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Enjoy a lovely accommodation while exploring some iconic locales and tastes of Bengaluru.
My journey to Bengaluru began with an upcoming seminar in charming Whitefield, a suburb that has seamlessly merged into Bengaluru's urban landscape over the year. This transformation is primarily attributed to the influx of corporate offices, tech parks, and multinational companies that now call this thriving neighbourhood home. Whitefield's evolution from a satellite town to an integral part of bustling Bengaluru is a testament to the city's rapid growth. As I readied myself for a two-day event that was taking place just before the weekend, the idea of turning it into a workation began to take shape. My search for the perfect retreat led me to Firefly Homestay, strategically located just a stone's throw away from the seminar's venue. This property offered two spacious bedrooms and amenities to fit my needs. The journey from Chennai to Whitefield, covering approximately 350 km via NH48, took me about 6 hours by car. It was a drive that promised not only a break from the daily grind but also a valuable learning experience at the seminar. As I arrived at Firefly Homestay by noon, my stay commenced with the promise of tranquillity and comfort, offering the respite I yearned for. The clean and stylish interiors mirrored the online images, setting the stage for a delightful stay. My exploration of Firefly Homestay revealed well-appointed bedrooms, with one on the ground floor and another on the second floor, each accompanied by attached bathrooms, ensuring convenience and privacy.
Privacy is paramount at Firefly Homestay. Despite the warm and welcoming hosts residing in a separate section of the property, they took meticulous care to ensure that my stay remained undisturbed. Separate entrances to the rooms and gardens gave me the solitude and tranquillity I desired. Firefly Homestay also offers a well-equipped kitchen complete with an oven, electric kettle, gas stove, and refrigerator and a well-organised collection of crockery and cutlery. The property has an outdoor dining area with a BBQ, allowing me to savour meals amidst the surrounding natural beauty. While the seminar covered breakfast and lunch on weekdays, I embraced the opportunity to explore culinary delights from nearby restaurants for dinner. Bangalore Mandarin treated me to delectable dim sum and fiery Szechuan chicken, while Whitefield Dum Biryani delighted my palate with aromatic and flavourful biryani.
The homestay's clean and well-maintained pool and lawn provided ample outdoor space for me to bask in the sun and enjoy the breeze. The inviting pool encouraged some "me time" in the morning before I headed for refreshments. For nature enthusiasts like me, Firefly unveiled nearby trails, perfect for morning walks and evening adventures. After returning from the seminar, I embarked on an exploration of the nature trails, spending a fulfilling hour as I achieved my goal of 10,000 steps for the day.
My weekend getaway was meticulously planned to navigate Bengaluru's notorious traffic jams. I kicked off early at 6 am on Saturday, with Lalbagh Botanical Garden as my first destination. Originally commissioned by Hyder Ali and expanded by Tipu Sultan and the British, this 240-acre garden boasts exotic plants and a stunning glasshouse, reminiscent of London's Crystal Palace. It's a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Inside Lalbagh, I discovered Bugle Rock, a geological wonder dating over 3,000 million years. It once served as a watchtower during Kempe Gowda II's era, giving me a glimpse of Bengaluru's rich history along with amazing views. My morning continued with a delightful breakfast at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms), which was just a short walk from Lalbagh, where I relished Rava Idli and crispy Masala Dosa, fuelling me for the day ahead. Our next stop was the Bangalore Palace, a 20th-century architectural masterpiece inspired by England's Windsor Castle. Its Tudor and Scottish Gothic design exudes grandeur, and the palace's ornate furnishings and intricate artwork provide historical insights.
I briefly halted at Commercial Street, where the small shops offered excellent bargains, and I left with cotton kurtas and linen shirts, perfect for Chennai's climate. There were several eateries to choose from and I lunched at Woody's and chose the south Indian thali that was filling and delicious. On our way back, we visited Cubbon Park, an urban oasis dating back to 1870 that spans over 300 acres. This oasis of greenery features well-maintained walkways, diverse plant life, mature trees, and statues of historical figures, including Queen Victoria. Cubbon Park, fondly known as Bengaluru's "lung", provides a peaceful retreat for families, joggers, and nature enthusiasts, serving as the city's ideal picnic spot. It is arguably the most perfect picnic spot in The Garden City of India. My last stop for the day was at the Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka's legislative chambers. Its Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic architectural blend, massive granite facade, towering central dome, and Rajasthani-style domed towers create a captivating sight, especially when illuminated in the evening. Firefly Homestay is located at 24 Dodsworth Enclave, 5th Cross, Borewell Road d, Karnataka-560066. It is 38 km from Bengaluru International Airport and 6 km from Whitefield Railway Station. Firefly Homestay offers single-bedroom options starting at around Rs. 6,750 for one night, designed to accommodate two adults comfortably. The metro station at Whitefield is expected to be operational soon and will improve connectivity to the city. There is also an ongoing project to connect the airport to the rest of the city by metro that should be completed in a few years.
As I embarked on a journey, back to Chennai, on a Sunday afternoon, I couldn't help but express my heartfelt gratitude to my gracious hosts for curating a truly delightful experience during my stay at Firefly Homestay. Firefly Homestay is a a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat to create your own cherished memories at this exceptional home away from home.
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