The lively KR Market (also know as City Market or Krishnarajendra City Market) is Bangalore’s largest and most vibrant market. It is also one of the city’s oldest, having opened its doors in 1928. A visit here is a great way to get a taste of local life and experience the ambiance of a traditional local market.

The market’s original red and white brick building still stands, but just behind it is the newer and much larger market complex. This is the main fruit and vegetable market, but it is not confined to these buildings, and spills out onto the sidewalks and neighboring streets and lanes. A walk through the market can be an intense experience: vendors haggle loudly with their customers, and the earthy and pungent smell of vegetables, flowers and spices and the riot of brilliant colors is an exhilarating feast for the senses.

The best time to visit the market is in the early morning, when business is at its peak as shopkeepers come to stock up on goods for the day. At sunrise, the southern end of Avenue Road becomes the city’s biggest flower market. The huge piles of fresh-cut flowers of every variety and color covering the streets and sidewalks is a spectacular sight.