Mysore Zoo - Common Pheasant

Mysore Zoo is the most popular zoo at Mysore in India. There are various wild animals and birds at the zoo. One among them is common pheasant.

Town Hall, Bangalore

Bangalore has several structures that showcase architectural styles of different eras. Some of these buildings have still survived rapid growth and modernity in the city. They have managed to retain their charm among new structures.



Town Hall built on 1935 in European classical Greco-Roman style is one such gem. A flight of steps lead to the entrance porch resting on Tuscan columns. The foundation for this building was laid by the then Maharaja of Mysore, Sri Krishna Rajendra Wodeyar and construction was supervised by Dewan of Mysore province, Sir Mirza Ismail.

Ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Pune

Aga Khan Palace in Pune is a magnificent palace surrounded by the lavish green gardens all around with fountains. Father of Nation - Mahatma Gandhi with his wife Kasturba and his secretary, Mahadev Desai were held as a prisoners from 1942 for nearly 2 years. 



This place has the marble Samadhi of Kasturbaji who died at this place during the house arrest.



Adjacent to this is the Samadhi of Mahadev Desai who was like a son to Gandhiji. Charles Correa built their samādhi's in the outlying green grounds. These two look exact similar to each other, while that of Gandhiji is different.



After Gandhiji's assassination in 1948, 28 urns containing Gandhi’s ashes were sent to all parts of the country. One such Urn of ashes is also laid next to these ‘samadhi's. It is now marked by a marble ‘Tulsi Vrindavan’.

Flowering Tree - Red Gulmohar

Bangalore known as Garden City true to its name as lot of flowering trees on either side of most of the roads. They bloom with flowers of various colors. One such tree is Red Gulmohar Tree.



The tree's vivid red flowers against the green foliage make it an exceptionally striking sight. The flowers are large, with four spreading scarlet red petals and a fifth upright petal, which is slightly larger and spotted with yellow and white.



Apart from its ornamental value, the tree provides a lot of share as it grows to a modest height and spreads widely.



This is the most common flowering tree in Bangalore and can be seen on either side of the road most areas.

Statue of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar, Bangalore

The Cubbon Park in Bangalore came into existence during the rule of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar who ruled the place from 1868 - 1894. This 19th century park covers around 330 acres of green space.

There are statues of prominent personalities installed in the park. The statue of Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar was installed in the central portion of the park near the tennis pavilion in the year 1927.

The park is also known by the name "Sri. Chamarajendra Park".

Vishram Bagh Wada, Pune

This is located in the heart of the old part of the Pune city on Bajirao Road. One can never miss it when one pass in front of it as its facade is very impressive.




The majestic remains of the 18th century palace are magnificent. This was built by Peshwa Bajirao II as their residence  It is famous for its elaborate wooden facade which showcases the rich culture and heritage.

Purely processed wood Saag has been used for all the woodwork in the palace.The carvings are exquisite piece of Suru work and speaks volumes of the artistic sense of the Peshwa kings. The wood carvings on the pillars and floral motifs are true masterpieces.

Mysore Zoo - Cassowary

Mysore Zoo is the most popular zoo at Mysore in India. There are various wild animals and birds at the zoo. One among them is cassowary.

Uchhi Pillaiyar Temple, Tiruchirapalli

At Trichy, the Rock Fort is a a huge 83 meter rock which is approximately 3800 million years. Uchhi Pillaiyar Temple is located right on top of this peak. One can reach this Lord Ganesh shrine by climbing a series of steps approximately 350 steps.



This impressive 7th century temple during reign of Pallavas and completed during the period of Nayaks of Maduri. One can reach this shrine by climbing a series of steps approximately 350 steps carved out of the rock. Half way to the peak, we have to pass through another ancient temple Sri Thayumanavar Temple. Tough climb to the top is eased by the soothing cool breeze. Though the temple is small it is worth the visit.

Varaha Cave, Udaygiri

In Udaygiri of Madhya Pradesh the most important site is Varaha Cave. This is a early 5th century AD cave belonging to the Gupta period. More than cave this is a shallow niche.



Here one can see Lord Vishnu in Boar-headed incarnation, the Varaha. The relief depicts Varaha rescuing the Earth Goddess from the engulfing Ocean. Large Varaha which is 4 meter in height lifts Bhu Devi on his massive shoulder, while with his foot he subduing a naga who folds his hands in submission. There are also Gods and sages surround Varaha. Above his head there is also a circular lotus flower.



Just to get an idea of how big the relief work is see the below image.

This sculptural work can also seen from the road, even before entering the site.

Lalbagh Flower Show - Orchids - 14

At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on January 2011 there were exclusive collection of Orchids on display. The colors were amazing. Below is one of the orchids on display:

There were stalls selling the Orchids plants outside the flower show. The price ranged from Rupees 600 to 1200 depending on the variety.

Rock Fort, Tiruchirapalli

At Trichy, the Rock Fort complex comprises of fort and temple built on an ancient rock. This is an important landmark in the city and visible from anywhere. This 83 meter rock is one of the oldest which is approximately 3800 million years. 



The main attraction is not the fort of which only very little still remains. Only Main Gate of the fort is still intact. The actual center of attraction here is the temple at the summit. There are approximately 350 steps that lead to the Ganesha temple popularly known as Ucchi Pillayar Temple on the summit.



Other oldest structure in the fort is a cave temple known as Thayumaanavar Temple built by Pallavas in 580 AD. This temple of Lord Shiva is on the way to summit. In the first image one can see the Ucchi Pillayar Temple at the top, while in the second image the the top of Shiva temple which is on the way to summit.

Udaygiri Triology

There are three different places by the name of Udaygiri in India as far as my understanding. All the three are famous heritage sites known for the caves in these locations. If one of them is in Madhya Pradesh state, and the other two are in Orissa state.



In Orissa Udaygiri, Jain Heritage site is very close to the state capital Bhunaneshwar. If one travels mere 6 kms one can witness this magnificent caves inhabited by Jain monks in the 2nd century BCE. There are several caves here of different sizes and some of them have unique carvings in them.

Second Udaygiri, Buddist Heritage site in Orissa is approximately 90 kms away from state capital Bhunaneshwar. Here in the forest region one can see excavated Stupas and layout of various centers that existed in between 7th and 12th century.

The Udaygiri, Hindu Heritage site in Madhya Pradesh is very close to World Heritage site Saanchi. Here in 4th to 5th century caves, we can see several forms of the Lord, the most famous being Varaha Avatar.

Mysore Zoo - Tapir

Mysore Zoo is the most popular zoo at Mysore in India. There are various wild animals and birds at the zoo. One among them is tapir.



They are taken well care of. I witnessed the amount of food severed too them and quantity is close to what 15 people can eat .