Sanjay Nagar – a locality in the North of Bangalore has been my residential address ever since I’ve moved to the Garden City for over a decade now. Obviously things change over time and old gets replaced with new but the vibes are constant. While we head out to travel or see and experience new places, at times there are lot of places to explore right where one resides as well. It may be a daily go-to place near home but for others visiting the locality its a new experience.
First for those who are not aware where Sanjay Nagar is – here is where you enter the locality After you cross Mekhri circle underpass on the road towards airport, its the first left after the underpass. And its time to start exploring, so here is my list of things to do if one is in the area –
Restaurants/Eateries
There are good number of restaurants to suit all age groups and all cuisines. For the sake of keeping nearby areas out of this guide, I will leave out the 80 ft road connecting to New Bel Road which has probably a good 20 to 30 eateries which needs an article in itself, for now just Sanjay Nagar and the area leading towards Sanjay Nagar is referred to as Ashwath Nagar which by the way has many small eateries too, I’ve tried to cover those that are prominent and easily visible from the main road but will keep adding on. Click on the name of the place to get the direction of the same sourced from Google Maps.
Udupi Garden – Its probably been open for over a year now and as other Udupi Darshini’s – this one has picked up fast and has its fair share of regular customers all day long. With both self-service and A/C service arrangement, its a good option to head to. They also have a party hall that can be rented out for any events. I’ve been here a few times for breakfast and dinner and have also opted for home delivery, all have been good experiences.
Atithi Satkaar – This is one of the oldest restaurants in the area and recently renovated to go with a modern QSR setup. This was the only darshini option to dine-in for many years until Udupi set shop. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner have been here numerous times. From the idly, dosa’s to meals for lunch and north indian or chinese dishes for dinner – everything just great that is expected from darshini places. It was closed for a while for renovation and opened up again in late 2020 and haven’t had a chance to go back as yet – hopefully they have taken it a notch up after re-opening!
Taste of Coast – This restaurant just opened last month and don’t have much details except that as you would have guessed from the name, its themed on coast and so get ready for sea food variety. Not visited yet and will not comment on food or service as yet. This resto is above Atithi Satkaar
Paratha Plaza – This place is a paradise for Paratha lovers. Lot of variety and stuffing’s of all kind in the paratha. Served hot and tasty ! Not just parathas, they do have some sides or small plates with some savories and chaat items that one can relish
Ujwal Restaurant – This is another one in the old category and its not changed much. Not really a family dining place but more of a bachelor paradise as it has a bar attached and lighting sets the mood for drinking, they do have a separate family area to satisfy the latter category. Not visited for dine-in much but have ordered non-vegetarian food quite a few times and its been awesome! Vegetarian not much but if craving for good spicy, non-veg – this is the place to order from.
Sri Ganesh Darshan – Another QSR Darshini, small place, very few tables for dining in. Self service and place to stand and eat. Near to the Geddalahalli bus stop
Brahmin’s Thatte Idly – No dine-in, small store dishing out Thatte Idly. Famous in the area. Got to stand on the street and relish if one wants to have it there or always an option for take-away or home delivery.
Sri Krishna Bhavan Sweets – As the name indicates, its a sweet shop but hold on not just sweets, lot of savouries, chaats, ice cream, juices, sweet corn and so on and that’s why it made it to this list of eateries. Most fav items for me in this place is the Gulab Jamun. Piping hot, big Jamun’s that can satisfy your soul. This is next to Udupi Garden
Kanti Sweets – Right opposite Krishna Bhavan Sweets, Kanti Sweets is famous across the city but in this area its stiff competition from the old is good Krishna Bhavan Sweets which I would agree has a definite edge in variety, service and popularity.
Street Food – There is an area opposite to the Radha Krishna temple that becomes Khao Galli in the evenings. From 99 variety Dosa’s, to manchuri, momo’s, chaat, noodles, juices – ask and you shall get.
Places of Worship
Again, limiting the lists to those that are prominent in the area otherwise as they say in India, every street has a place of worship and culture defined everywhere.
Sri RadhaKrishna Temple – This is a very famous temple in the area and is a landmark in itself. Situated right next to the Police Station, its a beautiful temple and is the destination to go to during festivals. The decor and lighting especially during events adds to the charm. Though it states RadhaKrishna Temple, there are idols of many other deities and that’s why every festival here is celebrated with much vigour
Anjaneya Temple – This Hanuman Temple is right on the main road as well and on the Geddalahalli bus stop. Small temple but still very prominent and famous in the area.
Gurudwara Sahib – Tucked away in a small lane next to Ashwath nagar bus stop, this is a beautiful Gurudwara and a place where one can understand the meaning of peace and tranquility. Numerous visits, personal events being conducted and soul touching langar’s is how I would describe my experience here.
Madeena Masjid – I’ve not had a chance to visit this Masjid yet but its on the 80ft road leading to Ramaiah hospital and is on the main road. The call for prayer reverberates through the area multiple times a day and is a soothing and peaceful experience. Hope to visit the Masjid soon.
St. Teresa of Kolkata Church – This is on the Kalpana Chawla Road connecting to Bhoopsandra. Again not got a chance to visit yet but is on the main road and have seen it a few times from outside. It is beautiful from outside and have had a glimpse of inside while driving through especially during Sunday mass and it is charming!
Entertainment/Recreation
Vaibhav Theatre – Other than temples and eateries, Vaibhav Theatre is the entertainment option in the area. Its a single screen theatre with decent seating and new movies releasing every week.
Parks – Every street in Sanjay Nagar have small parks consisting of a garden, exercise zone, children play area and a walking path. Good options for children to have fun and for elders to walk and connect with friends and family. The greenery around leads a breathe of fresh air which is bliss.
And its a wrap, I will continue my exploration and add more of the eateries and places tucked away in corners, until then hope you liked this list and are able to experience it when in Sanjay Nagar!
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