Relive 468 Years Within 4 Hours

CityInfo, Bangalore Cover Story

Relive 468 Years Within 4 Hours
Experience Victorian Bangalore with Bangalore Walks: The City’s Latest Tourism Stop

A chilly Bangalore morning, unsure of the walk I was about to undertake, I tugged myself lazily out of bed. Quite sure that no one would turn up this early, I was astonished to see an enthusiastic bunch of people geared up to learn more about the Bangalore they have all known.
Bangalore is now what we call India’s Silicon Valley and the country’s pub capital. But very few actually know much about the history of this pleasant and beautiful city. Legend has it that in the 11th century, an old woman shared her meal of boiled beans with a king who was lost. He later named the place ‘Benda Kalooru’ or town of boiled beans. The name changed as time went on and what we are presently left with is a corrupted version of the original, Bangalore.
The Bangalore Walk however, is far from a guided tour of the city. The walk covers MG Road – yes, I stop short there. Just MG Road. Every person who has ever stepped into Bangalore recognises this buzzing road, which is just over 2 kms, as the main artery of this business city.
The roads of Bangalore come alive earlier than I had ever known. While Arun Pai, who is the brain behind Bangalore Walks, asks you to close your and go back in time where troops are marching into Bangalore. It’s not hard to imagine MG Road bereft of the traffic. Led by Lord Cornwallis, the army trooped down to the city market where they captured Tipu’s Fort. This was the foothold of the East India Company, which helped them gain control of South India.
From then on the city has grown in magnitude, emerging into what you see it and know it. The city has slowly found a place in the country’s history and on the world map too.
There is an eclectic mix of people – right from inquisitive school kids to well travelled tourists and housewives. Even veteran Bangaloreans who have lived here all their lives were surprised at the facts which were brought to light by Arun during the walk.
This is the best bet for someone who is new to Bangalore and wants to learn about the rich culture and historical significance. As had been the British policy, Bangalore was clearly divided into Old City and the Cantonment area. Bangalore grew from a mere military station to a flourishing administrative center, which set it apart from other cantonments. It was separated from the Old City, which had the fort as it nucleus. For over a 100 years Bangalore has been a tale of two cities existing side by side!
Part of the charm of the walk is that much of what happens is kept as a surprise. Do take a look at www.bangalorewalks.com for more info and testimonials.

Do you know?
- What is Tom Hanks’ connection with Bangalore?
He used the Bangalorean Torpedo in Saving Private Ryan
- Which country does Bangalore export wine to?
Bangalore wine is exported to France!
Mayo House is named after…? Lord Mayo, who was the only Viceroy to be assassinated in office
- What was MG Road formerly known as?
South Parade Road