Loved for its congenial weather, swanky malls, aesthetic cafés, and luscious gardens, Bengaluru has evolved as more than just the Silicon Valley of India, since the turn of the millennium. So much so that old-timers will tell you that their ‘Bangalore’ has changed beyond recognition. But some old alleys remain, where you can find a whiff of nostalgia, a cornucopia of culture and cuisine, and time stand still. By Srushti Kulkarni
Malleshwaram
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Hosting people from all walks of life, the neighbourhood of Malleshwaram is one of the city’s most admired cultural hubs. Roads here are crammed with automobiles, street vendors, food carts, and shopaholics willing to brave the traffic. From assorted flowers and baskets overflowing with a vivid variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to the latest fashion trends, handicrafts, spices, and crockery, you can find everything from daily essentials to things needed for special occasions in the market here. The rustic lanes of Malleshwaram are lined with several eateries dating back to the 1920s. Veena Stores, Janatha hotel, Asha sweets, and CTR are some notable stops that serve all-day favourites such as filter coffee, idly-vada, chow-chow bhath, badam milk, and of course the crispy dosas. Take a tour around the ancient Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyani Kshetra famous for the mysterious and continuous stream of water that flows down from Nandi’s mouth onto the Shivling and then pouring into the Kalyani.
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath
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Tucked away in one of the alleys of Bengaluru, Karnataka Chitrakala Prishath is a world-class museum complex that includes traditional, folk, contemporary and modern artworks. The art complex is renowned for hosting Chitra Santhe, a national art event that brings artists, travellers, photographers and aesthetes from across the globe. Besides the mega art festival, the complex regularly hosts artisans from across the country to stall up and showcase their work at the mela. From Nagaland’s black pottery and Delhi’s wooden handicrafts to Gujarat’s cloth bags and Karnataka’s Lambani embroidery, you can find a range of souvenirs at the mela.
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Avenue Road
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Earlier known as Doddapete, Avenue Road—one of the alleys of Bengaluru that is currently under refurbishment—passes the colonial-vibe check. It is a book swapping paradise for voracious readers and a treasure trove of rare book editions. Enticing bookworms every day, the stores lined on the street sell a variety of old and new books in various languages and genres in decent condition at nominal rates. Believed to be as ancient as Bengaluru, the iconic road is also dotted with architectural remnants from the British Raj. Buildings such as the Centralised Admission Cell, 18th-century Rice Memorial Church, and a 400-year-old dargah of Hazrat Manik Mastaan Baba make up for a good heritage walk.
Basavanagudi
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Basavanagudi’s Gandhi Bazaar is Malleshwaram’s twin market for locals living in the southern part of the city. Its all-year-round festive look makes it a photogenic and delightful shopping destination. Prominent for spices, trinkets, and condiments, the street-side stalls at this alley in Bengaluru are loaded with fresh florae, fruits, and a range of local masalas. The 16th-century Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi) is an iconic milepost of the bazaar and is said to be the biggest shrine of Nandi in the world. You can literally go nuts at Kadalekai Parishe, an annual groundnut carnival bustling with over 10,000 stalls and farmers congregating from across the state. Pop some freshly roasted peanuts wrapped in paper cones while you savour the fair teeming with amusement rides, and local snacks.
Nagarathpet
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For those complaining about unauthenticity of chaats in Bengaluru, Nagarathpet’s Thindi Beedi will change your mind in a jiffy. Shutters roll up as the sun goes down and the street begins swarming with carts and stalls to dish out everything from masala papad and rasgulla chaat to akki roti and pav bhaji. People pour in from all corners of the city to satiate their cravings with fresh, wallet-friendly, and appetizing delicacies from different parts of the country. The area is also famous for the 300-years-old Bengaluru Karaga festival hosted within the premises of Shri Dharmarayaswamy Temple. A grand procession that marks the culmination of the nine-day festival, where the temple’s priest must balance a tall floral pyramid atop the Karaga (mud pot) on his head. The neighbourhood comes alive with musical instruments and various dance forms being performed on the streets–a visual and auditory delight.
Sankey Tank
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Built back in 1882 under the administration of Colonel Richard Hieram Sankey, the lake is an escape to serendipity amidst the concrete jungle. Spread across an area of 37.5 acres near Sadashivanagar, Sankey Tank is perfect for an evening drive to experience a beautiful sunset. One can also spot the gigantic seven-stringed violin architecture (Chowdiah Memorial Hall) on the other side of the driveway. The Sankey Boat Club offers guests a wide variety of boat rides, such as rowboats, pedal boats and motorboats to unwind amid nature. Enveloped by tree-lined walkways, the area also has a beautiful park, children’s play area, a swimming pool on the southern side and a Forest Department nursery in the North. One can also spot ready-to-ride horses at the gates, besides snack vendors.
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