Bangalore Palace - An Exquisite Palace in the Heart of Garden City

 

A wonderful palace built in Tudor style architecture commonly known as Bangalore Palace stands in the centre of Bangalore (Bengaluru) city, which is one of the three famous palaces belonging to the Wodeyar dynasty. The other two are the Mysore Palace and Fern Hill Palace of Ooty. There is the misconception among many people that the palace was constructed by King Chamaraja Wodeyar, whereas the fact is it was built by Rev. Garrett, the first principal of the Central High School which was later bought by the Chamaraja Wodeyar for a sum of 40,000/- rupees in 1873 and renovated later. Initially sprawling on 454 acres of land, the palace has lost much of its gardens and beauty to the development taking place around it.

The palace attracts tourists not only for its assorted collection of rare arts and paraphernalia from the history of India, but also for its amazing wood carvings, paintings, turreted parapets, fortified towers, gothic windows, and much more. The palace grounds serves as a venue for big important events like exhibitions, trade shows, trade fairs and other public events including music concerts music concerts performed by artists who come from all across the globe. One of the most distinctive events that took place here was the great music gig named Eddfest, by Metallica in 2007, which is the biggest paid music event to take place in India to date.

Attractions of Bangalore Palace

The Bangalore palace attracts tourists not only for its outer beauty but also for its sophisticated interiors and great collections of arts. Initially the interiors of the palace were closed to visitors but it has been made open to the public for a fee since June 2012. Some of the things that have caught the attention of visitors are:

·         Two valuable gifts - bench of bright colored tiles and a fountain, from Don Alphonso, the King of Spain. It said to be a creation of the great deco ceramist Seville.

·         An exquisite dining table with mother of pearl inlay and Chinese lacquer work which is believed to belong to Sir Mirza Ismail, a great Diwan of Mysore.

·         Photographs and paintings of famous people connected to the Wodeyar dynasty

·         Large acres of sprawling lawns in heart of busy city wide spreading lawns and beautiful gardens.

·         Intricate and elaborate interiors of wood which is boasts of some excellent carvings, floral motifs, ceilings covered with relief paintings and beautifully decorated cornices/ledges.

·         A large open courtyard  on the ground floor with has granite seats which have been decorated with fluorescent blue ceramic tiles

·         An fabulous ballroom for special events

·         Coat of arms with an emblem of two headed bird, an emblem of Wodeyars. It is believed to be presented by the British to the then ruler Chamraja Wodeyar X

·         A grand dressing mirror with frames made of pure gold

·         A chemically preserved elephant head

·         An ancient refrigerator made of wood

·         Rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.

·         The Durbar hall or assembly hall of king, with decorated stained glass windows, yellow colored walls and a sofa set to match the walls.

·         A horse hoof leg shaped weighing chair which was used to weight Jockeys by the Wodeyars who were passionate about horse-racing.

·         Common things used by the dynasty like dressing tables, chairs, lamps, combs, stools made from real elephant and bullocks legs, vase made of elephant trunk, empty perfume bottles and other things which gives clues to the lifestyle of the people of past.

Visiting the Palace

The Bangalore palace is conveniently located, as it is just 30 minutes drive from airport. It is located from just 3-4 km from city railway station, 2 km from Yeshwantpur, and just 1 km from Cantonement Railway Station. Tourists can get there easily by either by bus or auto-rickshaws as it boasts of good connectivity with all places of Bangalore. 

Bangalore has pleasant weather all around the year, so the city can be visited whenever it is convenient for the tourist.

The palace remains open to the tourists from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except on Sundays.

Entry fee

Indian tourists – Rs. 230/-

Foreign tourists – Rs 460/-

Extra payment of Rs. 1485/- for video recording and Rs. 685 for photography will be collected separately.

Best Places to Visit in Kochi

There are no shortages of places to visit in India. But if you want one place then I recommend visiting Kochi. Kochi (or Cochin) is a city in India’s Kerala state. Getting to Kochi can be accomplished by many of the numerous flights including Dubai to Kochi tajawal flight. You can either plan to land in a different city or land directly in Kochi. Here is the list of some amazon places in Kochi to visit.

Mattancherry Palace

It is a palace most commonly known as the Dutch palace. The palace gives a feel of 1500’s India and how princes and kings built impressive palaces. This palace is also a protected heritage of UNESCO world heritage sites. It was built nearly around 1557 by the Portuguese colony and was gifted or represented to the prince Veera Kerala Varma. This palace has a unique structure and incredibly amazing architecture. People around the world come to visit this wonder.

Fort Kochi

This fort of Kochi has the marks of each century it has survived and portrays the beautiful yet historical charms it encompasses. It is significant as one of the world’s oldest historical place. It might have been made by the Portuguese, it has all the charms of Kerala. People visit this place just to be amazed at how colonial powers used local people to build amazing monuments. This whole town along with the fort has a colourful charm and fresh ambience showing the same build of each corner as it was in the past when it was first made by the Dutch. It is truly an amazing place to visit in Kochi.

Kerala Kathakali Centre

Kerala Kathakali is one of the centres where the famous and iconic dances of Kerala are performed. You may have already seen on the internet that how mesmerizing the costume dances are and how they perform them live cannot be compared to other dances. The hard work and efforts they put in just to make it look incredibly real and amazing.

It also hosts the morning shows where anyone can take part in and play the show. The construction is incredibly amazing. People around the world have been amazed by this and they travel to Kerala, Kochi they must visit here as well.

Jewish Synagogue of Kochi

This place is one of the oldest and also famous with the name of Paradesi Synagogue of Mattancherry Synagogue. It was built around 1567 by the Jews who spoke Spanish in those days. In addition, it is the seventh synagogue of the Malabar Yehuda or Yehudan Mappila. However, due to some conflicts, the Dutch people damaged the Synagogue in 1662 but luckily it was rebuilt by the Dutch two years after. The synagog you see today has been rebuilt twice and still looks amazing.

Chinese fishing nets of Kerala

These are fishing installations commonly known as Chinese fishing nets. They are about 10 meters’ high and consists of cantilevers with an extended nets suspended over the sea and enormous stones suspended from ropes as weights at the other end. These structure are iconic and they represent Kochi. They have become tourist destinations. People when visiting Kochi must visit this place and capture the sunset with the iconic view of the nets for fishing. They are to be called Cheenavala by the locals.

Veeran Puzhal Lake

Veeranpuzha is an incredibly beautiful lake that is based in Kochi. It is located near the Malabar coast. This beautiful sight is a must visit when visiting Kochi.

Willingdon Island

The Willingdon Island is one of the largest artificially island in India. It is named in the honor of Lord Willingdon. In case you don’t know who Wellington was; he was the 22nd Viceroy and Governor-General of India. This place is truly a beautiful place to spend vacation with family. If you see in video below you will get the idea how amazing this place is.

If you ever visit Kochi, these are the places that are worth the visit.

Why Shopping In Hyderabad Is Not All about Pearls

As a child and a teenager, I knew Hyderabad to be the city of Sultans, and that the Hyderabadi pearls are the best of the kind in India. Growing up a little, I learned about the famous Hyderabadi biryani. But never did I know that as an adult, there will be more to explore on my part as a traveler. I have never been a shopaholic. However, the streets of Hyderabad has such treasures strewn on them that you cannot resist the temptation of picking a thing or two.

Here’s lowdown on what I discovered while shopping in Hyderabad.

• Laad Bazaar

Let’s begin with a relatively less known product- the very vibrant lacquer bangles. The Laad Bazar, which connects the famous Charminar to Chowmahalla, is a haven for bangle lovers. You can even go behind the shiny shops to visit the artisans who create them. It’s fascinating to see how they prepare each bangle manually and paste stones on them to create interesting designs and patterns. The shine, as well as the bold colors, make the bangles one of a kind.

• Begum Bazaar

Looking for some takeaways and ‘been there’ souvenirs for your friends and family? Try the Bidri metalworks. Basically, this form of art is native to Bidar, a village in the neighboring state of Karnataka. Yet, the place is culturally quite akin to Hyderabad. No wonder that the Bidri works found immense patronage here. The Begum Bazaar in Hyderabad is a wonderland of exquisite metalworks. I even went to visit some families living near the celebrated Salar Jung museum. They have their workshops of Bidri works over there. However, when it comes to Begum Bazaar, you might feel daunted by seeing its magnanimous size. But I assure that you can get your souvenirs for fantastic deals over here. If plain metalwork does not interest you, then you can also shop for exclusive bidri-studded jewelries, all for a very reasonable price. Begum Bazaar is one of the best shopping places in Hyderabad.

• Char Minar Bazar

Now back to the basics.  It is the biggest pearl drilling center in India. Pearls and Hyderabad share a special bond that has passed the test of time. So most of the tourists I have made a rush to buy the ‘best pearls’ from Hyderabad. However, though shopping in Hyderabad tends to be incomplete without pearls, you should know that there is no ‘best place’ to buy them. There are a number of cultured pearl shops lining up in the major shopping areas. It is where you can find some good deals in pearl accessories.

Did I tell you that Hyderabad is also the home to Khada Dupatta? This traditional bridal wear typically comes with 12 meters of heavily embroidered fabric. They are simple yet classy and can be a part of your trousseau if the wedding bells are ringing in. You might want to have a look at the bridal boutique shops in the Char Minar Bazaar area.

• Abida, Nampally

Pochampally, Kalamkari… sounds familiar? Both of these schools of art have their roots in Hyderabad. Pochampally sarees might have been here for long. However, in Hyderabad, you can also shop for Pochampally-inspired home linens and upholstery that gives a complete makeover to your room decor. Nampally, in particular, hosts a grand Annual exhibition cum sale of myriad products for shoppers of different needs. So when you are looking for excellence in the budget, then the good old Nampally is for you. I also spent a day in the Pochampally village, which is just about 45 km from the city. I picked some Kalamkari or hand-painted fabrics. If you take it from me, then I’d bet that they are one of the best fabric options to wear when you are on the go.

• Perfume Bazaar

The name speaks enough of what you are going to get here. If you have a nose for some of the best natural fragrances in India, then a visit to the century-old perfume market is a must. It is a wonderland of ittar or fragrances made by extracting natural fruits and flowers. The best ones are going to be expensive. Yet, they are worth every penny that you spend on them. Situated in between the Laad Bazar and Moti Chawk, you can buy the ittars in a vial, as well as in bottles, as you prefer. When you get there, stay prepared to get introduced to some very unique fragrance combinations.

• Sunday Book Bazaar

Drugged by books? Then make sure to hit this market for some biblical intoxication. Every corner of this flea market tends to have some hidden gems. Find the old versions of your favorite books, and have a collection that you can pride yourself with. Books and magazines are available in subsidized prices. You can even donate or sell the books that you won’t need anymore.

Kanchipuram – City of Temples

Kanchipuram is also known by the names Conjeeveram, Kanjeevaram and Kanchi is a small town situated at a distance of 75 km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram is famous for the cotton and silk industry and imposing centuries old temples which has earned it fame as Varanasi of South India.  It is one of seven major pilgrimage centres for Hindus believed to give salvation to the devotees who visit them and worship the deities in the numerous temples of the city. At one time the city was known to be an abode of more than 1000 temples, but at present more than 100 have survived including some amazing churches and mosques.

The city had earned its importance as the capital of Pallava’s from 4^th-10^th century. Gradually the town became a learning center which was visited by Buddhists, Jains and Saivite Hindus; though today the Jain and Buddhist temples have become extinct, leaving only archaeological remains behind.

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

Kanchipuram is known for its unique silk and cotton saris which are hand woven by weavers who have learned the trade from their ancestors who settled here nearly 400 years ago. Kanchipuram silk and cotton saris is ranked among the best in India, which has also got it the name as ‘Silk City of India’. The handloom saris are often woven by the threads of pure silk in vivid vibrant colors; in addition they are decorated with bright gold and silver threads called zari.  Everyday thousands of competent and talented weavers work on handlooms, producing dazzling silk saris that are sought by people for weddings and special occasions.

The raw materials for production is imported from different towns, as the occupation is only to weave the sari’s, therefore they are not involved in cultivation or production of silk threads.  Three single pure mulberry silk threads are entwined to form the threads of Kanchipuram silk which gives it’s attractive texture, with lustrous look and finish, in addition to being very durable if certain maintenance rules are followed.

The designs are created by the zari which is produced by interweaving silk, silver and gold threads. When combined with vibrant colors of every hue, the amazing decorations fashioned with the zari create designs that leave people spell bound. Though expensive, the famed sari’s last long enough that at times they are known to passed down to generations. Here’s how to wear sarees.

Kanchipuram Temples

Ekambareswarar Temple

The 11 storey Shiva Temple is one of tallest temples, which spreads over 20 acres of land while its tall southern tower soars to a height of 58.5m. Devotees throng to worship the Linga in the temple throughout the year. One of the most amazing attractions of the place is an ancient mango tree which bears four different leaves and also four different varieties of mangoes though it shares the same bough. The four branches are known to represent four Vedas.

Kailashnath Temple

This temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. Build in limestone, the temple is abode to amazing art of Fresco style paintings and sculptures which has been well preserved even to this day. The temple is situated far from the busy commotion of the city, other than the day of Shivaratri when devotes have to wait in long queues to just get a glimpse of the deity.

Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple

This temple is dedicated to goddess Shakti which is one of three important temples of the goddess in India. The temple is also famous for its golden tower and chariot.

List of other important temples in Kanchipuram

• Vardaraja Perumal Temple
• Ulagalandar Temple
• Vaikunta Perumal Temple
• Kacchapaeswarar Temple
• Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple
• Jain Temples at Tirupparuthikkundram
• Subramaniya Swami Temple]

Around Kanchipuram

For those who have time to look around, apart from Chennai, there is Mammalapuram, which is host to art of Pallavas, Muttukkadu lake which has facilities for boating and wind surfing, Covelong beach which is excellent place to enjoy good swim along with wind surfing. It has a good resort for stay. The place is also famous for an ancient Dargah and church. Situated at the distance of 48 km from Kanchipuram, the water bird sanctuary is visited by birds like storks, flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers, swans and many other birds which are not commonly sighted in India. The best time to visit is during October to March, when many migrant birds can be seen.

Getting There

The nearest airport and major city is the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, which is well connected to Kanchipuram by well maintained roads. The town also has a railway station, so that those interested to travel by train can opt for it. You can get around the town walking small distances, or hiring an auto rickshaw or Taxi for convenience.

Complete guide to Mysore city

Mysore, locally known as Mysuru was the prominent city of Karnataka prior to Bangalore. This mystical and mythological city derives its name from the buffalo headed demon Mahishasur who is known to have been slain atop the Chamundi Hills by Goddess Chamundeshwari, an avatar of Parvati. The 10 day dussehra festival is organized every year to celebrate this victory of the good over the evil. The city can boast of its rich past given to it generously by the dynasty of the Wodeyars, which has created such an appealing charm about the city that it can enthrall tourists even to this day.

Badami Caves – Rocks with story to tell

Badami, situated in Bagalkot districtof Karnataka, was once capital of mighty Chalukya Empire, but is now famous as tourist destination for its historical monument – The Badami Caves. These caves are considered to be the most spectacularly carved caves found in South India. The four major caves, hewn out of the hill at great height, are temples dedicated to different deities of Hindu and Jain religion. They are considered to be places of utmost importance by the architectures and archaeologists, for the reason that these caves hold significant clues to the styles followed by the south Indian architectures of past. The caves were carved out of the Deccan sandstone that is abundantly available in the area, during the 6th century, under the rule of Chalukya Empire. The color of the Deccan sandstone is believed to have given the place its name, i.e. the color of Badam which means almond in local dialect.

Town of Badami seen from the caves. Source: Andrea Kirkby’s photostream Flickr

Places to visit in Bangalore

Bengaluru, which was earlier known as Bangalore is one of the most sought of exotic tourist destinations in South India. Bengaluru is the capital city of Karnataka and is the blend of ultra modern cosmopolitan culture and the traditional extravaganza. It is known to be the silicon city of India and the capital of information technology or the IT world of the country. It is the house for numerous multinational companies and is also recognised as one of the growing economical cities on the world map. It is also known as the ‘Garden City of India.’

Visiting places in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is fondly referred to as the city of Nawabs and sometimes also as the city of Pearls as till the 20th century it probably was the only global center for large diamonds. Hyderabad is also famous as the birthplace of Tollywood besides hosting a thriving IT industry. But probably the most distinctive aspect of this historical city is that it is the only city in South India with a distinctly North Indian culture. This makes Hyderabad a veritable treasure house of amazing buildings and great food – and me like a kid in a candy store.

Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad India