Now anyone who visits namma Bengaluru from abroad can learn to live like a localite by just walking around, with the help of Bangalore Magic's food and photo walks. This out of-the-box walking tour, that was started a couple of months ago in the city is a big hit with foreigners as they get to learn about the culture, local food and history here added with a personal touch.
Ranjini Rao, who runs Bangalore Magic with Charukesi, has already conducted a few such walks in Malleswaram and Jayanagar. “It has been modelled after Mumbai Magic, which was started by Deepa Krishnan. Initially when Deepa mentioned 'food walk' my ears pricked up," she laughs, as the foodie runs a very popular food blog. But she asserts that the food walk isn't a hog fest.
“They learn about Indian spices. I recently took seven Germans on a tour in Jayanagar, through the 4th block market and the Jain temple. It's eye-opening for me to learn that they have never seen tamarind, turmeric and other spices that we generally take for granted," she shares.
The most unique bit about these walking tours is that they do 'home tours,' where everyone is taken to a traditional house and shown around. “This is done so that, they get a feel of how everything looks in a South Indian household. Like, how food is cooked and laid on the table and more such traditions," she shares. Not only do they introduce them to food and culture, they also organise photo walks with Charukesi, who is a photographer.
Both women have done their bit of research and have got notes in place about Bengaluru's history, which is quite extensive. “We have kept tourist places like Raj Bhavan, Vidhana Soudha and the High Court also on the agenda because people insist on visiting those places," says Ranjini.
With flower, fruit and vegetable markets being the top favourites to click pictures, visitors get to interact with residents and vendors. “They have much fun haggling with the vendors," Ranjini laughs. “Sometimes they do get glared at, but so far there has been no leching at the women thankfully," she adds. At a price of Rs 750, these two hour walks aim at providing a non run-of-the-mill experience of Bengaluru to any visitors.
