by Vidhana Soudha to all Bangaloreans represents a permanent entity that we see and appreciate from a distance. Years ago, ordinary citizens could go inside to a certain point but it was the unfiltered era. Neither it required much identity checks, permissions and scrutiny. For the last decade or more, Vidhana Soudha has been guarded and everyone assumed it is non accessible for ordinary citizens.
The walking tours have begun since a while and they have been having dedicated enthusiasts too coming and explore the architectural marvel.
Vidhana Soudha walking tour requires you to buy the ticket online on its official website https://kstdc.co/activities/guided-tours-vidhana-soudha/
I booked from mobile and it was done within minutes. One can choose a guided tour with a Kannada guide or the one who can converse and explain in English. The tour is roughly for about two hours so ensure you wear good walking shoes.
I took the tour at 11am on a Saturday morning and it was the Kannada slot. The guide was calm, friendly and explained very well the key points on the structure, its history and waiting for everyone to imbibe the ambience.
Certain points is worth noting when one plans for the Vidhana Soudha walking tour. You are supposed to carry your original Aadhar card. If foreigners intend to visit the space, they need to carry their original passports. Showing the officials on mobile is not going to help. It is also very useful if you come to the walking tour with no luggage or bag. I ended up leaving one heavy handbag at the security and opted to carry my mobile, aadhar card and wallet in my hand.
As you book your ticket online for 50 Rs, I got a mail and message on the confirmation and the mail carries a specific instruction of not wearing black.
The walking tour is elaborate enough and the guide takes you through the corridors and even the actual space of Legislature – Legislature Assembly Chamber, yes you get to see the space and sit there for a few minutes. When you are here, you are asked to leave your mobile on a tray at a level below. The Legislature Assembly looks magnificent and speaks volumes in terms of the history it has witnessed, the architecture it entails and the responsibility the structure and encompasses. The space looked spectacular, reminding me of certain opera house interiors and it is worth being here.
Tips for visiting the Walking tour:
- Personal recommendation- Please do not take children who are under aged 8 years unless they can walk along and be relatively quiet too for a walking tour.
- Wear good walking shoes and wear a cap if you think you might need it when moving in outdoor arena.
- Do not carry valuables or heavy luggage or heavy handbags, You are expected to leave it at the gate, almost unsupervised.
- You can opt to wear clothes that have pockets so that you can keep your mobile, Aadhar card and wallet.
- Book the 11am or 11.30 am slot as it is less crowded. The very first slots of 10am and 10.30 draws school students and day excursions. One can opt for these slots also but it is likely to be more noisy.
If you have been to historical sites, museums, visited palaces, forts, castles and have loved your time spent there, you are going to find yourself completely immersed in this tour. It is a great outing with older kids, teens, taking visitors who are visiting Bangalore for the first time and all the interested.
Mums and Stories gives the Vidhana Soudha walking tour a 5 on 5. It is a must-do activity when visiting or residing in Bangalore provided you love history and architecture.
( Reshma Krishnamurthy from Mums and Stories reviewed Vidhana Soudha walking tour).
