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Chausath Yogini Temple: Hirapur’s 64 Goddesses
In February 2020, we visited Hirapur, a serene village located approximately 20 km outside of the bustling city of Bhubaneswar in the Indian state of Odisha. Our primary destination was the enigmatic Chausath Yogini temple, a remarkable testament to ancient Indian architecture and religious devotion. This temple, dating back to the 9th century CE, is shrouded in mystique, with its circular layout, divine deities, and a unique connection to Hindu mythology. The Chausath Yogini temple, also known as the Hirapur Yogini Temple, stands as a remarkable relic of India’s rich heritage. Constructed during the rule of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty, this temple is believed to be one of the four Yogini…
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Kaziranga Sanctuary: Realm of the One-Horned Rhino
In April 2023, we visited the captivating Kaziranga National Park, a wildlife haven nestled in the northeast of India. This sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and, most notably, as the home of the one-horned rhinoceros. Welcoming the Dawn in Kaziranga Our day commenced with the break of dawn, setting the stage for an adventure of a lifetime. Two Journeys: Elephant and Jeep Safaris Our visit was a journey of two safaris, each with its unique charm – a serene morning elephant safari and an exhilarating afternoon jeep safari. Up Close with Rhinos: The Elephant Safari Experience The elephant safari, scheduled for 7 AM,…
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Gangaikonda Cholapuram: The Pride of Cholas
In June 2017, we had the chance to explore the magnificent Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a remarkable place that holds a significant piece of South Indian history. This temple, located in Tamil Nadu, India, stands as a testament to the Chola dynasty’s architectural and artistic prowess. The history The history behind the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is quite interesting. It was built during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, the son of the famous Chola king, Rajaraja Chola I. In the early 11th century, Rajendra Chola I embarked on a victorious military expedition that led to the conquest of the Ganges region, earning him the title “Gangaikonda,” which means “the one who…
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Undavalli Caves: A Blend of History, Culture, and Craftsmanship
In September 2019, my family and I embarked on a journey to the beautiful city of Vijayawada, situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, India. Our visit was marked by a stay at the Bhavani Island Resort, run by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), which offered a tranquil retreat in the midst of nature. One of the highlights of our trip was the exploration of the Undavalli Caves, a remarkable rock-cut temple complex perched on a hillside. Undavalli caves – History The caves, believed to have their construction initiated in the 6th or 7th century AD, have a rich history of royal patronage that continued until the 16th…
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Manipur’s Loktak Lake: A Voyage Beyond Floating Islands
In the heart of the Northeastern state of Manipur, India, lies a natural wonder that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the northeastern region, is a place of incredible beauty, rich cultural significance, and fascinating ecological features. Our journey to this mesmerizing destination in April 2023 was an unforgettable experience, where we explored the unique landscape of Loktak, its floating phumdis, the local culture, and witnessed the breathtaking sunset over the lake. Our adventure began with a visit to the Hotel Sendra Park, which is situated on the southern side of Loktak Lake. We were drawn to…
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Unakoti – One Less Than a Crore Stories
The way to Unakoti We had planned to visit the Unakoti rock carvings as the first destination in Tripura. The rock carvings are located about 180 km from Agartala, where we stayed. We started from Agartala at about 7 AM as we wanted to be back before sundown. Once we left Agartala, there was a short stretch of state highways before the road rapidly ascended into a hilly section. The two-lane road gradually became a 4-lane well-paved highway but still traversed across the hills. The weather was overcast and the greenery in the hills made for some breathtaking views. Options for food stops on the way to Unakoti are extremely…
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The besieged ocean, Dwarasamudra – Halebeedu itinerary
The Hoysala kingdom was a dynasty between the 10th and 14th centuries CE. The dominion spanned most of present-day Karnataka, as well as parts of Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The capital city of the kingdom shifted with the changing fortunes, like many other dynasties. The capital was originally located in Sosavur, but it was later moved to Belur before settling in the present-day Halebidu. Originally called Dwarasamudra (and also Dvaravatipura), Halebidu remained the Hoysalas’ capital from 1062 CE until the dynasty’s decline around the 14th century CE. The Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu is one of the crowning achievements of Hoysala art and architecture. The other two are at Belur and…
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Bateshwar – The Divine Jigsaw
What is the biggest jigsaw puzzle you’ve done? I’ve done ones with 500 and 1000 pieces. Once, I finished a 5000 piece puzzle. I’ve also attempted a 40000 piece puzzle once. What if you had to put together a giant puzzle where each piece needs more than one person to lift it? Sometimes a forklift to do the work? Well, that’s the task at hand for the men and women at work in the Bateshwar cluster of temples at Madhya Pradesh. How to get there How to get there? The Bateshwar temple cluster is about 35 km from Gwalior, in Morena. There are buses that drop you off close to…
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Celebrating the Sun – Konark!
One of the places that we were really looking forward to visiting was the Sun temple at Konark. The mighty structure, the chakras (wheels), the even bigger structure that is no longer there – all this history made us look forward to the moment we would be able to stand and admire the mightiness. Kalinga architecture The temple is attributed to King Narasimhadeva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty and dated to around the middle of the 13th century CE. The grandeur of the structures that remain give us hints of the scale of the temple that would’ve existed before the depredations of time. The temple’s architectural style is Kalinga. It…
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Amer Fort and Jaigarh – The Connected Forts of Jaipur
Amer Fort We had planned half a day, starting early to cover Amer and Jaigarh fort. Even before reaching the fort, we stopped on the way to soak in the views of the fort from a distance. The guides at Amer fort are very very very perseverant. The guides and touts warned us that we’d either get lost or we’d miss out on parts of the fort without their ‘guidance’. Rest assured that you’re neither at a risk of getting lost thanks to the well-marked paths nor are you at a risk of missing portions of the fort thanks to the detailed layout maps that can be found online fairly…
