Bangalore - end of week one - short version
Over the weekend, my team members took me to see a number of historic sites. This was a fantastic trip, and I was very glad that everyone was able to share their time and their enthusiasm with me.
Unfortunately, the software installed on my work laptop does not allow me to scale down pictures, so I can't post very many of the non-bird pictures (the bird pictures are much more croppable, in general). I expect that will have to wait until I get home, and have access to my regular software.
Here follows a quick outline, with most of the wildlife info saved for another time. (See bird pics here)
The trip included the following sites:
Unfortunately, the software installed on my work laptop does not allow me to scale down pictures, so I can't post very many of the non-bird pictures (the bird pictures are much more croppable, in general). I expect that will have to wait until I get home, and have access to my regular software.
Here follows a quick outline, with most of the wildlife info saved for another time. (See bird pics here)
The trip included the following sites:
- Tipu's Summer Palace (dating from the late 1700's). Interesting history, especially considering the time (and where we were then), and the mention of the name "Lord Cornwallis"
- Mysore Palace - build in 1912, wonderful woodworking, and what is shocking to this New Englander, a large open audience chamber facing over the grounds. I mean, permanently open. see the wiki page for some details. We were able to see both the tour during the day, and come back at night for the light display you can see on the Wiki page.
- St. Philomena's Church (now also known as St. Joseph's, since I think Philomena was officially delisted (for details)). A lovely Neo-gothic style church, one of the largest Christian churches in India. Interesting (and accessible) catacombs, for example. Built in 1933 (over the site of an older church, built in 1843). See the wiki here
- Ginormous freaking bats. Seriously, the Indian Flying Fox has a wingspan of 4-5'. In the quantities that I saw them, even Godzilla would have second thoughts.
- Belur / Chennakesava Temple - a temple commissioned by the Hoysala king in 1117 and built over roughly 100 years. This is notable for being in amazing condition for its age, and the main temple has some amazingly ornate, fine, and detailed stone carving. I took a ton of pictures of this site. The wiki for historical details
- Shravanabelagola - the Lord Gomateshware (Buhabali) Monolith. 57' tall monolithic statue (the largest such in India). Constructed circa 981 AD, this is still an active pilgrimage site for Jains. At the top of a very high hill (the statue is visible for something like 35 km), which is accessed only by stone stairs, barefoot (of course), the view is simply amazing too, adding to the impression the site left on me. some additional details here