It is close to 9.30 am on a sultry Sunday morning and the roads of Shankerpura (also spelt Shankarpura), known for its famous mallige (jasmine) bear a deserted look. I was looking for the famous “mallige katte” or mallige trading centre which I was given to understand was where the rate of the famous Udupi mallige… Continue reading The Allure of the Udupi Mallige (Udupi Jasmine)
Today is Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the main festivals of the Hindu calendar and one dedicated to the Lord of Beginnings aka Lord Ganesha. Arguably India’s most loved God, Ganapati, as He is also known as, is the remover of all obstacles and hence mandatorily worshipped before starting any task. The Lord has an elephant… Continue reading Hasti Mangala: an ode to the Indian Elephant
Often referred to as the world’s largest open air museum, Hampi in Karnataka is a heritage site quite like none other. A favourite with tourists from all over the world, Hampi is a proposed UNESCO world heritage site and offers an experience of a lifetime. Located on the banks of the river Tungabhadra, Hampi was… Continue reading Photoessay: Mahanavami Dibba aka Dasara Dibba, Hampi
Lush green landscapes, mist covered mountains, stunning views and panoramic beauty all around……this is Mullayanagiri hill for you. Arguably one of the most popular places to visit when you make a trip to Chikmagalur, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in the state of Karnataka. Nestled at a height of a whopping 1950 meters, Mullayanagiri is located about… Continue reading Mullayanagiri Hill, Chikmagalur – bewitching beauty amidst the peaks
As mentioned in several of my previous posts, Bangalore offers several offbeat sights which form for exciting day trip ideas. If you are a fan of art, architecture and ancient temples, Gulur and Kaidala which are just 6 km apart and about 75 km from Bangalore must be on your list. Located in Tumkur district,… Continue reading Gulur Ganesha and Kaidala, Tumkur: of unique temples and traditions
Carved stone panels, statues, idols and stone slabs in varying stages of finishing…..all lining the pavements, house fronts, backyards and basically any empty space. Well, this is Shivarapatna for you. A seemingly non- descript village in Malur taluk in Kolar district of Karnataka, Shivarapatna is known for its stone craft and sculptors. The dull but… Continue reading Photoessay – Shivarapatna, Kolar district: the hands that craft the Gods
Located in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, Devarayanadurga is a popular temple town. Perched at a height of about 3950 feet above sea level, this one forms for an engaging day trip from Bangalore. The place, whose name translates into “Fort of the Gods”, is home to a number of temples, hillocks and a wide… Continue reading Photoessay: The temple town and hills of Devarayanadurga
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
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 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
