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Showing posts from April, 2020

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

Know your neighbourhood -1: A walk inside Bangalore Pete

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Bangalore Pete was the city established by Hiriya Kempegowda in the 16th century. It is the area which was enclosed within the mud fort which was built around the same time. The mud fort was later replaced by a stone wall. A walk into the old Pete gives one the glimpse of the different lanes established by Kempegowda based on the occupation of the traders, like Aralepete, Akkipete, Chikpet, Doddapete, etc. Balepet Main Road Some of the very old temples, built during the Vijayanagara kingdom under the chieftainship of Kempegowda can be seen still today. The Doddapet or Avenue Road as it is called now, because it used to be lined with trees on both sides. One can see various old book vendors all along the Avenue road, alongside old temples built by different communities. The same road leads to the Dharmarayaswamy temple, of the Karaga fame belonging to the Thigala community. Dharmarayaswamy temple Along side the southern entrance of the Pete, in the Chikkalalbagh area, is th