Taj Bawdi, Bijapur

Taj Bawdi constructed in 1620, is one of the interesting sights in Bijapur (State: Karnataka). Ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah built this well in honor of his queen Taj Sultana. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

It measures 223 sq feet and 52 feet deep. The entrance to the well has a 35 feet span majestic arch and is flanked by two octagonal towers. On the eastern and western sides of the tower there were the rest houses for the tired travelers. Beyond the archway is a small platform and a flights of stairs on either sides of the platform leads one to the water.

This place is not maintained that well, and if not taken care soon will be ruins. The landscape of Bijapur is full of historic monuments. Every inch of a place here has a tale of its own to depict. It is impossible to maintain them, unless the people themselves take the initiative.

Vellore, City of Spears

Vellore (State: Tamil Nadu) is at a distance 145 kms from Chennai in one direction and in another direction 215 kms from Bangalore. We started from Bangalore in the morning and reached this place in the early afternoon. The city has prominent colleges, ancient temples and one of the best hospitals in India (Christian Medical College & Hospital). (Click on the images for bigger view)

The name 'Vellore' in local language means 'City of Spears'. Ancient history shows that, this place was basically a battle field and it was always left with the abandoned weapons like spears throughout the year. It was the seat of power for various dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, Nayak, Marathas. The major tourist attractions here are:

• Vellore Fort
• Jalakanteswara Temple

We shall explore these attractions in some more detail soon.

Shivappa Nayaka Palace, Shimoga

In Shimoga (State: Karnataka) the fort originally had occupied around 200 acres of land. Of which now only 10 acres of land is occupied by fort area. Even though I could not see any fort walls, I did see a 16th century palace built by ruler Shivappa Nayak of Keladi Dynasty. This beautiful palace is situated on the banks of river Tunga in the old city. (Click on the images for bigger view)

This was much larger structure, of which currently only the Durbar Hall survives the ravages of the war against Bahmani Kings. The Durbar Hall is built with wooden pillars giving an elevation of almost twenty feet from the ground level.

The carved pillars and artificial roofs is made of teak and rosewood. The roof of the palace is covered with Mangalore tiles. The wooden staircase leads up to the first floor. And there is a projected wooden balcony in the central part.

There are beautiful floral carvings on the pillars and arches between the pillars.

The architecture of the palace is Indo-Saracenic where one can see elements of Rajput, Islamic styles. Today, this palace also serves as a museum for Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The palace is maintained by ASI and as of today no charge or ticket for visiting this elegant palace.

Flowers of Cubbon Park, Bangalore

The Cubbon Park or "Sri. Chamarajendra Park" in the heart of the Bangalore (State: Karnataka) city and it occupies around 250 acres of area. (Click on the images for bigger view)

It is home for several variety of flowers.

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Trip to Tamil Nadu

I had the pleasure of traveling through the state of Tamil Nadu to see various places. I undertook a 8 day trip across the state. (Click on images for bigger view)

We started from Bangalore by a hired car and covered the following cities: Vellore, Tanjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Chennai, Mamallapuram, Kancheepuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram, Madurai, Trichi, Srirangam. I also covered the Pondicherry even though it is not part of the state as I had to pass through it.

Radhasoami Memorial, Dayalbagh

Dayalbagh (State: Uttar Pradesh) is at a distance of 15 kms from Agra. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Here, the grand monument Radhasoami memorial is 110 feet high, and is made of pure white marble. The building is under construction for the last 100 years. The architecture is an exquisite mix of temple, gurudwara, vihara and mosque.

The above is the entrance to the memorial.

The stone carvings on colored marble are magnificent. On the inner walls the semi-precious stones in pietra-dura style has been inlaid.

Festival of Lights

Deepavali is rightly called "Festival of Lights" as can be seen from the images here. It is celebrated for 5 days and on all nights the sky is lighted by bursting crackers.

The crackers light the sky with various designs and patterns.

These are some of the images on the night of Deepavali sky over Bangalore.

At this time in India the sky is brightly lighted.

Queen Victoria Statue, Bangalore

Cubbon Park in Bangalore (State: Karnataka) is one of the biggest parks in the city. There are several statues installed in this park.

In the year 1906, the Statue of Queen Victoria of Britain is installed in this park.

This statue is located at one end of the park near Mahatama Gandhi Circle.

Deepavali, Festival of Lights

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HAPPY & PROSPEROUS

Deepavali

Deepavali popularly known as the Festival of Lights is an important festival celebrated in India. It is celebrated over 5 days and if one wants to understand the traditions followed in India, then this should not miss the festivity.

It is usually celebrated some time between mid-October and mid-November. Each day in the 5 days celebrated for varied reasons like slaying of demon by the lord, worship of Goddess of wealth. But it mainly signifies victory of good over evil.

As a preparation to the festival the shops sell lot of items like crackers, variety of sweets, colorful people lanterns, lamps of various shapes.

Rangoli are drawn in front of each of the homes. It is decorations made from colored powder and flowers.

People celebrate the festival by offering prayers to Lord, distributing sweets, decorating their homes with Rangoli, bursting crackers.

NathmaljI Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

This late 19th century haveli (mansion) is located in Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan). The interior as well as exterior of this haveli is carved magnificent. The designers exhibited high level of quality and skill in executing the massive haveli. (Click on images for bigger view)

Even though it is built with a single building plan, the architectural brilliance is such that the two wings were built differently. However, the two wings seem to have faultless harmony.

The carvings on the window are carved out with great precision. The walls are ornamented with stone figurines of horses, flowers, birds, elephants and interesting patterns that resemble extravagant pieces of art.

Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho

The Parsvanth Temple built in 950 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Eastern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This is one of the three Jain temples built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty inside the walled enclosure. (Click on the image for bigger view)

Measuring 20m x 11m, it is the largest among the Jain temples in Khajuraho. It is also one of the magnificently carved Jain temples in India. The walls of the temple have three bands of graceful sculptures depicting Hindu Gods.

The sculptures on the walls of this temple have been carved with great precision. More figures can be found on the outer face of the sanctum, depicting 'apsaras' (heavenly nymphs) in a variety of poses.

In the sanctum there is idol of Parshvanatha, a Jain Tirthankara.