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.

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.

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.

Nandi Shrine, Khajuraho

The Nandi Temple in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) is a small temple opposite to Vishwanath Temple. Both the temple built in 1000 A.D belong to Western Group of Temples with their entrance facing each other. It has a large stone image of Nandi. (Click on the image for bigger view)

It is an open square pavilion resting on twelve pillars. It has a pyramidal roof of receding tiers of steps with minimal carvings at the top. The noteworthy decoration on its facades is a bold elephant frieze on the basement.

Hampi World Heritage Site

Hampi, the Forgotten Empire (for more) once was the flourishing capital city of the Vijaynagar Empire in the 14th Century. The city spread across the rocky terrain of 26 sq.km had plenty of palaces, temples which exhibited its rich culture and wealth in its hay days.

For the same reason it was ransacked by Muslim Sultans. Today it is a site of splendid ruins of palaces, temples and gateways of the broken city, that silently narrate the story of once glorious past and the final senseless destruction. (Click on the image for bigger view)

In the above image rocky nature of the place and various temples can be seen.

Above is the carvings on the pillars of one of the many temples in the place.

On 5th December 1986, Hampi was inscribed on the World Heritage List for it represents a unique artistic creation. One can spend 2 to 3 days to cover each corners of this place.

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Dulhadeo Temple, Khajuraho

The Dulhadeo Temple built in 1100 - 1150 A.D belongs to the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple is the most recent among all the temples of Khajuraho built by rulers of Chandel Dynasty. This temple stands on a platform, which is approached by a flight of ten steps. (Click on the image for bigger view)

There are several subsidiary towers clustering around the central tower. In this temple all the sections like a shikhara (tower), sanctum, the mahamandapa and an ardhmandapa are in fully developed stage and measures 21 m by 12 m.

The outer walls of the temple are decorated with three bands of sculptures. The highest band has images, which are shown either flying singly, and flying in pairs. They are seen carrying either weapons or garlands or musical instruments. The iconography of this temple also shows some distinctive traits. The facades of this temple carry the images of standing Shiva and Shiva-Parvati.

The ceiling of the maha mandap is made of a series of diminishing circles of overlapping stones like a flower. There is an image of Shiva on the lintel of the ornately carved entrance of garbh griha. The sanctum today enshrines a Shivlingam.

Chaturbhuj Temple, Khajuraho

The Chaturbhuj Temple built in 1100 A.D belongs to the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples (State: Madhya Pradesh). This temple is west faceing and stands on a platform, which is approached by a flight of ten steps. (Click on the image for bigger view)

In this temple all the sections like a shikhara (tower), sanctum, the mahamandapa and an ardhmandapa are in fully developed stage and are interconnected, located on the same axis.

The tower of this temple is plain when compared to other temples in the region. Below the tower there are three bands of sculptures with the images of dikhpalas, ashtavasus, nymphs and the recesses of mythical lions.

Over the lintel of the doorway are carved exquisite figures of Brahama, Vishnu and Mahesh. Inside the sanctum there is a idol of massive 9ft high, carved image of four armed Lord Vishnu.

Dayalbagh Gardens, Agra

Dayalbagh (State: Uttar Pradesh) is at a distance of 15 kms from Agra. Here in 1861, Shiv Dayal Sahib stared a religious movement known as Radhasoami Satsang Movement, that is an amalgamation of a number of other religions. In his memory his disciples constructed the Dayalbagh Gardens. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

This is actually not a flower garden, but home for a monument with beautiful carvings.

Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) apart from palaces other attractions are temples in the city. One of the major attraction in the city is Chaturbhuj Temple, built between the years 1558 and 1573 by Raja Madhukar. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Built upon a massive stone platform and it is reached by a steep flight of steps. This is a huge temple that has plenty of light and space inside. The temple has a huge cross-shaped congregation hall that caters to devotees. Conical spires crown the sanctuary of the spacious temple. The temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama that queen got from Ayodha. But this could not happen and the image of Rama remained in the Ram Raja Temple forever.

Lotus emblems and other symbols provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. The doorway is crafted beautifully.

Ram Raja Temple, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the architecture of the 16th century temple with its soaring spires is very different from any other temple in India. It is also the only place in the country where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

This temple was originally the queen's palace of the Bundela King Madhukar Shah. There is a legend associated with it. The queen being an devotee of Lord Rama had got an idol of Rama from Ayodha to be kept in a newly built temple. She was told that, once the idol is kept down for the first time in Orchha, it can not be later moved out.

It so happened that, when queen arrived in Orchha, the new temple the Chaturbhuj Temple built for the Lord Rama was not still ready. Due to this the idol was placed in Queen's palace for the day. But, later it could not be relocated from this place. Because of this the palace was converted into a temple.

Shiva Temple, Survaya Ki Grahi

Survaya Ki Grahi is a big auditorium of stone. There is a Shiva temple with the idol still inside it. The temple has beautiful carvings on the exterior as well as on the ceiling. The below are the images of the Shiva temple. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Above is the entrance to the temple. The idol can be seen inside and the carvings are all around the entrance.

Above is the intricate carvings in the ceiling of the temple.

Above is the carvings on one of the external walls of the temple.

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Survaya Ki Grahi Temple - 2

Survaya Ki Grahi is a big auditorium of stone. There is a Shiva temple with the idol still inside it. There are two more temples here without the idols in it. The below are the images of temples without the idol inside them. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

This is a temple beautiful carvings all around it.

The above structure is in front of the temple.

The above structure is on the top of the residential area of the students and teacher.

Stone Chariot, Hampi

At Hampi, the stone chariot located in the Vittala Temple Complex is a shrine built in the form of temple chariot. An image of Garuda was originally enshrined within its sanctum. Garuda, according to the Hindu mythology, is the vehicle of lord Vishnu. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

The chariot built with many giant granite blocks. The joints of the blocks are smartly hidden in the carvings that adorn the Stone Chariot and due to this it appears as a monolithic structure. It is built on a feet high rectangular platform. All around this base platform is carved with mythical battle scenes. The four giant stone wheels attached to the chariot look complete with the axis shafts. On the wheels are concentric floral motifs.

In front of the chariot two elephants are positioned as if they are pulling the chariot. These elephants where later additions to the chariot and they actually replaced two horses that were carved in that position. The tails and the rear legs of the horses can be still seen just behind these elephant sculptures. A broken stone ladder once gave access to the sanctum is kept between the elephants.

Sun Temple, Gwalior

Actually we started the sight seeing at Gwalior by first visiting this temple and then moved on to see the heritage sites in and around the city. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

It is located 5 kms from city center. This is a very new temple and was constructed in 1988. It is inspired by architecture of the famous Konark Temple in Orissa.

The exterior of temple uses red stone while the interior uses white marble. There is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Surya in the temple. The carvings on the exterior of the temple depict various Hindu Gods and they have been carved beautifully.

Even though this temple is pretty new it attracts lot of visitors. The temple premises has a beautiful garden and is a nice place to relax.

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Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior

This is the most impressive of all the temples in the Gwalior fort. This temple dates back to the 9th century, and is constructed by the Pratihar Kings. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

front portion

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Inside the fort this is one of the tallest structure and its height is 100ft. This temple architecture is a combination of the Dravidian (from South India) and the Indo-Aryan (North Indian). The roof is typically Dravidian but the sculptures and embellishing inside are Indo Aryan in nature.

one of the sides

Sahastrabahu Temple, Gwalior

The two graceful temples dating between 9th and 11th century stands close to the eastern wall of the Gwalior Fort. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Similar in style but different in sizes adjoining each other are dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sahastrabahu.

The bigger temple was built by Mahipala, a Kachhwaha Rajput Prince of Gwalior in 1093 A.D. Unique feature of this temple is that even though it is several stories high, it is balanced solely with the help of beams and pillars without arches.


In the above shot, the beams inside the temple can be seen through the main entrance sculptured doorway. The doorways, ceilings and four huge pillars are sculpted with graceful figures and intricate patterns. The temple has an ornately carved base and the ceiling is an impressively carved dome.

The smaller temple is more elegant in appearance than the bigger temple and consists of an open-sided porch with a pyramidal roof. This temple is built on a platform, where as the bigger temple is not. This temple has a single level unlike the bigger temple.

Padavali Temple

Around Gwalior there are plenty of places of historical importance. One among them is Padavali located at a distance of 40kms from Gwalior. (Click on all the images for bigger picture)

Here in the fortress of Padavali there exists a magnificent temple. The premises of fort has to to be entered by climbing a set of steps. The temple and a small residential complex are the only two structures inside the fort. The temple displays classic architecture, which is as good as any of the famous temples in its time. Most of the sculptures are in the ceiling.


This temple depicts the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Ram Leela, Krishna Leela, Mahabharat, marriage of Lord Ganesha, and Samudra Manthan among various other things. The image of Lord Shiva dancing in the cemetery in Preta form is a specialty of this beautiful shrine.

An abode of numerous Hindu gods and goddesses, devotees will be enriched with devotion by the holy darshan. They all look so novel as if they were built just recently.

The carvings in the ceiling are unique and no two carvings are identical.

From here we next moved to Mitavali.

Distance: Padavali ---> Mitavali 12 kms

Badavilinga Temple, Hampi

Badavilinga Temple is the home for the largest monolithic Linga in Hampi. This is located near the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.

It is installed inside a small chamber that has a single opening in front. The Linga was commissioned by a peasant woman. On the Linga there are the three eyes carved on it. They depict the eyes of Lord Shiva. The sanctum containing the Linga is always filled with water at the base as the water channel flows through it.

The Linga was commissioned by a peasant woman. In the local language the term Badva means poor and the temple derived its name from the same word.

Stepped Tank, Hampi

The stepped tank of 15th century within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi is one of the very ornate and proportionate in terms of design. This square tank built using black chlorite schist measures about 22 meters in square. It is 7 meters deep. (click on the image for bigger view)

It has five distinct tiers, each fitted with symmetric steps set in a pleasing pattern. It has five distinct tiers, each fitted with steps set in a pleasing pattern.

The mason marks on each step showing the exact position and direction in which it had to be placed, tells us that the layout of the tank was well designed. The stones were given the desired shape in some other place and later assembled here. Practically every stone is earmarked for this purpose and some bears even 'sketches' by its architects. This tank was fed by aqueducts which brought the water from the river to the tanks. The remains of aqueducts used for supplying water have been found in a number of locations near Hampi.

The purpose of this tank mostly could have been for religious ceremonies by the royals.

Hazar Rama Temple, Hampi

This 15th century shrine of Lord Rama located in the Royal Area of Hampi is popularly called "Hazara Rama Temple". Inscriptions inside the Hazara Rama temple provide evidence of the indicate the period of origin of this temple as Devaraya I erected it in the early 15th century. This is the only temple in the area with its external walls decorated with five rows of bas-reliefs. They portray the processions of elephants, horses with attendants, military contingents, and dancing girls. (click on the image for bigger view)

The name of the temple is Rama due to the large number of Ramayana panels carved in long arrays, onto the walls of this temple. Incidents in the story like Dasaratha performing a sacrifice to beget sons, the birth of Rama, his exile into the forest, the abduction of Sita and the ultimate fight between Rama and Ravana are all carved in a vivid manner. In these panels, the story of Rama and through it the triumph of good over evil is brought out.

This high wall encloses the entire complex with the main entrances set on the east. The temple consisted of a sanctum, an ardha mantapa and a pillared hall with an open porch with tall and elegant pillars. The pillar hall is notable for its unique pillars in black-stone. They are set on a raised stone platform in the middle of the hall. The other structures in this temple complex are a shrine for Devi and Utsava Mantapa.

To the south is a small doorway, which leads to the Durbar Area. It is believed that this thempe is used privately by the royal family.