Gagan Mahal -Penukonda - A Forgotten Empire

Gagan Mahal: Located in the historical town penukonda, it was second capital of vijayangara empire. An old Hindu palace i.e. Gagan Mahal is located to the south of Ramaswamy and Eshwara temples. It was the summer palace and harem of Vijayanagara rulers. The building is facing east and composes of two stories of arcade chambers, square on plan with corner tower on the northern side. In front of the building there are steps leading into the building also staircases on either sides leads to the first floor. The ground floor consisting with recessed and forty five foliated arches in the pavilion reminiscent of the Lodi type of arches in the buildings of Delhi. The middle of the ground floor and first floor made a provision of rooms. The first floor has twelve arches and eight windows. The surface of the walls of building is coated with stucco. The pyramidal roof built-up in tiers is obviously adopted from Sikhara of the Dravidan style. The tower has six projecting windows supported by brackets. It was built by a combination of Indo-Persian architectural style known as Indo-Sarcanic adopted by Vijayanagara kings. The palace was built without a single rafter, a unique specimen architecture. Due to time constraint, we couldn't check out penukonda fort, hopefully in the second visit.
- Archaeology and Museums Department.


Places to checkout : Penakonda fort, Thimmarusu Jail, Basavanna Well, Temples

How to Reach : Bangalore-- Yelahanka-- Penukonda
                         
Near by places: Pavagada fort, Lepakshi, Nidagal Betta

Permission : As of now Not required

Time to cover : 2hrs

Things to Carry: Water, Food and all necessary

Pavagada Fort- Hidden Gem

Pavagada Fort is one of the forgotten fort around Bangalore, most of the trek and travel enthusiast people don't go here probably because its far from Bangalore (180km) and less direct connectivity to the place. The fort is architectural marvel that needs high attention to preserve. It is a photographer’s muse, an architect’s inspiration, a trekker’s delight and a rock climber’s Mecca. The Shanimahatma Temple in Pavagada town is famous and attracts devotees from far-off places. Tiny lanes next to the Temple lead to the foothills of Pavagada Fort. These streets are not well maintained. The stink of human waste, piles of plastic, destroyed interiors of the enclosures, and broken fort walls indicate the lack of maintenance and human apathy towards it. If one ignores all that, a two-hour-long trek will take you to the two large towers situated at the top of the Fort. With seven levels of fortification and a secret tunnel for the king to escape, it only contributes to the fact that the Fort was fully war-ready. The complex also houses a mosque, a pond and a massive bunker that gets ample sunlight. The architectural marvels are visible as you trek up to the top of the Fort. The sturdy Fort is in a better condition holding evidence to the indigenous engineering skills of the period. The Fort is said to have witnessed many royal battles. The trail to the top goes through large entrances, stairs and rocky patches with enough resting places. This makes the trek tolerable even when the temperature soars in summer. Halfway through, there is a small Hanuman Temple. Offerings at the Temple suggest that the locals visit the Temple regularly. Once at the top of the hill the cool breeze will only help you to explore around. Courtesy: Deccan Herald

How to Reach : Bangalore-- Yelahanka-- Penukonda- Pavagada

Near by places: Madhugiri Fort, Nidagal Fort, Penukonda

Permission : As of now Not required

Steps : Yes

Climbing time : 1.30 Hrs

Parking: Near temple at the base

Level: Easy to Moderate

Things to Carry: Water, Food and all necessary

Lodge: Vijaya Deluxe Lodge, which is located heart of the city, Rs.400 for 2 bedroom non ac and non TV and Rs.600 for 2 bedroom non-ac and TV. The front office of the lodge is very good and also rooms are neat and clean.
Ph: 9964103484,08136-245317
There are couple of lodges around like Hotel Gayathri Comforts and one more. Vijaya deluxe is cheap and best.

A new way of travel with Sterling

Nowadays World can be seen sitting at home with sip of coffee over internet and other digital media. As people taste and way of travel and holiday changed, the way of hospitality, ownership must change according to requirements. The experience and memories will cherish long time. Travel and tourism has changed the world drastically for well being. Initially tour were just a holiday but at present scenario it has become earning and learning both. This is were travel partners like Sterling make a positive impact on the travelers. The theme based travel has made new way of thinking towards a place, local cuisine, local herbs and tribe culture make a holiday more interesting and memorable. 

There are lot of holiday destinations in India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, say its hill station, beach holidays, archaeological sites or any other heritage sites,Sterling has existence in every corner. Packages and Offers varies time to time, but sterling believes in Holiday Differently manner. Many of us just visit few places around and take selfies and move. But if your with Sterling its different and unique. List of sterling resorts makes you feel home away home. With footprints over 30 years sterlings sets benchmark for the leisure industry. Well sterling not only offers leisure holidays but also the adventure part. India being mixed diversity and culture, the understanding of mindset makes a holiday unique, which sterling provides its customers.

Recently Sterling organised a bloggers meet, where many bloggers with different mindset met and interacted with sterling associates with the intention of understanding people mindset and grow the business. It was good to meet like minded travelers, bloggers, you-tubers who are known for their good work in their own space. It was informative and interactive sessions well managed with time and interest.

Well it was great to know they are investing a lot for experience and memories rather than just a itinerary. A full package of different culture in particular way. This opens up new way to cherish local arts and culture. Travel is not just a journey but its a passion. There are many packages sterling offer including of international package. So now what are waiting for ? ah  Long weekend coming soon!!!!  

Lets #Holiday differently with sterling.

Happy Travel