Discovering Telangana: Mannemkonda-‘The Palamoor Tirupati’

Being a Hyderabadi, I always had this two questions from people during weekends…

• What do you guys do over your weekend?

• Don’t we have any weekend gateways around Hyderabad?

In fact, I used to share few places which most of them are aware of it, I don’t really have many places to share to go out for a drive over the weekends from Hyderabad.

My Beast: The car I drive say a lot about me

I could now realize the fact that most of us haven’t really explored the surreal beauty around Hyderabad. If you are nature lover, yes you have one now which is 2 hours drive from Hyderabad.

Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises. -Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. -Albert Einstein

Mannemkonda is best enjoyed when the sky is overcast, which makes the 20kms journey from Mahbubnagar delightful. The varied hues of Nature and fresh air rejuvenated my senses. The secluded green valley’s surrounding the hold this temple best kept secrets.

“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.” – Kahlil Gibran

Before we arrived our destination, we had several stopovers to capture the nature at its best. I felt exactly like rolling greens spread like a carpet, floating clouds jealously hugged the Hillocks alongside and a seamless path ahead dotted with beautiful nature.

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree

“Nature itself is the best physician” – Hippocrates. “

Manyamkonda is the hill where the Lord Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is located. This place is very calm, mesmerizing, beautiful and of course a perfect destination for devotees and tourists. It is believed that this ancient temple is more than 500 years old. This temple is located in a cave which is reportedly balanced on top of the three hills. It is considered as one of the important spiritual centres in Mahbubnagar District. Here pilgrims can have a glimpse of the ancient caves where the sages were believed to have practiced penance.Hence this place was called as Munulakonda (Munulu means Saints and Konda means hill) and later as days passed by it has been referred as Mannemkonda or Manyamkonda.

Garuda Statue

A view from inside..

On the heart of the forest and on the hilltop, Lord Venkateshwara Swamy could be found majestically. The shrine is located on a hill which is 915 m high and at a distance of 2 Km from the village.

Trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky..

  One can enjoy the nature’s splendour and scenic beauty at the temple. The temple has a beautiful Rajagopuram with the images of Gods and Goddesses carved on it. Very rarely we can find Lord Venkateshwara as a “Swayambhumurthi” which means self manifested. Seeing Lord Venkateshwara in the forest, with lush greens is truly a blissful experience.

Spending time in nature is healing energy..

Sunsets are so beautiful that they almost seem as if we were looking through the gates of Heaven. -John Lubbock

If you are a nature lover and wanted to spend time peacefully plan for a trip to Manyamkonda. Have a nice week my dear friends!!

Temples of Pattadakal: ‘Enchanting Beauty and Magnificence’

Pattadakal is located on the left bank of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district and is 22 km from Badami, 10kms from Aihole and 400kms from Hyderabad. It was once the capital of the Chalukya dynasty of Karnataka between the 7th and 8th centuries is the cluster of ten beautifully carved temples which represents the high point of an eclectic art which achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern(Nagara) and southern(Dravidian) India.UNESCO in 1987 included Pattadakal in its list of World Heritage sites.

Beautiful Sunset at the Pattadakal group of Monuments.

Pattadakal Temple Cpmplex

Kashivisveswara and Galaganatha temples & Sangameshwara temples Pattadakal.

The sculptural art of these temples is marked by classiness of the Chalukyan dynasty. Pattadakal emerges as a heavenly site with its superb architectural marvels in a picture-perfect lane.

Mithuna(Dampati) or gracious couple sculpture on Mallikarjuna temple

Beautifully carved Elephant Sculptures..

Mithuna(Dampati) or gracious couple sculpture on Virupaksha temple

An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen there. One masterpiece from the group stands out – the Temple of Virupaksha.

Sangameshwara temple, Papanatha temple and Virupaksha temple Complex, Pattadakal.

Chalukyan rulers are great patrons because of them, their artisans did experiments and innovated a new dimension in temple architecture. . It is in their period that transition from rock-cut medium to structural temples took place.

Artist at work, Pattadakal, Karnataka.

Out of all, four temples are built in Dravidian style, four in Nagara style and Papanatha Temple illustrates a perfect blend of both styles of architecture.The important ones are discussed below in detail.

Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha temple is the largest and grandest of all temples in Pattadakal built in 8th Century, built by Queen Lokamahadevi (Trilokya mahadevi)in 745 to commemorate her husband’s victory (Vikramaditya II) over the Pallavas of Kanchi. This temple has a sanctum, an inner passage, pillared navaranga and triple entrances from the north, east and the south porches. It has a massive gateway in front from the east and a small gate behind. There are inscriptions and imposing stone carved figures inside the stone mantapa. It has a beautiful Nandi Mandapam with a large Nandi statue gazing in the direction of the Lord. The Kailasanatha temple at Ellora was built based on the model of Virupaksha temple.

Papanatha and Virupaksha temple, Pattadakal.

Intricate carvings on the walls of the temple.

Intricate carvings on the walls of the temple.

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Mallikarjuna Temple

Mallikarjuna Temple is a smaller version of the Virupaksha temple and was built by Vikramadiyta’s second queen Trilokyamahadevi in 745. This temple is also was constructed by Rani Trilokyamahadevi to celebrate the victory (by Vikramaditya II) over the Pallavas. The Mallikarjuna temple was built immediately after and close to the Virupaksha temple (It has a similar plan), with a 4 storeyed vimana with a circular griva and shikhara. Mallikarjuna temple in Dravidian style. It is in close proximity with the Sanghameshvara temple in design, construction and sculpture, but smaller in size. The porch has a beautiful image of Narasimha killing Hiranyakashipu and two female idols. Here are two grand images on both the sides of the entrance to the navaranga. The eighteen pillars of the navaranga have figures pertaining to Ramayana, Mahabharatha and those representing social conditions of those days. On the ceiling are beautiful figures of Gajalakshmi and Shiva-Parvathi with Nandi. On the external walls are sculptures like Shiva, Nandi, Lakulisha, Nataraja, etc.The temple is celebrated for its artistic sculptures.

Mallikarjuna temple

Mallikarjuna temple

Dwarapalakas on either sides of the Entrance to the temple

Papanatha Temple

Papanatha Temple is the only temple that has been designed on both north and south Indian styles of architecture. Containing a Nagara styled Vimanam, the temple dates back to 680 AD. Initially, the construction was started with Nagara style, but later it was switched to Dravidian style. The temple is famous for its sculptures that are imbibed from the scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Papanatha Temple Gopura,Pattadakal.

Jain Temple

This Temple was constructed by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple comprises really beautiful sculptures. Perhaps, it was erected either by King Amoghavarsha I or his son Krishna II in the 9th century.

Kasivisvesvara temple

It was the last to be built in early Chalukya style. This temple was built by the Rashtrakutas in the 8th century.

Kashivisveswara and Galaganatha temples, Pattadakal.

Sangamesvara Temple

Perhaps the oldest temple in the group, Sangameshvara Temple was built by King Vijayaditya Satyashreya during 697 -733 AD. This incomplete temple appeals with its colossal structure.

Sangameshwara Temple (was called Vijayewara) is The oldest temple in Pattadakal, built by Chalukya King Vijayaditya Satyashraya ( 696-733), it has no sukanasika.

Tips from my perspective:

• It is open from Sunrise to Sunset.
• Entrance Fee to the Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) – Rs. 10 per head. Others: US $ 5 or Indian Rs. 250/- per head.
• There are no Hotels available in Pattadakal. If you are planning to stay, the best option is to go to Badami where you can find a lot of options.
• Aihole is 10kms and Badami is 22kms away from Pattadakal.

Walking tour around Kalighat Kali temple, Kolkata

Street Vendors across Kalighat kali temple, Kolkata, West Bengal are selling several snack items, fruits, coconuts, beverages and ice cream, along with other non-edible items such as jewellery, clothes, books, paintings and some souvenirs like goddess Kali mata idols etc.,

Beautiful souvenirs..

Souvenirs which resembles the things which are used for Prayers…

Kali Maata & Durga Maata Idols..

Streets around the temple were filled with shops, Street vendors and many pilgrims..

Street hairstylists..

Coconut water is the best way to kill the dehydration..

Commonly known as Water Apple or Java Apple in the rest of the world, Bengal knows this fruit as the good old Jamrul. Much much smaller in size than a pear.

Commonly known as Water Apple or Java Apple in the rest of the world, Bengal knows this fruit as the good old Jamrul. Much much smaller in size than a pear.

Guava and Java apple or Old Jamrul

 

 

Aihole: The Cradle of the Ancient Hindu Temple Architecture

Aihoḷe is a small village in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka and located 400 kms from Hyderabad. It is known for Chalukyan architecture, with about 125 stone temples dating from 5th century CE. It was the cradle of ancient Hindu temple architecture. Experimentation with styles was undertaken by the artisans of Chalukyan Empire. The artisans worked on the rocks to create the earliest rock-cut shrines. The artisans graduated to the full-fledged Chalukya style of architecture. The early Chalukyas inherited architectural styles largely from their neighbors to the north and south of their kingdom.

After visiting all the must see places in Bijapur. We started to Aihole which was 110kms from Bijapur(via Nh 133/SH66) road till Ameengal was good and the last 10kms stretch was not drive friendly. Within an hour and so we’ve reached our first destination. We got surprised by seeing flocks of tourists. Then we realised that it was Sankranti/pongal (An Indian festival) Holiday season.

The prominent temple groups at Aihole are the Kontigudi group and the Galaganatha group of temples, although historians have divided all the temples into 22 groups. Three temples are referred to as the ‘Kontigudi group of temples’. One of these is the Lad Khan temple (the oldest at Aihole is the Lad khan temple dating back to the fifth century, named after a mendicant that lived in this temple in the 19th century, another the Huchiappayyagudi temple and the Huchiappayya math.

Durga temple: With a Curvilinear Shikhara

It is the best known of the Aihole temples and is just along the entrance to the temple complex. It is apsidal in plan, along the lines of a Buddhist chaitya, a high moulded adisthana and a tower – curvilinear shikhara. A pillared corridor runs around the temple, enveloping the shrine, the mukhamantapa and the sabhamantapa. All through the temple, there are beautiful carvings. The temple appears to be of the late 7th or early 8th century.

Lad Khan Temple consists of a shrine with two mantapas in front of it. The shrine bears a Shivalingam. The mukha mantapa in front of the sanctum has a set of 12 carved pillars. The sabhamantapa in front of the mukha mantapa has pillars arranged in such a manner as to form two concentric squares. There are also stone grids on the wall carrying floral designs. The temple was built by the Chalukya kings in the 5th century. Ladkhan Temple is to the south of the Durga temple are the temples of this group. The Ladkhan temple, so named, as a general of the name had lived here, consists of a square mantapa, a mukha mantapa and the sanctum, built against the backwall. The central square has a flat roof. In the centre Nandi is installed, and just above Nandi, there is a damaged nagara shikhara, appearing to be a later addition. The period of this structure is about 450 A.D.

We had a quick tour of all the other prominent temples of Aihole which includes Suryanarayana temple, Triyambakeshvara Group, Gowda temple, Huchimalli (gudi) temple,  Kontigudi group of temples, Rachi gudi, Gaudara gudi, Badigere, Huchappayya (gudi) temple & Museum. Because of a huge number of tourist we skipped some of the other prominent temples like Ravanaphudi temple and meguti jain temple. I made my mind at that moment that I am not done with Aihole yet. 😛

All the temple complexes have different style of construction that indeed indicates that Aihole was the place for early experiments in Chalukyan style of Architecture. This place simply took us back into the time. Aihole is not in the list of UNESCO World heritage places. It has a great potential to be included as a UNESCO World heritage site. Then we left to Pattadakal(Yet to post) which was 11kms from Aihole.

Monday Monochrome Mania: Monuments of Bijapur with Quotes

 Life is architecture and architecture is the mirror of life. – I.M. Pei

Architecture is an expression of values. – Norman Foster

Architecture is inhabited sculpture. – Constantin Brancusi

Architecture is the reaching out for the truth. – Louis Kahn

As an architect you design for the present with an awareness of the past for a future which is essentially unknown. – Norman Foster

One of the great beauties of architecture is that each time it is like life starting all over again. – Renzo Piano

Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. Frank Gehry

Even a brick wants to be something. – Louis Kahn

I call architecture frozen music. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

To know more about these monuments and my trip to Bijapur click here

A Trip to Chalukyan Temples: An Experience to be felt

The Chalukya dynasty  was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. During this period, they ruled as three related yet individual dynasties. The earliest dynasty, known as the “Badami Chalukyas”, ruled from Badami from the middle of the 6th century. The Badami Chalukyas began to assert their independence at the decline of the Kadamba kingdom of Banavasi and rapidly rose to prominence during the reign of Pulakeshin II. After the death of Pulakeshin II, the Eastern Chalukyas became an independent kingdom in the eastern Deccan. They ruled from Vengi until about the 11th century. In the western Deccan, the rise of the Rashtrakutas in the middle of the 8th century eclipsed the Chalukyas of Badami before being revived by their descendants, the Western Chalukyas, in the late 10th century. These Western Chalukyas ruled from Kalyani until the end of the 12th century.

The rule of the Chalukyas marks an important milestone in the history of South India and a golden age in the history of Karnataka. The political atmosphere in South India shifted from smaller kingdoms to large empires with the ascendancy of Badami Chalukyas. The rise of this empire saw the birth of efficient administration, overseas trade and commerce and the development of new style of architecture called “Chalukyan architecture”. Kannada literature, which had enjoyed royal support in the 9th century Rashtrakuta court found eager patronage from the Western Chalukyas in the Jain and Veerashaiva traditions.

Pattadakal Temples: A cluster of beautifully carved temples

Pattadakal temple

Virupaksha temple

 Badami:  Rock cut Cave Temples

Bhuthnatha temple

Vishnu sculpture in the Cave 3

Aihole: The Cradle of Indian temple Architecture

Durga temple, Aihole

Lad khan temple, Aihole

Mahadeva Temple, Itagi: Emperor among Temples

Doddabasappa Temple, Dambal: The dazzling temple

Lakkundi: Most Ornate temples

Jain temple, Lakkundi

Surya Shrine of Kasivisveswara temple, Lakkundi

Surya Shrine of Kasivisveswara temple, Lakkundi

 

P.S: This is just an introduction post of Chalukyas. Stay tuned to know more about the temple history, architecture, significance etc..

Source: Wikipedia.com

Happy Sri Rama Navami

Ram Navami Or Sri rama Navami is celebrated on 15th April, 2016 in order to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama who was considered as the seventh incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. Rama Navami is a Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of the god Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya. The holy day falls in the Shukla Paksha on the Navami, the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar. Thus it is also known as Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami, and marks the end of the nine-day Chaitra-Navaratri (Vasanta Navaratri) celebrations. Rama Navami is one of the most important Hindu festivals. This year it is celebrated on 15th April 2016. 

On this auspicious day of Sri Rama Navami, I am sharing nine of my best shots. Wish you all a Happy Srirama Navami!!

Dichipally Ramalayam, Nizamabad, Telangana:

Dichpally Ramalayam or Khilla Ramalayam is one of the oldest temples in Nizamabad, Andhra Pradesh.According to the historical sources it was built in the 12 or 13th century by the Kakatiya Kings. It is also called ‘Indur Khajuraho or Nizamabad Khajuraho’. This temple has its own unique connotation in the books of History. In theertha era when Lord Rama met Hanuman , and in his adoration he headed to kill ravanasura, while they were on their way to Lanka both Lord Rama and Hanuman has stayed in this place for 15 days. No need to say that this place has played an important role in deciding the plot of the historical war between Good and Evil powers And as a remembrance this temple was built.

Lord Kodandarama Temple, Ammapalli :

Temple was built by vengi kings in 13th century BC and one of the rarest Kodanda Rama temple,Where lord Rama is holding an arrow in his hand along with sita and Laxmana in the sanctum sanctorum Lord hanuman is placed at dwaja stamba.This historical temple is listed in UNESCO heritage list.

Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy temple, Vontimitta:

Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy temple is located in Vontimitta mandal which is about 25kms from the city of Kadapa and is close to Rajampet in Kadapa District, Andhra pradesh. This is a place of historical, spiritual and cultural importance. According to the legend, the temple had been constructed by two devotees (once they where burglars and they are transformed in to devotees) of Lord Rama, named ‘Vontudu’ and ‘Mittudu’, in one single day. Practically speaking ‘no’… Anyways lemme finish the story..After constructing the temple, they sacrificed their lives and turned into statues. I am really not sure how far it is true, but the reality what I have seen at this place is the beauty of the temple.. Which I undoubtedly felt with my eyes and senses…!!! These fine and rich carvings on the gopura are one of the highlights of this temple, No human tongue is able to describe its grandeur..

The center of Hindu culture is India, and we never lost our ties with the architectural concepts of our ancient civilization

Vontimitta temple complex Car’fie’ :p

A Temple with Historical, spiritual and cultural importance..

Aprameya Temple, Mallur, Karnataka:

The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Aprameya Swamy. However it is more popular as the Navneeta Krishna temple. It is believed that Sri Rama had stayed here for many years and worshipped the Lord here and hence Sri Aprameya swamy is also called Sri Ramapreya swamy.The splendour of the temple takes your breath away. There is a written document in Tamil that is preserved till date which says the temple was built and expanded by the Chola King Rajendra Simha in the 4th century.

Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi, Karnataka:

Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi is a small but beautiful temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It was once the private temple of the kings and the royal family of Vijayanagara. The temple is famous for the lovely bas relics and panels depicting the story of the epic Ramayana.

I once again wish you all a Happy Srirama Navami!! Found this Rama birth Paintin on Google search.

Happy Ugadi:“Durmukhi nama samvatsaram”

After a month’s break, I am back to blogging to wish you all a Happy Ugadi. Now you must be wondering, who are not familiar with this part of the world, What is Ugadi? Why do we celebrate Ugadi? Where & How do we celebrate Ugadi?

Ugadi is derived from sanskrit ‘yuga’ means ‘age’ and ‘adi’ means beginning. Two Telugu states Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are celebrating Ugadi festival today.People celebrate it in resemblances of new hope and new aspirations.For the year 2016, Ugadi is celebrated with name “Durmukhi nama samvastram”. There are 60 Telugu years rotating in the cyclic process. If 60 years are completed, it resembles that one era (Yugam) is completed. The festival is celebrated on 8th April i.e. Chaitra sudha padyami.  Many states celebrate this festival with different names. In Maharashtra it is known as Gudi Padwa. The day of Gudi Padwa begins with an oil-bath and eating Neem leaves ritual followed by prayers.
As per the Hindu solar calendar, Keralites, Tamilians, and Bengalis will celebrate New Year as Vishu, Puthandu and Pohela Boishakh, respectively on 14th April.

Ugadi Pachadi: Ceremonial dish

On this day, the particular dish “Ugadi pachadi”is more populous. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces and neem flowers and new tamarind which truly reflect life – a combination of six different tastes sweet, sour, spice, salt, tanginess and bitter tastes symbolizing happiness, disgust, anger, fear, surprise and sadness. 

Bhakshalu: Special & my favorite dish

In our states, a special dish called Bhakshalu or Bobbattu or Polelu or Puran Poli or Oliga are prepared on this occasion. It consists of a filling (gram and jaggery/sugar boiled and made in to a paste) stuffed in a flat roti-like bread. It is usually eaten hot or cold with ghee or milk topping. 

Ugadi celebrations on Airindia.. Bakshalu, ugadi pachadi, lemon rice etc.,

Some of the good and bad non-political predictions in Vedic Astrology:

1. Vegetarians will increase and this will cause rise in prices of Green leafy Vegetables.
2. Agriculture will not be encouraging this year. More farmers will try to find new jobs.
3. More flight and helicopter crashes will occur in 16-17
4. Juvenile criminals number will be on par with adults.
5. Governments across the globe will take measures to control, safeguard wild animals and forests, archaeological findings, etc.,

This Ugadi, may you be blessed with good fortune as long as Ganesh ji’s trunk, wealth and prosperity as big as his stomach, happiness as sweet as his ladoos and may your trouble be as small as his mouse. Happy Ugadi! May your hate for your enemies fade away, May the darkness around you become lighter, May this Ugadi bring joy, health and prosperity to you and your family.

Gangtok on a Shoestring budget

Sikkim is a land of high passes, cold deserts, barren mountains, ancient monasteries, and stunning landscapes. It is a Land of Mystery and intrigue which never ceases to amaze travellers.  Gangtok is a small and beautiful city & is the capital of Sikkim, is one place that will definitely take your breath away. Though our stay in Gangtok was only for a short time we really had a good time having momos & local cuisines drinking channg, talking to all the fellow travellers, while walking on the most cleanest street Mg Marg.

View of Enchanting Gangtok city and Surrounding vistas..

We booked a taxi from Thimphu to Phuentsholing, and from Phuentsholing we  hired another vehicle to siliguri. We got down at the coronation bridge and thought of taking a sharing taxi to Gangtok. It was very difficult for us to Find a taxi to Gangtok. So we had to again break our journey into two parts, we got down at some point(forgot the name of the place) from there we hired an alto to Gangtok. Though we were tired  after such a long and tiresome Journey from Thimphu we didn’t plan to rest because of our crunched itinerary. The very next day is the most awaited and the exciting North Sikkim trip. I was dreaming  about Lachung, Lachen & Gurudongmar lake all day and night since the trip started. By the time we arrived at Gangtok it was around 6:30-7:00pm.

MG Marg very clean and the most happening street.

We went to MG marg which is the heart of the city and is the best place for travellers to find budget hotels. After renting a room in Rigwa international hotel, we had dinner at the same hotel and ended the day. Next morning we woke up with a call from Lahiri regarding our trip to Northsikkim, that due to the bad weather conditions the road to Gurudongmar Lake and Lachen has been closed. So, 3day and 2itinerary has come down to 2day and one night to Lachung.  So we had a full day to explore Gangtok. We went to the taxi stand in MG marg and negotiated the price for a customised daytrip. Since we are four people we reserved a wagon-R car for us (there are also larger vehicles like Scorpio, Sumo which can take 7 persons) for local sightseeing tour. My first impression on this beautiful city is that it’s very clean& green, well organised city with lot of foot bridges and footpaths(almost all of the people were using it 😉 ), very organised cab system, hospitable people.

Foot bridges and the organized cab system is one of the most impressive thing of Gangtok.

We thought of  exploring Gangtok on a shoestring budget. A day trip to Gangtok was little bit hectic but we customized this itinerary, such that we are covering most of the must see places here. Our first stop was at Ropeway. This is a must see in the city and the ride is of 15 to 20 Minutes duration which provides spectacular bird view of Gangtok city and the surrounding vista.

Gangtok city overview

Just before the ride

GK, Karthik and Me..

Namgyal   Institute of Tibetology & Museum:

This place has a great collection of artifices and paintings related to Tibet. It’s a great museum showcasing lot of things on Tibetan Buddhism. Informative Museum and is the right place for the history enthusiasts. There’s a souvenir store inside the complex. If you are not a history lover then you can have a second thought on this place whether to visit or not.

Sikkim state Legislative assembly

Sikkim state Legislative Assembly

Hanuman Tok & Viewing area:

Hanuman Tok is a temple of Lord Hanuman. it has wonderful serene ambience and the viewing area offers spectacular view of Kanchenjunga range.  According to the local legends, when Hanuman was flying with the “Sanjeevani” (mythological: life saving herb) mountain to save Rama’s brother Lakshmana he rested in the spot where his temple now lies for some time. The mandir is actually managed by The Indian Army.

View from the Hanuman tok..

Ganesh Tok  & Viewing area:  Beautiful and serene temple with a great view from the top.

..Rorboyz..

Himalayan Zoological Park:

Himalayan Zoological Park is quite unique and the first Zoological park of Sikkim. The Park accomplishes the perception of modern zoo, where the animals are kept in replicated natural conditions. The entrance to the Zoo is located at the end of a short pathway opposite to Ganesh Tok. It’s about 6kms from Gangtok town.There lot of rare and endangered species of animals.Biggest attraction of this park is Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, Snow Leopards, Clouded Leopard, Common Leopard, Leopard Cat, Tibetan Wolfs, Himalayan Palm Civets, Barking Deer, Yaks, etc. You can also see different types of birds here.

Snow leopard

Walkway

Had a long conversation with these Energetic college goers..

Leopard

Steep walkways

Tashi View Point:

It’s located in Tashi and about 8kms from the Gangtok town. It offers a sweeping view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks on a clear day. It seems that the view of sunrise from here is quite impressive, One can see the peaks dazzling with changing colors. Because of our crunched itinerary we didn’t even plan of going there for sunrise.Since it was foggy day we didn’t get a clear view of the snowclad mountains. It was bit foggy and rainy day so the visibility was close to zero on that day. Unfortunate for us, But I am sure it would be spectacular on a clear day. Definitely a must see place.

You need to climb steep flights of stairs to reach up from the road level to the circular viewing area.

Sikkim: Land of Dragons..

Fog and clouds are kissing the mountains..

 

Enchey Monastery:

Enchey monastery was later rebuilt in the year 1908 by the 10th King of Sikkim – Sikyong Tulku. The monastery follows an unique architecture which is an artistic adaptation of Gyanak Riwo Tse-Nga or the sacred mountain with five peaks in China – which is the spiritual place of Jampalyang. He is known as the god of knowledge to the northern Buddhists. The monastery is therefore one of the most recognized ones in the whole of Sikkim. quiet, and peaceful temple..

Enchey Monastery

Flower Exhibition Center:
By the time we returned back to MG marg it was around 6pm and it was so beautiful with the colorful lights, grand decorations, diverse people. We had some momos and tea. Then had a walking tour in the city. After that we spend few hours in a bar. Then back to the hotel.. End of the day..

Me while Ziplining 😛

Tips from my perspective:

• Ropeway is open between 8 Am to 4.30 Pm. There is no sitting arrangement inside the ropeway. Ticket price is 60/Head.
• There’s no entrance fee for Enchey monastery, Ganesh tok, Hanumantok & Tashi View point.
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology entrance fee is Rs.10
• According to me the Best time to visit Gangtok is in March-May and September-October.

A trip to Bijapur: Agra of South

Bijapur now called as Vijaypuri city, is the district headquarters of Bijapur District of Karnataka state. Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty. It is located 530 km northwest of Bangalore and about 550 km from Mumbai, and 384 km west of the city of Hyderabad.

In an introduction to an album of Bijapur published in 1866, Philip Meadows Taylor wrote: “Palaces, arches, tombs, cisterns, gateways, minarets, …all carved from the rich basalt rock of the locality, garlanded by creepers, broken and disjointed by peepul trees, each in its turn is a gem of art and the whole a treasury.

We had a big urge for visiting Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal-Dambal temples from a very long time. We plan every time and fail every time. Finally on 14th January 7:00pm, we’ve decided to fulfill our desire of visiting all the Chalukyan dynasty(Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal) temples via Bijapur. So we started to Bijapur which was 380kms away from Hyderabad(Via. Zaheerabad, Humnabad,Jevargi, Sindhagi etc.,) which seems to be better than Kodangal road. We reached around 2:00am and took a room in Navaratna international hotel which was 1100rs/room for 5members which was quite comfortable for 5 of us.

Tuk Tuk near Malik e Maidan, Bijapur.

Day 2:

After having breakfast, we started exploring Bijapur according to our planned itinerary which includes:

Jami masjid: Largest and oldest mosque in the Deccan

We started our trip from this place since it is quite near to our hotel. It is the largest and oldest mosque in the Deccan. Ali Adil Shah I, after his triumphant victory over Vijayanagara empire built this mosque. The most beautiful feature is the dome of this building which is highly proportionate.  It is a big mosque with huge prayer hall. There is no charge to see this place. We spent a lot of time in this mosque by discussing about the architecture styles of Adilshah with a well knowledged old man. It seems that around 2500 members can pray at a stretch in this mosque. Then we headed to Golgumbaz.

he most beautiful feature is the dome of this building which is highly proportionate

The mihrab here is gorgeously painted.

 

Gol gumbaz: An Acoustic wonder

This is the most famous monument in Bijapur. It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (ruled 1627-1657). It is the largest dome ever built in India, next in size only to St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. A particular attraction in this monument is the central chamber, where every sound is echoed seven times. We’ve never seen such incredible acoustics. Another attraction at the Gol Gumbaz is the Whispering Gallery, where even minute sounds can be heard clearly 37 metres away. The stairs are narrow but the management have been maintaining the place very well with separate steps to go up and down. But we were unable to tolerate the echo sounds inside the dome so we were there only for 10mins. Over all it is the best and most enjoyable touristic attraction in Bijapur.

It is the largest dome ever built in India

View from the top…

Incredible architecture..

One more touristic attraction is The Archaeological Museum: It has several curious objects like inscriptions, sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and weapons etc., displayed.

Ibrahim Rauza: Inspiration for the famous Taj-mahal

This is the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II (ruled 1580-1627), the fifth king of the dynasty.
It is one of the most prominent places to be visited in bijapur, It comprises two buildings, a magnificent tomb and a remarkable mosque enveloped by a garden. Facing each other, these twin buildings have a fountain in between them. This is the most ornate building in Bijapur. Cousins called the building as “The Taj Mahal of the Deccan”.It is said that the design for the Ibrahim Rauza served as an inspiration for that of the famous Taj Mahal.
The symmetry of the monuments was amazing, large well-maintained gardens, classic muslim architecture made my trip to bijapur more interesting than I’d originally thought. The Minarets and tomb are typical Muslim architecture, similar to the Taj Mahal and the Bibi ka Maqbarra. Though we visited this place in a wrong time, I loved clicking pictures of this marvel. Simply speaking it will be a delight to all those Photography enthusiasts, amateur photographers, and Professional photographers

This is the most ornate building in Bijapur.

The symmetry of the monuments was amazing..

Cousins called the building as “The Taj Mahal of the Deccan”

View from the gate

Malik-e-Maidan : Monarch of the Plains” or “Lord of the Battlefield

The largest medieval cannon in the world. It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon’s nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion’s head with open jaws & between the carved fangs is depicted an elephant being crushed to death. It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. The cannon remains cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped, tinkles like a bell. This relic has been well preserved. One has to climb one of the twin staircases on the fortification wall to reach the canon, now protected by iron railings.

Upli Buruj/Hyder burj:

Built around 1584 by Hyder Khan, is an 80 ft. This is a spherical structure with stone steps winding round the outside. After climbing the circular stairs we’ve reached the top there are two large cannons placed on this tower. And the top of the tower offers a commanding 360 degree view of the Bijapur city.

Top of the burz offers a 360degrees view of the city.

Circular stairs leading to the topp of the Upli burz

Large Canon

 

Jod Gumbaz: Identical domes

My friends weren’t impressed by the maintenance of this place so they didn’t get down from the car. I went alone and captured some pictures. You can skip this place if you have a limited time.

Taj bawdi:
It is quite near to Jod Gumbaz. This place lacks absolute maintenance. You can also skip this place.

Barakaman(twelve arches):

A mausoleum of Ali Roza built in 1672. Bara Kaman got its name because it was the 12th monument during his reign. It has now seven arches and the tomb containing the graves of Ali, his queens and eleven other ladies possibly belonging to the Zenana of the queens.

At 12:30Pm, we started to Aihole which was 110kms from Bijapur(via Nh 133/SH66 road. Road till Ameengal was good and the last 10kms stretch to Aihole was not drive friendly.

Tips and Highlights of the trip:

1. Entrance Fee for Golgumbaz was 5rupees, 25 rupees for camera , 30 rupees for parking. Parking fees for Ibrahim Rauza is 30rs.
2. Get ready to take a very narrow stairs around 5 stories to the top of Golgumbaz. Don’t miss this is an acoustic wonder.
3. Golgumbaz and Ibrahim rauza are the main highlights of this trip to Bijapur.
4. I would suggest to add Bijapur to your itinerary if you are planning a trip to Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal.
5. My suggestion for all those Hyderabadies who are planning to go for a heritage tour. Follow this road map HyderabadBijapurAiholePattadakalBadamiMahadevi temple ,Itagi(It will make you the drive bit longer)Hampi then back to Hyderabad.