I spent my second morning in Bengaluru on a tour with Poornima from Unhurried. It was a great decision to take the tour. It was a lovely way to spend the morning, wondering in a leisurely fashion around the leafy suburb of Malleswaram, where Poornima was raised. She knew the area like the back of her hand and it was very relaxing and interesting having her show me around and talk about all the places of interest. The tour incorporated the local temple and other places of interest as well as great food stops and the local market and craft shops. Poornima is a historian with expert knowledge of archaeological sites and shared her knowledge in an interesting and accessible way. Her English is impeccable. I was a solo traveller and I felt like I was spending the morning with an old friend- a great introduction to this busy city.
Carol Parker
UK, on Malleswaram Walk
My husband and I considered having Poornima to be highly professional and her depth of knowledge was outstanding. We were so impressed by the Hoysala era temple carvings and were thankful that we had decided to stay overnight in order not to be rushed. The statue of Gommateshwara did not disappoint. Not only did we appreciate Poornima’s history but she graciously answered our questions about life in India in general. We highly recommend the tour to Belur and Halebidu
Liz Henderson
Canada, On the Belur & Halebidu Tour
" Another informative and interesting walking tour with Usha and Poornima. They brought City Market and Bangalore Fort alive with history! Highly recommend Unhurried - half a day well spent."
Dr Nitha Palakshappa
Massey University, NZ, On the City Trail
Goodmorning Poornima! Thank you so much for the great tour yesterday! Lovely pictures! It was a pleasure meeting you and thank you so much for allowing me to participate in the religious ceremony yesterday! The old city was also so fascinating! Thank you so much for your kindness! See you again!
Judit Varga
Switzerland, on a Customised Old City (Pete) Tour
"We had the most incredible walks yesterday, thanks to you, Vidya, and Usha! Your heritage walk/ride in Malleshwaram was a fun experience! It was an adventure filled with fascinating stories and hidden gems that brought Bangalore's rich history to life. Smrithi couldn't stop smiling and I'm pretty sure she'll be talking about this experience for a long time to come.
And guess what? Even though I've been in Bangalore for a good two decades, I finally feel like I have some serious history knowledge to drop on unsuspecting friends!
So, a big, lively thank you to the dynamic trio who made this all happen! You turned a regular morning into a memorable journey through time. Smrithi and I are beyond grateful for the fun and informative experience.
Here's to many more exciting escapades with you all in the future! Keep spreading the heritage love!
Cheers
Vanessa
Bengaluru, on Malleshwaram Yulu Bike Tour
" I would give more stars if I could...Poornima was a fantastic guide. Her passion for and knowledge of the city was amazing. We toured the old Pete and I was introduced to the culture of a very vibrant city. It was paced just right and the history of the city was brought alive in ways no book could do."
Dr Douglas Peers
Dean of History, University of Waterloo, On Medieval City Trail
Vidya was kind, knowledgeable, approachable and friendly on our Malleswaram walk! She provided great details without flooding us with too much information.
Her guided walk was one of the most rewarding ways to see the neighborhood and learn about the past and present of the area. Highly recommended even if you only have a few hours in Bangalore!
Lisa Pallagi
On Malleswaram Walk
Poornima, Thank you for a fabulous tour. The group is still talking about it. It has been the highlight of our visit so far. We will have lasting memories"
Dr Douglas Peers
Canada, on the Hosaholalu Day Tour
Poornima is an amazing guide and masterful storyteller where she was able to weave history into interesting narratives about the different places we visited for this tour.I had a wonderful time learning about the architecture of the temples we visited, the appropriate way to receive and give offerings (ie., use your right hand, folks!), and just have a great time in general in Poornima's company.
Elaine
Australia, on A Day At Nandi Tour
The tour was fantastic. Usha is very knowledgeable and kind. I have learned a great deal about history, religion, and seen local life. Thank you for an amazing experience!
Gabriella
US, On Basavanagudi Trail
Had a great time on the baazar walk, all thanks to Vidyalakshmi! Enjoyed hearing about the history of the place, as well as a chance to explore the by-lanes, temples and dargah of Shivaji nagar.
There are times to go on your own, and there are times you want a guide. This is the second! I am experienced traveler and consider myself "adventurous," but the combination of logistical challenges and language issues can make South Indian cities overwhelming. As much as I love exploring, doing the pete area on my own would have been intimidating. Poornima made it just fun and I saw things that I would never have seen on my own. She was also very adept at quickly leveraging my own particular interests--I mentioned Jainism and then, when we came across a Jain festival, she took me in the neighbourhood Jain temple. You can't do better than this.
Robert Allen
US, on Pete Walk
Usha was very patient and tailored the tour to meet my son's needs. She knew a lot about the history of the area and was very willing to share
Hilary Barron
On Market Trails
The Bangalore Pete Walk led by the knowledgeable and affable Poornima: We thoroughly enjoyed this early morning introduction to the history of one of the oldest parts of Bangalore, and finished the 3 hour walk with well earned dosas at Balepete.
Shashi Kolar
Bengaluru, on the Pete Walk
We had a "unhurried" tour of Richard's Town organized by Poornima and Pushpa where we learnt and relearnt a lot of old Bangalore history—especially the Great Divide between the traditional Bangalore and the English occupied Cantonment and Bangalore East areas.
One had the temples in profusion and the other old churches. As an old resident of the western part of Bangalore (1950s through the 1970s at different times) I thoroughly enjoyed the walk through memory lane - especially when the tour ended at Paul Fernandes' excellent art gallery of Bangalore paintings.
One had the temples in profusion and the other old churches. As an old resident of the western part of Bangalore (1950s through the 1970s at different times) I thoroughly enjoyed the walk through memory lane - especially when the tour ended at Paul Fernandes' excellent art gallery of Bangalore paintings.
Prakash C Rao
US, on British Trails
Poornima led a [city tour] just for me on the one day I had free in Bangalore. Outstanding attention to detail, both historical and modern.
If you want to know the workings of the Mysore region, how the city came to be, and fascinating connections with American history (think Cornwallis and our national anthem), contact her. Even if she does not have a walk scheduled, she will come up with something to meet your interests and timeframe
Eric Sword
US, On Medieval City Tour
It was a great walk in a lovely climate and a nice intro about the park, I personally thank [Unhurried] for this great walk. This was really a good initiative, being born in Bangalore and even visiting Cubbon park for more than 100 times with my friends and family, I was just unaware of anything about my city. This gave me the chance to see the Park from a completely different angle, surrounded by birds, trees, flowers that too in he early morning. By discovering fascinating facts about its history and transformation.
Wipro Technologies
On Cubbon Park Walk
Poornima, Your walk was tremendously informative and we totally loved knowing more about our city!
Berenice Da Gama Rose
Bengaluru, On Pete Walk
Thanks to you I got to know of the Kadu Malleshwara Temple. I found the temple complex very impressive. Most fascinating were the many lingas and the mini-forest like ambience. It felt nice being at a place drowned with cries of many species of birds. Overall a great experience. I would like to take part in the 'Pete walk' too. In case any friends are interested will let you know.
Sujatha Bhagath
Bengaluru, On Malleswaram Walk
I was impressed with you. Your knowledge of history and stories which made my drive time short and interesting. I also enjoyed all good Indian food together with your explanations. You must know that from now on I am a big fan of South Indian food! And it is just a pity that I can not make it in Slovenia!
Nina
Slovenia, on Customised Tour to Mysore & Belur
Thank you, the teachers and kids enjoyed the walk.
- Customised Heritage Trail