DESI DISCOVERY QUIZ 2

Kondapalli Fort is the correct answer. Kondapalli is about half an hours ride from Vijayawada

Kondapalli Bommai – unmatched colourful ethnic wooden toys that are made –Only here - have a GI status. Cute little keep sakes that can beautifully adorn any place in the world with ease. We had some during my school days – probably my dad bought it on his visit to Vijayawada Thermal Power Station where BHEL was having some contracts.

Despite the efforts of restoration, the place is desolate & in total ruins. I have reconciled to the fact that a fort is primarily a garrison & cannot be as glamorous as a palace. However it is this fort that Krishnadevaraya successfully defended against an Orissa King’s invasion & went on to marry his daughter Princess Kalinga kumari Jaganmogini. The Rani Mahal ( currently only the plinth level is there ) indicates that she might have lived here for a briefly.

Today, it is worth visiting the place where toys are made rather than the fort.

 On the hot Sunday, I had to cajole the illiterate auto driver to take me up the hills to the fort. On the return trip down the empty winding roads, he switched on his 4g Jio empowered mobile camera on the video mode and shot the entire route, occasionally covering me also. While nothing amazing /surprising was captured, I appreciate his presence of mind in making his boring drive interesting & who knows-the clip could be of use to Google Maps or some travel portal or TV show on travel. Technology eradicates illiteracy amazingly & affordably.

Just before entering Vijayawada, at the cross roads, the very sight of numerous well sized, luscious, ripe mangoes that are typical of Andhra thrill & tempt you. If only mangoes are less messy & are as easy to eat as bananas!!!!