Q		The conventional wisdom is that Indians don't make it a priority to travel within India. Yet, as one of India's most popular travel bloggers, you've devoted a lot of your time to seeing your own country for the sake of seeing it. When you reveal your passion for traveling to other Indians, what is the response? Is there a cultural divide on the topic?
A		It is not true that Indians don't make it a priority to travel within India. It is just that Indians travelling abroad gets most of the press than others. Glossy magazines love to cover places abroad or talk about people travelling abroad. You also get to see louder, full page ads inviting Indians to travel abroad. All this together creates an impression that Indians prefer travelling abroad than within India. But when I look around me, those who travel abroad are a miniscule percentage of those taking a holiday in India. Of course, with rising income levels, more and more people can afford to holiday abroad and it is an increasing trend.   Most travellers who come to read my blog tend to agree that there is so much to see in India, and no matter how much you travel, there is a lot left. Sometimes, after looking at the photographs, people are awed about the beauty of all the places we have and get inspired to travel much more within the country. Even those who prefer to travel abroad agree without doubt that India has much to see and much to offer for the traveller.
Q		You live in Bangalore, one of the cities foreign business travelers often visit because of all the multinational companies with offices or operations there. How would you describe the city to someone visiting for the first time?
A		For the first timer to India, arriving in Bangalore is no different than arriving in any other city. If you ignore the high tech part, the city is not very different to any other large city in India. But the culture shock is often cushioned for business travellers arriving in Bangalore. This is because they usually don't have to worry about anything - as their entire itinerary will be well organized, starting from airport pickup, place of stay, commuting within to airport drop. That means they don't need to go through the pains of dealing with the big chaos that India is. Bangalore being home to many expats and expat gatherings in the last few years, first timers now don't even have to feel completely away from home. But for those arriving to the city with backpacks, it is just like any other place.
Q		Often business trips allow little time for the business traveler to get to know the world outside of a conference room. If one could sneak away from work and official engagements for an afternoon or an evening, what would you recommend seeing and doing in Bangalore?
A		Bangalore is a divided city, which has retained its old days and yet growing hitech in another part. The hitech parts of the city do not really have a distinct identity, in the sense that it feels just like any other place and not necessarily Bangalore. Try getting to the old city which shows the real chaos and disorderliness of India of yesteryears that is refusing to go away. Get to 'City Market' and small avenues around it see the street life in India. It is not entirely pretty but it has a charm. If you are not the kind who can walk the streets of the old city, escape to MG Road or Cunningham road, which showcases the modern Bangalore.   Take a stroll in lalbag and cubbon park, the green areas in the city. Also visit the old world foodie joints like the MTR. The must visit places are the South Indian restaurants in the city that usually suffix their name with 'Sagar' and enjoy the oily but delicious Masala Dosas. Don't forget to order filter coffee to go with the Dosa.
Q		You say that while it seems that you're always traveling, in fact, you're working a regular job during the week but you utilize all your leave privileges to travel largely over the weekends. What would you recommend in terms of a few really good short trip itineraries if one is leaving from Bangalore?
A		Bangalore is located at an enviable place - in the heart of South India, which means you have many places to travel to even if you have just 2-4 days to spare. Escape to beautiful Coorg if you want to be in the middle of nature and if you have time, club it with a trip to neighbouring Wayanad. The history buffs must visit Hampi and Mysore. If you looking forward to experience the local culture go to Udupi and Sringeri, or visit the huge temple complexes in Tamil Nadu like Madurai and Chidambaram. If lazing on a beachside and having a good time is what you have in mind, choose between Kerala and Goa.