Wildlife around a 'tiger's lake'
Long ago, tigers used to come to this lake to drink water, which came to be called as 'Pilikula' or 'tiger's lake'. Today, it is home to a variety of wildlife, including the King Cobra, says Ronald...
View ArticleFrom here & there
Bangalore has to its credit the invention of a military weapon called the Bangalore Torpedo. It was first devised by Captain McClintock of the British Indian Army unit the Madras Sappers and Miners at...
View ArticleThis village is the stork's domain
Kokkarebellur, a small village in Maddur taluk of Mandya district of Karnataka is named after the painted storks.The word 'kokkare' means crane in kannada. Apart from Painted Storks, the spot-billed...
View ArticleWhere the pepper queen ruled
Home to an age-old fort that stands majestic even today, Mirjan is a testimony to the time gone by, writes Chitra Ramaswamy.There is a quiet calm about the fort that was once known for its...
View ArticleMiscellany
Picturesque lake, serene surroundings30 km from Mysore, near Pandavapura is Thonnur Lake which attracts hordes of people, particularly during sweltering summer months.This large lake was once known as...
View ArticleOn William Bentinck's trail
Governor-General William Bentinck's trip to Bangalore, Mysore and Ooty in 1834 when he coordinated the attack on the 'problematic' raja of Coorg, Chikka Veerarajendra is well-documented in the book...
View ArticleThe scarlet showstopper
Gulmohar is widely loved for its aesthetic appeal and the history of these beautiful posies is an interesting tale in itself, says Janardhan Roye.It's come a long way, this hardy survivor. Native to...
View ArticleFrom here & there..
The spectacular expansion of industry in Bangalore after the 1940s has somewhat obscured its early experience of industrialisation.Bangalore entered the 20th century with little to show by the way of...
View ArticleMosque with a Spanish touch
While the neighbouring region is resplendent with the remnants of the glorious Vijayanagar empire in Hampi, adjacent to it are the vestiges of the Bahmani Sultanate. The Jama Masjid, the great mosque...
View ArticleA jewel in the Hoysala crown
The Keshava Temple in Somanathapura is an artistic marvel with intricately carved statues and walls, writes Gouri Satya.Some four-five decades ago, this temple in the small village of Somanathapur...
View ArticleTraversing a scenic rail trail
Recently, the first broad gauge train chugged out of the City Railway Station on its maiden journey to Kolar, reviving an old link with Bangalore's hinterland. M A Siraj follows the track. "Old order...
View ArticleMango bonanza from barren land
"When I decided to purchase this piece of land for agriculture five years ago, people did make fun of me. Of course, their opinion was not wrong as this unproductive land was not farm friendly. But...
View ArticlePoetry in piety at Nuggehalli
The state of Karnataka has always been identified by its princely temples. The Hoysalas deserve most of the credit for that. With their undulating love for architecture and skilled artisans in their...
View ArticleNothing bitter about this neem
The neem tree (azadirachta indica) is a tropical evergreen tree, native to India and is also found in other southeast countries. In India, neem is known as 'the village pharmacy'. Neem is well-known...
View ArticleAt the confluence of two rivers
Kudalasangama, which means confluence of rivers, is a two-hour drive from Hospet passing through scenic locales. Whether it is the lush green farms that grow bajra or the beautifully laid out sunflower...
View ArticleThe many faces of Charmadi
Those who wish to relish the beauty of Charmadi ghats in a more safe and unhurried manner, there are many treks that would transcend you to a different world, says B V Prakash. Among the many ghats...
View ArticleAngling for mighty mahseer
A river conservation effort disguised as a fishing camp turned into a fun activity and helped young minds to experience a unique holiday, says Steve Lockett."Who wishes they had a TV with them now?" I...
View ArticleAmalgamation of architectural styles
The Bhoganandeeshwara Temple at the foothills of the famous Nandi Hills is perhaps the best example of Dravidian Architecture. It is an amalgamation of Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles of...
View ArticleWhere the old and new meet
Hills and windmills, fields and a fort, temples and a lake, Savadatti has all these and more, discovers Jaidev Karunakaran.The road from Dharwad to Savadatti has some of the worst sections in the...
View ArticleFrom here & there
Isolated hill resortThere are no direct buses from Chikmagalur to the hill resort of Kemmangundi, which is at a distance of 54 km. The best one can do is take a KSRTC bus to the small town of...
View Article