Furry Delight

I have always believed that traveling to new places and exploring the world around us is the biggest source of entertainment and education that anybody can ask for. However, when I say travel, I am no way talking about those soul-less conducted tours where people are huddled into cabs and buses and given “deadlines” to explore a place. To me, it sounds like I am at work, under the watchful eyes of my boss, rather than going on a relaxing holiday!!

A true travel experience for me is to explore the hidden corners and treasures of a new place that are nowhere mentioned in any travel guides. Well, I found such a spot in Bangalore, my favorite city in India, that I am currently exploring.  So, shall I let the cat out of the bag?

OK, well, it is a magazine shop with a very unique USP. It’s a shop that attracts people from all walks of life. While some genuinely stumble upon it by chance, the majority of the others just keep returning back again and again and AGAIN. Located in a corner on the bustling Brigade road in Bangalore, the magazine shop is home to eleven magnificent feline beauties. While majority of them are Persian pure breeds, my favorite is the super cute British Short Hair who hates being picked up and loves to remain aloof amidst the crowd.

All the cats are extremely friendly and thoroughly used to gazing eyes and camera flashes around them.  The owners believe that the cats are very lucky for their business and even mentions of a period of dwindling profits when they temporarily removed the cats for a year. They have not repeated the mistake ever since!!

Call it coincidence or an actual miracle; no one actually has got the time to care or a moment to spare, as they step into the shop. As you enter, you are mesmerized by big round eyes staring at you as if trying to figure out why exactly are you back again. Even since I landed in Bangalore, I had been visiting the shop every weekend and intend to do so as long as I am here. The owners don’t mind and I am sure, nor do the cats. I have given my own names to each one of them but so has everybody who visits the shop regularly just likes me.

So just in case you are visiting Bangalore, don’t forget to step by the magazine shop at Brigade road. The cats will love to have you around and you will take back with you, an experience of a lifetime…