World of Books and Travel

We spent a weekend at Zanzibar Island, a part of Union Republic of Tanzania, in East Africa. Zanzibar is a tourists' paradise. People from all over the globe reach there just to enjoy the beauty of the Island, relax in the white sandy beaches, and see the spice gardens. Stone town, the capital city of Zanzibar is a historic town and now a UNESCO world heritage site. Read more here.

As our shadows lengthened we reached our next destination - Pattadakkal, a World Heritage Centre. All were with full excitement to be there. Pattadakkal, the second capital of the Chalukyan kings, is located 29 kms from Badami, along the bank of the river Malaprabha. Built in 7th and 8th centuries, Pattadakkal was served as the royal coronation site. Pattadakkal is a World Heritage Center today. The temple complex is dotted with 10 major temples representing both north and south Indian architecture. Pattadakkal is also famous for its Music and Dance Festival organized annually by the Government of Karnataka, held in in the month of January. Many renowned and upcoming dancers take part in this festival. The dances are inspired by the different inscription and images carved on the temple walls. During the festival, a craft mela is also organized.