Hidden for decades, a British-era outpost returns to life in Bengaluru

A forgotten British-era military outpost in Bengaluru is revived by the Indian Army and volunteers, now serving community purposes.

A forgotten British-era military outpost inside an Indian Army campus that once stood along the old Bengaluru–Chennai route has been brought back to life after decades of neglect. The fort-like structure, believed to be over 150 years old, is in Domlur and was restored by the Indian Army and more than 150 volunteers from HandsOn Foundation, an environmental NGO.

The place is now being used by the Army Women’s Association and other charitable organisations for meetings and activities.

The Army and volunteers from the HandsOn Foundation carrying out the restoration work of the outpost. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

For over 25 years, dense creepers, climbers and wild plants had covered the site completely.

Gurunandan Rao M., founder and president, HandsOn Foundation, told The Hindu that the place was identified in 2024, during a lake revival project. “We had been working with the Army on the creation and maintenance of Eagle’s Nest Lake at the 515 Army Base Workshop, now regarded as Bengaluru’s highest-elevation lake. During this work, Brigadier R.S. Budhwar, the then Commandant, pointed out another neglected site on the campus,” he said.

A picture of the outpost before the restoration. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT