Pittsburgh - The Steel City!!

Pittsburgh is the most underrated city in US. When most people(including me) think of Pittsburgh, they imagine it as a dull industrial city. The reality is quite different. Pittsburgh is actually a very attractive city with lots of things to do.

The first thing you notice when you enter this city: bridges. It has some 1700 bridges and thats why it is called "City of Bridges" and "Steel City". Even their football team is aptly named "Steelers".

The drive from Boston to Pittsburgh was 11 hours(crazy!!). We just planned to visit Sri Venkateswara temple, but ended up doing and seeing lots of places there. We started our first day by taking a cruise on the city rivers. Three rivers meet in the city center. The cruise is a very efficient way to see most of the city and its bridges.After the cruise, we took the Duquesne Incline to reach the top of the Mount Washington. The view of the downtown and the rivers during sunset from the top of Mount Washington is awesome. No wonder, it was rated as one of the 10 most beautiful sights in USA by 'USA Today'. I just sat there for a long time enjoying the view. Later, we went to see the University of Pittsburgh. It's a really nice university and it is located in a prime location.

Next day, we went to the Sri Venkateswara temple located in penn hills. The temple is so famous in Pittsburgh, it is even listed in all the maps and you will find road signs everywhere.Two things stand out when you visit this temple: It is the only temple with just one god and the Indian food you get there is the Best. After a long archana service, we left for Hersheys on our way back. We ended our trip at the Hersheys Chocolate Factory, by taking a guided tour of the facility and eating ice-creams & chocolates.

On the whole, Pittsburgh trip was memorable. I guess, I will always remember the crazy drive, 'the view', bridges and the wonderful temple!!!