Of kings and empires
Here’s a portrait of a map outlining the empire of the Chola Dynasty that ruled South India and parts of South East East Asia under Rajendra Chola one in the 11th century. This map lies lost in a thatched shed which homes the museum too. And the thatched shed is in a forgotten town called Gangaikondacholapuram, the erstwhile capital that once ruled over this whole empire. Today the city doesn’t exist, excepting an half finished enormous Brihadeshwara church that is like the one in Thanjavur, built by Rajendra’s pa, Raja Raja Chola. Here’s a painting of the king, Rajendra himself – in the same museum.
Mardan Palace, More luxury than Burj al-Arab
The Mardan Palace, a $1.4 billion luxury resort, was unveiled just the other night at an opening party in Antalya, Turkey. The turnout of the party included over 600 international dignitaries, as well as celebrities. The guests were able to dine on top of the Mediterranean’s largest swimming pool and enjoying some great performances from Tom Jones and Mariah Carey. Some guests that showed up at the grand opening of Mardan Palace included Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone, and Richard Gere.
The guests that attended the opening of the hotel also got to see fireworks and a laser light show as they dined on Atlantic lobster and Black diamonds, which is an Italian black truffle. Continue reading
Inside Story – Sindhudurg
Are you in a position to see the fort there? We were at the Malvan beach, when we saw a two-mile-long wall of a fort standing tall against the horizon. There are close to 15 families staying there even now.
My aunt lives there we had befriended a self-styled guide who selected to give us an armchair history of Sindhudurg, the fort that lent its name to the district. Sindhu means sea and Durg is, naturally, fort; therefore the name, he announced.
Built by Maratha emperor Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th Century across 44 acres of land, this sea fort found in Kurute Island is home to several shrines, including one devoted to the infantryman king built by his boy Rajaram. A footprint and a palm relic of the Maharaja are among the traveller best attractions here. Continue reading
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