact even after the renovation. The titanic 1996 World Cup quarter-final tussle between India and Pakistan produced some electrifying moments. The fierce rivalry between Venkatesh Prasad and Aamir Sohail in that match is now stuff of legend.
Perfect weather, lush surroundings and some exciting nightspots make Bengaluru a must-visit city. The Bengaluru Palace, built in 1887, provides a stunning glimpse into the regal splendour of the Wodeyar dynasty. The Palace is situated right in the heart of the city. Recently christened Bengaluru, is one of the garden cities of India. Visits to Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park are a delight given their verdant landscape. Both parks are located close to MG Road, the nerve centre of Bengaluru.
Located a few minutes away from MG Road, you have the imposing structures of the Vidhana Soudha, the Karnataka High Court and the Vikasa Soudha; all within a fifty-metre radius.They represent the legislative, the judiciary and the executive in this country.
The best thing about shopping in Bengaluru is that you don’t have to kill yourself travelling all over the city to find something that appeals to the senses. MG Road, Commercial Street and Brigade Road are the three major shopping locales situated in the heart of the city, within a distance of 100-200 metres. You are sure to find everything from branded garments to colourful trinkets and items that are native to the state of Karnataka.
Culture and Entertainment
Bengaluru is the IT hub of India. The city is also referred to as the pub capital of India – within a radius of about 50 metres, you’re likely to find as many clubs, if not more. 13th Floor is one of the more popular clubs thanks to the stunning view it offers.
Bengaluru boasts of a gastronomic treat with cuisines from all over the country and the world. The pepper brain curry at the Empire chain of restaurants located all over the city is not to be missed. Mavalli Tiffin Room, located on Lal Bagh Road, with its vegetarian South Indian fare, leaves its own unique imprint on the taste buds with its mix of spices and chutnies. India’s first Vietnamese restaurant – The Blue Ginger at the Taj West End – comes recommended for those with a preference for the exotic. Arabian delights take on a new meaning with the superb shawarmas and falafels you find across the city. For dessert, stop by for strawberries and cream at your neighbourhood Corner House.
The violin-shaped Chowdiah Memorial Hall at Malleswaram and Ranga Shankar at J P Nagar are the centres for the Indian performing arts.