Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath, is a grand avenue in New Delhi, connecting Rashtrapati Bhavan through India Gate to National Stadium. It's a ceremonial route flanked by lush lawns, canals, and rows of trees. This iconic road hosts the annual Republic Day parade on January 26th and is considered one of India's most significant thoroughfares. It is also used for the funeral processions of important political leaders. The avenue runs in east-west direction. Road from Connaught Place, the financial centre of Delhi, run into Rajpath from north. At Vijay Chowk it crosses Sansad Marg, an ..read more

Nestled within the heart of Chennai lies a serene oasis awaiting discovery - Chetpet Lake. Spanning 9 acres of picturesque tranquility, this pristine body of water is the crown jewel of Chetpet Eco Park. Chetpet Lake offers visitors a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling cityscape. Chetpet Lake's rich history dates back to the early 20th century when visionaries like Sir Frederick Nicholson and Sir Alfred Chatterton laid the groundwork for its development. Initially envisioned as part of an industrialization plan for the Madras Presidency, the lake eventually came under the stewardship of the ..read more

In the realm of India's wax museums, both grand and modest, one stands out as a pioneer in its league. Enter the enchanting world of Mother's Wax Museum (MWM), nestled in the heart of New Town, Kolkata. Established in November 2014, MWM proudly holds the title of India's first full-fledged wax museum, inspired by the iconic Madame Tussauds. Named in honor of the beloved Mother Teresa, this museum began its journey with a modest collection of 19 wax statues. However, with each passing day, it has bloomed into a treasure trove, now boasting over 100 lifelike sculptures. What sets MWM apart is ..read more

In the heart of New Delhi rises the majestic 42-meter-high India Gate, positioned at the convergence of crossroads. This iconic structure stands as a solemn tribute to the 74,187 Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the British Army during World War I. It also honors the memory of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the Afghan war of 1919 along the Northwestern Frontier. Designed by Edwin Lutyens and inaugurated in 1931, India Gate's foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Connaught, in 1921. Originally known as the All-India War Memori ..read more

Continuing our enthralling journey through the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, we now turn our gaze towards the east-side frontside mandapa. Positioned at the gateway to the sanctum of Nellaiyappar, we are greeted by two pairs of captivating sculptures that weave tales of ancient legends and heroic deeds. Having explored the sculptures of Pagadai Raja and Veerabhadra on the southern side entrance in previous articles, let us now delve into the narratives depicted on the northern side of the main entrance, leading to the sanctum and two prakaras. Our eyes are drawn to the m ..read more

Chetpet Eco Park offers an array of delights for all who visit its serene grounds. Spanning 16 acres, with a picturesque 9-acre lake, this oasis is under the care of the Department of Fisheries, formally inaugurated in February 2016. Delving into its history, we find that the roots of this park trace back to the early 1900s, when Sir Frederick Nicholson and Sir Alfred Chatterton envisioned industrialization for the Madras Presidency. Nicholson championed fisheries, leading to the eventual stewardship of Chetpet lake by the Fisheries Department in the 1930s. The journey towards the park's ec ..read more

Krishna, a name that resonates with the color black in Sanskrit, embodies charm and allure. His divine form, adorned in the captivating hue, playing the flute, captivates the hearts of the Gopikas. Standing beside him on the altar is Radha, the foremost among the Gopikas, deeply enamored by Krishna's enchanting melodies. Flanking this divine couple are Lalita and Vishaka, two prominent Gopikas among eight companions (Ashta Gopis), equally drawn to the irresistible charm of Krishna. This sacred depiction forms the heart of the Radha Parthasarathi temple, fondly known as the ISKCON temple, nestl ..read more

Continuing our captivating exploration of the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, we now direct our attention towards the west side of the east-side frontside mandapa. Here, positioned at the entrance to the heart of the Nellaiyappar temple, we encounter two pairs of more awe-inspiring sculptures that beckon us into their stories. Moving from the sculpture of the formidable Pagadai Raja on the southern side that was covered in my earlier post, we now delve into the next masterpiece located to the true left side of the warrior. Our gaze falls upon the depiction of the valiant V ..read more

Hazrat Dastagir Sahib Dargah, nestled along the modern-day Dr. Natesan Road in Mylapore locality in Chennai, holds a tale of mystical origins. Hailing from a Turkish lineage, Hazrat Dastagir Sahib was a scion of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, where he first drew breath. After traversing the length and breadth of the country, he found his resting place in Chennai. In an eerie premonition, he foretold his own passing, instructing his disciples not to perform the customary funeral prayers led by an Imam. Legend has it that, upon his passing in 1752, Hazrat Dastagir Sahib appeared in ethereal ..read more

Bangalore, once famed for its pleasant weather, now grapples with notorious traffic jams. Often hailed as the Silicon Valley of India, this city was once a haven of lush gardens and expansive parks. This article sheds light on a lesser-known gem, the Shri Jagannath Temple, whose annual car festival draws over 15,000 devotees. Located in the Agara locality, this temple was erected by the Orissan community, offering a local abode for worshipping Lord Jagannath of Puri. Perched atop a modest hillock, the temple stands as a testament to Kalinga temple architecture. Resembling the revered Puri J ..read more