** Karnataka Bird festival on despite concerns over virus

The seventh edition of the Karnataka Bird Festival at Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve began on Tuesday despite the bird flu outbreak reported in Kerala and other states in the country.

The annual festival, organised by the Forest Department in association with Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited, offers bird watchers a chance to catch a glimpse of many migratory birds at BRT.

** Lalitha Mahal Palace turns 100 this year

The iconic Lalitha Mahal Palace, one of the city’s most famous landmark on the foothills of Chamundi, is celebrating its centenary this year. And, the celebrations would be held in November this year.

The Palace was commissioned by the then Maharaja, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, to treat his guests. The architecture was inspired by the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.