Monica, Diana, Lisa and I had a fantastic day trip on the new moon day to an island in the Cauvery River, where we visited two temples, Tipu Sultan's palace and a fantastic bird sanctuary.
We went in this fantastic old Ambassador.The first temple contained the statue of a large, reclining god. No photos allowed but we did see a fantastic temple band- loud trumpet and tabla played by men in dhotis (traditional dress a bit like a sarong that can be tucked in to become a bit like shorts (or an oversized nappy!)).
Tea is hung above doorways when puja (daily worship) is performed.
These little statues are on the sides of the large carving above. I love the one of the yogi.
The second temple by the Cauvery River:
Familes doing puja, having picnics and bathing in the river.
Coconut seller at the second temple. 
People washing in the river Cauvery.
Some kind of ritual... ?
Needless to say, we didn't although it was extremely hot and the water did look tempting.
Large, old tree with offerings at the second temple.
Tipu Sultan's Palace- he ruled a great part of Karnataka in the 1700s and fought the Britishers a lot. Those pesky Britishers got him in the end. The walls inside are covered in painted murals of battles and flowers and portraits of famous folk of the time. Really amazing and you can get up very close to them.
The bird sanctuary:
Damn- just when I thought it was safe to get my hip flask out!
Tea is hung above doorways when puja (daily worship) is performed.
These little statues are on the sides of the large carving above. I love the one of the yogi.
The second temple by the Cauvery River:
Familes doing puja, having picnics and bathing in the river. Coconut seller at the second temple. People washing in the river Cauvery.Some kind of ritual... ?Needless to say, we didn't although it was extremely hot and the water did look tempting. Large, old tree with offerings at the second temple.Tipu Sultan's Palace- he ruled a great part of Karnataka in the 1700s and fought the Britishers a lot. Those pesky Britishers got him in the end. The walls inside are covered in painted murals of battles and flowers and portraits of famous folk of the time. Really amazing and you can get up very close to them. The bird sanctuary:Damn- just when I thought it was safe to get my hip flask out!This one's for you Dad!
We went out on a boat like this.
Our dishy oarsman- with some tach action going on!
The Ibis colony. We were able to get right up close to the birds and their nests of fledglings.
The countryside around about was really lovely- green paddy fields, little villages and amazingly painted ox carts.Sadly I can't upload the videos of the birds we saw- there were huge fruit bats hanging upside down in the trees, snake birds, and thousands of ibises and egrets.
1 comment:
So like M'sia. Lucky you, CB.
Love it!
P :)
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