Bull Temple indeed! This efficient temple contains a huge granite monolith of Nandi and was built by Kempegowda in the 16th-century in Dravidian style, which is unique to South India. Main features of the Dravidian architectural style are koils, or pyramid-shaped temples, and intricate carved stone showing deities, warrior, kings and dancers in a step […]
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Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Bangalore
An abode of happiness and an envy of heaven. Aaaah. Or so says a stone pillar inside this palace, constructed in 1791 by the infamous violent ruler. Tipu Sultan (1750-1799), a Muslim in a kingdom of Hindus, was known as the Tiger of Mysore. He ruled Mysore after his father, Hyder Ali, died. Tipu had […]
Venkataramana Swamy Temple, Bangalore
Fire! Music! Chanting! I’m not sure what was going on here, but it was pretty extravagant. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, a form of the god Vishnu. Mysore ruler Chikka Devaraya Wodiyar constructed this in the 16th century in the Dravidian style, which is unique to South India. Main features of the Dravidian […]
Bengaluru Palace
Bizarro Windsor Castle? No, it’s Bengalaru Palace. These Wodeyars really knew how to live! This was yet another private residence of the dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399-1947. If this structure looks familiar in a can’t-put-your-finger-on-it sort of way, that’s because it was designed to look like Windsor Castle. The now-aged but […]
St. Philomena Cathedral, Mysore
I didn’t notice the dearth of cathedrals in India until I saw this. Oddly, seeing this colorful church was like encountering an old friend. I’m not religious at all, but cathedrals are ubiquitous in Europe and often serve as the showy centerpiece of towns. St. Philomena was constructed between 1933-41 in a neo-Gothic style. This […]
Maharaja’s Palace, Mysore
The Wodeyar maharajas (kings) didn’t spare any expense when they constructed this grand palace – twice. The original structure was gutted in an 1897 fire, and the current one was completed in 1912. This is the main attraction in Mysore, and for good reason. The interior is striking – bright colors, stained glass, lots of […]
Gateway of India
This grand arch faces out to Mumbai Harbor from the tip of Apollo Bunder in Colaba, Mumbai’s southernmost district. It was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V (although completed in 1924) and is based on the Islamic styles of 16th century Gujarat.
Morgan Library & Museum
The Morgan Library is one of my favorite museums in the city. I’m a sucker for libraries and the original 1906 library, referred to as Mr. Morgan’s Library, is one of the most stunning I’ve seen. It has three-story inlaid walnut bookshelves and an intricately painted ceiling. Contents include rare printed books and bindings, handwritten […]
Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore
This 16th-century Roman Catholic church was built to thank God for the deliverance of the city from a major outbreak of the plague. It was designed by Andrea Palladio and is a single nave church with three chapels on either side. The façade was inspired by the Parthenon and the 15 steps were in reference […]
Ca’Rezzonico, or Museo del Settecento Veneziano
Housed in a former palace, this museum showcases 18th-century arts in intimate salons. It’s a quite different experience than wandering through Gallerie dell’Accademia, that’s for sure. Make sure to look skyward for Tiepolo masterpieces and climb to the very top for Ciardi’s canal view pieces. Dorsoduro 3136, Venice
