There are a few localities in Bengaluru which have become the part of city’s culture and heritage from ages. They are so inherent that in its every lane, you will experience the gray fragrance of city’s legacy. They are here for generations as a witness to all the dusk and dawn of city’s development and breakdown. In this context, if we look at Bengaluru then we have such localities and one among them is the beautiful Basavanagudi. Come, let us explore and look at the things to do in Basavanagudi in today’s read.
Basavanagudi is one of the oldest areas of Bengaluru located along the borders of Jayanagar. The name ‘Basavanagudi’ makes reference to the Bull Temple and a monolith statue of the Nandi. In fact, Basava (meaning Bull in Kannada) and Gudi (meaning temple in Kannada) and thus the name, ‘Basavanagudi.’ It is a home to voluminous retail businesses, food points, temples, parks, and many other attractions – be it Gandhi Bazaar, VV Puram food street or the famous Bull temple for an instance. If you are in Bengaluru then Basavanagudi is something you can’t afford to miss.
Hot-Favourite Food Points in Basavanagudi
Mahalakshmi Tiffin Room
This is a vintage restaurant in Basavanagudi where you can find the old Bangalore charm. With Darshini culture gracing this hotel, you see the place flocked with families and senior citizens. Located in Gandhi Bazaar area, Mahalakshmi Tiffin Room can be a good alternative to the legendary Vidyarthi Bhavan. Order Khali Dosa, Idli Sambar, Masala Dosa, and freshly brewed filter coffee.
Open: 7 AM – 8 PM
Where: DVG road, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi.
By 2 Coffee
If you are near Dodda Ganapathi temple or Bugle rock then By 2 Coffee is a must visit. This is quite a crowded place where you get the delicious South Indian breakfast items at the most affordable price compared to other vicinities of the city. One of the cheap and best hotels in Bengaluru and their Idli-Chutney is just out of the world.
Open: 7 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9:30 PM
Where: Opposite Bugle Rock Garden, Basavanagudi.
VB Bakery
If you go to Basavanagudi (South Bengaluru) and ask for VB Bakery then local’s point you there with a smile. It is one of the oldest bakeries in the city and easily a hit among people of all ages. It is so popular that it has become a household name in the areas of Basavanagudi and South Bengaluru. As this bakery is at the edge of city’s favorite Thindi Beedhi, your visit to VB Bakery can turn out to be an extraordinary food outing.
Must-Have: Khaara Bun Congress (KBC), Almond Toffees, Damrot, Coconut biscuit, Honey Cake, Capsicum Bun, and Masala Rusk
Open: 10 AM – 10 PM
Where: Sajjan Rao Circle, VV Puram, Basavanagudi.
New Modern Hotel
This is a place where most people living in Basavanagudi start their day. New Modern hotel or popularly known as NMH is located in VV Puram, Basavanagudi. One thing we liked about this hotel is its Sambar. It is just WOW man. The classic old ambiance of the hotel, local food and the beauty of Basavanagudi is something you cannot afford to miss. NMH has Darshini culture and is one of the legendary hotels which is serving Bengaluru for years.
Must-Have: Puri Saagu, Vada-Sambar, Idli, Ghee, Sambar, Chiroti Milk, Rava Idli, Thatte Idli, and Coffee
Where: Near Minerva Circle, AN Krishna Rao Road, VV Puram, Basavanagudi
Open: 7 AM – 9 PM
Kamat Bugle Rock
This is yet another Popular food point in Basavanagudi. If you go to Bull temple then you should visit this place. They have an authentic Bengaluru menu and the quality of food is highly applauded and appreciated. In Kamat bugle rock, leave the usual food items and try North Karnataka food.
They serve the lip-smacking Yennegai (Brinjal Gravy), Jolad rotti, Soppina Baji, and Mirchi Bajji. I don’t recommend North-Indian and snack items like Manchoori, Fried rice kind of things. Simply go and order North Karnataka Thaali.
Where: 5th Main Road, Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi
Open: 9 AM – 10 PM
Puliyogre Point
If you ask me to name a hotel which is an alternative to Vidyarthi Bhavan in terms of taste and quality then I can easily bet on Puliyogre Point. As the name suggests, it is known for city’s favorite Puliyogre (tamarind flavored rice). However, you can also taste specials like Sakkare Pongal, Normal Pongal, Coconut rice, and Button Idlis.
Must-Have: Puliyogre, Sakkare Pongal (sweet), Pakoda, Open Masala, and Coffee
Open: 7 AM – 10 PM
Where: East Anjaneya Street, NR Colony, Basavanagudi.
Subbamma Stores
Established in 1947, this store is famous for handmade goodies and traditional condiments. It is also known as Srinivas Stores where you can buy food items like Chakli, Kodubale, Holige, Chutney Pudi, Sandige, Paapad, Pickles, Avarekai Mix, Gooseberry Thokku (pickle), Congress Kadlekai, and Hurigaalu.
Where: H.B Samaaja Road, Near Gandhi Bazaar Circle, Basavanagudi
Recommended Read: Local’s Hot Favourite Food Points in Bangalore
Upahara Darshini
Upahara Darshini is one of the earliest Darshini Hotels in Bengaluru whose history dates back to 1980s and 1990s. If you have lived in those times then Upahara Darshini might have been your favorite. Again, this is the most loved place for South Indian breakfast and snack items like Shavige Bath, Idli, Vada, Dosa, Kesari Bath, Gheer rice, and more.
Where: No 73/1 DVG road, Basavanagudi.
Vidyarthi Bhavan and VV Puram Food street
Talking about food points in Basavanagudi and no mention of Vidyarthi Bhavan and VV Puram food street will be quite unfair. We need pages and words to describe the popularity and the diversity of food items that these two food points have in hand. When you are in Basavanagudi then don’t forget to make your way to VV Puram and Vidyarthi Bhavan.
Well, the area is blessed with numerous small restaurants and food points which are equally good and tasty. If you know any then please let us know in the comments below.
Must-Visit Temples in Basavanagudi
Dodda Ganesha Temple
Dodda Ganesha temple, also known as Satya Ganesha or Shakthi Ganesha temple is one of the major attractions in Basavanagudi. This divine abode gets its name from the huge size of Ganesha Idol which is 18 feet in height and 16 feet in width. The history of this temple dates back to the time of Kempegowda. It so happens that the king finds a big rock which was looking like Ganesha. Later on, he instructs his sculpture artists to crave an idol and builds a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka.
Open: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Bull temple road, next to Bull temple, Basavanagudi.
Bull Temple or Nandi Temple
Basavanagudi gets its name from this Bull temple which was built in 1537 by Kempe Gowda under the Vijayanagara empire. Here you can see the monolith Nandi (Bull) placed on a plinth in the temple shrine. It is said that this is the largest Nandi Idol you can see in the world whose height and length are 15 ft and 20 ft approximately. In the premises of the temple, you can see a tower (vimana) over the shrine which was constructed in the early 20th century.
Where: Bull temple road, Near Bugle rock, Basavanagudi.
Gavipuram Cave Temple
If you want to witness the Indian rock-cut architecture in Bengaluru then you should head to this temple called Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple or Gavipuram cave temple. It is famous for stone discs and the mystery of allowing the sun to shine or shrine in the certain time of the year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in 16th century AD by Kempe Gowda.
Where: Gavipura, Kempwgowda Nagar, Basavanagudi.
Kote Venkataramana Temple
This is a temple built in Dravidian and Vijayanagara style by king Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, then rule of Mysuru. A temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara was built in 1689 is blessed with clusters of colonettes and a row of diety sculptures.
Where: Vishweshwarapura, Krishnaraja road, Basavanagudi.
Major Attractions in Basavanagudi
Bugle Rock (Rock Garden of the City)
Bugle rock is not just the mere rock formations. It is bestowed with a beautiful park, waterfalls, and fountains. It is one of the frequently visited places by locales, nearly 750 to 1000 per day and thus credited with a name “walkers paradise.” This is counted one among the 26 National Geographical monuments in India which lie in the archaean stratigraphic division of the Indian shield.
Know more about Bugle rock – Story of the Historic Bugle Rock Garden of Bangalore
Gandhi Bazaar
If you are a shopping freak and look for some budget shopping then Gandhi Bazaar is for you. It is one of the vibrant vicinities of the city where you can buy everything from grocery, vegetables, clothes, and other accessories at a wholesale price.
Other Attractions: Tipu Sultan Palace, Bengaluru by Foot, and Cauvery Handicrafts.
So this was about Super-Famous Food Points and Fun Things to do in Bangalore. If we have missed anything then please let us know in the comments below.
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