Night View of Taj Mahal: Is it Really Worth the Hype
“…a teardrop on the face of eternity.” – Rabindranath Tagore on Taj Mahal. Umpteen words have been splurged by poets, writers, and laymen to describe the beauty of the Taj Mahal since its construction was completed in the 17th century. Yet, mere words can hardly contain the magnificence of this vision in white. Likewise, it […]
Deo Bagh: A Blissful Stay in Gwalior
Aeons ago, Neemrana’s Deo Bagh served as a summer escapade for the Maratha Jadhav family of Gwalior. Today, it has been revamped as a luxurious heritage hotel, where the past and the present are happily married. Deo Bagh is located right at the heart of a raucous Gwalior. However, once you go past its entrance, […]
Tales in Terracotta: The Fascinating Terracotta Temples of Bolpur
The rural landscape of West Bengal is often dotted with centuries-old temples. These temples are noteworthy for their architectural styles, which have set them apart from the temple architecture of the rest of India. The temples of Bengal are devoid of grand scale and ornate sculptures – a stark contrast from its Nagara and Dravida counterparts. Interestingly […]
Mysore Palace: The Ultimate 2024 Guide
The skyline of Mysuru is dominated by the resplendent Amba Vilas Palace, more popularly known as the Mysore Palace. Situated amidst a manicured lush lawn, the Palace is synonymous with magnificence, enticing visitors since its inception. Richly decorated with elaborate columns, pilasters, and arches, the Palace casts its spell on the guests right from the […]
Rani Ki Vav: The Outstanding Stepwell Built by a Queen
The Rani Ki Vav, built by a queen, is truly the queen of stepwells in India. Decked up with extraordinary sculptures, it is the most developed stepwell found in our country. It is an outstanding specimen of the skill of the Chalukyan architects and sculptors. It was declared a nationally protected monument in 1951 and […]
Maluti: The Forgotten Temple Town of Jharkhand
The sacred landscape of India is teeming with infinite numbers of temples across its length and breadth. Most of the age-old temples have been repaired, restored, and preserved, thanks to the government’s efforts. However, plenty of others remain neglected and in dire need of protection. Heritage structures have a life of their own. Like forests […]
The Great Living Chola Temples
There is no dearth of temples in Tamil Nadu. In fact, it is believed that almost 40,000 temples dot the sacred landscape of this Indian state. Tamil Nadu is, therefore, aptly called the ‘land of temples.’ Every royal dynasty which once ruled different parts of ‘Tamilakam’ undertook zealous temple–building projects, and their handiworks have added new dimensions to the […]
Brihadisvara Temple: The Astounding Chola Temple of Thanjavur
A trip to Tamil Nadu surely remains incomplete without paying a visit to the stunning Brihadisvara Temple. With its vimana literally touching the sky, this resplendent temple is regarded as an icon of the Tamil Dravida style of temple architecture. It was built by Rajaraja the Great and served as a symbol of the Chola imperial power. Since […]
Airavatesvara Temple: The Impressive Chola Shrine of Darasuram
In Tamil Nadu, you will stumble across temples at literally every bend of the road. Whether you visit a city, a town, or an otherwise run-of-the-mill village, you will find at least one temple at the heart of the settlement. Darasuram, located just 4 km away from the popular ‘tirtha’ Kumbakonam, is no exception. At […]
Tranquebar: A Magical Slice of Denmark in India
Tranquebar is a heady cocktail of tranquil sea and postcard-esque colonial structures. Nestled in the Coromandel coastline of Tamil Nadu, Tranquebar was originally called Tharangambadi. The word ‘Tharangambadi’ is poetic, which literally translates to ‘land of singing waves.’ With the gentle waves of the Bay of Bengal swaying along its coastline, Tharangambadi is truly where the […]