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India.com
15 hours ago
- India.com
Golden Hour In Mysore: 5 Places That'll Give You Insta-Worthy Shots Every Time
Mysuru, formerly Mysore, comprises a stunning tapestry of history, culture, and nature which acts as a bait for photographers. A virtual, self guided photography tour of this city makes sure that everyone gets a glimpse of the bountiful potential the city offers. In this post, I will present you with the top photography hotspots in Mysuru along with providing information on the best time to visit each location to get the most out of your time in this beautiful city. 1. Mysore Palace ( Amba Vilas Palace) In the field of obliterating Indo-Saracenic architectonic styles, this palace is one of the finest, and to date, has the most distinct elements and templates. The golden highlight of the city during the noon makes it breathtaking and provides an awesome premise for wide or detailed angel captures. Best Time to Shoot: Morning: The soft light this time enhances the already intricate details of the palace. Evening: A unique 'Lighting Up' method is employed where the palace gets illuminated during Sundays and public holidays which means delightful night captures are an option. Pro Tip: An internal shot of the wooden crafted stained glass exhibited in the dome shaped ceiling is a must. 2. Chamundi Hill This point is the most liked for those looking to get a vertical perspective of Mysore. Apart from stunning panoramic views of the city, the water body Nandi statue and Chamundeshwari Temple are located on top of the hill so make sure to grab your camera. Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise: Chamundi Hill acts as a vantage point where you can capture the golden landscape embellishing over Mysuru. Twilight: The lights of the temple create a magical composition with the evening sky. Pro Tips: Use a zoom lens to capture Mysore's skyline from the viewpoint. 3. Devaraja Market The famous and colorful Devaraja Market is lively and a delight for street photographers. There is life around every corner due to the vivid flower garlands and fruits and spices that are stacked in oranges and yellow hues. Best Time To Shoot: Morning: Early hours are teeming with activities, and the light in this scenario would be soft and diffused. MidDay: There is harsh sunlight, but it can be utilized by playing with shadows and textures. Pro Tips: Before taking any candid shots, build a rapport with the vendors and engage them in conversation. People make the best shots. 4. St Philomena's Church The church is not only uniquely beautiful but also stands tall with its twin spires and splendid stained glass windows. The grandeur of this neo-gothic cathedral sets it apart from all the traditional structures of Mysore. Best Time To Shoot: Golden Hour: Best while taking shots in the early afternoon as the sun greatly helps accentuate the height and intricate designs of the church. Night: When the church is illuminated at night, capturing it with the night sky in the background makes for stunning photography. During the night, Photographers can use the church's illumination as part of the shot. Pro Tip: Use a low-angle view to capture the soaring height of the church and the symmetry of the spires. 5. Brindavan Gardens With carefully crafted terraces, fountains, and lawns Brindavan Gardens is an aesthetic wonder. Visitors should not miss the dusky fountain presentation as it is highly photogenic. Best Time to Shoot: Sunset: The golden hour casts a warm glow on the leafy gardens. Night: Fountains are gloriously illuminated, which are perfect for dramatically long exposure shots. Pro Tip: For unshakable long-exposure shots of the fountains at night, use a tripod. Wrapping Up The charm of Mysore lies in the blend of old and new which creates an attractive backdrop to photographers. You will surely walk away with images that encapsulate the spirit and soul of the city with these 5 locations in your self-guided photography excursion. Enjoy the adventure!


News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
7 new shows and seasons on DStv, Disney+, Netflix and Showmax
If there's one thing South Africa knows how to do, it's pull off a dramatic show that gets viewers hooked. Mzansi couldn't believe their eyes at the sudden death of Thembinkosi Mthembu's King Dingiswayo on Shaka iLembe 's second season. Don't worry, many will still get to see the heartthrob on their screens in the dramatic Mzansi Wethu series Homecoming, where Thembinkosi plays a police officer by day and traditional healer by night. READ MORE | Discover Mimi Mahlasela, Mpho Popps and more stars' must-watch picks for your next TV binge For those looking for content from across the pond, fans of the critically acclaimed crime series Dexter will get a look into the purpose-driven killer's back story. Explore more local and international shows to elevate your comfort viewing this season: 1. Fatal Seduction Season 2 After a spicy first season, Fatal Seduction returns. Months after Nandi (played by Kgomotso Christopher) and Jacob's (played by Prince Gootboom) affair and consequences come to a head, Nandi finds herself unjustly imprisoned. She forms an unlikely relationship with fellow inmate Phila (played by Tina Redman) for her protection but prison can't shield her from the dangers lurking on the outside. The Minister of Police (played by Warren Masemola) along with his aide Precious (played by Nqobile Khumalo), use Nandi's freedom as leverage. Together, they demand that she put a stop to Vuyo's (played by Nat Ramabulana) investigation that threatens to expose the minister's darkest secrets, destroy him publicly and shatter all illusions with his loyal wife, Delisiwe (played by Xolile Tshabalala). Desperate to protect her daughter, Zinhle (played by Ngele Ramulondi) and reclaim her freedom, Nandi turns to people she hoped never to need again. Fatal Seduction Season 2 streams on Netflix from 15 August 2025. 2. Homecoming Homecoming follows Zethu Hlongwane, played by Mpume 'Six' Nyamane. She's a straight-A medical graduate hoping to become one of the country's few Black woman surgeons. When things don't turn out how she had hoped, with no job or placement, she is forced to return to the village she left behind. There Zethu finds herself at the crossroads of two worlds, that of Western medicine and traditional healing, when she meets Sifiso Kubheka, played by award-winning actor Thembinkosi Mthembu. A police officer by day and a traditional healer by night, Sifiso challenges everything she thought she knew about love, healing and home. Homecoming plays Mondays to Wednesdays at 18:30 on Mzansi Wethu. 3. Dexter: Original Sin Fans of the acclaimed crime thriller series Dexter are in for a treat as the 'Dexterverse' continues . Set in Miami in 1991, the prequel series takes place 15 years before the events of the first season of the original series and takes a deeper look at how it all began, focusing on 20-year-old university graduate-turned-police-department-forensics-intern Dexter Morgan (played by Patrick Gibson) as he commits his first kill. Dexter: Original Sin airs every Tuesday at 21:00 on M-Net with the boxset releasing on Showmax. 4. Married at First Sight Mzansi Season 2 Another round of South Africans opting for fast-tracked love returns. Married at First Sight Mzansi is coming back for season 2 with the ultimate love hack: get matched by experts, meet at the altar and say 'I do' to a stranger. The experts – marriage and relationship coach Linda Yende, conflict resolution expert Khanyi Yende, counsellor and author Thabang Mashego, gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Mpume Zenda, and marriage officiator and counsellor Pastor Xolani Hlitana – are available to offer the necessary guidance every step of the way. New episodes of Married at First Sight Mzansi Season 2 stream every Sunday at 18:30 on Showmax. 5. Wednesday Season 2 Here we woe again. Wednesday Addams (played by Jenna Ortega), returns to prowl the Gothic halls of Nevermore Academy, where fresh foes await. This season, Wednesday must navigate family, friends and old adversaries, propelling her into another year of delightfully dark and kooky mayhem. Armed with her signature razor-sharp wit and deadpan charm, Wednesday is also plunged into a new bone-chilling supernatural mystery. Part one of Wednesday Season 2 debuts on Netflix on 6 August and part two debuts on 3 September. 6. Marked Marked is a six-part original series that follows Babalwa (played by Lerato Mvelase), a law-abiding cash-in-transit security guard, devoted wife to Lungile (played by Bonko Khoza) and a loving mother to Palesa (played by Ama Qamata). But when they receive some devastating news about the treatment of her daughter Palesa's life-threatening illness, Babalwa's carefully built world begins to crumble. With nowhere left to turn, Babalwa makes a bold and desperate choice, enlisting help from her trusted colleague, Tebza (played by S'Dumo Mtshali) and reckless newcomer to the criminal underworld, Zweli (played Sphamandla Dhludhu). Marked debuts on Netflix on 31 July. 7. Only Murders in the Building Season 5 After their beloved doorman, Lester, dies under suspicious circumstances, Charles (played by Steve Martin), Oliver (played by Martin Short) and Mabel (played by Selena Gomez) refuse to believe it was an accident. Their investigation plunges them into the shadowy corners of New York and beyond — where the trio uncovers a dangerous web of secrets connecting powerful billionaires, old-school mobsters and the mysterious residents of the Arconia. Guest starring acclaimed actors like Meryl Streep, Renée Zellweger and more, the upcoming fifth season of the comedy drama series promises more than meets the eye. The fifth season of Only Murders in the Building streams on Disney+ from 9 September, with all four seasons available for bingeing.

New Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
A tiny Chola temple with numerous inscriptions
Perambakkam, a small village, is home to a Siva temple, wherein the deity is worshipped as Cholishwarar (Soleeshwarar). Devotees enter this temple from the south side where there is only an entrance but no gopuram. Immediately in front is a small raised platform, possibly of Chola vintage, with steps on the east and west and an image of Gajalakshmi carved at the base. Inside is a small mandapa, again belonging to the Chola times, with the south-facing sanctum of Goddess Parvati, worshipped here as Kamakshi Ambal. Close by, facing east, is enshrined the Siva Lingam called Cholishwarar or Narambishwarar as this deity is believed to cure nervous disorders. There is a perforation in the east wall in front of Cholishwarar, through which Nandi, consecrated in the prakaram (enclosure) outside can have darshan of the Linga. The prakaram has sanctums for Ganesha, Kasi Viswanatha, Subramanya, Chandikeshwara, Bhairava, Navagraha and also a large shrine for Sasta. On the east side are Nandi, dvajastambham and bali-pitham.


Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
PM Modi visits Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu: Here's why it deserves a spot on your travel list
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on July 27, during the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival marking Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary. Dressed in traditional attire, he participated in sacred rituals and received the Poorana Kumbham honour. His visit puts a spotlight on this Chola-era gem, an architectural marvel with rich history, spiritual depth, and timeless beauty that absolutely deserves a spot on your travel list. PM Modi visited the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on July 27. A forgotten jewel of Tamil Nadu Often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is no less majestic. Built in the 11th century by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victorious northern expedition and the bringing of Ganga water to the South, this temple is a stunning example of Chola architecture at its zenith. What makes it a must-visit Architectural Grandeur: The temple's intricate carvings, towering vimana (which is slightly shorter but more elegant than the one in Thanjavur), and massive Nandi statue offer a visual treat for architecture lovers. The temple's intricate carvings, towering vimana (which is slightly shorter but more elegant than the one in Thanjavur), and massive Nandi statue offer a visual treat for architecture lovers. Spiritual significance: Still an active place of worship, the temple offers a serene spiritual experience, especially during traditional festivals. Still an active place of worship, the temple offers a serene spiritual experience, especially during traditional festivals. Cultural immersion: Visiting during Aadi or other regional festivals provides a deep dive into Tamil Nadu's living heritage. Visiting during Aadi or other regional festivals provides a deep dive into Tamil Nadu's living heritage. A photographer's dream: The golden light on the laterite stones at sunrise or sunset makes it a stunning location for travel photography. How to get there Located in Ariyalur district, the temple is about 70 km from Thanjavur and 35 km from Kumbakonam. The best way to reach is via road or by train to nearby towns, followed by a short taxi ride.


Time of India
23-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
How villagers next to industrial township in Karnataka got together to restore 10th-century hero stones
Bengaluru: A community cleanliness drive to retrieve the buried, defaced, and mutilated hero stones and stone inscriptions at a small village near Tumakuru in Sept 2022 has now paved the way for a mega campaign across the district to retrieve hundreds of such neglected monuments belonging to ancient and medieval eras. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The district administration has now sought state govt's permission to prepare an action plan to preserve these ancient monuments in close to 1,000 schools across Tumakuru district. While this heritage revival is gaining momentum, the cleanliness drive at Hiregundagal village by a panchayat development officer (PDO) has resulted in the setting up of the fourth heritage monument park around Bengaluru. This park features 13 unique hero stones (Veeragallu) dating back to various periods between the 10th and 12th centuries, offering a sneak peek into the contributions of Ganga and Rashtrakoota rulers. Located just a few kilometres from Vasanthanarasapura industrial township, where multinational companies are setting up base, the villagers had almost forgotten that their settlement once witnessed a fierce battle between the Gangas and Rashtrakootas, resulting in the latter's supremacy over the region. "All hero stones that had key details of the battle and other events of that era were lost. When we saw a few of the remaining pieces, we took up a drive under Swachata hi Seva (SHS) in Sept 2022. Subsequently, out of 18 recorded hero stones, about 13 were retrieved in full length, and the rest have either been damaged to make roads or other works," explained Jyothi, PDO of Chikkathotlukere gram panchayat. But the real challenge is in safeguarding these monuments for future. "Finding land and sourcing funds to develop a heritage park was an uphill task then. But our taluk officers and CEOs of Tumakuru zilla panchayat took this up and granted funds for the project. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The tahsildar also helped in securing two guntas of Kharab land required for the park. Due to the administrative support, the monument park is now ready at a cost of Rs 13 lakh," she added. In the meantime, the villagers, assisted by heritage and history activists, also contributed to the setting up of the park and adding additional monuments that they spotted in the nearby vicinity. "We came across similar monuments around temples in the nearby hamlets. Some heritage enthusiasts assisted us in tracing them. A stone idol of Nandi and Shivalinga—both belonging to the Ganga period—was also retrieved," said Praveen, a resident of Gundagal. Efforts are on to decipher the script on these hero stones and display the content by putting up QR codes. The move has won appreciation from history enthusiasts. "The ancient veeragallus of Hiregundakal now stand with pride one again. We are grateful to officials and villagers of Hiregunadakal who made this revival possible," history blogger Swaminathan Natarajan tweeted to @TOIBengaluru. Inset -1 Monument parks in schools Prabhu G, IAS, chief executive officer, zilla panchayat, Tumakuru, said the community-collaborated work at Hiregundagal was the beginning of a mega campaign across the district. "Over the last three years, we rejuvenated 18 kalyani (temple ponds) that were forgotten or filled with debris constructed during the ancient and medieval periods. Under MNREGA, we have chalked out plans to set up similar monument parks in schools, benefiting kids across Tumakuru districts. We have already identified 900 schools and sought permission from the govt to prepare an action plan for setting up monument parks there," he said.