Amchi Mumbai | आमची मुंबई

Mumbai is considered as the financial capital of India. It is also equally famous for two other things: bollywood and vada pav (vegetarian fast food popular in the state of Maharashtra).

Gateway of India: This beautiful structure was built by the British to welcome one of its viceroys. It looks even more attractive in the night when the lights are on.

Gateway of India – Up Close: Delicate artwork in stone.

The Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai, was born out of Jamsetji N. Tata’s dream. He was the founder of Indias premier business house – the Tata Group of Companies. ~ http://www.tajhotels.com
Taj, built in 1903, is regarded as an architectural marvel (Maharashtrian architect Rao Bahadur Sitaram Khanderrao Vaidya, prepared the plans for this hotel. He was an associate of the legendary F W Stevens who built Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). Situated on the waterfront adjacent to the Gateway of India, this hotel is the landmark of the city of Mumbai. It has a huge collection of paintings and works of art, antique furniture and stands as a symbol of Indian enterprise. Click here to know more about the history of The Taj Mahal Hotel.

On 26/11/2008, a bunch of heartless souls from pakistan armed with grenades and automatic rifles were firing indiscriminantly inside the hotel, at times taking hostages( see pictures here). Though the exterior seems to have withstood the grenades, experts estimated massive damage inside this landmark structure. Furniture, woodwork, paintings, roofs needs extensive repair or replacement. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) extended their help in restoring Taj to its original grandeur.

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

B E S T | I am the BEST.. I am the BEST… I am the Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply & Transport

:

Tell them dear, that if eyes were made for seeing,
Then beauty is its own excuse for being
~Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The Rhodora”

:

:

:

The ‘in’ thing | Gen-X brands are slowly replacing Padminis, the old road-ruler for more than three decades.

Hampi Travel – Part 3 | ಹಂಪಿ ಟ್ರಾವೆಲ್ ಪಾರ್ಟ್ – ೩

VITTALA TEMPLE :

Eastern entrance gate of the Vithala temple.

This is the most splendid monument in Hampi with 56 musical pillars. This shrine is now designated as World Heritage Monument by UNESCO. This temple is situated along the banks of Tungabadra, stands in a large rectangular enclosure, sport characteristic Vijayanagar style of craft. The mandapa (open area in the front) features granite musical pillars. You can gently strike the pillars to produce sound notes on a musical scale (security will not allow you to do this). In front of the temple, towards the east, you can see representation of the processional chariot carved in stone.

A long shot: Vithalla temple

Chariot Wheels.

Chariot in front of Vithalla temple: Represents the wooden chariot that is normally used for processions. It houses an image of Garuda (god Vishnu’s personal vehicle). The wheels are now cemented.

It is said that the wheels were once revolving, now fixed using cement..

Road to Vithala temple.

.

VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE :

Virupaksha (also called Pampapathi) temple is located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra (also called Pampa-nadi or river Pampa ) and close to the main parking area, this temple is still an important pilgrimage centre for the worshipers of lord Shiva. The sprawling temple complex is inside a large rectangular enclosure and has several sub shrines. The eastern entrance tower (from Hampi Bazaar ) is about 56 meters (nine storied ) tall, leads you the first courtyard of the temple complex. You can also see a pair of cow horn like projections on top – this entrance tower is also one of the most photographed structures in Hampi. If you take the eastern gate, you directly enter into the first courtyard which mainly houses a pillared hall called 100-column hall. You need to shell INR 50/- if you want to carry your camera. It is open to public from 6 AM all days and usually crowded.

The nine storied entrance tower in the east.

The 100-columned hall seen on the left.

Giant bells seen inside the temple complex.

.
.

PATTABHIRAMA TEMPLE :

.

SARASWATHI TEMPLE :

.

SHIVA TEMPLE :

.

HAZARA RAMA TEMPLE

As the name suggests (hazar in hindi means thousand), this temple is known for its thousands of Ramayana panels. This temple is no more worshipped and located in the royal enclosure right in front of the Mohammadan Watch Tower and the Nobelman’s Quarters. It is believed to be the king’s private shrine. The exterior wall depict horses, tigers, elephants, dancing women, wrestlers and soldiers in procession displaying valour. The inner walls exhibit scenes from Ramayana (the Hindu epic). This structure is a great example of the brillant craftsmanship of Vijayanagara’s sculptors.

Inside the temple: Walls depicts characters from Ramayana.

Carvings on the wall: Elephants in a procession.

Exterior wall.

Exterior wall.

A dancing women (is she playing with snake?).

.

KRISHNA TEMPLE :

.

KINGS BALANCE
This 5 meters plus tall structure is located near the Vittala temple. It is believed that the kings were weighed against grain, gold or money which was then distributed to the poor on special occassions. There are three loops on top of this balance into which the balance can be hooked

wOw! that balance! Tourists at Kings balance
.
Talarigatta Gate

This damaged structure (Talarigata means tollgate) was one of the main entrance points into the urban centre of the capital from the riverside. There is a small Hanuman (monkey-god) shrine is located in front of the gate.

.

To read Part-1 of this photostory, click here.
To read Part-2 of this photostory, click here.

Hampi Travel – Part 1 | ಹಂಪಿ ಟ್ರಾವೆಲ್ ಪಾರ್ಟ್ – ೧

Hampi, once the capital of Vijayanagara empire, covers an area of 26 square kilometers on the southern bank of Tungabadra river in Karnataka. History of Hampi has mythical references to “Kishkinta Kshetra” in Ramayana (religious story book of hindus). The ruins spread across this area showcases some of the brilliant specimens of medivial Indian architecture. These monuments include civil, military buildings and religious structures. You need atleast four days to cover all the places in detail. If you are pressed for time, you can opt for the whistle-stop tour organized by KSTDC which will cover all the important structures in one day.

Distance: Bangalore <> Hampi(door-to-door): 790 KM.
How to Reach: Drive towards Tumkur (NH4) from Bangalore and continue via Nelmagala and reach Chitradurga. At Chitradurga, take right and drive till Hospet. Hampi is about 17 KM from Hospet.
Indiranagar > Old Madras Road > Nelmangala > Dobbasapet > Tumkur > Hiriyur > Chitradurga > Hosanahalli > Hospet > Hampi.

Road Condition: In your 6-7 hours of drive, you will encounter good roads, under construction roads, bad roads, hard to manoeuvre roads and disappointing truck traffic. Don’t be surprised if you feel your presence on the road is ignored by “never-law-abiding private buses”, state transport buses and mini lorries. Excellent six lane road from Tumkur to Chitradurga (GQ). Bad streches starts from Chitradurga and continue through Hospet (watchout for potholes and unmarked speed breakers – a few kilometers in this stretch, no road at all).Few shots on the way.

.And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain,
My friends, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case of which I’m certain.
I’ve lived a life that’s full, I’ve travelled each and evr’y highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way.
~~Paul Anka

A shocking accident as seen on the way – The “man on wheels scene” and the hoarding close to that truck made me shoot this.

.

.
Pick a few words to describe a typical mess… noisy, crowded, congested etc and multiply them to the power of five or ten, now you get what is Hospet and beyond….. you will see cycles, bikes, bullock carts, cattle cutting you from all the sides and guys reading newspaper in the middle of the road. The following snap is one from the many such instances.

In the medivial times, Hospet was the gateway to the imperial city for all visitors and merchants coming from Goa and the west. It is said that Krishna Devaraya (the King) had created several townships and brought in infrastructure improvements that the entire stretch was once a buzzing business street. You will not see any traces of those ancient glory though.
.

Where to stay: There are a few good hotels in Hospet. Hotel Malligai, Priyadarshini and Karthik Pampa Villa are well known. I would suggest not to waste your time staying in Hospet, unless you can’t get anything in Hampi. You will end up spending more time on one of the horrible stretches than exploring the ruins. We stayed in Hotel Maurya Bhuvaneshwari [KSTDC], Kamalapura. This place is a little detached from Hampi (3-4 KM)… highly recommended if you are with your own vehicle or hired one. It has a garden, restaurant, huge parking space, and a bar 🙂 The rooms were clean, but the food was below average I would say. You can make your reservations online at www.karnatakaholidays.net … there is no peak-season rate hikes they claim.

Maurya Bhuvaneshwari parking lot.Ethnic decorations inside the hotel.
If you want to stay close to the ruins, there are guest houses available close to the main parking area (near virupaksha temple). These are houses which double up as hotels and provide you the basic facilities (some have AC rooms)… feel free to check a few but all of them has more or less the same facilities I hear.
.
Parking area close to Virupaksha Temple. There are small shops near by that sells cool and hot drinks. Opposite to this place you can find a few guest houses and eating joints..
This is the entrance gate on the main road to Hampi ruins which passes through the Krishna temple campus.. .
Hemakuta hill

We reached Hampi at 1615 hrs, checked into the hotel and decided to head towards the ruins after refreshing. We climbed up Hemakuta hill for two reasons: You get an excellent view of the ruins; it has a number-one sunset spot (western edge) in Hampi. This “three-peaked” hill is situated just above the Hampi bazaar (close to Virupaksha temple) and accommodates several shrines (that are not worshipped anymore). Few of the most photographed monuments are around Hemakuta hill. We spent an hour and a half admiring the ruins and watching the sunset.

.

Small shrines on the top of the hill. None of these are worshipped anymore.
.

.Softly the evening came. The sun from the western horizon
Like a magician extended his golden wand o’er the landscape;
Twinkling vapors arose; and sky and water and forest
Seemed all on fire at the touch, and melted and mingled together.
–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Horizon turning to a shade of pinkish blue. We stayed some more time on top of the hill and finally decided to call it a day..
Eating Joints in Hampi
There are many eateries around the main parking area and in Hampi Bazaar. Some of popular ones are New Shanthi Restaurant, Trishul, Shiv Moon, Sangameshwara, Venkateshwara, Ravi’s Rose, Raju’s Roof etc. However Mango Tree is the much talked about terraced garden, open air restaurant located along the banks of Tungabadra, nestled in the banana plantation.

When you are in Hampi, plan to spend a relaxed evening out here after a hectic sightseeing schedule.For a change you sit on the floor (on straw mats) overlooking the river under a huge sprawling mango tree. You see anything from israeli to oriental to continental on the menu. Food is good (served in banana leaves)…. staff is informal and friendly….. but don’t expect your orders to be served quickly.

You go late in the evening for a lantern-light dinner…. listen to the gushing sound of the river, chirping of crickets and meet as many frogs you like.

It is advisable to carry a flash light as you have to walk your way through the plantations in pitch dark.

To read Part-2 of this photostory, click here.
To read Part-3 of this photostory, click here.

Hampi Travel – Part 2 | ಹಂಪಿ ಟ್ರಾವೆಲ್ ಪಾರ್ಟ್ – ೨

Mathanga Hill: We had planned to clamber up this boulder hill is located in the east of the Hampi Bazar to see the sunrise. But the sun was up and rising before we woke up. However we went half-way up the hill and spent some time clicking. This hill is located more or less in the center of the ruins. There are a few paths leading to the top. Most of the guys prefer the stepped one from the east end of the hampi bazaar street…. this is the ancient paved pathway … its quite steep and winding way up.

.

.

.
.
Hampi Bazaar: As seen from the Mathanga hill. This bazaar is about a kilometer long, starting from Virupaksha temple and ending at the foothill of the Matanga Hill in the east. You see both sides of the street lined with old pavilions. These structures were once part of a buzzing market where traders from west used to sell their gears. The stretch towards the Virupaksha temple (western end) the pavilions are now converted into shops, restaurants etc. You can enter into this street from the main parking area which is close to Virupaksha temple. Vehicular movements is restricted in the bazar street (two wheelers allowed).

.

This part of the pavilion is protected by ASI – no encroachments allowed.

.

.
Queen’s Bath: Queen’s bath is the first structure you get to see as soon as you enter the Royal center. It is believed that the queen used to take bath here. Not sure why the queen was so generous though. This building has a veranda facing the big open pond at the middle.
.
The balconies are ornate and decorated with tiny windows.

The flight of steps that give access to pond.

Beautifully sculptured domes. Every dome has a different design.

One of the aqueducts terminates in the pond.

.

.
Lotus Mahal:
Lotus Mahal is also one of the least damaged structure located inside the Zenana enclosure and this structure is not in typical Hampi style of architecture. This place is belived to be used by female folks in the royal family for their social networking activities [Royal Woman Action Network (r-WAN)? 🙂 ].

One of the three watchtowers seen at the corners (southeast, northeast and northwest ) of the enclosure.The three-tired elaborate base structure of the Queen’s Palace (only the foundation is visible now) located at the middle of the Zenana enclosure.
.

Elephant Stable:This is one of the least destroyed structures as well. Elephant Stable is a long building with 11 inter connected domed chambers in a row. This was used as a shelter to the royal elephants. The center dome is huge and decorated. You can access this place through the Zenana Enclosure. Diagonally opposite to this structure is Guard’s Quarters which is now converted into a museum.

Inside the chamber, you can see the metal hooks that are used to lock the elephants. Also at the back side of each chamber there are small openings for the mahouts to reach into the elephant chambers.

.

.
Royal Enclosure
.
Royal enclosure holds Mahanavami Dibba (ceremonial platform), King’s Audience Hall, Stepped Tank, Underground chamber etc.

Mud road in front of the Royal Enclosure (you can see the entrance on the right hand side).

The royal enclosure area is an open ground with very few shelters. It is ideal to visit this place either early morning or evenings as you have to do a fair amount of walking to explore…. vehicles has to be parked outside the compound. Plan at least an hour to roam around this place.

This Mahanavami Dibba, which is also called as the “House of Victory” is laid out in three ascending levels with stairways on both sides leading to the top. The sides are covered with beautiful carvings of dancing woman, artists, elephants, horses, soldiers in battle etc.

The king is belived to have used this platform to watch the army power-shows, sports, musical performances and Navrathri celebrations (the nine day-nine night state festival).

The sides of this layered platform is designed with chains of sculptures. These sculptures and ornamentations depicts the royal ceremonies, battle scenes etc.

Stepped tank is one of the most beautiful monuments in Hampi and is located in the southeast part of the Royal Enclosure. There is another tank close to this which is used as a bathing area. You walk a little further you see another huge tank.

Aquaducts and water canals: There was a huge network of irrigation canals in Hampi of varying sizes connecting temples, tanks, agricultural lands, palaces to name a few. I shot this inside the Royal enclosure; you can see a number of stone aqueducts connecting several wells and ponds. Though most of them are in the ruined state, you can still notice how advanced (with limited resources) was the water supply system existed then.

To download a panoramic view of the Royal Enclosure, click here.
To download a panoramic view of the Aquaducts in the Royal Enclosure, click here.

Mohammadan watch tower is the largest of such structure in the Hampi ruins. It is situated in the northwest corner of the Danaik’s Enclosure. A balcony of the watchtower overlooks the mud path that passes around the corner.

Sunset (shot somewhere on the way back from Royal Enclosure)

To read Part-1 of this photostory, click here.
To read Part-3 of this photostory, click here.

 

Innovative Film City

Door-to-Door: 94 Kilometers (from Bangalore).
Road Condition: Good (Mysore Road).
Interests: Amusements, Entertainment, Theme park.

As soon as you enter the IFC campus, you will have a beautiful view of the ancient/colonial buildings with the Roman architecture and many statues. You will have IFC representatives to help you with the choices and they explain you about the attractions and combo options. Food is unforgettable (didn’t like any). Popcorn was good. Nothing much to crow about, but no harm in visiting once either 🙂 Listed here are some of the attractions at IFC and my personal take on each. Overall, I would give IFC a two out of five.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Excellent! You can easly spend an hour or more.
Fossil Museum:                  All crap
Dino Park:                           Below average. Nothing here can scare you 🙂
Haunted Mansion:             Its worth a visit
Karoke Singing:                 Makes other’s life difficult
Mirror Maze:                       Good
Aqua Kingdom:                  Lotsa hype
Wax Museum:                      Good

Entry Fee:          50 INR
Still Camera:    100 INR
Video Camera: 200 INR

 

Say Cheese!

Saw this guy at the Cartoon City entrance 🙂

Dino Park Head

Candy Machine:  This machine was designed and built by Rowland Emett for a movie. It makes lollipops and candy sticks
Ball Game:-)  This guy can dislocate and pop-out his eye balls at will.

Flying Car – Dr. Foglomobile. It boils water, play music, can be driven, but cannot fly. He spent years to make this flying car a reality, but was not successful.

Match stick Lamp

William shakesphere

MK Gandhi

MK Gandhi

Monalisa

Frankenstein

e=mc2

Rock ON!!

Rock ON!!

Disney

Snow White and Seven Dwarfs

Disney!

Trip to Lepakshi | ట్రిప్ తో లేపాక్షి

Indiranagar > Old Madras Road > Hebbal > Yelenkha > Devanahalli > Chikabalapur > Bagepalli > RTO (AP) checkpost > Turn left to Lepakshi.

Door-to-Door: 258 KM.
Road Condition: Good till Bagepalli.
Interests: Archeological, Religious, Heritage.

Lepakshi is a small village in Anantapur district (Andhra Pradesh, India). You can find some of the best specimens of the Vijayanagar style of sculpture and mural paintings here.

this image is photoshopped

Bangalore-Hyderabad road
Construction is progressing on this road and there are several diversions. You cannot find decent eateries on the way till Chickballapur. Bagepalli is the village near Karnataka-AP border. As you cross Bagepalli you can see a huge board “Eenadu Pradesh welcomes you”, There are no other major landmarks … watchout for the RTO check post.. (you can see many trucks parked on both sides) after you cross the check post, you will reach a small junction from where you have to turn left.

You get this road as soon as you take the turn on your left (from NH7) after the RTO check post. You have to travel nearly 15 KM in this narrow stretch to reach Lepakshi. Watchout for deep craters on this road 🙂 You can see rich vegetation on both sides.

You see this Nandi statue as you enter Lepakshi. Veerabhadra Swamy temple is a few hundred meters away from this place.

Temple entrance.

There are a lot of monkeys in and around the temple 🙂

Nyingmapa Buddhist Vihara | ನ್ಯಿಂಗ್ಮಪ ಬುದ್ಧಿಸ್ಟ್ ವಿಹಾರ

Namdroling monastery is located in Bylakuppe (near Kushalnagar, Karnataka state). This is considered to be the largest Tibeten settlement outside Tibet. It aims to spread the Buddhist teachings (Nyingma tradition) to whole world. Nyingma tradition is the oldest of the Tibetan Buddhism. The settlement set up in 1960 by Pema Norbu Rinpoche, holds a several monasteries and temples of all major Indo-Tibetan Buddhist lineages. Their main deities are Buddha, Padmasambhava (Indian master) and Amitayus. The Tibetan Settlement in Bylakuppe houses more than 16000 refugees who escaped from their Tibet following Chinese invasion. They do agriculture for a living. They also make handicrafts, carpets, clothes and incense.

There are seven camps spread across (many acers) the fields. I visited only one camp where the Golden temple is located (guess it is the fourth camp). The idols inside this temple are very huge (55-60 FT tall) and there are colorful murals depicting (epic) tales. Bylakuppe is about eight KM off the Mysore-Madikeri road.

Huge golden idols (55-60 feet tall), excusite wall paintings depicting hundreds of tales, huge dragons on the pillars in the prayer hall. You can also see long parallel rows of blue mattresses covered with yellow for the monks to sit on and pray.

These idols are of Padmasambhava, Buddha and Amitayus measuring about 58-ft.

Prayers inside Golden Temple

Nuns (Anis) Chant Longlife Prayer