The Woodlands Hotel and Restaurant on Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Alwarpet is a beautiful property. I first visited the place in 1994, my elder maternal uncle and I came to Chennai for silk and jewellery shopping for my akka. We stayed here. Mama had taken a room on one of the top floors, I was about 12 years old then, I was scared to see the view below from the verandah, the colour television set had a channel playing cartoons. Mama let me watch it as he busily put together calculations of what to buy from where. The South Indian full meals served here was absolutely fantastic and the tastebuds still fondly remember the delicacies served.
I chanced upon a beautiful place in Bengaluru that has so many shades of the Woodlands property. Heart of the city, MG Road, close to Trinity Metro, you observe some building closed with litigation details printed on banners. Anothe section of the property is bustling with activity. As you walk closer to the restaurant section which is a large hall at the extreme end of the property, you notice a beautiful little temple to Ganapathi. Adorned with a silver kavacham, he sits with a beautiful smile, observing all the people going about with their busy lives.
I offered a brief prayer and walked into the restaurant. There is a notice which asks people to get tokens for meals. It was late evening, a variety of traditional Karnataka snacks are available, different types of dosas are there, the idlies and vadas are sold out. Seem to be highly popular here. Lot of people were having bonda-soup, a unique dish that I have observed only in this state. Mangalore buns were not available but something called Mangalore bonda was there, spiced rice-flour and maida balls deep-fried and served with chutneys. The piece-de-resistance was the ragi dosa/roti, which was more like a thick ragi-adai, served with chutney, sambar, butter, and chilli powder. It is quite filling. The coffee was milky with bubbly froth on top and a bit too chicorish in taste for my liking.
If you are in Bengaluru and in the locality, try the food, simple, homely, priced slightly more than your regular Udupi darshini restaurant. Happy eating.
Location – https://maps.app.goo.gl/ss6CdHzAePkLebLw6
Teerthadanam 
i have stayed in Ajanta hotel on MG road in late 80s and found it comfortable as it was very close to my office. It might have grown big. I have no idea.
That’s great to hear KP ji, perhaps you should write a blog about your life in service and the interesting people you have met in your long career. Regards – Mahesh.
Having lived for a decade and more in both the Metros, enjoyed very much the recipes of Woodland and Ajanta . “Tayir Vada, with boondi and carrot sprinkled over it on the plate has no match. So is Adai Avial combination at Woodlands. And , at Ajanta, Rasam vada, and Akki Roti with Gud, a scoop of butter and coconut chutney is a treat and good fill for the day. I would like to give plus mark to Woodlands for their cleanliness and service and parking facilities etc. Thank you for the post, rekindling nostalgic moments, dear Mahesh.
Sakthidharan N