Raya Gopura, Melukote

We couldn't contain our disappointment at the first sight of of Raya Gopura. We imagined it to be something more of grandeur, majestic rather than just four incomplete pillars. 

This place has been a constant film shooting location for many Indian movies over a period of time. However, song 'Barso Re' from movie Guru immortalized the site with Aishwarya Rai dancing to the tune. If we can remember correctly these are the few songs shot here: "Jenina Holeyo" from Chalisuva Modagalu; "Rakkamma" from Thalapthi; Vasthava Vasthava from Rakhi; "Dhadang Dhang Dhang" from Rowdy Rathore, and more recently 'O Baby' from Ricky.

Here the security guard/guide narrates us a fable. An artist has taken up the task of completing the pillars and a tower overnight in a contest. He and his team of workers put in heart and soul into this piece of work relentlessly. Dreading the defeat his adversaries forced the rooster to crow at 3 in the morning. Accepting his defeat the artist and his team deserted their work halfway leaving behind the incomplete pillars we see today. The huge pillars are not just assembled boulders. Each pillar is engraved meticulously with elegance. The story is scarcely credible, still we nodded along with him for his effort. 

Nowhere the time period of this monument was mentioned. Our speculation is that it would have be been built either during Hoysala or Vijayanagara time. On a first sight it looks like a half built temple. Once we climbed up the platform it reminded us of the "Navami Dibba" of Hampi. Probably this might have been a royal podium of bygone era. Until we get further archaeological and historical verification there is no harm in continuing with the rooster crowing story. The panoramic view of Melukote was quite hazy in the midday sunshine.

Having spent ample time climbing up and down, roaming around, clicking photos, and little satire we headed to Yoga Narasimha Temple.

Travel Flashback 2019

Pyramids of Giza

"Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world"-Gustave Flaubert

The travel in 2019 looked bleak and bare. Thanks to our personal predicament that kept us occupied from utilizing the most weekends. Whenever we could we did travel a bit. Goal for the year 2020 is to transit far and wide. Without much ado reflection on the year 2019 travel-wise. 

Melukote: This temple town had been immortalized in many Indian films. We unwinded on the steps of illustrious Kalyani witnessing the shooting of Kannada film "Pailwana".  An adept day trip getaway for Bangaloreans. One could give a considerable amount of time appreciating Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Yoganarasimha Temple, Akka Tangi Kola, Rayagopura, and Kalyani. And never forget to taste the renowned Melukote Puliyogare, heavenly Sakkarai (sweet) pongal and curd rice.

Akka-Tangi Kola

Yoga Narasimha Temple

Kalyani

Chikmagalur, the land of coffee plantations, rolling hills, mystic lakes, dense western ghats. This esteemed hill station disappointed us in terms of climate. It is true that we were there in April end, peak summer, but isn't it the way the mountains are supposed to be? It was here we found a new love and respect for 'Bangalore' the best city in the whole world wide. We digress. Beholding the glorious sunrise in the Mullayana Giri, the highest peak in Karnataka at an altitude of 1925 meter; wondering at the marvelous syncretic culture of Bababudan shrine/dattatreya peetha; viewing the cascading Manikyadhara water falls; learning history of coffee at the coffee museum; and winding down at the Ayyanakere Lake watching sun fall behind the horizon painting the sky in splash of colours.

Shri Channakeshava Temple

Baba Budan Giri

Ayyanakere

Mullayyanagiri

Egypt, the land of Pharaohs and pyramids, the country of Cleopatra, the territory of illustrious Suez canal, stage to the well-known biblical story of the Exodus led by Moses crossing the Red Sea, and we quote from our history class "Egypt the gift of the Nile". It was our collective childhood dream to see the Pyramid, wonder of both ancient and modern world. We're sure most travelers share the same dream. We were just lucky. Each nook and cranny of Egypt brims with history and civilization. We were astonished beyond believe at the architectural marvel. At the same time brewing political unrest was palpable so was the muzzling. Military was patrolling the sensitive area and each and everyone is under their scrutiny. Within a day we became deaf to the army Sirening as if it was a norm. We toured the cities of Cairo, Giza, Alexandria and Ismalia. Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada should wait a little more for our gracious presence (pun intended).

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Citadel of Qaitbay

Sultanate of Oman-an offbeat destination to choose from. It does not have neighboring Dubai's bling or pomp. It is said Omani government consciously made the decision not to imitate other cities in infrastructure. The architecture is earthy yet stylish, colours limited to white or beige, no high-rise buildings. This is true to the capital Muscat. On the way to Bahla we saw endless mountain ranges, cluster of palm trees here and there and glimpse of oasis. 

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Bahla Fort

The Royal Opera House

Mantralaya-a pilgrimage trip to fulfill the wishes of mother (mil). Seeing that there is nothing much but to visit the Raghavendra Math we decided to make it a day trip. To and from distance was 740 KMs from Bangalore and early start had the advantage of covering distance well within time. We opted to have Tirtha Prasada (lunch) at the temple's dining hall. To our surprise the food was delicious, the premises neat and tidy, and the serving generous. During onward journey we made a pit-stop at Lepakshi Nandi.

Mantralayam

Leaving you with a travel quote that summaries our travel aspiration.

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” –Susan Sontag