Century Club 4.15

Located in Cubbon Park, a landmark in Bangalore – the city of gardens, it derived its name 'Century', from the number of members it expected to have. Today that figure has crossed the 5,000 mark, all of who have enjoined to observe its founder's request that members should conduct themselves with dignity.

The founder, the visionary and Bharat Ratna recipient Sir M. Visvesvaraya was keen to promote what he felt was good in English society, particularly their orderly habits, punctuality, restraint in speech and social behaviour. But, the factor that motivated him more was when he was the Dewan of Mysore and had planned a visit to the Bangalore United Services Club (now known as Bangalore Club). The staff of the Club asked him to take off the Mysore turban and put on a cap and wear a coat if he wanted to enter the Club. This disturbed him no end and he decided to start a club that would allow Indians; as during those days, the Cantonment areas did not allow Indians inside the clubs. He then wrote a letter to the government asking for permission to start a club. Our patron, Shri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who was the ruling king at the time, sanctioned 7 acres, 20 guntas of land in Cubbon Park, Seshadri Road. The Century Club was thus founded in 1917 and Sir M. Visvesvaraya was the first president of the Club.

Century Club is truly an Indian club started by distinguished Indians and fostered by royalty, and also, a tribute to the engineers, architects and government officials who made the erstwhile Mysore State the most progressive in the country and laid the foundation for the growth of Karnataka State. The Club was a common meeting place for people to profit by meeting with leading men from beyond the state who visited Bangalore.

A home-away-from-home, Century Club beckons you and your family to the rustling of leaves and melodious chirruping of birds. You can enjoy a pleasant stay with the luxury you always wanted, at a price so very reasonable, that too, right in the heart of the city! A word of caution – once with nature, you might not want to get back indoors!

Once inside, a cool breeze wafts across a well-manicured lawn into the patio bar. It could be time for a post-work savoury snack and a steaming cup of coffee or perhaps a drink before dining sumptuously…contentment always rules with quiet assurance here. In short, it’s a nice place to catch up with friends or spend time with the family in an old world charm.

The recreational and gaming facilities at the Club include tennis, badminton, billiards, table tennis and tombola. It also has a restaurant, bar, library, chambers, supermarket, vegetable store, pharmacy, salon, cards room, children’s playing enclosure, health club and a swimming pool. There are party halls too, that cater to celebrate occasions. And on most weekends you will see cultural activities bring together members who wish to unwind and forget the drudgery of their daily routines!