Bangalore's Russell Market: Oozing old-world charm

One of the famous and oldest markets in the city, Russell Market epitomises the old-world charm of Bangalore. Built in 1927, it’s can be best described as a quaint piece of architecture with the St Mary’s Basilica at one end, and hordes of shops selling everything from antiques to second-hand goods to a bustling poultry and meat section at the other end. Even today with all the malls and extravagant supermarkets dotting the city, it still continues to attract its loyalists who throng this souk.

The best time to visit Russel Market is at the crack of dawn, for it’s when you see this place come alive with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and poultry produce making its way to its respective stalls.

As you step into the market area, you are pleasantly greeted by the freshness, myriad hues and varieties of flowers from the floral stalls that stock up just about everything from Asters to Zinnias.

Once inside your senses are delightfully assaulted by the fresh smells and sights of the various vegetables and fruits of local and international repute. Further down, you find yourself in the fish and poultry section and the cacophony inside can be quite an earful, with shop owners and customers bargaining for a good deal. The predominantly meat section holds its own court at the other end of the market, and the butchers ready to cut, chop and dice the meat to your liking. Though, do be warned, this place is not recommended for the faint of heart.

And that’s not all, you can sip on piping hot masala tea, and grab a quick bite from the roadside mutton and beef stalls that rustle up some delicious kebabs, once you’re through with the day’s work.

This part of Bangalore largely has remained unchanged, and you can experience the old-charm of a marketplace, the next time you pick up your groceries.