On the occasion of World Museum Day today, here is a look at yet another unusual museum in Karnataka. Read on to find out more… Lush green farms on either side made for an invigorating sight as I drove towards Shivalli village in Mandya taluk. The roads were deserted and there was hardly anyone around… Continue reading Rice Museum, Shivalli, Karnataka – of seeds, strains and sustainability
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
While Bangalore today is known for its IT parks, start ups, pubs and malls, it is also a city of gardens, parks and lakes. Although rampant urbanization has resulted in the tremendous loss of its green cover and the conversion of lake and tank beds to apartment complexes, there are close to 190 lakes in… Continue reading Photoessay: Birds of Bettakote Lake, Devanahalli, 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 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
As mentioned in several of my earlier posts, India is a treasure trove of magnificent temples and ancient monuments. There are several such ‘hidden gems‘ in the form of beautiful, ornate temples dating back centuries in and around the bustling IT city of Bengaluru. Yet another addition to this wonderful list is the Ramalingeshwara group of… Continue reading Photo essay: Ramalingeshwara group of temples, Avani
Given India’s rich cultural history and diverse religious beliefs, temples have always been an integral part of our ethos and culture. Exquisite temples that are an epitome of grandeur have been built by Indian rulers since time immemorial. A travel to any nook and corner of the country is sure to reveal architectural gems in… Continue reading Veerabhadra temple, Lepakshi: a picture of architectural splendour
Driving between Bengaluru and Mysuru, travellers whiz past a sign pointing to Ramanagara barely even noticing it. It’s a tiny town that few visit, but what looks like a forgotten place actually has a mix of eclectic sights. Called Shamserabad during the era of Tipu Sultan, and Closepet during the British Raj era after Sir… Continue reading Heritage Getaway: Mighty Ruins and Silk Weavers in Ramanagara
If there is one place that showcases the folk and rural culture of Karnataka in its entirety, it is the Janapada Loka folk art museum in Ramnagar. At a distance of just about 50 km from Bangalore, this museum has over 5000 artifacts on display. It was founded by H L Nage Gowda whose dedication… Continue reading Janapada Loka folk arts museum: insight into Karantaka’s rural culture
India, also referred to many a time, as the country of temples has scores of enthralling temples, many of which are over 1000 years old. It is indeed amazing that we have these temples that remain as a symbol of our rich culture, heritage and legacy. One such ancient yet beautiful temple, right outside of… Continue reading Rangasthala, Chikkaballapur: a tryst with history
