Karnataka · Travel

Photoessay: Rustic Charm and Streetscapes – around the sacred town of Melkote, Karnataka

Located about 150 km from Bangalore, Melkote also spelt Melukote is one of Karnataka’s hidden gems.  Also known as Thirunarayanapuram, the town is perched on a hill which is called Yaadavagiri. A popular piligrimage centre, the town is famous for its temples dating back to the Hoysala period. One of the main temples of Melkote is… Continue reading Photoessay: Rustic Charm and Streetscapes – around the sacred town of Melkote, Karnataka

General · Karnataka · Travel

Photoessay: Sri Vaidyanatheswara Temple, Talakad, Karnataka

Located about 140 km from Bangalore and 45 km from Mysore, Talakad (also called Talakadu) is a popular tourist and pilgrimage center.  A historic site associated with a rather interesting mythical tale, Talakad was once home to about 30 temples most of which have been buried under sand today.  The main temples of Talakad are the the… Continue reading Photoessay: Sri Vaidyanatheswara Temple, Talakad, Karnataka

Karnataka · Travel

Photoessay: The spectacular beauty of Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls

Located in Mandya district, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls are a famous tourist attraction in the state of Karnataka.  Also called Shivanasamudra falls, this one is formed on the river Kaveri as it spilts into the western and eastern branches.  The western branch is the twin waterfalls of Gaganachukki while the eastern branch forms the Bharachukki falls.  Also… Continue reading Photoessay: The spectacular beauty of Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls

Karnataka · Travel

HMT Heritage Centre and Museum: a trip down memory lane

Growing up in Hyderabad, HMT was an integral part of my life as my father was employed with the PSU for over 40 years.  So, when I heard about the HMT Heritage Centre and Museum opening in Bangalore, I was thrilled and it was a place I had to visit.  An interesting addition to the existing… Continue reading HMT Heritage Centre and Museum: a trip down memory lane

Karnataka · Travel

Photoessay: Kanva Reservoir – a haven for nature lovers

A tranquil setting amidst lush greenery and a plethora of chirping birds,  Kanva forms for a perfect getaway from Bangalore.  At a distance of just about 65 km from Bangalore, Kanva reservoir is an artificial lake which is man made and formed by the waters of river Kanva.  Named after sage Kanva who finds mention… Continue reading Photoessay: Kanva Reservoir – a haven for nature lovers

Karnataka · Travel

International Museum Day: On a museum trail in Bangalore

One of the most popular things to do when you visit a new place is to check out its museums.  This is one of the things that is always on my to do list when I travel and some of my best travel memories are of museums.  Whether it is coin museum in Udupi or… Continue reading International Museum Day: On a museum trail in Bangalore

Karnataka · Travel

Photoessay: Moodabidri Musings – Saavira Kambada Basadi and more

Just about 35 km from the bustling town of Mangaluru, lies the quaint town of Moodabidri that is known for its Jain temples or basadis as it is also called.  A town that exudes plenty of rustic, old world charm, its streets are lined with ochre hued houses with sloping brick tiled roofs.  With the coastal… Continue reading Photoessay: Moodabidri Musings – Saavira Kambada Basadi and more

Karnataka · Travel

Panchalingeshwara temple, Govindanahalli, Karnataka

There is no denying the fact that the Hoysala rulers who ruled South India including Karnataka from the 10th century to 14th century AD, were great patrons of art and architecture.  The fine temples in the state of Karnataka are testimony to this fact.  An example of brilliant craftsmanship, the level of structural and sculptural… Continue reading Panchalingeshwara temple, Govindanahalli, Karnataka

Karnataka · Travel

Photo essay: Brahmeshvara Temple, Kikkeri: a hidden architectural gem

Karnataka is home to several ancient and Hoysala temples that are well known for their architectural splendour and ornate sculptures.  But the very mention of Hoysala temples conjures images of the spectacular monuments in Belur and Halebid.  While the temples mentioned therein are examples of architectural brilliance, Karnataka has several other temples built by the… Continue reading Photo essay: Brahmeshvara Temple, Kikkeri: a hidden architectural gem

Karnataka · Travel

Photo essay: Aprameya Swamy Temple, Doddamallur, Channapatna

Driving through the busy Bangalore Mysore highway, it is common for one to encounter several interesting sights spanning history, architecture, craft, culture and religion.  The region is famous for several ancient temples dedicated to forms of Lord Vishnu as well as Lord Hanuman.  The Aprameya Swamy Temple located in the little village of Doddamallur in Channapatna taluk… Continue reading Photo essay: Aprameya Swamy Temple, Doddamallur, Channapatna