Bustling with life, the cities of Karnataka represent a strange mix of modernism and antiquity. While on one hand Bangalore, better known as the Silicon Valley of India is the hub of world famous software giants, on the other hand is Coorg, which is inhabited by tribals. But underneath the regional diversity, lies the true beauty of the state.
Gol Gumbaz, situated in Bijapur is an astounding engineering feat. Its enormous "Whispering" dome is second in size only to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The dome is the second largest in the world, 124 feet in diameter. The dome stands unsupported by pillars. The fantastic acoustical system in the dome carries the faintest whisper around the dome and returns it to the listener nine times. Even the tick of a watch or the rustle of paper can be heard across a distance of 37 m in the whispering gallery. The gallery around the dome provides a fabulous view of the town. The architecture of this building is unique with the four minarets being the four staircases leading to the top dome. The beauty and excellence of this dome must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The Mysore Palace, built is Indo-Saracenic style with domes turrets, arches and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. The tastefully decorated and inticrately carved doors open into luxuriously decorated rooms. The walls of the palace are painted with pictures of the Dassera processions and these paintings are painted in such a manner that from any angle you can see the procession coming towards you. The royal throne of the Wodeyars is displayed during the Dassera festival. The palace has now been converted into a museum, which treasures the souvenirs, paintings, jewellery, royal costumes and other items, which were once possessed by the Wodeyars. It is said that the palace displays the largest collection of gold items, quantity wise. The Durbar hall of the palace has an ornate ceiling and many sculpture pillars which are said to have been painted with gold. The palace was originally built of wood, which got burnt down in 1897 AD and was rebuilt in 1912 AD. The Palace Lit Up
This profusely decorated and gilded palace is illuminated every Sundays and on holidays.
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