Padmanabhapuram Palace - An architectural marvel of South India

Hello friends...!! Hope you all had a fantastic Easter!! How was the long weekend ?! Mine was perfect with meeting family and friends, good food and lots of rest... !!

Well, when I started this blog I had intended to feature the palaces,temples and traditional architecture of India .. But somehow due to one reason or the other it has taken a long time to do the first post itself... mmm ... Let's consider this as a start for many more to come out of this blog... ;-) ;-) ... !!

A magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, Padmanabhapuram Palace is one of the best examples of traditional Kerala architecture. The building displays a simplicity and purity of the style of Kerala architecture - the pointed gables, the dormer windows and long corridors.  One can see a cot built of seven pieces of polished granite,  mural paintings, intricate and exquisite carvings in teak and rose wood, a Chinese chair presented to the king by Chinese merchants etc.,

 The entrance to the palace ... - with doors standing

over 10 feet high..

The heavy wooden door at the entrance ..

The wood work that has been done centuries ago is amazing !!

       

The ornate entrance to the room called 'Poomukkam' - where the king entertained special guests. Built in the indigeneous architectural style of Kerala, the entrance of this building is shaped as a triangle. On the wooden ceiling ninety flowers have been carved - The speciality of these flowers is that each of them is unique.

Marvellous and unique wood work in the ceiling... !!

A hanging brass lamp with a knight on horse-back..

The Mantrasala or council chamber - I wonder how many meetings with the kings trusted ministers and people would have taken place in this chamber ...?!....

A  view  from the carved wooden windows.. - Love the
intricate wood work.. One of my favorite shots... !!

The flooring remains smooth through all these years

 and attracts special attention..

The dining hall that accomodates 1000 persons at a time..

The ornamental bed that is made of 64 types of herbs,

and is a gift from the Dutch merchants.

The artistic wood work in the ceiling of the bedroom ..

Wooden enclosure with peepholes, where the women of the royal household sit and watch the performances at the Hall of performance.

 Ambari Mukhappu - the crowning example of craftmanship of Travancore wood carving. 'Ambari' is actually the seat put on elephants back for safaris. The building has been constructed based on the shape and structure of an 'ambari'. It was built for kings to view chariot races during festivals and to appear before the public on special occasions.

 All Images Taken By Me. Please donot re-use without permission.

Kian - Lifestyle Within Reach !!

"Kian is not just about furniture...it's about inspirational lifestyle..." - This is the motto of Kian, the furniture and accessories shop that is located in Chennai. Well, I would say that definitely their design styles were artistic, impressive and inspirational too...

 

  Classic designs with a contemporary twist....!!

 

mm... I just fell in love with this space....- the flowers and 

the white curtains - sheer magic....!!!

This wicker furniture is my favorite....!!!

Unusual Design Style of Kian ...!!

 Trendy and colorful...vases..!!

Picturesque display of spices in glass jars...!!

Quality and excellence always comes with a price - If you are a person who will not compromise on both then Kian may be the right choice for you...!!!

Melanje - Live Life with Style !!

     Melanje - this store is a designer's dream which has a vast selection of exotic curios, unique and attractive sculptures, fine jewellery  and a wide assortment of home accents brought in from all over the world.

    Anyone who enters the store, will be mesmerised by it's ambience right from the moment you step in;  the wooden sign that stands at the entrance, the exquisite buddha statues arranged at the pavement and  the soothing sound of tricking water from the stone fountains just add to the charm.

Meticulously carved Buddha statues with intricate craftmanship....!!!

Imported Wicker furniture ; the window sill is covered with candle stands and figurines...!!!

 Luv those marble swans !!! ....;-) ;-)

A close-up shot of the floating votive holders... ..!!!

Skillfully woven lamps.. Luk at the  pattern created by the light on the ceiling... How lovely !!! 

Decorative statues in various forms.....!!!

 

Storage baskets in various sizes.... !

Can anyone guess what those bamboo stalks are for?

Those are candle stands.- very different, yet classic  !!!  

Last but not the least - my personal favorites - stone wash basins and mats..

Wow !!How great these would look in a garden setting ....... !!!                       

Everyone out there, Wish u all a fun weekend !!!!

Cottage Emporium - An artistic haven

The Central Cottage Industries Emporium is a one-stop shopping destination which houses authentic and beautiful masterpieces made by skilled artisans from all over the country and is popularly known as "CCIC", "CCIE" and "Cottage Emporium". This is an ideal place to shop for souvenirs and take back lovely memories of India. One can find everything from furniture, pottery, rugs, silver work, ..to... sarees, toys, shawls, silk scarfs..traditional paintings here...

Handcrafted white wood with antique finish

Gold Leaf painted marble vase from Jaipur

Buddha Figure in brass with gold finish on face

Silver Filigree Leaf Plate 

The store stands in three levels and all the items are beautifully displayed in separate sections, but what makes it a different shopping experience here, is the variety of goods that you find here and the shopkeepers don't nag or pressurize you to buy anything. You are free to stroll around and pick any item of your choice... !!!  Also, this is an ideal place to get high quality gifts for art lovers, which they wrap it up nicely in beautiful handcrafted paper. 

Handcrafted Silver Earring  from Jaipur

Side table in colonial design

 

Wood based planter with Enamel Work

 Brass Planter made by 'Dhokra Metal Craft'

This is a place where I have hung more often with my friends, during my stay in Chennai, and for more reasons than one, it holds many special memories for me... !!My favorite section in the shop is the pottery section - In more occasions, I have seen that the prices are less when compared to the prices quoted by road side vendors ( Think of the  bargaining skills and effort)  or in exhibitions... 

Evening Bag with Bangle Handle ..!

 Copper coaster with fine enameling work (Meenakari)

Buddha Head with fine inlay work

Kiddies Special : Wooden Puzzle Toy

Hand Painted  papier machie powder box

All Images via

Happy Shopping , Guys  ;-) ;-) ....!!