600,000 live plants, 1200 tree species, bamboo decor: Entrepreneur says Bengaluru airport 'feels like a different world’

Can an airport be more exciting than the destination itself? Well, stepping inside the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru will make you feel as though you are walking through a botanical garden. From regular flyers to diplomats and travel influencers, anyone who has boarded a flight or landed in the Bengaluru airport has marvelled at the beauty. Terminal 2 steals the spotlight, earning a coveted spot on UNESCO’s prestigious list of ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’. Additionally, it was also awarded the World Special Prize for Interior 2023. Bengaluru-based industrialist, philanthropist, and diplomat Akkshye Tulsyan is also one of them.

Industrialist impressed by Bengaluru airport

Akkshye Tulsyan recently shared a couple of pictures on his X-handle, admiring Bengaluru airport’s stunning architecture and natural beauty. As per the side note, he was on a trip to Japan. Tulsyan admitted that he has travelled to over 30 countries in his life but it was Kempegowda International Airport which made him stop in his tracks.


According to Akkshye Tulsyan, what sets Bengaluru airport apart is its ‘soul’. He praised the airport for avoiding the sterile feel often associated with large transport hubs and said it has not been turned into a "concrete jungle" or a soulless space. Describing his experience, he noted that walking into the airport feels like stepping into an entirely different world or even a park, where travellers feel inclined to slow down and spend some time rather than rush to their gates.

Akkshye Tulsyan added that the atmosphere has a calming effect, helping travellers leave behind their anxieties and feel more alive. The airport's unique ambience inspires people to click photographs, explore the surroundings and simply relax for a while, crediting the lush greenery and the natural materials used throughout the terminal. This thoughtful design choices has changed the airport’s vibe, creating a peaceful, blissful and refreshing experience, he concluded.

Salient features of Bengaluru airport

According to a report by Living Architecture Monitor, Terminal 2 was envisioned around Bengaluru's long-standing identity as the ‘Garden City of India’, with nature woven into almost every corner. What immediately catches the eye is the sheer scale of greenery, home to over 600,000 live plants and 1,200 tree species, creating an environment that feels closer to a botanical garden. Around 150,000 plants hang from the ceiling in specially designed bell- and veil-shaped planters, while another 450,000 plants thrive across expansive green walls lining the terminal.

The nature-inspired design extends beyond plants. More than 923 kilometres of fire-resistant bamboo cladding have been used throughout the terminal, giving the space a warm, organic feel. Adding to its charm are 60 artworks created by 43 artists from Karnataka and across India, reflecting local culture, craftsmanship and biodiversity.

Living Architecture Monitor also notes that the airport supports hundreds of rare and endangered Indian plant species, reinforcing its focus on sustainability and conservation. From hanging gardens and lush green corridors to bamboo interiors and public art, Terminal 2 has redefined what an airport can look and feel like, transforming a routine journey into an experience worth remembering.