I booked a half day, private tour of the Pete (Pe’tah). My guide was Poornima, the owner and operator of Unhurried. Poornima is a historian and author with a wealth of knowledge of the history and culture of the area.
The tour started at the top of Avenue Road, a former gate to the old city of Bengaluru. Nothing remains of the gate but the Hanuman Temple remains in use where the Monkey God would have watched over the gate guard. From here, Poornema gave an outline history of the old city.
Poornima walked me down Avenue Road, pointing out that the old city was planned on a grid which was divided up by the different trades that operated there. Each trade would have a deity and a temple associated with it and while the trades may have changed or moved on the place names and the temples remain.
The old city was always intended to be a trading bub with people from all over India. Then as now, the old city is made up of many cultures, languages and religions, all living in remarkable harmony.
We walked up many of the side streets. Poornima gave a history of each bit are we visited, some ancient and some recent and personal, such as her mum’s favourite sari shop and the places she ait as a child. I was introduced to local shop keepers including a musician and artisan who made and repaired Tabla (drums), see picture.
We visited a Hindu temple where Poornima explained the significances of some of the iconography and the rituals and we were blessed by the Brahmin.
We also visited a Jain temple, entirely finished in intricately carved white marble.
Included in the tour was brunch at Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan.
In all very satisfying for the mind, body and spirit. But only scratched the surface of this antient and complex culture. A wonderful experience and highly recommended. I only wish I had time to go on the many other tours Unhurried have to offer.
