The Hoysala Temples at Belur, Halebidu and Jain Shrine at Shravanabelagola
The Amazing temples of Belur, Halebidu and the largest monolithic statue in the world at Shravanabelagola
I have been to Belur, Halebidu and Shravanabelagola a few times, of course not as often as Hampi though! The finely sculpted temples of Belur and Halebidu are very popular amongst tourists. Likewise is the monolithic statue of Bahubali in...
Bandipur National Park – A Part of Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve
Bandipur National Park - Safaris, wildlife and bird species
I have driven through Bandipur National Park many a times on the way to Ooty and Wayanad. Rich in both flora and fauna, this park is a dense forest. Formed by the Maharajah of Mysore in 1931, this park was called Venugopal Wildlife Park. This park spanned...
Mahabalipuram – Heritage sites built during the Pallava period and its exquisite beaches
Ever been to Mahabalipuram in south of India? Not yet, let me tell you something about this lovely city. Mahabalipuram is located about 60 kms from Chennai. It is immensely popular for its monolithic structures, rock cut temples and of course lovely beaches. Formerly called Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram was ruled by the Pallava dynasty. With Kanchipuram as...
Hampi – Erstwhile Capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, temples, monuments, ruins and hippie island
Ever since the devastating earthquake caused destruction to the heritage sites in Kathmandu in 2015, I had made up my mind to visit the UNESCO Heritage city of Hampi - famous for its temples and ruins. In 2016, I decided to visit the capital city of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire - Hampi. Thanks to Go...
Trichinopoly Cigar, Churchill, World War II, Sherlock Holmes and Trichy in India
Trichinopoly Cigar, the one that Churchill loved and Sherlock Holmes used was from a town in British India that lent its name to it - Trichy What was it that Winston Churchill, Sherlock Holmes and the average Balaji in South India loved? The Trichie or Tritchie. The Trichinopoly Cigar which is a type of cheroot that...
Ross Island Andaman, India – ruins of erstwhile British colony
Ross Island can look like a Ghost town to some, and some will travel back in time with a great story ! Some will relive the Indian freedom struggle and perhaps uncover the World War II connection, while others will get to know the journey about India national Army (INA) here. Did you know that...
KudaKkallu – Ancient Umbrella Stones of Kerala
The KudaKkallu are ancient umbrella shaped burial sites in Kerala Kerala is located in the southern part of India. Stunning natural beauty, beaches and a very relaxed way of life typify this land. For this reason, it has become a staple for tourists visiting South India. Many other things make it a much-visited place. For instance,...
Doubting Thomas – Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Mylapore
A few days back my neighbors son 'Thomas' ran up to me doubting, if he indeed would be promoted to the next grade without writing his exams? Considering the Covid19 pandemic and the countrywide lock down imposed across India in 2020; it is natural to raise a doubt when not sure. So why blame Thomas? I am...
The Floating Church of Shettihalli
I have traveled a few times to Belur and Halebid in Hassan famous for its UNESCO heritage temples. I was however not aware of the Shettihalli Rosary Church - a 160 year old church until I read upon it.