To familiarize ourselves with Bangalore geography and transportation, we split into groups for a treasure hunt.
Each group was given four clues. We had to use our wits as well as the guidance of Bangalore residents to find various sites around the city.
My group, Group A, was given clues that eventually led us to a sports stadium in which cricket is played. Archery tournaments and soccer games are also played on the grounds. To get to the stadium, the group split up into two auto rickshaws. The sheer amount of traffic on the streets coupled with the audacity of the drivers in the city provided us with a thrilling experience full of near-collisions and plenty of horn honking.
The next clue led us to a long-standing restaurant popular with artists, journalists, students, actors, and foreigners. The restaurant is also, according to legend, where Queen Elizabeth II once dined.
The third clue brought us to a major public transportation hub, which gave us our first ride on a bus. Buses in Bangalore are segregated, with women sitting in the front and men in the back.
Lastly, we perused an outdoor art gallery, where we met up with the other groups before taking the train back toward the hostel.
