World of Books and Travel

Wish you all a Happy Diwali!

My elder sister wanted me to visit her at Thiruvananthapuram before her proposed international trip. I took the chance to visit the tourist spots there, when she was still there so that I could enjoy a free accommodation:) Her driver took us to many tourist spots, where he was familiar with. Among them, I was lucky to get a chance to visit the famous Kanakakunnu Palace, situated in the heart of the city on the crest of a small hill surrounded by meadows and grooves. Now it is under the custody of Kerala Government. This famous palace was used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their guests in the earlier days. Entrance to the Palace This stunning piece of architectural excellence was constructed during the reign of King Sree Moolam Thirunal (1885-1924). Later, during the period of King Chithira Thirunal, one of the most popular rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore, modified it and constructed tennis courts in the premises, and used it as a summer retre...

On my recent weekend holidays, I came to know the different names of Goddess Lakshmi. There are 16 names by which Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Did you know this? If not, read on...... Adi Mahalakshmi is worshipped as the Main core of all the Lakshmis Arogya Lakshmi is worshipped for Good Health Jnana Lakshmi is for gaining self-knowledge Keerthi Lakshmi is worshipped to achieve Fame and name Medhalakshmi is for Brilliance Pushti Lakshmi is for good Health and Courage Samrajya Lakshmi for success in profession and career Santhana Lakshmi for progeny Shanthi Lakshmi for getting Peace of mind Shakthi Lakshmi for achieving Power Soundarya Lakshmi for Beauty Soubhagya Lakshmi for All Blessings in life Thushti Lakshmi for Contentment Veera Lakshmi for Courage Vidya Lakshmi for acquiring good Education Vijaya Lakshmi for achievement of Success

Tippu's Palace is one of the historic buildings of Bangalore, situated in the Fort area near the City Market. The construction of this ornate building was started by Hyder Ali, and subsequently it was completed by his son Tippu Sultan in 1789. This building is built in Islamic style with lots of pillars. The Bangalore Fort was first built by Kempegowda in mud in the year 1537, and later after passing through the Bijapur Sultans, and later was extended by Tippu Sultan. Adjacent to the Palace is an ancient temple of Kote Venkataramana, as a mute testimony to the Bangalore City's history. This 300-year old temple was built by Maharajah Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar. There is a small entrance fee of Rs.5/-. The other buildings in the Fort area are Victoria Hospital and Vani Vilas Hospital for Women and Children. Bangalore Medical College is also nearby.

Getting ready for an afternoon siesta at the busy Paravur Kavala near Cochin!!

This year I had to attend two marriages in Kerala during the first and second weeks of September, which also happened to be Onam season. The nostalgic memories of my childhood days Onam came rushing into my mind as I helped my niece to make the pookalam.We used to wait for the Atham day to start collecting various flowers to make beautiful pookalams. It was a time of great thrill and excitement. By 4.30 a.m we used to get out of our beds without making any noise and rush to the garden to pluck the flowers. Each one of us used to return with handful of flowers, sometimes lapful of flowers, to sit in circle and make the best pookalams, fighting each other as to the order of flowers in the pookalam . Once the pookalam is complete, we used to run to our cousins' houses to compare their pookalams with ours, and to make suitable comments. Sometimes we even exchange the flowers with them. When our parents look for us none of us would be available at home, as we were deeply involved in our...

Bangalore is getting ready for the celebration of Gowri Ganesha Habba. September 3rd is not far for the people to rejoice in this celebration. Gowri Festival is celebrated on the previous day of Ganesh Festival. The prices of flowers, fruits and the beautifully carved idols in various sizes and shades, have already gone up. The shopkeepers both in the big shops as well as in the roadside, are trying to exhibit their best forms of Ganesha idols for the prospective buyers.