Bangaluru, Indias booming IT-metropolis is a magnet for global business travellers. The bustling city is on the face of it, your typical melting pot Indian town; at second glance though, you might be impressed. The populous city is known for its glamorous malls and slew of state-of-the-art amusements mushrooming throughout the city, fuelled by the demand a burgeoning high-income executive crowd that are thriving in the wake of the citys economic boom. It is also known for its lush green spaces, offering temporary sanctuary against the cacophony of the city.
Situated within the larger Cubbon Park in Bangaluru, Bhal Bhawan is an amusement park that combines both calming green and an innovative edge. This 12-acre park is dedicated entirely to children. Other than the staple amusements of swing-sets and horse rides, the Bhal Bhawan Park comprises a delightful toy train whose 1.5 kilometre track runs right throughout the park, a fascinating Dolls Museum that houses hundreds of dolls and toys from around the globe, a theatre and a recreation centre.
The theatre, named the Vijayaranga Theatre, houses the platform for many screenings of childrens movies and stage plays. The recreation centre also facilitates arts and crafts workshops for youngsters of all ages.
The tree houses set atop the greenery of the park are always favourite haunts of the children; a 20 million year old fossilized tree granted by the Geological Survey of India is arguably the centrepiece natural attraction for them, inciting their young curiosity about botany and prehistory.
After recent renovations done by the state government and the Tata Council for Community Initiatives (TCCI), the park has now been divvied up into differently-themed activity areas. Common park features such as signage, litter bins and lamp posts now blend seamlessly into the foliage with their camouflage-motifs. A sprawling grassy amphitheatre is now situated beyond the brightly-coloured cafeteria and clock tower; it is the largest among a host of open pavilions and terracotta activity huts that can be used for workshops and performances.
A stone fort also appears within the grounds, an unimposing feature that invites kids to explore within and hide within its turrets. A life-size chessboard stands in front, as well as a life-size hopscotch and noughts and crosses squares.
Those staying in
Bangalore hotels close to the citys business districts can escape to Bhal Bhawan easily with their youngsters in tow. The Leela Palace Kempinsky Bangalore is one of the
Bangalore luxury hotels that offer convenient access to the citys green spaces as well as its commercial heart. It is a well-reputed hotel noted for its grand royal Vijaynagar-style dcor and being well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
