In Mysore, the tradition of holding a grand procession through the streets of this historic city, with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari riding in a golden Ambaari (Elephant-seat) heaved on Elephant-back has been in effect since time immemorial. Indeed, for many centuries, presiding over the 10-day festivities was the hallmark of sovereignty over the Kingdom of Mysore. The Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore celebrated the annual event on a grand scale; "Mysore Dasara" has attained renown across the country and abroad. People from all over the world go to Mysore to witness this cultural event. Many cultural events are held at the main Palace in Mysore. Post Independence, the Government of Karnataka has taken over the tradition and is continuing the celebration every year in the same tradition as the Old Mysore Kingdom.The whole palace is illuminated with lights. The entire city has a festive look.
Snaps: http://www.flickr.com/photos/abhisheksingh/sets/72157602601328297/
20 November, 2007
Mysore Trip on Dasara
12 October, 2007
Places I have Visited In and Around Bangalore
In Reverse Chronological Order...
Munnar (Oct, 2007) - is a town located in Kerala state in the southern Western Ghats in South India. The name is often used to refer to the whole tourist area of Idukki District of which the town forms a part.
Club Cabana (Sept, 2007) - a Resort on Hyderabad road, 10 Km from Hebbal.
Bannerghatta National Park (Aug, 2007) - is situated 22 km south of Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The journey to the park takes nearly half an hour from Bangalore. This hilly place is the home for one of the richest natural, zoological reserves. The 25,000 acre (101 km²) zoological park makes this a major tourist attraction of Bangalore
Nandi Hills (July, 2007) - is a hill fortress of southern India, in the Kolar District of Karnataka state. It is located just 3 to 5 KM from Chickballapur Taluq. It is 4851 ft. (1478 meters) above sea level. Nandidrug hill, known commonly as Nandi Hills, is the source of the Penner,Ponnaiyar and Palar rivers. Nandi Hills gets its name from an ancient Nandi temple situated on this hill. This temple has a thousand year old sculpture of Nandi. An ancient lord Shiva and Parvati temple also adorns this hill.
Confident Cascade(Feb, 2007) : a Resort situated on Bannerghatta Road.
Shiva Ganga (Jan and Apr, 2007): Shiva Ganga is a hill about 50 km from Bangalore, 20 km ahead of Tumkur. It’s a pretty tall hill with two Shiva temples, one very close to the foot of the hill and another, that’s possibly around 5 km uphill! The deities are “Gangadhareshwara”, and his consort “Swarnambha”.
Wayanad (Oct, 2006): in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district, carved out of Kozhikode District and Kannur District. Though the word Wayanad is believed by some to have originated from Vayal (paddy) and Naad (land), 'Land of Paddy Fields', some scholars disagree. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m. The district is going through its worst agrarian crisis.
ShivaSamudram: (Aug, 2006): Cauvery river tumbles majestically down the Shivasamudram Falls, also called the Shivanasamudram Falls. Located in Mandya district in Karnataka state, the Shivasamudram Falls has twin jumps, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, one km away from each other. Torrential rains in the Cauvery basin and the flooding of the river Kapila added more power and lustre to the beautiful scene.
