Unearthing K.R.Market's Hidden Gems

K R Market also known as Krishna Rajendra Market or City Market is one of the largest wholesale market in Bangalore and also considered to be one of the biggest flower markets in Asia. I knew this place is rich in history but never had a chance to explore. When I got to know that a heritage walk is planned for K.R. Market by BengaluruPrayana, I signed up for it immediately.

We were asked to meet at Exit A (Vani Vilas Institute) of K.R.Market metro station. While we were waiting for other fellow walkers to join us, I quickly noticed these interesting signboards explaining the rich historical significance of this place and the popular landmarks that can be explored (indeed a good initiative by BMRCL).

 

Walk was led by Shyam Kodavarthi and he said that this location (K R Market Metro station) used to host Roman coins which confirms trade with Romans in the past.

 

We started our walk from Vani Vilas Institute which is located adjacent to this Metro station. It was established in 1868 by Mysuru Kings and is city’s oldest girl’s school.

 Next, we made our way to the iconic flower market—a riot of colors and fragrances tucked into the bustling heart of KR Market. 

The above building is part of the old original structures of the market from 1921 which still remains intact. 

Flower Market

With traders shouting, goods vehicles squeezing through narrow lanes, and petals scattered underfoot, it felt like stepping into chaos. While the roads are already littered with uncollected waste, the situation had worsened due to the previous day’s rains turning the already unclean pathways into slippery unhygienic stretches. I hope the civic officials look into this seriously and plan some measures to maintain the cleanliness of this place.

 

But then, Shyam led us through the maze and up a staircase to the first floor of an old building. From above, the flower market transformed into a breathtaking tapestry of blooms. In that moment, every soggy step and crowded corner felt absolutely worth it.

While walking out from the market we came across one more oldest structure from the past. 

Shyam next took us to a hidden gem – post box made of stone completely in Basavaraja Market, Pete area. And the best part is there is clearance every day at 2:10 pm.

Hunger Cravings – Breakfast time!!!

Shyam took us to another hidden gem in Pete area – Lakshmi Nataraj Hotel. Unlike other eateries of Pete area, this one has enough place to peacefully sit and relish the delicacies. All of us ordered Masala Dosa going ahead with Shyam’s recommendation and it was totally worth it.

Noticed an interesting signboard in this restaurant 😊

 

Tomb of Bahadur Khan

We then walked towards Bahadur Khan’s tomb (commander-in-chief under Tipu Sultan). He died fighting valiantly against British forces during the Third Anglo-Mysore War, and in a rare gesture of respect, Lord Cornwallis returned his body to Tipu Sultan. Honoring his fallen hero, Tipu declared, ‘A soldier should be buried where he fell,’ and thus Bahadur Khan was laid to rest right where he died. Today, his tomb stands as a silent tribute to courage and sacrifice, nestled in the heart of one of Bangalore’s busiest neighborhoods.

Bangalore Fort

 

Tucked behind the bustling lanes of KR Market and located right next to the famous Victoria Hospital, Bangalore Fort is a quiet reminder of the city’s glorious past. Originally built in mud by Kempe Gowda in 1537 and later fortified in stone by Hyder Ali, the fort once stood as a symbol of power and resistance. On the exterior walls of the fort, you will find a plaque to remind people about the Siege of Bangalore. 

On March 21^st 1791, a British Contingent led by Lord Cornwallis breached Tipu Sultan’s fort in Bangalore. This 20 day battle for Bangalore helped shape the course of the city. Lord Cornwallis used the Bangalore fort as a base for the siege and occupied the fort for almost a year. Today only this plaque outside Bangalore Fort reminds us of the battle. Some portions of the fort were dismantled during the war. A small Ganesha temple is still there inside the fort.

 

Tipu’s Summer Palace

This magnificent palace in wood, stone, mortar and plaster was started by Nawab Hyder Ali Khan in 1781 AD and completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791 AD. It is located within the fort walls of Bangalore next to Sri Kote Venkataramana Temple. The walls and wooden ceilings of the entire palace are painted in floral motifs on red surfaces in great detail and beauty. The upper chambers and balconies can be accessed by staircases leading to them. There is also a museum on the ground floor where the rockets used by Tipu are kept and other details from his life are put up on the wall.

Kote Venkataramana Temple

This temple is one of the most famous and architecturally important historic buildings in Bangalore. During the battle of Bangalore, Lord Cornwallis had damaged the flagstone which has been replaced today. Kote means Fort. So most the temple names around this area start with “Kote”. 

Tipu’s Armory

This was our last stop of the day. Tipu’s Armory is a forgotten underrated landmark located behind the Bangalore Medical College. I felt this was the most neglected monument of the city. There is no security guard, no entry fee rather anybody can sneak in. We noticed a house who seem to be the caretakers. One of our fellow walker was kind enough to talk to the lady there and get the key to the armory.  The armory has been constructed below the normal ground level. Best part is no matter how much it rains water gets drained out quickly here due to a small hole behind the armory. Even BBMP has not been able to find out where this water outlet leads to.

We then walked towards K. R. Market Metro station (Exit C) to board our trains back home. Even here you will find signboards of Fort area and important landmarks with a map. 

With that we concluded our 3 hour walk exploring the hidden gems of K R Market area. Thanks to BengaluruPrayana for organizing this and Shyam Kodavarthi for such an insightful engaging heritage walk.