A view of Ajantha Hotel in Bengaluru on Friday.
| Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Another iconic restaurant in Bengaluru – Hotel Ajantha – shut its doors on December 31, 2024. The restaurant, located in the heart of the city on M.G. Road, was established 54 years ago in 1971.  

The location of the restaurant meant that it was frequented by the employees of many private and government offices nearby. While the restaurant was known for its south Indian delicacies and rotti, long time diners sing praises about the Mangalore Bajjis which were served there. 

“I used to visit Ajantha for over five years at least twice a week when I was working on M.G. Road. Their akki rotti and ragi rotti were my go-to orders. Their Mangalore Bajjis were delicious, and I would make it a point to order it every time I went there for coffee,” said Sumanth. M., a private employee from J.P. Nagar. 

Another diner remembered that the juice served at the restaurant. “I enjoyed their South Indian meals and always started or ended the meal with a juice. Their taste was consistent over the years,” said Sachin. B., another regular visitor of the restaurant.  

According to the owner, S. Bagilthaya, the restaurant was closed owing to a property feud between the family members who own the building in which the hotel is located.  

“Our lease expired, and we could not renew it due to the court case,” Mr. Bagilthaya told The Hindu. However, this is not the end for Ajantha Hotel. “We are trying to negotiate with the owners to continue our lease. But if it does not work out, then we have plans to scout for new locations for the restaurant,” he added. 

Hoping for an early return of the hotel, P.C. Rao, president, Bruhat Bengaluru Hoteliers’ Association (BBHA), said, “For over 50 years, Ajantha has been more than just a hotel — it has been a part of our family, and to several associations. This is not goodbye forever. We remain hopeful that Ajantha’s legacy will continue.”