This heritage walk is among the many curated journeys we offer through the storied precincts of Basavanagudi—yet it remains, without question, the most beloved of them all.
Nestled in the heart of old Bangalore, Basavanagudi stands as a living repository of South Indian culture, where the aromas of traditional fare mingle with the echoes of Carnatic music, and the streets themselves seem steeped in centuries of artistic and spiritual endeavour.
On this walk, we invite our guests on a *darshan*—a reverent exploration—of some of the area’s most celebrated temples and monuments, each linked in spirit and stone to the city’s visionary founder, Kempe Gowda.
Our journey begins at a historic watchtower, once a sentinel over the burgeoning settlement, where we pause to honour one of Basavanagudi’s great literary luminaries. From there, we proceed to a temple whose very name recalls a fabled bull that, centuries ago, is said to have thundered through the local peanut fields. Here, amidst stone and legend, we unravel tales of its origin, admire the intricacies of its architecture, and recall the vibrant annual fair held in homage to this sacred beast.
The path then leads us to a hilltop shrine, followed by a remarkable cave temple where the interplay of light and shadow reveals the astronomical mastery of its builders—an enduring testament to their knowledge of the heavens. Our final destination is an ashram imbued with the legacy of Swami Vivekananda, a place where spiritual thought still finds a quiet home.
As with all good journeys, we begin with nourishment—savouring a traditional vegetarian delicacy at a heritage South Indian eatery—and conclude with a leisurely meander through the bustling Gandhi Bazaar, where time slows amid fragrant flower stalls and old-world shopfronts.
The walk is lead by an architect & Basavanagudi resident who has stayed, studied & worked in it for almost 50 years.
Also check out other Arts events in Bangalore, Literary Art events in Bangalore.
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