There is excitement in the air. One last check—warm clothing, camera, water bottles, snacks -- all packed. We wait impatiently for the airport cab. Seated, seat belts secured, the driver hits the accelerator and off we zoom to the Kempegowda International Airport Limited (KIAL).
We, however, are not at the airport to board a flight. We don’t have a boarding pass and are not even a wee bit worried about the immigration process. We are at the airport to chill out, enjoy the ambience and stuff our faces. Don’t judge us, as we are not the only ones who come to the airport to hangout. With Bengaluru shutting down at 11 p.m., KIAL seems to be an ideal destination for night owls. It even works as a pit stop for those who are heading off further north trekking or biking.
We do a fair bit of people watching and have spotted the odd film star or cricketing super hero and politicians a aplenty. After people gazing it is time for impromptu races in the trolley. There is always the thrill of watching planes land and take off—for our very own English, August / Slumdog moment with blinking lights and roaring engines providing the sights and sounds. And once all is done, it is time to partake of the various delicacies on offer. The next time, you are twiddling your thumb, just land at KIAL and as the poet said, the possibilities are endless.
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Don't curb 'em
A spokesperson for KIAL says, “The curb offers you a lot from French cuisine to rolls. There are more Indian food stalls towards arrivals just to welcome western travellers.
“It is interesting to know that people, besides travellers, also come to enjoy this space. We have had people even celebrate their birthdays at the curb and are glad it is a popular destination. The place is buzzing 24/7 as it never shuts down. People also treat this place as a pit stop. They come, take a break before heading off further towards the Devanahalli Fort or Nandi hills. In fact we’ve even had cyclists come over, grab a bite and pedal off.
“This year we are celebrating Dasara with various cultural programmes and all are invited.
“There has never been an issue of security because the place is well planned and security is in place.
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Food on the curb
* Cafe Noir
* Maiyyas
* Subway
* Chai Point
* Hatti Kaapi
* Kaati Zone
* Cafe Coffee Day
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People speak
K.S. Shreenath ( Team-Operations, Hatti Kaapi ) We always have people around. We even have regular customers, who come to snack and enjoy the ambience. Couples come and sit in the gardens too! Most people come in the A/C airport buses to save up on the parking and I am sure the drive must also be comfortable and enjoyable. |
Arun ( Business analyst ) Me and my friends go there for fun. When we go trekking, we hang at the curb for hours. We play dumb charades or antakshari. We go there after 2 a.m. I stay in Whitefield and love the drive to KIAL. It is always quiet when we go and we also meet up with other groups that hangs out there. It is a stress buster for us. We visit KIAL at least once a month. It is nice to grab a sub or just laze around and watch the world of travellers. |
