Destination: Sidlaghatta
Essay and photos by Pam Kaplan
It is often said that many great adventures begin in your own backyard.
On this Friday morning I’m energized with the prospect of a road trip. Perhaps it is the desire to combat jet lag from the previous week’s 22-hour journey in the back of a not so state-of-the-art 777 plane or weariness from the constant din of car horns, pre-Diwali firecrackers and blowing street dust from crumbling sidewalks and new building construction which is nearly everywhere and mostly in my living room. I’m longing to exchange the all too familiar rhythms of Bangalore in favor of a bright blue sky, fresh air and a new experience.
My destination is Sidlaghatta, located in southern state of Karnataka, India. It is also known as the Silky City according to the branding on their website which is precisely what has piqued my interest. Silk is everywhere in India. From the richly colorful everyday saris and clothing worn by the majority of the local female population, to elegant evening wear, wedding dresses, scarves, curtains, bedspreads, pillows, upholstered furniture, and even surgical sutures. Silk is seemingly ubiquitous. And, it is meant to be seen and bought.