An Expat Prefer Living in "Old Bangalore", India

Q: We know that Bangalore is growing and changing quickly! We would prefer to live somewhere culturally interesting that still has the feel of "old Bangalore." We do not need to be near new modern "improvements," such as pubs, fancy hotels, ritzy shops, etc. We would like to be close to parks or open spaces where we could walk and play with the kids?

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A: Actually, I feel that most "expats" or people who move back don't get to sample "real" or "old" Bangalore (or Hyderabad) as the case maybe. The thing is, even localities like Koramangala are "new" for us old Bangaloreans. About two decades ago, people used to refer to it jocularly as "Koosumangala" (area of mosquitoes) as it was a new development being built around a swamp.

To get a taste of life in "old" Bangalore, I would recommend living in localities like Basavanagudi or Malleswaram. Basavangudi is my all-time favorite place in the world - the area still manages to house some tree-lined streets with old-style bungalows (although apartments have encroached most old bungalows). Shopping is fantastic in nearby Gandhi Bazar, and you cannot beat Vidyarthi Bhavan or nearby MTR for great South Indian food. The nearby suburb of Jayanagar is a wonderful place to live in as well, more modern than Basavangudi (it is around 30 years old), yet retaining a small-town charm.

These are wonderful places for kids to grow up in - there are parks (M.N Krishna Rao Park, Lalbagh are huge gems), swimming pools, stadia etc. Plenty of cultural activity, opportunities to learn classical music or sports etc. abound.