kuala lumpur It is more than just a capital city; It has transformed from a tin mining shanty under the British Empire to a vibrant metropolis featuring skyscrapers, subways and lush forest cover. Many travelers arriving there prepare themselves for another Southeast Asian destination where finding vegan food and making friends can prove challenging. However, what they saw came as a complete surprise.

One of the first restaurants that many travelers encounter is Saravana Bhavan, a South Indian establishment famous for its authentic vegetarian dishes. You see, apart from the native Malays, the country is mainly dominated by Tamil and Chinese people, resulting in a unique blend of cultures.

How to reach Kuala Lumpur?

You can take a direct flight from New Delhi to Kuala Lumpur. Various airlines IndiGo, Air India, Malaysian Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air operate direct flights between the Indian and Malaysian capitals. After landing in Kuala Lumpur, one can take a metro or taxi to the city center or wherever their hotel is located. The city administration runs a direct monorail from the airport to the city centre.

What’s the first thing you should do after arriving?

If you don’t have an international mobile pack, getting mobile connectivity is the first thing you should do. You can find telecom companies like Celcom, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile and Telecom malaysia There are kiosks operating at the airport to ensure you have enough Malaysian Ringgit.

what to eat?

Kuala Lumpur is a foodie paradise for travelers. For vegetarians, the city offers a number of South Indian restaurants, including the famous Saravana Bhavan chain. Interestingly, the restaurant venues are equally dominated by the Chinese, offering Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, dim sum, curry mee and Hokkien mee. Many also offer “fake meat” dishes, which are made from soy.

things to do in kuala lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers: The tallest buildings in the world, these 452 meter tall towers are nothing short of an architectural marvel. You can take a lift up to the skybridge and observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can step inside the towers to enter one of the largest and grandest shopping malls in the country.

Batu Caves: Located 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are located atop a limestone hill and contain a series of Hindu temples. The 42.7 meter high golden statue of Lord Murugan is one of the main attractions of the city. The temple complex is decorated with intricate carvings, reminiscent of temples found in South India. Tourists can climb 272 colorful stairs to see the main cave.

Central Market: The Central Market, colloquially known as Pasar Seni, is one of the main street markets in the city. Originally a wet market, the place is now filled with vibrant stalls where you can see vendors and hawkers selling everything from head scarves to flowers to the exotic durian fruit. You can easily find traditional Chinese stores offering feng shui and crystals for good luck. Don’t miss the local food stalls offering delicious Malaysian dishes and if you’re lucky enough, you might even join the locals playing Kangkak, the popular Malaysian board game.

National Mosque of Malaysia: Masjid Negara, with its huge blue dome and intricate tile work creates a tranquil environment for reflection and prayer. Open to visitors of all religions, the mosque offers guided tours that provide information about the history and significance of the mosque and Islam. And the best part? They give you free fridge magnets and a copy of the Quran in your favorite language.

KLCC Park: Located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park is a green urban oasis. Spread over 50 acres, this park has jogging trails, a lake and beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for relaxation and recreation. The iconic fountain shows, especially at night, add a magical touch to the atmosphere.

Merdeka Square: Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, it is a must-see for history buffs and travelers looking to get a glimpse of Malaysia’s colonial past. This iconic square, where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957, is surrounded by attractions such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and St. Mary’s Cathedral. The square’s vast green space is perfect for a leisurely stroll, while the 100-metre-high flagpole stands as a symbol of the country’s independence.

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