An evening at 'Legend of Rock'

It was Friday evening and I badly wanted to go somewhere and chill out. Eventually, my friend Tejaswini suggested this absolutely awesome pub named 'Legend of Rock' or 'LOR' in short. Knowing that she was pretty much aware of such places, I promptly agreed to go and so did Shohini, another friend of mine.
Within 5 mins we had shut down our systems and were literally running to board the bus so that we could get to our destination really fast. We reached LOR at 7 pm. The pub is located in Koramangala (close to Sony World Signal), in the city of Bangalore in Karnataka, India. Accessibility is pretty easy, as there are buses and autos plying in this area.

LOR has three levels,with the decibel of music varying in each level. Loudest at the first level. Literally the head-banging kind. A little less loud in the middle level - allowing you to listen and chat at the same time. At the topmost level, the music is more on the background, thus enabling one to enjoy and not scream at each other when talking. We decided to go for this level.
Now the best part...the third level was the rooftop. We could enjoy the view of the city and the music at the same time, not to forget the beautiful weather. We sat at the table next to the railing.

We placed our order. Me being a teetotaler, I ordered a mocktail for myself with a pretty interesting name, 'Safe Sex on the Beach'. It was a mix of orange juice, pineapple juice, bitters and one other thing, which I forgot. While Shohini ordered a 'Long Island', Tejaswini ordered a 'Cosmopolitan' and 'Fuzzy Naval' for herself. Aside the drinks, we also ordered Chicken Lollipop, Onion Rings and an absolutely stunning dish named 'Cheese+Cherry+Pineapple'. I need to mention over here that this was Tejaswini's recommendation...and it was a sure hit. At the end, I also ordered for myself another mocktail named 'Mango Bloom'...well, it is the season of mangoes and couldn't resist myself from trying out something that had a touch of mango in it.
The food is pretty good here and the service is more or less prompt...it surely justifies the price.

The ambience was amazing...the dimly lit atmosphere, the soft music accentuated by the cool breeze that blew on our face, simply set the mood for an evening of total, unadulterated fun and enjoyment.
What attracted me most to this quaint place was its decor. A blend of simplicity and style, it featured a certain 'urban desi' look.

The three of us spent the entire evening laughing, cracking jokes, acting silly sometimes and of course a little bitching about people.

We finally left the place at around 9:15 pm, happy and satisfied that our Friday evening didn't just pass off.

Mumbai - A city, A wonder

On September 2011, I paid a visit to the most popular city of India - yes, the city of Mumbai. The commercial capital, the fashion capital, the city that never sleeps....you can call it by any name you want.

The city featured at the number one position on my bucket list. Years of planning and dreaming finally worked out. It was a short vacation of 4 days. I landed in the city on the day before Ganesh Chaturthi. What caught my breath at first was the marvelous aerial view of the city, its skyscrapers, the vibrant coastline and various other aspects that I got to view as the arircraft gradually descended from the skies.

Sitting by the side of the window, at that moment I wished that by some magic or sorcery, the plane got stuck in the clouds so that I could keep gazing at this marvelous view. Though short lived, yet the view was etched in my heart, never to be wiped out again.

The charm of the city caught my fancies the moment I emerged out of the airport. I could feel the vibrancy in the air. A certain aura of passion, excitement and freedom seem to be wafting in the air. I questioned myself as to whether this was for real or was it just another facet of my overtly profound imagination. Well, it was definitely the latter...confirmed by the fact that such deep emotional entourage faded into oblivion the day I left the city.

It was monsoons in Mumbai at that time. Incessant rains poured through the day and night. But that did not dampen my spirits of exploring the city. Each day was an adventure of sorts. I walked down the busy streets of the city, trying to soak in the life as much as I could.

I went to the bustling area of Goregaon Station. I could see people scrambling and running to get the train that would take them to their destination. Yes, the local train...the lifeblood of the fashion capital, without which the city would come to a standstill. The entire area was filled with different kinds of shops. From food joints, to gift shops, garment shops, repair shops...you ask for it and it is there.

From Colaba to Mahalaxmi and even to Bandra....I travelled across the lenght and breadth of the city inspired and awed by its beauty (a blend of modern and colonial feel).

Mumbai is definitely a dream city...a city that speaks of life, that breathes of joy.

Few Pictures depictong the spirit of Mumbai...amazing!
(Clicked by me. So please use after seeking permission or else it will amount to plagiarism)

A gift called Life

Just the other day I heard that my friend died in a car crash. Shocked and devastated, I realized how delicate life is. Well, I always knew how precious life is...but this news dawned on me the realization that life is too precious to waste on petty squabbles, hate, jealousy and various other such ill feelings.

I myself had got a second chance to live...and with this incident, my conviction that each of us should value each and every moment of our lives has become even stronger.

Life is a gift from the almighty...a delicate, beautiful and wonderful gift creating magic that all of us dream of. Where on one hand it has deep roots that makes it strong, on the other hand it is soft as the stem of a sapling that can break any moment if one is not careful.

I feel privileged to have been able to take care of this wonderful gift and preserve it well...what more can I say.

I thank God fo everything...for such wonderful friends, a loving family and everything beautiful that surrounds me.

Here is a four liner that I dedicate to life:

"Gentle as the petals of a rose,
You steal my heart with your beauty,
A gift so divine and pure,
You'r the reason for me to be happy."

Hola to the animal kingdom-Mysore Zoo.

The Mysore Zoo, officially known as the "Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens", is one of the largest zoos in the whole of Southern India. Come here and you will get to see different species of birds and animals. The zoo was built in the year 1892 and is spread across an area of 250 acres.

There are different varieties of birds that you can get to see. Right from the Golden Pheasant to cockatoos, peacocks, there are innumerable birds to be found. Walk down further and you will enter the world of the animals. A whole range of four legged creatures will greet you with their varied sounds and calls. The most impressive ones are the giraffes.

Infosys – A dream

A month has passed since I joined Infosys on June 6, 2011. Getting a job in this company, one of the most respected companies in India and the world, was like a dream to me. I pinched myself hard the day I went for the interview and received the offer letter. I was really not dreaming. It was reality. It was the truth.

Infact, to be very honest, I can't still believe that I am part of this fabulous organisation. Today, as I sit on my chair, I feel honored to be part of this company that has acheived so much since its formation way back in 1981.

All I can now look at is to do well in my new job and acheive success in every feat that I undertake.

Surprises

Life is a bag full of surprises. Time and again, various instances in my life have confirmed the truth of this statement. Coming third in the Commerce Department of my school in the Class 12 board exam was one those big surprises that life had given me. It was something that just swept me off my feet. That was probably the first day I realised my own potential. It was an achievement which was bigger than any other thing that I have achieved till date.
The next surprise was my being nominated and winning the "Best Speedster Award" while I was working at Compare Infobase Ltd. It was like something magical had just happened. It was nothing short of a fairytale. Still cannot forget the smile on my parent's face.
The biggest surprise that I got was when my sister gave birth to twin daughters. I always had a fascination for twins, and when my sister gave birth to identical twin babies, I was completely awestruck. Probably the biggest surprises that I had got, my joy new no bounds when I saw my little nieces sleeping peacefully in their crib in the nursery.
Tears rolled down my cheeks as I saw the two littel darlings sleeping side by side, eagerly waiting for us to hold them in our hands.
It is these little and joyful surpirses that makes life exciting and fun filled. Many run after astrologers to know what will happen toi them in future. But what's the fun in living if I knew what was going to happen to 5 years from now.
Allowing life to slowly unfold itself doubles our joy and happiness. True, predictions help you be prepared for future contingencies and mishaps. But again, happy events are best left unsaid. Let them get revealed before our eyes in their own sweet time as pleasant surprises.

Ice cream at Corner House

Corner House is truly one of the best cafes in Bangalore. I happenned to visit this neat little cafe during my vacations to the Garden City this February, and trust me was I impressed. Known for its wide range of ice creams and desserts, this eatery also serves some of the most mouth watering chaats and snacks.
Starting from paapri chaat to the delicious pav bhaji, eveything that you can think of is avalable at this cute little restaurant.
We ( i.e. me and my family) ordered samosa chaat, pav bhaji and paapri chaat. Though I had my favorite paapr chaat, the samosa chaat attracted my attention too. Not to forget the pav bhaji. Let's me put it this way. I tried little bit of everything.
After having teased our taste buds with these delicious Indian snacks, we sat down to enjoy our desserts. My mother ordered "Strawberries with fresh cream and ice cream", my sister ordered "Cake Fudge", my daddy ordered " Hot caramel pudding", my brother -in-law went for the "Pistachio ice cream" while I decided to try out the coffee and chocolate flavored ice cream.
We all took turns to try out each others orders. But I must say that my mom's order was te best. Juicy and bright red strawberries dipped in soft, snowy white cream really made me smack my lips. All that I can say is that the taste was "heavenly".
I dipped one strawberry in the cream and put it in my mouth after ensuring that it was covered with a generous amount of cream. The entire thing just melted in my mouth. I could feel the softness of the cream and strawberry roll inside my mouth as it slowly melted away leaving behind the flavour that was so sweet. It was simply fantastic.
Having tried this, I went for the cake fudge and the caramel pudding. The tastes were so distinct that it is really hard to forget them. Unlike other shops, where all chocolate and caramel flavoured desserts taste the same, in Corner House each and every preparation has its own distinct flavour. I guess, that's what makes this wonderful cafe famous and a hot favorite among the people of the city. If you happen to be there, make sure you try out "Strawberry with cream and ice cream" as well as the most famous "Death by chocolate". Trust me, you would get value for money and would want to come back to that place over and over again.

Finally....

Finally, the rain god's seems to have become considerate now...the cool showers that we had in the last two days have brought some respite for the "rain thirsty" Kolkattans. The weather seems to have become slightly pleasant, with temperatures going down...whew! what a relief!..Lets just hope that this continues....
"Shimmering drops of water,
from the heaven's above,
bless us thirsty mortals,
with your divine love"

Kolkata heat

With the heat in Kolkata rising with each passing day, it appears that by the end of the summer season the Kolkatans will be half boiled. What is worse is that the temperature in the city is higher than in Delhi...can you beleive it??...And to top it all...there is the erstwhile and never ending load shedding adding to our woes. Wonder when this aweful season will get over. Kalbaishakhi seems to be a dream....

What do you guys think?...I would request everybody to post their comments on the Kolkata heat.

An evening so magical and blissful.

It was an evening to remember. Walking down the banks of the Rabindar Sarobar lake with my friend on a warm April evening was truly an evening worth cherishing. Chatting and laughing, we walked down the tiled path that encircled the tranquil waters of the lake. The path was dimly lit and the gentle breeze that blew added to the romantic atmosphere that surrounded the entire place.

We strolled under the tall trees that swayed gently in the breeze. The entire place was thronging with people, some strolling like us and others just lazing on the grass close by. Yet others, with their beloved in their arms, sat and enjoyed a romantic moment uninterrupted and engrossed. The waters of the lake shimmered as a result of the light from the lampposts that lined the banks of the lake.

We walked for quite sometime, before finally sitting down on a bench to give rest to our weary legs. The bench, made of concrete, faced the lake and offered a grand view of the surrounding area. The two of us chatted for a long time, talking on different things like career, relationships, music and others. My friend also sang a couple of songs to make the moment more memorable.

We laughed and joked and pulled each others legs while the breeze kissed our oily face gently making us feel refreshed and rejuvenated. It was a heart warming moment we spent that day. The hours rolled by as we shared our secrets and experiences one by one. Not for one moment did each of us stop and wonder what the other would think about us. We just opened our hearts out. For the first time, I felt so free. It was like that of a bird who had just discovered its new found freedom.

Finally, it was time to part ways, or should I say it was time to get back home. I wanted to stay a little while longer, but call of duty made me think 'rationally' and change my decision. We headed back home, happy to have shared such an intimate moment with one another. We promised that we would come again one day and share our lives moments amidst the cool shade of the trees and in front of the serene lake.

It was truly an exhilarating and blissful evening that we spent together.

Top5 Amazing Rapid Mental Math Methods

Top5 Amazing Rapid Mental Math Methods

Today you can define mental math in various different ways. Some would say, memorizing times table and remembering the solutions can form the part of mental mathematics. Some would say ability to perform simple calculations in your head can be mental mathematics. The web dictionary defines mental mathematics as "Computing an exact answer without using pencil and paper or other physical aids."

Today there are five methods available to learn and practice mental mathematics.Let's begin with the first one called 'Learning by Heart' or better known as the rote memorizing method where your teachers ask you to mug up boring multiplication tables. It not only kills the interest of the child in mathematics but also makes sure that he develops hatred towards the subject for the rest of the years he studies it. This system gives its ardent devotee some degree of success initially as he is able to answer easy problems but then when the supposedly bigger application problems come the steam is almost over.

The second one gives you a good degree of success and I would highly recommend it to the younger lot out there. It hails from China and is popular by the name of The Abacus (also known as the Soroban in Japan). An abacus is a calculating tool, often constructed as a wooden frame with beads sliding on wires. With the use of this tool one can perform calculations relating to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with ease. Gradually one practices with the tool in one's hand and later on when experienced he learns to do it without the tool. This tool is then fitted into the mind mentally and he can then add, subtract multiply and divide in seconds. This tool also enhances a child's concentration levels.

The main drawback of this system is that it focuses only on the 4 mathematical operations. Concepts beyond these operations such as Algebra, Square Roots, Cubes, Squares, Calculus, and Geometry etc cannot be solved using it at all. Also one needs a longer time to be able to fully get a grasp of the system hence you see courses in the abacus stretching to over 2 years which leads the child to boredom and then quitting from the course.
Another Chinese system mainly collected from the book The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art lays out an approach to mathematics that centers on finding the most general methods of solving problems. Entries in the book usually take the form of a statement of a problem, followed by the statement of the solution, and an explanation of the procedure that led to the solution.

The methods explained in this system can hardly be termed mental and they lack speed to top it all. The Chinese were definitely the most advanced of the civilization thanks to the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers but if I were to choose out of the two methods given by this culture It would be the abacus.

If wars have a 99.99% downside, sometimes they can have an upside too for they give birth to stories of hope and creativity. The next mental math system was developed during the Second World War in the Nazi Concentration Camp by a Ukrainian Mathematician Jakow Trachtenberg to keep his mind occupied. What resulted is now known as the Trachtenberg Speed System of Mathematics and consists of Rapid Mental Methods of doing Mathematics.
The system consists of a number of readily memorized patterns that allow one to perform arithmetic computations very quickly. It has wider applications than the Abacus and apart from the four basic operation methods it covers Squares and Square Roots.
The method focuses mostly on Multiplication and it even gives patterns for multiplication by particular number say 5,6,7 and even 11 and 12. It then gives a general method for rapid multiplication and a special two finger method. After practicing the method myself I realized that the multiplication was a very applicable mental method but the other methods covered to solve division and square roots were not very friendly and were impossible to be done mentally.

I was in search of a much better wholesome method where I could easily perform other operations also. Another drawback of this system was that it too like the abacus failed to have a wider scope i.e to encompass other fields like Algebra, Calculus, Trignometry, Cube Roots etc
A Recommendation by a friend of mine from America introduced me to what is known as the Kumon Math Method. It was founded by a Japanese educator Toru Kumon in 1950s and as of 2007 over 4 million children were studying under the Kumon Method in over 43 different countries.

Students do not work together as a class but progress through the curriculum at their own pace, moving on to the next level when they have achieved mastery of the previous level. This sometimes involves repeating the same set of worksheets until the student achieves a satisfactory score within a specified time limit. In North American Kumon Centers, the mathematics program starts with very basic skills, such as pattern recognition and counting, and progresses to increasingly challenging subjects, such as calculus, probability and statistics. The Kumon Method does not cover geometry as a separate topic but provides sufficient geometry practice to meet the prerequisites for trigonometry, which is covered within the Kumon math program.

I was much impressed with the glamour around Kumon but a glimpse of its curriculum deeply disappointed me. It is not mental at all. It does not offer any special methods to do mathematics and one does not improve one's speed by doing Kumon Math. There is a set curriculum of worksheets which one does till one achieves mastery in the subject. So say for example a sheet on Divison- one would continue to do division by the conventional method till he gets a satisfactory score and then he moves on to a higher level. This certainly doesn't make division any faster and the process is certainly not mental.

A deep thought on the reason of its tremendous popularity in America led me to conclude was the lack of a franchisee business model of the abacus and the Trachtenberg speed system in the 1950s. The franchisee model was essential in taking the course from country to country. This is where Toru Kumon thrived.
Dissapointed with other cultures in the world, my search made me look in my own Indian culture. What I found astonished and amazed me so much that I fell in love with the system and started coaching neighbourhood students in it.
This is easily the World's Fastest Mental Mathematics System called High Speed Vedic Mathematics. It has its roots in Ancient Indian Scriptures called the Vedas meaning 'the fountain head of knowledge'. With it not only you can add, subtract, multiply or divide which is the limiting factor of the abacus but you can also solve complex mathematics such as algebra, geometry, Calculus, and Trigonometry. Some of the most advanced, complex and arduous problems can be solved using the Vedic Maths method with extreme ease.
And all this with just 16 word formulas written in Sanskrit.

High Speed Vedic Mathematics was founded by Swami Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja who was the Sankaracharya (Monk of the Highest Order) of Govardhan Matha in Puri between 1911 and 1918. They are called "Vedic" as because the sutras are contained in the Atharva Veda – a branch of mathematics and engineering in the Ancient Indian Scriptures.
High Speed Vedic Mathematics is far more systematic, simplified and unified than the conventional system. It is a mental tool for calculation that encourages the development and use of intuition and innovation, while giving the student a lot of flexibility, fun and satisfaction . For your child, it means giving them a competitive edge, a way to optimize their performance and gives them an edge in mathematics and logic that will help them to shine in the classroom and beyond.

Therefore it's direct and easy to implement in schools – a reason behind its enormous popularity among academicians and students. It complements the Mathematics curriculum conventionally taught in schools by acting as a powerful checking tool and goes to save precious time in examinations.

The Trachtenberg Method is often compared to Vedic Mathematics. Infact even some of the multiplication methods are strikingly similar. The Trachtenberg system comes the closest to the Vedic System in comparison and ease of the methods. But the ease and mental solvability of the other method especially division, square roots, cube roots, Algebraic Equations, Trigonometry, Calculus etc clearly gives the Vedic System an edge. Even NASA is said to be using some of this methods applications in the field of artificial intelligence.

There are just 16 Vedic Math sutras or word formulas which one needs to practice in order to be efficient in Vedic Math system. Sutras or Word Math Formulas such as the Vertically and Crosswise, All from Nine and Last from ten helps to solve complex problems with ease and also a single formula can be applied in two or more fields at the same time. The Vertically and Crosswise formula is one such gem by which one can multiply, find squares, solve simultaneous equations and find the determinant of a matrix all at the same time.
If either of these methods is learned at an early age, a student aged 14 can perform lightening fast calculations easily during his examinations and ace through them.
Vedic Mathematics is fast gaining popularity in this millennium. It is being considered as the only mental math system suited for a child as it helps to develop his numerical as well as mental abilities. The methods are new and practical and teach only Mental Rapid Mathematics.

The system does not focus on learning by repetition as in the Kumon Method. The system focuses on improving intelligence by teaching fundamentals and alternate methods. The purpose is not limited to improving performance in the school or tests, but on providing a broader outlook resulting in improved mathematical intelligence and mental sharpness.
To know more about the Vedic Mathematics Sutras – The World's Fastest Mental Math System you can visit Vedic Maths India

This Article is by Gaurav Tekriwal,, The President of the Vedic Maths Forum India who has been conducting High Speed Vedic Math Workshops for the last five years and has trained over seven thousand students across the world in the field. He is the author of the best selling DVD on the subject which contains over 10 hours on the subject. He is an expert in the field and revolutionizes the way children learn math.

To learn more about Vedic Matha..you can check out Gaurav Tekriwal's Webiste on Vedic Maths. The link is given below:

http://www.vedicmathsindia.org/

Mysore Zoo

My trip to Mysore came to a full circle with my visit to the Mysore Zoo. Set up by the royalty, this is, in fact, one of the largest zoos in the whole of South India. Its the perfect place to visit with your family, especially your children. Yougsters will enjoy seeing the different kinds of animals and birds and other creatures housed in this zoo. The actual name of the zoo is Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. The moment you step inside, you will come face to face with the Giraffe. There are around five giraffes in the zoo and beleive me, they are a real beauty. Watching the tigers and lions is something that one should not miss at all. Other animals that you can get to see here include the zebras, deers, Black Buck, rhinocerous, gorrila, chimpanzee, elephants, porcupine and others.

The Mysore Zoo is particularly famous for the different species of birds that one can find here. You can marvel at the sight of the Golden Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, White Peacock, Flamingos, Heron, Stork, Crane, Eagles,Cocktaoos and many others. So, if you love animals, then come and pay a visit to the Mysore Zoo. The zoo opens at around 10'o' clock in the morning and shuts down at 5 p.m. Spread across an area of 250 acres, the zoo is definitely one of the major tourist attractions of the city of Mysore.

Gumbaz

Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan and his parents Hyder Ali and Fatima Begum. Situated in Srirangapatnam, this marvelous structure is a popular tourist attraction of the historical city. The structure is made of white stone. The monument is built on a platform and is surrounded by an open balcony. There are a good number of carved pillars that adorn this open veranda. The mausoleum is situated inside a garden called the Lalbagh.

This grand, opulent and historical structure was built in the year 1782-84 by Tipu Sultan. It houses the tomb stones of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and mother Fatima Begum. Hyder Ali's tomb is placed in the center. Tipu's tomb is covered by tiger skin. Even the inner walls of the mausoleum have tiger prints on them. The doors of this beautiful structure are ebony in color and is inlaid with ivory. The ceiling is beautifully carved and the windows have intricate carvings. You can also check out the Masjid-e-aksa mosque, which is located next to the Gumbaz. One is expected to take of one's shoes before entering the mausoleum.

Getting to this place is easy. You can take a bus or an auto and come over here easily.

Gumbaz allows you to pay respect to one of the greatest kings of India.

Come close to nature at Sangam

Located in Srirangapatnam in Karnatka, Sangam is the ideal place to get close to Mother Nature. A popular spot to go for an excursion when embarking on a Mysore Tour or a tour of the historical city of Srirangapatnam, the place offers the perfect spot where you can sit and spend time with yourself.
Sangam, or rather Sangam Ghat, is basically that point where River Kavery meets River Loakpavani, before they flow together towards the Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu. Once here, you can sit on the ghat steps and enjoy the cool and gentle breeze that will soothe your senses and mind. You can also hire a small boat and sail on the tranquil waters of the rivers. The view is simply fabulous and every moment you spend over here is a magical experience. The calm and peaceful atmosphere and the gentle breeze that blows on your face entwines you and your soul with the spirit of nature. You can buy a green coconut from the vendor and sip the cool coconut water while sitting on the ghat steps. Sangam Ghat is also a good picnic spot. An ideal place to spend a romantic moment with your beloved.
So, enter into a tryst with nature and let your imaginations soar at Sangam.

Sree Ranganathaswamy Temple

One of the finest examples of South Indian temple architecture, the Ranganathaswamy Temple is definitely a place worth visiting. This marvelous temple is located near Tipu Sultan's fort in Srirangapatnam. Built of stone, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also referred to as Lord Ranganatha.

The temple was built sometime during the reign of the Ganga Ruler, Tirumalaiya, during the 9th century. The temple architecture is a mix of the Hoysala and Vijaynagar architecture patterns. It is one of the three Hindu shrines that are dedicated to Lord Ranganatha. The gopuram of this temple is exquisite and grand. The interiors of the temple are like a maze. Broad, huge and ornately carved pillars adorn the interiors of the temple. One of the most striking features of the temple is the Chaturvimsati Pillar. Located in front of the temples inner entrance, this pillar is carved with 24 forms of Lord Vishnu. Inside the temple, the idol of the Lord shows him in a reclining posture, lying on Adi Sesha. You can find the idols of Lord Krishna, Goddess Laxmi, Gowtama Muni, Garur, Srinivasa and Panchamukha Anjaneya. The latter two were installed by Vyasaraya.

The atmosphere inside the temple is cool and comfortable. So, no matter how hot it is outside, inside the temple it is extremely comfortable. The interiors are illuminated with traditional Indian lamps.

Outside the temple premises, there are a large number of shops selling pictures, articles made of stone and wood and other handicraft items. You can buy these items. Prices are reasonable, though in some cases you may have to bargain a little bit.

So, if you are visiting Srirangapatnam, make sure you make a trip to the Ranganathaswamy Temple. What can be better than experiencing spiritual bliss on your vacations.

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace-Dariya Daulat Bagh

Located in the historical town of Srirangapatnam, Dariya Daulat Bagh or Tipu's Summer Palace is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions of the city. The construction of the palace was started by Hyder Ali in the year 1778 A.D. , and was completed by Tipu Sultan in the year 1784 A.D. The palace, more like a magnificent mansion, is set amidst a sprawling and beautiful garden. The palace is located on the southern banks of the River Kaveri. The garden is lined with beautiful trees that bear some orange colored flower, the name of which I really don't remember. The peaceful atmosphere that surrounds the entire place along with the beautiful palace, allows the tourists to reunite withthe past.

The palace has a charm of its own. The pillars, walls, arches, doorways of the palace are all built of wood. The walls of the palace are painted with murals depicting aspects from the life of the royal family. Though the colors have worn out a little, the restoration work carried out, have helped a lot in preserving their original texture and colors. Pictures showing the king on a royal procession, in a war with the British and in a session with his nobles are painted on the walls. Inside the palace, you can get to see the portrait of Tipu Sultan, his seven sons,Tipu Sultan’s fort commander Ghulam Ali Khan and others. Displayed in a huge glass showcase is the garment and the turban that was worn by the Tiger of Mysore.Other dispalys inlcude antique furniture, ancient coins and articles that belonged to Tipu Sultan.

Dariya Daulat Bagh is a wonderful place to go for sightseeing. The colorful murals and the lovely garden are a treat for the eyes.

Mysore Palace-A Treat for the eyes.

It was my first visit to the Mysore Palace and believe me I enjoyed it a lot. I was totally astounded by the beauty and lavishness of this grand architectural marvel in Karnataka. This fabulous palace is home to the Wodheyar Family, the royal family of Mysore. The original palace, which was made of wood, was completely destroyed by fire. Later on the palace was rebuilt again and restored to its former glory and grandeur. The main lobby or hall, located on the ground floor, has huge pillars with intricate carvings depicting floral patterns, animals and daily life of the people of Mysore. The roof is made of stained glass bearing pictures of peacocks, trees and flowers. Climb to the second floor and you arrive at a huge pavillion, which faces the main gate of the palace premises. The ceiling of this pavillion is worth checking out. The ceiling has stars painted on them. During the night time, these stars glow thereby making one feel as if one is sitting under the night sky. The dancing hall is known for its opulence and is extremely glamorous. The sculptures on the walls are golden in color. The main dancing area is located right in the center. There are huge and grand chandeliers that illuminate this fanatstic room. You can come here and check out the paintings, which are fine examples of Carnatic art. Apart from these, you can aslo take a look at the pictures of the Wodheyar family. The palace is not only known for its beauty, but also for its serene and calm atmosphere. Inside the palace, it is cool and comfortable, which is directly opposite to the hot weather outside.
You can take a walk in the palace premises and check out the gardens. One can aslo enjoy an elephant or a camel ride offered here especially for the tourists.
A visit to the Mysore Palace is truly recommended. Bathed in history, this palace with its grandeur is surely worth visiting. It is truly a treat for the eyes.

Continental Fiesta

Pamper your tastebuds and satisfy your appetite for continental food at Casapicolla in Bangalore. This fantastic restaurant, though small, offers some of the best continental dishes that you can find in the city. Whether, you are a vegetarian or a meat lover, you are sure to find something that will satisfy your palate. The food is delicious and worth going for. Some of the dishes that one can go for inlcude Chicken Stroganoff, Chicken Pot Pie, Vegetable Casserole and others. I particulalry liked the Chicken Macarroni preparation. Served with garlic bread, this is a rich creamy preparation that is light and filling. Apart from these,you can try out the fresh juices, mocktails as well as the desserts like ice creams and souffles served over here.

The restaurant offers a casual atmosphere and an informal setting, which enables you to dine in a relaxed manner. If you are lucky, then you might also get to hear live music performances over here. The staff is friendly and makes sure that you enjoy every moment spend over here. The food served over here is priced slightly on the higher side. However, if you are looking for good quality food, then this definitely should not be a cause of concern.

So, check out this quaint little retaurant with your friends and family and embark on a true continental fiesta.

Shiva Temple, Big Kids Kemp, Bangalore.

Experience spirituality and feel the pesence of God in the Shiva Temple in Big Kids Kemp, Bangalore. Set against a backdrop of the Himalayas, this open air temple offers the perfect spot to get connected to the Almighty. You can either sit in front of the huge idol of Lord Shiva and meditate or listen to the live "bhajan" performance. The huge marble statue is 65 feet high and shows Lord Shiva sitting in a lotus position.The biggest attraction is the wishing pond. One just has to think of one's wish, say the words "Om Namah Shivay" seven times and throw a coin in the pond. There is also an idol of Lord Ganesha, that is worth taking a look.

During the night, the entire area is illuminated with bright lights that adds to its beauty and create an ambience that is magical and fascinating. If you ever happen to come to Bangalore, do not forget to pay a visit to this holy place. It's an experience that you will never forget.

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