Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel guide and digital media publisher, has just ranked India’s Silicon Plateau its third most favourite city in 2012.

The undisputed Elvis of South Asian mega cities, Bengaluru is in a class of its own when it comes to redefining flamboyance,” says Lonely Planet. Third only after London and Muscat, and the only Indian city to make it to the chosen ten places, Bangalore is ahead of Hong Kong and Stockholm. “Perpetually drunk on good life”, Bangalore, the travel guide says, packs the ‘best brews’, the scrummiest cuisines’ and the ‘liveliest arts and music scene’, besides the ‘hippest population’

THE FAVE 5
1. London — The Olympics are coming to town and this capital is being transformed for the big event .
2. Muscat — Oman is firing on all cylinders to attract international visitors and the focus is cultural events, luxury accommodation and aquatic activities .
3. Bangalore — Evenings in the ‘capital of cool’ are poised to get even more intoxicating .
4. Cadiz — A peaceful pocket of old-world Spain, sleepy Cádiz undergoes a transformation once a year and hosts a raucous carnival – a 10-day bender of drinking, singing and dancing .
5. Stockholm — Cosy yet cosmopolitan, willfully alternative and effortlessly picturesque Namma Metro wins accolades Pubs, Culture Win Lonely Planet Vote .

In Lonely Planet’s eulogy to Bangalore, Metro rail connectivity finds a special mention. “Bengaluru’s new high-speed Metro network now ensures that your favourite watering hole is easier to reach than ever,” Lonely Planet says. “The coming years will put all of these cities in a fresh light, whether they are showing new flair with music and art festivals or dusting off preconceptions by showing their wilder streak.”

Mohan Isaac, visiting professor of psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, says: “It’s nice to see Bangalore figure third in top ten favourite cities. While the city is infamous for being the suicide capital, it’s great to note it has also managed to get to the top in the travel section.”