Return to INDIA (R2I as they say) !! – Part 7

What exactly do you get for INR 20K/month rental in Bangalore?

When I tried asking this question before coming here, the standard answer was …”well it depends you see“.  I don’t blame them. It actually really depends. It depends on the city, location, amenities et al. But I don’t think it yet depends on the schools (like in the US). I was told that you should look at anywhere from INR 15K/month – INR 20K/month + monthly maintenance.

But then sitting there, you would still like to get an idea. My friend who is coming down here certainly likes to know. So here it is my friend and for all those of you who want to know, the details of a INR 20K house.

Disclaimer: This post is permanent, but not the rates. The below is valid only as of late 2009 and probably not valid for all areas of Bangalore. Certainly, you can get bigger houses for lesser here in Bangalore as of today. But then they would either be far away from your office or do not have the amenities which is the key here.

So here goes – 20K/month gets us ->

- a 3 BHK (Bed, Hall, Kitchen)  apartment

-  ~1300 Sq Ft

- Full power backup

- Gymnasium

- Billiards Room

- Creche

- Swimming Pool

- Tennis Court

- Badminton Court

- Basketball Court

- Squash Court

- 24-hour multi-level (At the gate and below each building) security

- 24-hour Electrician & Plumber attached to the building

- Amphitheater

- Easy availability of maids and drivers

- Laundry Facilities (Includes washing, dry-cleaning, ironing)

- Basement Parking

BangaloreRental

Return to INDIA (R2I as they say) !! – Part 6

It’s been a month since we landed here in Bangalore.  If you ask me was it tough to settle down? I would say….nah not that much.

Yes things are not as straightforward as it was (or is) in the States, but you know what… you get used to it. So folks if you guys think India is crowded, frustrating and not-so-processed oriented, not professional etc,  I have news for you guys – You guys are right. But sorry guys I also think that it is as easily adjustable. It’s just that you need to have the right mindset. I think of it as this way – yes it is crowded but so is New York, traffic is bad but so is it in Manhattan, slightly not-so process oriented and at places not professional, but you will get along alright. “Sab chalta hai yaar” !! In fact, after staying here for a month, I strongly think that quality of life is way much better here. I can’t exactly touch upon what it is, but I have just started liking it here.

So what exactly do I miss of the US – I am tempted to say roads, lane discipline….football….office…?? But nah… not really. I just can’t think of anything materialistic which I miss. Having spent close to 1/4th of my life in the US, you would think that there has to be something that you would dearly miss. But the fact is that I also spent 3/4th of my life here in India. So I guess I am a plain old desi happy to be back in my desh. It’s in the genes guys.

The only one thing that I miss is my friend circle. We had built a great community of friends around us and it is going to be tough to build it all over again at this stage. Luckily some of my friends are jumping onto the R2I bandwagon. That would be perfect – R2I along with the friends you made all these years.

So there you go guys….don’t think too much. Just take the plunge. Come over. I am sure you will be very soon saying “chalta hai yaar” !!