“Welcome to the Land of Toys” says the green signboard as you drive down to Channapatna on the Mysore-Bengaluru highway. Located about 60 km from Bengaluru, the town is also known as “Gombegala Ooru” in Kannada, which translates into toy town. The little town is synonymous with the production of wooden toys and lacware, which… Continue reading A toy story: wooden toys of Channapatna, Karnataka
The exquisite temples of Pattadakal and Badami in the southern state of Karnataka are yet another illustration of the rich and unique heritage of India. Located less than 500 km from Bangalore, the temples at Pattadakal and Badami demonstrate excellence of the Chalukyan School of Architecture and date between the fifth and eighth century AD.… Continue reading Pattadakal and Badami: Evolution of Chalukyan temple architecture
South India’s 4,000-year-old history has witnessed the rise and fall of various powerful dynasties including the Pallavas, Cholas, Cheras and Hoysalas. Many of these rulers built elaborate temples that were not only centers of worship but more often than not , they were the nucleus of all activities around which settlements grew. There were also… Continue reading Poetry on stone: Sculptural magnificence of the temples of Halebid & Belur
Located about 25 km from Mysore is the bustling town of Srirangapatna or Srirangapatnam. Apart from being a popular pilgrimage destination, the town of Srirangapatna boasts of a rich past. Intrinsically associated with the legendary ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, the town is known for its famous battle of Seringapatam, which was fought here in 1799.… Continue reading Srirangapatnam: slice of royalty with the all pervading spirit of Tipu Sultan
Shravanabelagola town and Jainism Nestled between the Indragiri and Chandragiri hills, Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is one of the oldest and most significant Jain pilgrimage centers in India. Dating all the way to 297 BC, this town is associated with the great ruler Chandragupta Maurya who lived here after he became a Jain ascetic. Jainism flourished… Continue reading Mammoth and monumental: Gommateshvara (Bahubali) at Shravanabelagola
Life is like a journey, taken on a train. With a pair of travelers at each windowpane. I may sit beside you all the journey through, Or I may sit elsewhere, never knowing you. But if fate should make me sit by your side, Let’s be pleasant travelers; it’s so short a ride. – Anonymous Train… Continue reading Five reasons why a trip aboard Karnataka’s Golden Chariot is a journey of a lifetime
The history of South India dates back over 4000 years and this period saw the rise and fall of multiple dynasties like the Cholas, Cheras, Pallavas, Pandyas etc. Most of these emperors built elaborate temples as a mark of their authority, establishment and power. Moreover, temples at that time were not only places of worship… Continue reading Keladi Rameshwara Temple: of timeless art and architecture
Mysuru as mentioned in this post is a city of many facets. Though it is the second largest and populous city of Karnataka, it is a city with oodles of old world charm and one where life still moves at a pleasantly slow pace. A perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore, Mysore never fails to disappoint… Continue reading Mysuru off the beaten track- Part II: Of museums and spirituality
While the magnificence and ornate architecture of the Hoysala temples is, usually, synonomous with the temples of Belur and Halebidu, a visit to the sleepy hamlet of Mosale proved me wrong. Located just about 15 km from Hassan, on the Hassan-Holenarasipura Road, the twin temples found in this village is a definitely a hidden gem. The ancient… Continue reading Nageshvara-Chennakeshava temple: monumental twin temples of Mosale
A recent visit to Hassan took us to one of the most stunning places I have visited of late. About 25 km from Hassan, on the Hassan-Shettihalli Road, lies the gorgeous remains of the Holy Rosary church. Situated on the banks of the Gorur-Hemavathy reservoir, this church is believed to have been built by the French… Continue reading Rosary Church, Shettihalli: a journey back in time.
