Bangalore: 4 Traditional Areas that Are Still Shoppers’ Haven
Much before the organized self-sufficient localities of modern day Bangalore came into being, there were market places around which communities placed themselves. These markets provided residents every conceivable household requirement and in many cases went much beyond that as well. Today, these markets continue thrive and have their loyal patrons. They in fact, form the basis of the identity of a locality. Here is a look at some of them:
Jayanagar 4th Block: For the residents of Jayanagar, there is nothing that can beat the variety on offer at the Jayanagar 4th block market complex. Spread over 15,000sqt and designed by Sundaram Architects, this shopping complex has everything you need segregated neatly.
Considering the expanse over which it is spread, the complex has multiple entrances. The space has dedicated areas on the inside and outside for flowers, fruits, vegetables, household needs, clothes, cosmetics and more. Old school style pop-up stores, or rather vendors who spread out a tarpaulin sheet with their wares make an appearance in the evenings.
Besides the several shops, you also have office space on the higher floors and even a restaurant or two. This ensures that no matter what you step in for, you are going to get what you are looking for and then some. The Jayanagar market services Jayanagar, Yediyur and all its surrounding areas.
KR Market (Krishna Rajendra Market): KR Market was recently in the news for two major reasons – one was the discovery of a Tipu Sultan era cannon while the digging for the Metro was on and the other for a bundh that was declared by shop owners. This bundh saw the closure of KR Market for the first time since it opened in 1928.
Stepping into KR Market is an assault on all your senses, but in a mesmerizing manner. The flower vendors hawk a riot of colours, the spice and vegetable market are places you can spend an entire day in. It has a thriving wholesale market that facilitates trade for thousands of shops across the city. It is of course an overwhelming experience considering the roads are narrow and crowded. However, it is a place that you will not step out of empty handed. While KR Market technically services most of Bengaluru, it is close to Chamrajpet, Jayanagar VV Puram and Basavangudi.
Malleshwaram Market: Named after the Kaadu Malleshwara temple, this traditional market recently saw a significant portion of it levelled to the ground in the BBMP’s efforts to build a modern complex in Malleshwaram. However, there is a still a great deal of charm left in this beautiful market. The flower market has always taken centre-stage here, being placed right in the forefront. Much like all the other markets around, this too has been a repository of goods that ensures the residents of the area get everything they need in one place, just like generations before them did.
Chickpete: For the keen shopping enthusiast, who loves a good bargain, Chickpete is a veritable gold mine. The labyrinthine roads are home to stores that house some of the best bargains to be had. Great bargains do not mean you are settling for something of inferior quality here though. From handmade zari materials to sarees, to sweetmeats, shoes, clothes, and every possible electrical and electronic goods, Chickpete has something in store for every kind of shopper. For those looking for great deals on jewellery – both cosmetic and real, Chickpete has rows of shops that have been in the business for generations. The Sunday Flea Market and the Fancy Shop are two legendary spaces at Chickpete.
Bangalore’s traditional markets are quite literally the character of the locality they are based at. Often used to denote a major landmark, you will find that every generation in a family has a shop or vendor that they are loyal to.
