The Purple Lotus

 

Journey Through “Purple Lotus” - A Travelogue

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel to the places that inspired a novel? If you are a fan of Purple Lotus by Veena Rao, you might be curious about the locations that shaped the story of Tara, a courageous woman who escapes an abusive marriage and finds love and freedom in her childhood home. The story is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the life of Tara, a woman who navigates the complexities of cultural expectations, personal growth, and self-discovery. In this blog post, I will take you on a journey to explore the three main settings of the novel: Atlanta, Mangalore, and Dubai. Along the way, I will share some insights into the culture, history, and cuisine of each place, as well as some tips on what to see and do. 

(Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)

Synopsis of “The Purple Lotus”

The novel tells the story of Tara, who moves to the American South three years after her arranged marriage to a tech executive named Sanjay. Feeling ignored and lonely, Tara finds herself regressing back to her childhood memories that have scarred her for life. She was left behind with her aging grandparents and a schizophrenic uncle in Mangalore, India, while her parents moved to Dubai with her baby brother.

In a moment of truth, she discovers the importance of self-worth—a revelation that gives her the courage to break free, gently rebuild her life, and even risk being shunned by her community for choices she makes for her own life. 

Atlanta, Georgia - The Indian Community

Atlanta is the capital and largest city of the state of Georgia in the United States. It is a major hub for business, education, entertainment, and culture in the South. It is also home to a vibrant and diverse Indian-American community, which is estimated to be around 150,000 people. Many of them are professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and artists who contribute to the city’s economy and society.

One of the landmarks of the Indian-American community in Atlanta is the Consulate General of India, which was inaugurated in 2012 to serve the consular needs of the Indian diaspora in the southeast region. The consulate is housed in a striking, elegant building in Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta. It also hosts various cultural events and activities to promote the ties between India and the US.

Another place of interest for Indian-Americans and visitors alike is the St. Aloysius Chapel, or the chapel of St. Aloysius College, a Christian chapel in Mangalore in the state of Karnataka in southwest India. The chapel is a stunning example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, which blends elements of Islamic, Hindu, and Gothic influences. The chapel is famous for its exquisite frescoes and paintings, which depict scenes from the Bible and the life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of the college. The chapel was built in 1880 by the Jesuit missionaries who founded the college, and it is still a place of worship and education today.

If you are looking for some authentic Indian food in Atlanta, you have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the popular restaurants include Blue India, a British-inspired Indian restaurant in Midtown; Kinara by Vikas Khanna, a fine-dining restaurant by the Michelin-starred chef in Buckhead; and Mythos Kouzina & Grill, a cozy Greek restaurant with a twist of Indian flavors in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. You can also find street food, snacks, sweets, and groceries at various Indian markets and shops around the city.

If you do happen to find yourself in Altana, look for some fun and exciting activities! Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will find plenty of options to suit your interests and preferences. Atlanta is a city that offers a rich blend of history, culture, nature, and entertainment. 

1. Georgia Aquarium: Ocean Voyager Virtual Tour: If you love marine life, you will enjoy this virtual tour of the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world. You will get to see more than 100,000 animals, including whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and sea lions, in their natural habitats. You will also learn about the aquarium’s conservation efforts and how you can help protect the oceans. This tour is available online, so you can access it from anywhere and anytime. Or see it in person!!! 
2. Atlanta: Downtown, Midtown or Eastside Segway Tour. If you want to explore the city in a fun and easy way, you can join this Segway tour that takes you to the most iconic sights and attractions in Atlanta. You can choose from three different routes: Downtown, Midtown, or Eastside, depending on your interests and availability. You will see landmarks such as the Centennial Olympic Park, the CNN Center, the Fox Theatre, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, and more. You will also get to hear stories and facts about the city from your friendly and knowledgeable guide.
3. Atlanta: Black History and Civil Rights City Driving Tour. If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of Atlanta, you can take this driving tour that focuses on the black history and civil rights movement in the city. You will visit places that played a significant role in the struggle for equality and justice, such as the birthplace and tomb of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Auburn Avenue Historic District, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. You will also hear inspiring stories and anecdotes from your guide, who is a civil rights activist and historian.
4. Atlanta: 3-Hour Movie Locations Tour. If you are a movie buff, you will love this tour that takes you to the locations where some of the most famous movies and TV shows were filmed in Atlanta. You will see sites such as the Swan House, where "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" was shot; the Jackson Street Bridge, where "The Walking Dead" was filmed; the Margaret Mitchell House, where "Gone with the Wind" was written; the filming locations of "Stranger Things" and more. You will also get to watch clips from the movies and shows on a large screen inside the bus, and test your trivia knowledge with your guide and fellow fans.
5. 3-Hour Electric Car Food Tour. If you are a foodie, you will savor this tour that takes you to sample some of the best dishes and drinks in Atlanta. You will ride in a comfortable and eco-friendly electric car, and visit four different neighborhoods: Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Poncey-Highland. You will taste a variety of cuisines, such as Southern, soul, barbecue, Asian, and Mexican, and learn about the history and culture of each area. Learn how to make pizza the Atlantic way. You will also get to meet some of the chefs and owners of the restaurants, and get tips and recommendations for your next meal. Don't forget wine tasting!!

These are just some of the amazing activities that you can do in Atlanta, Georgia. You can find more options and details on the GetYourGuide, where you can also book your tickets and reservations easily and securely. Whether you are looking for adventure, education, or relaxation, you will find something that suits your needs and budget. 

Mangalore, India - Tara’s Hometown

Mangalore, or Mangaluru, is a coastal city in the state of Karnataka in southwest India. It is the hometown of Tara, the protagonist of Purple Lotus, and the place where she returns to after leaving her abusive husband in Atlanta. Mangalore is a city of contrasts, where the modern and the traditional coexist. It is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine.

One of the most iconic attractions in Mangalore is the Mangaladevi Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Mangaladevi, from whom the city derives its name. The temple is believed to be built in the 9th century by the Alupa kings, who ruled over the region. The temple is a fine example of the Kerala style of architecture, with a sloping roof, wooden pillars, and intricate carvings. The temple is also the venue for the annual Mangaladevi Rathotsava, a chariot festival that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. A day tour will offer shore excursions to New Mangalore to visit the city and experience the lifestyle in a short amount of time. It is an access point for coastal Karnataka and many significant Hindu and Jain pilgrim centers.

Another place of interest in Mangalore is the Tannirbhavi Beach, one of the most beautiful and serene beaches in the city. The beach is located at the mouth of the Gurupura River, and it offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. The beach is ideal for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunset. The beach is also accessible by ferry from Sultan Battery, a historical watchtower built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, in the 18th century.

Mangalore is famous for its distinctive cuisine, which reflects the influence of various communities and cultures that have settled in the city over the centuries. The cuisine is characterized by the use of coconut, rice, fish, and spices, and it varies from vegetarian to non-vegetarian dishes. Some of the specialties include neer dosa, a thin rice crepe; kori rotti, a chicken curry with crispy rice wafers; goli baje, a deep-fried snack made of flour and yogurt; and gadbad, a layered ice cream dessert. You can find these and more at various restaurants, cafes, and street stalls in the city.

Dubai, UAE - The Indian Diaspora

Dubai is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, and one of the most glamorous and cosmopolitan cities in the world. It is a global hub for trade, tourism, and innovation, and it boasts some of the most spectacular and record-breaking attractions and experiences. It is also a place where many Indians have migrated to for work and business opportunities, as well as for leisure and entertainment.

One of the most impressive attractions in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters high. The Burj Khalifa is a marvel of engineering and design, and it offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond from its observation decks, restaurants, and hotels. The Burj Khalifa is also the centerpiece of the Downtown Dubai district, which features other attractions such as the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world; the Dubai Fountain, the largest choreographed fountain show in the world; and the Dubai Opera, a stunning cultural venue.

Another attraction that showcases the diversity and creativity of Dubai is the Global Village, a seasonal cultural and entertainment park that features pavilions from different countries around the world. The Global Village offers a variety of experiences, such as shopping, dining, shows, rides, and festivals, that celebrate the cultures and traditions of the participating countries. The Global Village also hosts special events and promotions, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Dubai Food Festival, and the Dubai Summer Surprises.

Dubai is also a paradise for food lovers, as it offers a wide range of cuisines and dishes from different regions and cultures. You can find everything from Arabic to Indian to Chinese to Italian to American food in Dubai, and more. Some of the popular restaurants include LPM Restaurant & Bar, a French-Mediterranean restaurant in DIFC; Zuma Dubai, a Japanese restaurant in DIFC; and Anwā Sunset Lounge, a rooftop lounge with stunning views of the Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. You can also enjoy the local Emirati cuisine, which is influenced by the Persian, Indian, and Levantine cuisines, and features dishes such as machboos, a rice and meat dish; harees, a wheat and meat porridge; and luqaimat, a fried dough ball with date syrup.

Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze and inspire. It is a destination that offers something for everyone, from the thrill-seekers to the culture-lovers, from the nature-enthusiasts to the luxury-shoppers. If you are planning to visit Dubai, you might be wondering what the best activities are to do in this dazzling metropolis. 

1. Dubai: Burj Khalifa Level 124 and 125 Entry Ticket. No visit to Dubai is complete without seeing the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. With this entry ticket, you can take the world’s fastest elevator to the 124th and 125th floors of the skyscraper, and enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city, desert, and ocean. You can also learn about the architecture and technology behind this Middle Eastern icon, and watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain show from the observation deck balcony.
2. Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Al Khayma Camp. If you want to experience the adventure and culture of the desert, you can join this guided safari that takes you to the outskirts of Dubai. You can enjoy a thrilling dune bashing session with trained drivers, and try out sandboarding and quad biking on the rolling sands. You can also visit the Al Khayma camp, where you can ride a camel, get a henna tattoo, smoke a shisha pipe, and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner. You can also watch some entertainment shows, such as belly dancing, tanoura dancing, and fire spinning.
3. The View At The Palm Observatory Entry Ticket. If you are fascinated by the engineering and design of Dubai, you can visit The View at the Palm, an observation deck that offers unbeatable views of Palm Jumeirah and the surrounding landmarks. Palm Jumeirah is the largest manmade island in the world, and it is shaped like a palm tree. You can access the observation deck by a high-speed elevator, and marvel at the panoramic scenery from the 52nd floor. You can also explore the immersive The View Exhibition, which showcases the history and development of Palm Jumeirah.
4. Skip-The-Line Ticket to Dubai Miracle Garden. If you love nature and flowers, you will be enchanted by the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest natural flower garden. The garden features more than 50 million flowers, arranged in stunning designs, shapes, and colors. You can see sculptures that have won 3 Guinness World Records, such as the Emirates A380 airbus, the Mickey Mouse, and the floral castle. You can also stroll around the Sunflower Field, Lake Park, Smurfs Village, and Umbrella Tunnel. You can also enjoy live music, street dancers, and festivals at the garden. 

These are just some of the amazing activities that you can do in Dubai. You can find more options and details on the GetYourGuide website, where you can also book your tickets and reservations easily and securely. Whether you are looking for adventure, education, or relaxation, you will find something that suits your needs and budget. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today, and get ready to have a blast!

===

I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of the places that inspired Purple Lotus by Veena Rao, a novel that tells the story of a woman’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. You can also learn more about the author and her work on her website. 

Happy reading and happy traveling!