A Day In Old Bengaluru

People tend to visualize spaces filled with IT parks, congested roads, cafes, startups, and cutting-edge architecture when viewing Bengaluru. However, there is another side to the City. Old Bengaluru. ❤️ Before the city became a known name as the technology hub of India, there was some place like Basavanagudi, Malleswaram, Chickpet, Avenue Road and Gandhi Bazaar which has its exact identity. The traffic was light, and homes were built around the same design, markets were the site of local stores, life was lived at a much slower pace. Hence, if you prefer the hustle and bustle of the old and traditional side of Bengaluru, this is the most daintier one day tour package.

8:00 AM - Start your day at Basavanagudi:

Begin your morning in one of the best of the old neighborhoods of Bengaluru, Basavanagudi. It is dotted with ancient buildings, aged trees, temples, tiny boutiques and yet old-fashioned strips of narrow highways. Go for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood rather than run all around. You will notice something interesting — in all essential ways, modern Bengaluru is a span of kilometres away but the vibe here is different.


Visit the Bull Temple:

The Bull Temple is one of the most popular and renowned landmarks in Basavanagudi. The temple is famous for having a large image of Nandi and is tied up with the history and identity of the neighbourhood. Take time here and then walk along the other streets of the area.

9:00 AM –  Have a Traditional South Indian Breakfast:

It's now a very important part of the day — Breakfast. The old Bengaluru is always associated with the traditional South Indian cuisine. Experiment with something easy, such as:

• Idli and vada
• Masala dosa
• Benne dosa
• Upma
• Kesari bath
• Filter coffee  

The thing is this makes no requirement on natural and simple. A crispy Dosa, some chutney and a strong filter coffee could be the best way to begin your day.


10:00 AM – Lalbagh Walk:

Once you are through the breakfast, keep on traveling towards Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Lalbagh is one location where you get to know the significance given to greenery by the city of Bengaluru. Stroll through the garden in a relaxed way, enjoying all the massive trees, vegetation, paths and tranquility. Don't rush. The overall idea of a day in the Old Bengaluru is to take a moment to observe its surroundings.

12:00 PM – Explore Chickpet:

Now it's time to taste another cuisine of Old Bengaluru. Head towards Chickpet. Chickpet is renowned for its markets, narrow streets, traditional businesses, textiles, jewellery and wholesale businesses. It can get busy and loud, but it's open to being of public interest. Explore the old city and its people, the charm of the city streets and their shops. Not compulsory to purchase anything. Sometimes, walking through an old market, is an experience of walking itself.

1:00pm – Explore Avenue Road:

Once you think of Old Bengaluru it is shopping, move towards Avenue Road and you're in for a treat. There is particularly a book shop culture in this area. Personally, I like books and can spend so much time climbing around here.

You may find:
📚 Old textbooks
📖 Used books


2:00 PM - Have a Traiditional Lunch:

Once you stroll around the markets you will certainly be hungry. The opportunity to enjoy a classic south Indian or a Karnataka style dish.
One of the common meals will be:
• Rice
• Sambar
• Rasam
• Vegetables
• Curd
• Pickle
• Papad
• Payasa

Especially if you're enjoying it on a banana leaf. After walking through the old city streets, the simplest of meals can actually be taste better than you guess.



3:30 PM – Visit KR Market:

This is the place to see the lively Old Bengaluru. The marketplace is crowded with trade, people, flowers, vegetables and lots of people are continuously moving. The flower market is especially vibrant and could be a delight in the realm of photography. Some times it's quite busy and if you have to be careful with your belongings, and have the opportunity for a little chaos.



5:00 PM - Walk around Gandhi Bazaar:

This is one of the tacit spots to experience the local neighborhood ambiance. Some traditional dishes, snacks, flowers and small businesses, fruit and vegetable sellers, and regular people are going about their daily routines. Have time to explore. You may also want to buy some local delicacies and sweets to bring back.


6:00 PM – Filter Coffee at the end of the day:

At the end of the day, find a place and enjoy a decent South Indian filter coffee after each of the walk, shopping and exploring. No hurry. No complicated plans. Coffee and a little discussion. That one thing could be one of the greatest moments in the whole day.

Final Thoughts:

Take a day out to see assembly halls in Old Bengaluru is not a sightseeing sortie. It's a stroll through the history of the city. In every place you visit, you get a glimpse of Bengaluru. The city of Bengaluru is always changing, but it remains a vibrant entity.

Well, the next time you want to travel to Bengaluru, just don't go to the new and famous places. Take a day. Enter and stroll down through the old streets. Eat the local food. Talk to the people.