On the direction of the Muzrai department, special pooja and rituals were performed at Talacauvery-Bhagandeshwara temple, Omkareshwara Temple, Padi Igguthappa, Paloor Mahalingeshwara, Paloor Harishchandra, Irpu Rameshwara and other temples in Kodagu, to invoke Rain god to shower, on Friday.

Kodagu district received an average of 39.85 mm rain in the last 24 hours.

From January till date, the district has received 888.50 mm. Madikeri taluk has received 42.55 mm, Virajpet taluk—19 mm and Somwarpet taluk—57.68 mm.

The water-level in Harangi reservoir has increased to 2845.29 feet. The inflow of water was 5,789 cusecs.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Madikeri, DHNS / July 27th, 2012

Giving the go by to an important fashion event slated for next week, Bangalore models will be in Chennai, walking the ramp for a fashion do. What gives?

While on the one hand, the city’s cover girls are upping and making their way to Mumbai, the demand for Bangalore models in cities like Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi continues to be high. But why?

Flexibility of the models

That Bangalore is centrally located, well-connected and has a good market, could be a few reasons why models from the city get picked up. But the flexibility of these models in taking up offers is perhaps what helps them most in securing modelling assignments from other states. Chennai-based fashion choreographer Sunil Menon says, “Models from Bangalore are not as fussy as the ones from Delhi and Mumbai. They are not just practical and professional, but are alsosmart, well-behaved, and economical.”

Lack of opportunities in other cities

Bangalore offers more opportunities in terms of fashion as compared to the other southern states. Says Hyderabad-based designer Asmita Marwah, “It is not surprising that Hyderabad is not producing as many good models as Bangalore does. Hyderabad doesn’t have enough fashion events and when they do, they like to go for established names. There is not too much exposure in the city.” Sunil adds, “For fashion-related work, people always choose Bangalore, while for films it has to be Chennai or Hyderabad.”

Best grooming

Grooming is an important element that sets Bangalore models ahead of models from other cities. Fashion guru, Prasad Bidapa, who has been grooming models year after year, says, “Bangalore models set a great example, and fashion coordinators in the city market them well. So the opportunity is bound to be high. The problem with models from Mumbai and Delhi is their lack of grooming.”

Are other cities conservative?

There is no denying that Bangalore is more cosmopolitan than any other south Indian city. Asmita says, “Bangalore models being in such high demand may also have something to do with the fact that Hyderabad has a more conservative society than Bangalore.”

Budget and choreographer

The demand also depends on the budget and people involved with an event. Hyderabad-based model Reha Sukheja says, “The demand for models is not city-specific. A lot depends on the budget and the choreographer, who will opt for people he or she has worked with earlier and shares a good rapport with.” Sunil adds, “I’ve blocked a lot of models in the past because of their unprofessional behaviour. Bangalore models are a dream to work with and some of them are regulars in all my shows.”

Bangalore a fashion capital.

Bangalore can easily be considered the fashion capital of south India says choreographer Rahul Dev Shetty, “Bangalore is the melting pot of diverse cultures, not just for Indian cities, but foreign countries too. Since the style quotient is higher here, it motivates promising models from other cities to migrate here.”

Other cities not pushing hard enough?

Chennai-based model Rochelle Rao, who recently clinched the first runner-up title at the PFMI south contest, says, “Given that Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi haven’t been pushing to find good models, the closest place to look for is Bangalore. Tagging yourself as a Bangalore model definitely ups your desirability and demand.”
taniya.talukdar@timesgroup.com

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Fashion> Life & Style> Fashion / by Tanya Talukdar / TNN / July 21st, 2012

Virajpet in Karnataka has a rich tradition and history. This town and the neighbouring Kodagu were ruled by several South Indian dynasties like Ganges, Chalukhyas, Rastrakutas, Cholas, Vijaynagar Rayas and Hoysalas giving it a rich tradition.

Virajpet got its name from Virarajendra, the former ruler of Kodagu. The name Virajpet is the abbreviation of Virarajendrapete. Often Virarajendra is still being used to refer Virajpet.

The Ayyappa and Shiva temples on the Malethirike Hill, which is situated about 8 km from Virajpet, are among the major attractions for the travellers. Shiva Temple is at the top of the hill while Ayyappa Temple is half way down the hill. A clock tower in the centre of Virajpet attracts large number of tourists. There is a Ganesha Temple nearby the Clock Tower. Another famous temple in the town is Igguthappa.

St. Anne’s Church is a major attraction in Virajpet. Built under the supervision of Father Sullivan, this 220-year-old church has Gothic and European style of architecture. Its tower has two huge bells.

Thadiyendamol Peak is a destination of adventure seekers and trekkers. This peak is the second highest peak in Karnataka. The peak is known for its scenic beauty. Burude Falls and the Dubare Forest Reserve are other destinations for the tourists here.

Large coffee and spice plantations are situated in Virajpet. It is a major producer of coffee seeds in India. It has also the distinction of being the biggest honey producer in Asia.

Mercara Dasara is the main festival here. This festival, celebrated in October, lasts for ten days. The festival depicts the victory of Goddess of Power over the Asuras. A procession is taken out on this occasion with singers and dancers participating in it.

Virajpet enjoys a pleasant climate all round the year. Yet the best time to visit Virajpet is from October to March when the weather is a bit cool. Visitors to Virajpet are advised to carry light woollen clothes during winter. In the summer months of April and May, the temperature goes up to above 30 degree centigrade.

The nearest airport, at present, is Mysore, which is situated at a distance of 115 km from Virajpet. When completed Kannur airport (80 km) will be the nearest airport. The nearest railway stations are at Kannur and Thalasseri (80 km) in Kerala. Virajpet is well connected by road with many places in Karnataka, and Kannur, Thalasseri and Wayanad in Kerala.

Virajpet has several luxury hotels, budget hotels, home-stays and resorts to cater to the needs of visitors. There are also mountain hotels. Tour operators and hotels offer Virajpet packages. These Virajpet packages include stay in hotels and visit to tourist places within Virajpet and the neighbouring places like Kannur and Thalasseri.

For more information on Virajpet packages and popular resorts in Virajpet, visit HolidayIQ.

source: http://www.guidetourist12.thoughts.com / by guidetourist12 / July 05th, 2012

At a time when even a year or two can change a place beyond all recognition, the East End Hotel in Madikeri, Coorg, is a throwback to a simpler time.

The hotel occupies a Colonial era bungalow, and the low structure, surrounded by a verandah (from which you can view the rain pour down in the monsoon months) is extremely popular with the locals and tourists.

The ambience won’t remind you of other restaurants — a “family room” for instance, where families are served their meals, is simply just a plain room with nary a window, and a functional table and few chairs are the only furnishings.

There aren’t liveried waiters either, and the wait for a table can sometimes be a frustrating, disappointing one.

But when the food is served, all is forgotten. From mutton cutlets to biryani and dosas, a mouthwatering trip down memory lane is guaranteed.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> Lifestyle> Dine o Mite / DC, July 06th, 2012