Indian Columbus

Avani is a quiet village in the Kolar district of Karnataka, located about 80 kilometres from Bengaluru. At first glance, it appears like many other small settlements in the region. But a closer look reveals that this modest village preserves layers of history that span mythology, early medieval dynasties, and remarkable temple architecture. The village lies close to a scenic hill known as Avani Betta , a rocky hill that rises prominently above the surrounding landscape. Near the base of this hill stands a beautiful waterbody, adding to the tranquil setting of the place. Near this waterbody and the rising hill is located an ancient temple complex that has silently witnessed centuries of history, the Ramalingeshwara group of temples . This complex is not a single shrine but a cluster of temples that together form an important monument of early medieval South Indian architecture. The Nolambas – Builders of the Temple Complex The temples here were constructed during the period of the ...

Located near the Karnataka–Andhra Pradesh border, the quiet village of Vidurashwatha in Chikkaballapur district is best known today for its serene temple dedicated to Santhana Nagendra Swamy and its annual jatre . But nestled behind the temple is a memorial that tells a story few remember; a tale of sacrifice, resistance, and tragic bloodshed. It is no exaggeration that Vidurashwatha stands as the Jallianwala Bagh of the South , a phrase that echoes the grief and glory of a largely forgotten chapter in India’s freedom movement. The Flag That Stirred a Nation On 25th April 1938 , as India’s fight for independence surged across the subcontinent, Vidurashwatha became the site of a bold act of defiance. Inspired by the Shivapura Satyagraha , a group of leaders from the Indian National Congress and villagers from Hindupur , Gauribidanur , and nearby areas decided to hoist the national flag at Vidurashwatha. The act was simple but significant: they would raise the Swaraj flag despite t...

Vidurashwatha is a quiet village situated near the Karnataka–Andhra Pradesh border, just 5 kilometers from Gauribidanur in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka. Though small in size, the place holds enormous religious and historical importance. It is home to the Vidurashwatha Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Santhana Nagendra Swamy , and is regarded as a significant Parihara Sthalam for resolving all forms of Naga Dosha . The Legend of Vidura and the Ashwatha Tree As the name suggests, Vidurashwatha is linked to the sage-like courtier Vidura , a key figure in the Mahabharata. After the devastation of the Kurukshetra war, Vidura sought spiritual salvation and approached Sri Krishna for guidance. Krishna advised him to undertake a pilgrimage. Eventually, Vidura reached the hermitage of Maitreya Maharishi , located at this very spot. While performing his Sandhyavandana in the nearby river, Vidura came across a small Ashwatha (banyan) sapling. As per the rishi’s advice, Vidura worship...

Bangalore, once famed for its pleasant weather, now grapples with notorious traffic jams. Often hailed as the Silicon Valley of India, this city was once a haven of lush gardens and expansive parks. This article sheds light on a lesser-known gem, the Shri Jagannath Temple, whose annual car festival draws over 15,000 devotees. Located in the Agara locality, this temple was erected by the Orissan community, offering a local abode for worshipping Lord Jagannath of Puri. Perched atop a modest hillock, the temple stands as a testament to Kalinga temple architecture. Resembling the revered Puri Jagannath Temple, the sanctum of this shrine also houses the divine trio—Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra. Carved from sacred neem logs, known as daru, the deities rest upon a resplendent platform called Ratnabedi. Alongside them, the sanctum hosts Sudarshana Chakra, Madanmohan, Sridevi, and Vishwadhatri. Interestingly, the trio's iconography presents only their faces, devoid of arms or torsos....

Almost all major cities have zoological parks. But, Mysuru zoo has its unique charm. Whoever visits Mysuru never misses coming here.  Founded in 1892 by Mysore ruler Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur, it is one of the oldest zoological parks of the entire India. The credit for the beautiful landscape goes to the German Horticulturist, Mr. G.H. Krumbeigal.  Initially, it occupied just 10.9 acres. After multiple expansions, it now spreads over 157 acres, including 77 acres of Karanji Lake. Animals might not feel this zoo as a prison but as a forest. Named after the founder but popularly known as Mysore Zoo, it is a pioneer in recreating the natural habitat for different species of animals. Also, it is the first park in India to build large ape enclosures. The enclosure that was built in 1911, is considered a heritage building now. Thanks to the Mysore Maharaja for introducing many animals from European countries to Mysore. During his tours, he used to bring different species of ...

With breathtaking hills, an internationally acclaimed palace and zoological park, state-of-the-art temples, historical monuments, and heritage richness at every nook and corner - Mysuru - it's a true paradise on earth. There is one more feather on the cap of this historic city - the Chamundeshwari Celebrity Wax Museum.  Inaugurated in October 2018, it is the first celebrity museum in Karnataka. It is the result of two years of hard work and effort by the renowned sculptor Umesh Shetty and his team. All the wax statues look so realistic that it becomes difficult to believe they are not humans. Saints, Social reformers, Politicians, Indian and foreign cine stars, Sports stars, Emperors, and so on - the museum displays many statues of prominent people from different walks of life.  Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.

Sand sculptures are usually made for temporary purposes on beaches. Where else can we find the sand sculptures displayed permanently? I am not sure. At least in India, the one we have in Mysuru is the first of its kind. Located at the foothills of Chamundi Hills on the city outskirt, this sand sculpture museum is the result of the creativity and hard work of MN Gowri, a leading sculptor of India.  More than one hundred truckloads of sand were used to make 150 sculptures. Depicting various themes, all these giant size sculptures captivate the visitors with their unmatched beauty. With proper provisions to protect them from Sun, rain and insects, it is said that they last long for one year. Mysuru never ceases to surprise us with its variety of exciting sites. This unique museum is a brilliant addition to the list. Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.

Those who go to Mysuru never miss visiting Mysore Palace. But hardly anyone of them visits or even knows Jaganmohana Palace. It was destined to become the abode of the Mysore Royal family. But destiny had different plans, and now it serves as a treasure trove of dramatic paintings. The interesting heritage building has its own history, which is more intriguing.  The Mysore royal family was forced to leave Mysore in 1831 CE by the East India Company. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III filed a lawsuit. Years passed by; the British Government took over the administration of India from the East India Company. In 1861, the royal family was allowed to return to Mysore but not to the palace. Hence, there was a need for a new palace, and Jaganmohana Palace was thus born.  By 1881, the ruling in favor of the royal family allowed it to reoccupy Amba Vilas (Mysore Palace). Jaganmohana Palace was used for music and dance. However, the wooden palace was destroyed during a royal wedding cerem...