Something new
Here, everything looks new. The numerous lanes dotted with beautifully-designed houses, mostly independent and a few bungalows and apartments, with their modern architecture and fresh paints, can easily let one assume that Cambridge Layout is a new neighbourhood. But, ironically this newappearing locality, situated in Halasuru is one of the oldest areas in the city.
Something old
Halasuru was gifted to Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, by the Vijayanagar emperors during the 16th century. And this very locality which today is popular by its foreign name was previously called Someshwara Layout, after the Someshwara Temple in the vicinity. Now, this one has an even older connection. The temple was built between the 12th and 13th centuries by the Hoysalas. Sadly though, besides the temple, there is nothing much bearing proof to the historical dateline.
Spiritual trove
In today’s date, what makes the area stand out in the city’s map are some of its famous landmarks. The first on the list is the Sai Baba Temple. One cannot afford to miss the street where it’s situated, the main road better known as ‘the Sai Temple Road’. Even before one approaches the temple, there are these petty establishments with names like Sai Florist, Sai Travel Agency, Kalpashree Sai, Sai Bakery, and so on, indicating the temple enroute.
The Ostara Shop, the-one-stop destination for one’s spiritual needs.
This place has spiritual artifacts, from books to healing crystals and stones to music CDs to incense sticks, spanning across diverse spiritual philosophies from across the world. It also offers consultations and yoga classes. Then there is the pristine white Lourdes Church, providing solace to the Roman Catholics in the area.
Educational hub
The locality boasts famed institutions namely, Frank Anthony Public School, St Meera’s High School, Lourdes School, Eastwood School, Ambedkar College and St Anne’s College For Women.
Commuting woes
It has what it makes a good locality — a well maintained and peaceful residential area; good educational centres; temples and church nearby; a five-minute ride to the commercial capital MG Road or Shivaji Nagar.
However when it comes to transportation, the area scores low. “There is no bus stop in the area. “One either has walk to Lido Mall at Ulsoor-MG Road junction, or go to Domlur or Indiranagar, which are all located at quite a distance,” complains J Hemavathy, who has been residing in the area for more than 20 years.
Name funda
Why was the locality christened Cambridge Layout? It seems, none (read most) of the residents know the answer to this. The name has an English origin, but no, there isn’t any significant colonial link. The name is also associated, often synonymous, with the world’s most premier educational institution.
But there is no connection with it either.
There isn’t any school or college with the same name. “There’s Cambridge Hospital, this perhaps is how the locality got it’s ‘new’ name,” says Srinivasn, a resident.