A tour across the olden part of Bangalore city unravels many unknown facts.  People have come to know about the Bangalore city from 1990’s when the IT revolution kicked in.  But the city has a rich cultural history that can be known by visiting some of the iconic places around Malleswaram area.  There are many old temples with surprising facts, eateries nearly century old, markets that’s always buzzing with action.

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is celebrating first anniversary during this month.  To celebrate the occasion, the hotel had lined up several activities that are in line with the brand ethos. One such activity is the “Cultural and Culinary Experience” which explores the iconic, as well as, the hidden gems in Bangalore.  A select group of bloggers, journalists were invited for the event and we set out to explore the old Malleswaram area.

About Malleswaram

It was developed as a planned suburb after the great plague of 1898, which caused many people to move out of the city centre. It derives its name from the Kaadu Malleshwara temple. HV Nanjundaiah, the first Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University is credited with building of the then suburb of Malleswaram.

The neighborhood of Malleswaram hosts people from all walks of life. The Nobel laureate C.V. Raman, scientist Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, badminton world champion Prakash Padukone and his daughter Deepika Padukone. Other eminent personalities like Carnatic musician Doraiswamy Iyengar and film stars Saroja Devi, Radhika Pandit and Jaggesh have all lived here.

Veena Stores

It’s one of the legendary places that started as condiment store in 1977.  It has acquired the legendary status over the years and its renowned for consistent taste of idli(s). The soft idli(s) melts in the mouth when consumed.  The only additional item given is the chutneys that’s also been consistent in terms of taste always.  Customer are seen standing in long queues and order their favorite dish. People then wait for token # to be called out and relish the food, while standing on foot path. I personally love the idlis and vadas here. Many say that it acts as a substitute to the absence of Brahmin’s café in the south.

Kadu Malleswara Temple

This is a 17th-century A.D. Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Mallikarjun.  The temple was built by Venkoji, the brother of the Maratha King Shivaji in Dravidian style of architecture.  One part of the temple, Nandishwara Teertha Temple (Basava Theertha), is in front of the temple. It is said to be the main source or birthplace of the Vrishabhavathi River.  The main annual festival is Shivaratri and that’s celebrated very grandly.

The temple is setup on a small mountain, and one needs to take 40-50 steps to reach.  At the base of the mountain there is green-cover from the trees and plenty of stone-idol for worshiping snake-god.

Other temples close by include Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyani Kshetra, Sri Gangamma Devi.

Malleswaram Flower Market

A special walk across the flowers market in Malleswaram where one can get some of the best and most exotic flowers. If one is looking for wedding decor, gifting, festivity, offering to god, this is the go-to place.

One can also find the traditional Mango leaves those are used for some auspicious occasion. One can also find bunches of Neem leaves used for medicinal purposes.

There are specific vendors constantly selling the banana leaves. Traditionally these are used for having meals.

Hotel Janatha

Located right in the middle of a bustling shopping area on 8th Cross, this joint has been serving its patrons since the 1970s.  The place has been ever so popular and filled with people all days of the week.  There limited options for guests to choose from and its mentioned on the board behind the cash counter.

The place is known for the regional delicacies like Masala Dosa, Vada Sambar, Mangalore Bajji and Coffee.  I especially love the crisp vada served along with chutney & sambar.

Shri Sagar (CTR)

There are few places in Bangalore that many people across the city identify as the most iconic.  And CTR along with Vidyarthi Bhavan, MTR & Brahmins café fall in the category.  This hotel was started by Y.V. Subramanyam and brothers (Y.V. Srikanteshwaran, Y.V. Krishna Iyer and Y.V. Ramachandran) in the 1920s.

The most popular dish at the restaurant is the Benne Masala Dosa.  If one visits the restaurant, it’s a dish that’s served with 2 different chutneys – plain coconut and green-chutney (with coriander).  Some of the other dishes popular dishes include – Mangalore Bajji, Maddur Vada, Kesari Bath & Coffee.  The place served limited dishes but its been consistent always.

One can always find the place to be crowded.  Its very common to wait for atleast 15-20mts before getting a seat.  There are times when we end up standing next to the person who is about to finish the meal.  Soon after the person gets up, we can take the place.  What I described might sound crazy but its very about CTR.  It’s the same way all through the year and all day of week.

Overall Experience

It was one of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon visiting the most iconic places.  Hyatt has taken up a great initiate to give a glimpse of local culture and cuisine.  I am sure many guests visiting Hyatt will want to take up this tour.  Personally, it was a very enriching experience as there are many facts, I came to know by interacting with people.  It’s a perfect way to showcase the culture to non-localities and foreigners.  I would highly recommend anyone to follow the trail and experience the same for oneself.  If someone needs help, you are welcome to reach out.

More Information

Hyatt Centric
1/1, Swamy Vivekananda Rd, Someshwarpura, Halasuru, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008

Veena Stores
183, Margosa Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003

Hotel Janatha
27, 8th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore

CTR – Shri Sagar
7th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003