Temples

Hampi is an ancient city on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It used to be the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire where music, art and sculpture flourished. Join me on an exploration of over 300 exquisitely designed stone temples and ruined palaces of a vanished civilization.

On a breezy Friday morning, I head out to Bhoga Nandishwara, a 1200 year old temple in the outer reaches of Bangalore. Commenced by Queen Ratnavali of the Banas in around 810 CE, it is still an active temple with a number of ceremonies including marriages held at its premises every year.

Bylakuppe is a peaceful Tibetan refugee settlement on the outskirts of Coorg. The Namdroling Monastery adorned with colorful paintings depicting gods and demons from Tibetan Buddhist mythology also hosts a lovely 60 foot gigantic gold-plated statue of Buddha.