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Showing posts from November, 2016

Madhya Pradesh Trip-3: Visit to Chitrakoot

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Watch the full video here Overview: I first heard about Chitrakoot while watching the TV series Ramayan in the 1980s. Then later read several books and heard from different people how important Chitrakoot is in Indian history. I reached Chitrakoot from Gwalior at around 4am in the morning, and I had booked the Retiring room at Chitrakoot Railway station for my accomodation. But unfortunately after reaching ChitrakootDham railway station, I found the Retiring room in a shabby conditon and in complete darkness. People were sleeping on the platform and there was nobody to guide me on the retiring room. So finally I decided to move out of the station and look for accomodation. I managed to get a single room just opposite the Railway station for Rs 800. There are several options for stay near the railway station, and since I had my next train past midnight, I preferred some place quite close so that I can just walk to the train station. I got freshened up and at around 7:30am, I ventured ou
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Aretippur & Kudlur: Jain Site lost in time in erstwhile Chola land

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Overview:   The twin hills of Aretippur in Mandya district is a mix of history and adventure. The village has been recently studied by the archaeologists and several Jain statues have been discovered, and more have been found carved on the rocks of Kanakagiri hills. There is also a small pond in Kanakagiri, which, according to the inscriptions there, is known as Kanakagiri Teertha. The adjoining Savanappana Gudda, is an equally interesting place, with a 10 feet tall Bahubali statue atop the hill. This statue was installed in the late 10th century, and perhaps before the gigantic Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola.                           On the way towards Channapatna, one can visit the hill temple of Siddheshwara at Alur Doddi and Chola era temple dedicated to Lord Rama ar Kudlur. This temple at Kudlur was built by the Cholas dating back to the 10th century. The temple has carvings typical of the Cholas and several inscriptions can be seen clearly inside the temple
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Swamimale Hill, Sandur: Hidden beauty in the midst of mining hotbed

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Overview:   While driving back from Hospet to Bengaluru, a slight detour to this little place is worth visiting. The drive from Hospet to Sandur is itself a pleasure with winding roads and hills in the backdrop gives a heavenly feeling. The Swamimale hill range is a part of Western Ghats on its eastern edge, which is abundant with different species of wildlife and also popular for medicinal plants. This hill is also believed to be rich in minerals which is a result of volcanic eruptions several centuries ago.               There is also an ancient temple in the middle of wilderness. The Kumaraswamy temple complex, which also houses Goddess Parvati’s shrine, dates back to the Rashtrakutas during the 8th century.               References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krauncha_Giri How to reach: From Bangalore, Sandur can be reached via NH4, take a deviation near Chitradurga on to Hospet road. Turn towards Ballari at Kudligi. Plenty of buses ply from Bangalore t
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