LOVE in the time of portals

The city trusts social media for all their romantic flares, and it’s for good reason. But if you’re way too busy and hopeless at coming up with ideas or just meeting someone in general, fear not.  Bengaluru has a solution in the form of new websites and apps that lets one plan the perfect date and organise fun, interest-based events to start a little fire.

Footloose No More serves as a portal that helps one meet people and plan outdoorsy events based on mutual interest, such as brunches, outstation trips and city events. Co-founded by siblings Varsha and Abhishek Agnihotri, FNM started as a group on Facebook in August 2009.

“We were single and wanted to get married,. We weren’t very comfortable meeting people from regular matrimonial portals either,” admits Varsha. This is what inspired them to go ahead and the response has been overwhelming “All our events are on weekends,” says Varsha as she gushes about the involvement of single parents indulging in their events too. Similarly, Tripoto allows users to plan trips outside their immediate locations for dates. It’s a hassle free service as all the itineraries are by registered, real travellers. Personalised date ideas are the latest in thing now.  Once the client presents their idea, the portal matches them with perfect vendors, venues, and helps in coordinating the entire date. Instead of just planning dates, they make fantasies come true.

With the advent of apps like Dating Plan, Ciao Dating, MyCityMyWay and Tripoto, people can always be on the loop about the ‘what’s and ‘where’s of events around their location. “You never have to stay clueless with the question ‘What’s next?’ with these apps. From art galleries to live events–there’s never a dull moment in your date,” assures the 27-year-old businessman Shashi RN.

“People can connect with legitimate travellers and ask questions related to their trips. It’s a fun way to meet people, if you’re on the go solo and of course a great way to impress your getaway dates with your knowledge of the place,” jokes Nishanth Karnick, who claims to be a veteran user of these apps.