DIY Gift Wraps

I love well designed gift wraps. Once I started experimenting with color combinations, I thought why not make a galaxy themed wrapping paper?
I am a space geek: not the "Aurora Borealis occurs from December to February" type but the "look how pretty!" type. So I decided to unearth from my cupboard, a watercolor set, few brushes, white markers and plain wrapping paper. I blended these with my love for spatial ambiguity, and this came out as a result. Its all the more satisfying when your friend likes the wrapper more than whatever is inside it. I like the idea of putting down my own version of the unknown. All you have to do is keep experimenting with colors because google told me the universe has galaxies in every color possible.

Polka dots is a classic risk-free design that can be applied to anything - Gift wraps, bags, shoes, dresses and more. Moreover, ITS SO EASY. So below is a polka dot gift wrapper with small quilled roses on top. Ah! Design makes me so happy!

Chalukyan Legacy [Part 1 of 3] : Badami

So recently, I had a chance to visit Badami caves, in Badami district, regal Vatapi. The Chalukyan king made this his capital and in 543 AD, built these shrines dedicated to Hindu and Jain Gods spread across 5 cave complexes. Ancient ruins among modern malls is one sight to be savored. These archaic rocks have amazingly been standing the test of time. The caves of Badami speak for the royalty that existed there. Made of sandstone, these caves are very cool inside. Below are some pictures of the area.

Entrance to the caves



The site consists of four, numbered caves. Each of these caves is a shrine to important Hindu and Jain deities.
Cave 1 is dedicated to Lord Shiva. His Nataraj form is given importance and is beautifully constructed. Caves 2 and 3 are primarily dedicated to Vishnu and his many forms are depicted in artistically cut rocks. Cave 4 pays tribute to Jainism and is constructed on a higher plane than other caves.

Shiva (Nataraja) Cave 1

Varaha (3rd incarnation of Vishnu), Cave 2 

Trivikrama (Vaamana, 5th incarnation of Vishnu), Cave 3

Look how magnificent!

This was the first part of the site. Across the Agastya Lake, there is Bhootnath group of temples, dedicated entirely to Shiva. Below are some pictures of the complex. Really Serene.



Lake Agastya 



The Bhootnath Temple Complex

A random picture because I like it :P

These caves are built in such taste that visitors get the vibrant colors of Indian mythology, without having to refer to anything. The intricate carvings, precision in rock cutting and just the general splendor of remains of a once mighty empire, will make you want to stay the whole day (Its necessary too). Every section of the cave, every rock-cut deity has a unique story to it, so its worth investing in the guide manual they hand out at the entrance. 

A Day Out - Parshwa Sushil Dham

Saturday was mundane and usual till dad suggested we take off to Parshwa Sushil Dham.
For Bengalureans, this place can transform a boring weekend into a fun, family day out. Parshwa Sushil Dham is a Jain shrine on NH-44, on Hosur road. It has 3 temple complexes, one under construction, a children's play area, stay rooms, a garden and a Bhojanalay (Cafeteria).

Directions and Timings :
This is the route I took.-
RPC Layout - Vijayanagar Main road - Mysore Road - Ring road - Nice Road. The highway that follows is the Hosur Road way for 7 to 8 kms and there's the temple on the left. Toll charges from Link road to Hosur road, on nice road is INR 115, one way.



My family and I left at 10 in the morning, and reached at 12 in the noon. The best part about these short visits are, you don't have to plan extensively. You wake up, get ready, and get going. The drive on Nice Road for about 40 kms is delighful, at any time of the day. However, nothing can beat the 7AM drive. Since we left a little late, we missed breakfast which ends by 10 AM.

The Main Temple

Also, it is a treat for architecture photographers.





The entire premises is clean and tidy. White marble temples with intricate carving make it even more enthralling.

Food: 
Lunch is priced at a very reasonable, INR 60 per head, unlimited quantity. The menu differs everyday, but its the simple Indian roti, curry, dal, two types of rice, fries, and a sweet, all Jain. It is hygienic, filling, and people there are happy to serve you.

Nature and Stay:
For plant enthusiasts, there are also small vertical lawns, growing different types of flowers, tomatoes, pomegranate, green and red chillies, lemons and sapodillas. There are also rooms available for people planning to spend the weekend there, and have a peaceful break from hectic life. They are priced at INR 500 a day.

You can either hang around, play, or simply just sit on the cold marble stairs in the temple and enjoy fresh air. To sum up, its a great place to reconnect with your family, God, and most importantly, yourself.

The Story of Baarah Kamaan

Literally translating to 'Twelve Arcs', this unfinished masterpiece is a great tourist attraction. History goes that Adil Shah II of the Adilshahi dynasty wanted a construction so magnificent that the rays of the sun first fall on the monument, in the city. His father, Mohammad Adil Shah, couldn't handle the competition and got his son killed. The workers and artisans thought of this as a bad omen and left the monument incomplete. Had this mausoleum been completed, it sure would be a classic ode to architectural scene of India.

This is a picture taken at the entrance. Iron rings are used instead of cement. The layout is of the twelve arches that were originally planned.



This is in the inside of the construction. This was originally planned to hold the tomb of the King, his Queen, his mistresses and his daughters.



The tomb of Adil Shah II, visionary of the mausoleum.





Where : Bijapur city, North Karnataka.
Distance : 500 km from Bangalore.
Entry fees : No fees, its free.
Climate : The weather in Bijapur is always on a summer side, so it's best to avoid during March - June. December and January is the best time to go if you don't want to return roasted from the heat.

These historical landmarks usually open by 6.30 AM, so if you want the place for your yourself and want to avoid people, morning is preferable.

3 things that have 'Malleswaram' written all over them

So I decided to hit Malleswaram, 8th cross today and like every shopper, I refused to move from a shop I liked till I was done scanning everything it has, and I found abundance of these three things here, more than in any shoppers' area.  

    

Bags

This shop is in a cellar, and has no name. I got a sling bag from there a year ago and it runs fine. The quality is just what you want, because lets face it, we all want economy and value for money. If you are not brand conscious and just want some thing trendy and useful, make sure you drop by this place.
What it carries : Wide assortment of hand bags of all belt lengths, sling bags, clutches, and wallets.
Price Range : Anywhere between INR 200 and INR 300.

Street Jewelry :

For budget shoppers, this is a good buy especially if there's a casual, fun evening with friends and want your dress paired up with some fashionable jewelry. There are many such street vendors and the variety is awesome. College goers can have a great deal here and almost in all of these stalls, the prices are negotiable. From something to throw in for an upcoming fest to accessorizing for daily wear, these stalls have everything.


Almost at every turn, I found street jewelers selling what look like the same things, but digging deeper, I found variety at almost every stall.
What it carries : Neck pieces, ear studs and earrings,Jhumkas, rings, bangles, bracelets and kadas.
Price range : Between INR 100 and INR 150.

Shoes : 

Just while walking down 10th cross, I stopped by this shop and it carries a range of footwear; Jootis, loafers, kolhapuris, slip ons, and some that look like ballet-flats. They look stylish, are comfortable, and economic especially for trips, where you already have a lot to spend on and want a good looking and affordable pair of footwear.
Where : Shoe max, Malleswaram 10th cross
Price range : INR 200 to INR 500
Contact : 9986875038

A treat for your eyes, no wonder busy streets are so much fun to walk on!