#4 Chickpet: You never know where Chickpet begins and where it ends. But you will definitely know once you are in it. Dating back to 15th century, Chickpet has stood the time of test as one of the most beloved shopping destination for many in Bengaluru. Though famed for textiles, it is an expansive market covering utensils, watches, stationery, books and even groceries.

The degree of bustle in Chikpet is immense on any day and this only goes upwards on Saturdays and festive days. On these days, all the shops are open and attract large number of people.

It was 5 years ago that I went to Chikpet for the first time. As a pillion rider on a KTM 200, I offered my expertise to navigate directions using Google Maps. There came a point, when every rerouting offered a possible entry into Chikpet. There was no choice but to take a call and head into one of the narrowest alleys I had ever seen. The narrow alley was claimed by a slew of parked bikes and a stream of people walking – some on phone, some carrying carts and others heaving bundles. Maneuvering through a changing maze, we finally reached at the end of the alley where we could not help but enter another one. At one point I caught a glimpse of people folding hands and praying and later realized our bike passed through an open temple. It took us some time to realize that we have broken through and entered Chickpet. Now, the challenge was to get out!

Chickpet has became only more crowded as the years passed by. I stopped going on bike and I take an auto to get down at Mysore Bank Circle. From there, I walk into one of the streets still not knowing where I am headed. But I have never been stuck, the crowd pulls you in and pushes you through. Ask any shopkeeper, they will happily give you directions to even a competitor. Sometimes, they will even send a help who tags along with you until you reach the other shop. They really do take the quote, “Keep friends close and enemies closer”, seriously! The textile shop owners can comment on not only their collection but their competitors’ collection also. If one is a connoisseur in Tussar Silk and has an extensive Tussar Silk collection in his shop, then he will also help you to enrich your Cotton Silk saree collection by pointing you to the right shop.

Amidst hopping shops, you can pause and tickle your tasting buds to a wide selection of street food. Mirroring the eclectic collection of textiles available, you also have access to street food from across India in Chickpet.

Dhokla, Masala Pappad, Fried Idlis, Grilled Sandwiches, Vada Pav, Pulioyagare and much more. The go to snack is usually Pink Gauva cut and sprinkled with chilli. On Saturdays, you can see a lot grocery carts also and they boast of fresh vegatables that would put supermarts to shame.

Chickpet is unusually silent on Sundays. But it also offers a luxury of time to explore the architecture and silence of the alleys.

Chickpet is an exhilirating experience! As you delve deeper, the more hidden gems you find. And to delve deep, it takes more time, more steps and more perseverance!