Stretch of good ol Bangalore

Stretch of good ol Bangalore
Michael Patrao

Margosa Road derives its name from the entire stretch of Neem (Margosa) trees lined up on either side of the road. It is the third most important road, after Sampige Road, passing through Malleswaram.
This road has the distinction of having a large number of bank branches and in a way speaks about the banking habits of the people living in Malleswaram. All the cross roads have dozens of apartments. In fact one of the earliest apartment blocks in the City, Paresh Apartments, is found on the 4th Main. It also has a number of temples including temples dedicated to Krishna, Ganesha and Raghavendra. The Kanika Parameshwari temple is quite famous.
The Malleswaram Grounds, on one end of the road, opposite K C General Hospital, is most sought after for political meetings and rallies, cultural and religious events and festivals. On the other end, near the 18th Cross, is another popular public space, the Government School Grounds.
Near this cross you will also find the popular Circle Maramma temple.
The other landmark is the Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women. It was founded by Dr K N V Sastri, a noted historian and political thinker, Dr M N Mahadevan, a renowned doctor and T S Rajam, chairman of the TVS group of companies.
Margosa road and its surroundings is popular for its eateries. C T R (Central Tiffin Room or Shree Sagar as it is known by its new name) is best known for its ‘benne masala dosa’. This place is also good for its vadas, pooris, chow chow bath and idli. Janata Hotel on the 8th Cross and Sahyadri near the bus stop are also famous for its dosas. Veena Stores on 16th Cross, right opposite the Telephone exchange, is popular for its idli-chutney and you can always find a large crowd outside this joint.
Margosa Road will become a dead end as the retaining wall of the new underpass that would be coming up near the Malleswaram Circle would block entry to the road. Many of the margosa trees, with its off-white flowers and inedible small fruits, have become victims of heavy rains and winds. It would not be long before the increasing urbanisation and felling of trees will make the name of this road, a misnomer.