PHOTOGRAPHS UP AND DOWN THE LANE

Temples of Gadag_Laksmeshwar

2012-02-09T16:51:00.001+05:30

About 50 kms for Gadag lies Laksmeshwar-There are many temples, Basidi and a Muslim shrine and Masjid. The most famous and majestic is the Someshwara temple. The precincts of this temple is as large as a small fort, surrounded by a high walled structure. The mark of the chalukayas is all over, but I wonder if it is influenced by the Hoysala particularly the shape of sanctun santoruim.

Precincts of the temple-the corridors- A huge well

Uniqueness of this temple is the idol of shiva and parvati riding a bull. On the left of the photographs is a mirror which shows the reflection of Parvati on the bull in a orange dress

The Jumma Masjid built by the Bijapur sultans

Temples of Gadag_LAKKUNDI

2011-12-30T17:44:00.000+05:30

Gadag-A district endowed with many unique temples and architecture which I learn is called the Gadag architecture or the western chalukyan architecture. I visited quite a few in this district and many more on the anvil.

The first and the most beautiful are the monuments in Lakkundi. Situated about 12 kms from Gadag, a small town, boasts of many temples-more than 50, only a few have been restored by the ASI and they are truly master pieces. A museum maintained by ASI houses many sculptures picked up in the vicinity of the town.

The Brama Jinalya

This headless image of a Thirthankara stands etched in time

The Kasi Vishweshwara temple -Probably unique clubbed to it is the Surya Temple. Richly decorated with tales form Mahabharata. Notice the architecture-Unlike the sand stones of Badami, Aihole , probably is the locally available stone and inspired by the north Indian architecture perfected by the earlier Chalukaians.

Classic view of the Surya temple from both sides

The beautiful pillared Nanneshwara Temple seen across the road

This is a beautifully tank Bhavi-never seen a tank this beautiful laid out in the precints of the mannikeshwara temple.

A delight to sit on the steps and marvel the skills of the artisans

Balligavi

2011-10-18T17:04:00.000+05:30

All along the way Shikaripur in Shimoga district we see board proclaiming it as the land of sharana-meaning many veerashiva saints were born here and Just before Balligavi lies Ududati or Udugani-the birth place of one of the greatest women of our land-Akka Mahadevi. A prominent saint of veerashaivim along with Shri. Basavanna, she probably was the only women to throw away her clothes. To set foot on this ground, where she was born was a wonderful. A temple stands at this location.

Balligavi is about 12 kms from Shikaripura and very close to the Kadamba capital Banavasi. An area rich with history is aslo purported to be the birth place of the Hoysala queen Shantala.

The Kedarareshwara temple- a beautiful piece of architecture, the guide here explains the foundation to have been laid by the western Chalukyas and the super structure by the Hoysalas.

The annual festival on

The resplendent emblem of Hoysala

The ceremonial car-decorated and pulled along the streets of the village once a year

In the vicinity of this village there are supposed to be many other temples in ruins, A museum adjacent stores the sculptures found

This is the Bherundeshwara temple situated right in the centre of the village. Said to have been erected by a General of the Chalukya, its a tough task to photograph the sculpture inside the locked doors, but is one of the best I have seen. The lower part are the legs of a human and the upper past that of the ferocious double headed bird swalloing humans in its huge beaks turned away in the opposite direction. The anger on the face of the bird, humans stuffed in the mouth and holding more in the hands,I know not the significance of this ferociousness.

Monuments of Ikkeri and Keldi

2011-10-03T10:58:00.000+05:30

Sagar town in Shimoga District can be an ideal base to visit many a tourist site-Jog falls being prominent on the list. Among the many historic monuments, I could though manage Ikkeri and Keldi. Sagar itself is a beautiful town - a tinge urbane and the idyllic slow pace of a village. This was one place I felt would be ideal to settle down .

Ikkeri is only a few km away from Sagara and the Prominent among the Keldi Nayakas who ruled from Ikkeri is Rani Chennama, who is said to have given shelter to for a long time to Shivaji's son Rajaram

Aghoreshwar Temple Ikkeri

A first look at the mantap, would make believe it to be mausoleum of a Muslim saint, but then here is Nandi - facing Shiva as usual. This explains the influence of the Muslim architecture which was widely adopted by the later Vijayanagar kings and their feudals.

Spectacular carving outside and inside especially in the sanctum sanatorium is a treat to see.

The complex has a couple of smaller shrines and is littered with many ruined sculptures. The best is this one, Beautiful carved sandals is probably an indication to the beauty of the sculptures had it survived. I wonder who could these three scandal represent

On the other side of Sagar, again a few km away is Keldi. The Nayaka ruled from here, before they shifted their capital to Ikkeri.

Rameshwara temple at Keladi- The miniature temples carved on the wall - a style of kalyani chalukyas?

The best thing here is the mythical two headed bird called Gandaberunda in kannada on the ceiling (also forms a part of the official emblem of Karnataka State). What could be the significance of the ferocious bird ?-clutching elephants in its claws and lions in its beak .

Saundatti

2011-09-17T13:26:00.000+05:30

Saundatti-famous for the Renuka Yellama temple boast of a fort too. I would look at the imposing bastion but could never make it to the fort. This time I made sure to visit. th a temple inside. Built by Jayappa Naik in the 16th century and later conquered by Hyder ali, the fort stands in good shape though some canon shot of the war could be seen along the walls.

The Stalls at the temple

Well this should be a easy guess

Enroute to savadatti is this dam site Naviltheertha. A nice picnic place

Kittur Rani Chennamma Memorial, Bailhongal

2011-08-01T12:55:00.004+05:30

Search for some sites connected to history and you are sure to get it. Bailhongal is one such town in Belgaum District. Heart swells with pride by the mention of the warrior queen Kittur Rani Chennama, who died fighting the British. Here in Bailhongal she was imprisoned and killed. Setting my foot on this hallowed grounds of her samadhi was a heart warming experience.

Some ancient history too at Bailhongal, Ramalingaeshwara temple, Simple in architecture houses many ancient inscription,

A municipal water tank circa 1950

A vast campus of the Agriculture Research Centre here grows variety of crops for research

Temples of HOOLI

2011-07-20T14:04:00.000+05:30

On a journey from Savadatti to Ramdurga in Belgaum Dist, we learnt of Hooli- a village 30 minutes away from Savadatti. We were directed to the grand temple complex of Panchalingeshwara. Recreated and well maintained-With a pillared mantap in the front and five sanctum sanatorium with five shiv linga, hence the name panchalingeswara. Archaeological Survey of India has done a great job in restoring this temple. Now we learn of 100 temples of Hooli.

Off we go bare footed in the by lanes of the village, We come across a little structure in complete ruins, with cattle grazing.

A Little distance, and we are greeted by the awesome site many a temples scattered around on the hillock across this stream.

Unmindful of the thorns and growing excitement, we went on exploring the exquisite architecture.

Beautifully carved doorways, Pillared entrances to the inner sanctum

All these temples we were told were shaivates and each one had its own well. We could see many in the vicinity. How I wish I could explore all the hundred, I can only quote Robert Frost : Miles to go ......

Researched many a time on the net. Know not who are the architects of these magnificent site. Possibly Chalukya's or Kadamambas?

Chitra Santhe

2011-06-28T17:04:00.000+05:30

Our own Montmarte - albeit for a day, the road leading to the Chitra Kala Parishad in Bangalore takes on a festive air on the last Sunday of every January. Artist from all over, throng the foot paths to sell their exquisite art to suit all budgets. I was fortunate to buy a water colour at a good price last year.Waiting for the next edition..

Some photographs from my mobile cam.

CALICUT BEACH

2011-06-24T13:59:00.001+05:30

On a day's visit to Calicut or Kozhikode, its swell to walk on the beach observing daily life morn and eve. Few Photographs.

Segregating their meagre catch

On the way to pick up the catch

The piers of an erstwhile port

Crushed ice with assorted juice -A delicacy before

the ready ice cream invaded Scandals of time

Barcelona to Sydney in one year

2011-06-16T17:04:00.000+05:30

To start blogging again was quite difficult, once your are out of the loop, it requires a great deal of effort to start all over again. I have been travelling quite a lot; for work and otherwise; accumulated many a photos up and down the lane. Now that the ice is broken, I thought the best would be to start with Patrick.

It was early February and we were driving down from Belgaum in North Karnataka, and I saw this van, proudly proclaiming "Barcelona to Sydney in one year". I was able to catch up with this van at the toll gate. Mr. Patrick graciously pulled over and had a heart to heart chat. He along with his two lovely daughters and wife are on a journey of life time and were proceeding to the famed Hampi.

He spoke about his journey to India and how his vehicle would be shipped to Australia, during the time he would tour Thailand, Malaysia etc. It was such a pleasure taking to him and asked me to keep updated on http://www.road111.com/ . He must have completed his journey by this time.

Kudos to you Patrick

Temples of Aralaguppe

2011-02-10T11:14:00.014+05:30

On a visit to Tiptur about 200 kms from Bangalore, I did the usual search and lo! I could get a list of many ancient structures in and around. Managed to visit Aralaguppe -a small village 20kms away from Tiptur; which boast two wonderful temples- The Kalleswara and Chennakeshava.

Chennakeshava temple

The Chennakeshava temple is amazing in this little village almost a oasis in the desert. Dated to have been built in the 13th century by the Hoysalas, this structure has all the attributes of the Hoysalan architecture of Belur and Halebid. The walls are sculpted with images of Vishnu in various avatars and the creativity of the creator is absolutely marvellous.
Front View of the temple

Rear View-The star shaped platform and the elephants placed at regular interval

Intricately carved wall

The Kalleshwara temple

Purported to be a Pre-Hoysalan structure, built by the Nolambas,The Kalleshwara temple has a two attractions which are worth many a visit -The extraordinary ceiling intricately carved and the sculpture of Uma and Shiva. The pillars of the temple are of granite, but the walls are of brick-may be a later day addition. The temple of this importance could be better maintained

The main attraction of this temple the ceiling which is something to be seen to be believed. Its amazing but proved difficult to capture of the nine panels on the ceiling I could get the these two

The Nataraj Pashupathi

A view inside-Lathe turned pillars, the ceiling and the the Shiva Linga

The Bull - Nandi Uma- Maheshwar- a unique sculpture

Bagamandal and Tala Kaveri

2011-01-25T18:29:00.000+05:30

At the foothill of Talakaveri is Bagamandala. A confluence of three rivers, river kaveri joined by two tributaries.
After a customary dip at the confluence, devotees visit the Bhagandeshwara temple before proceeding to Tala Kaveri-the birth place of the river Kaveri on the Bramagiri hill. This a wonderful place to visit and spend a day in the pristine environment.

Confluence of the river kaveri- people taking a dip

Another view of the river and beyond

This is Talacauvery-the place the might river kaveri is born, Beautiful and majestic. The sight of people wading through the length of the tank to the exact spot where the river raises in a small spring is humbling. People crowding the around the small spring

A view down from Bramagiri

Coorg_The Scotland Of India

2011-01-18T11:01:00.001+05:30

It been a long time,with little time, bogged down with various things, time now to complete the Coorg saga. Coorg or Kodagu, often called the Scotland of India so unique, The people have their own distinct culture, food, the women drape the Saree in their own unique way. Lucky for us to have a cousin hailing from this area. He made sure we could savor all the flavors coorg has to offer.

Spending a night in a home stay, enjoying the dinner the coorgi way is most enchanting. To being with lots of fruit wine (Pineapple, Pomegranate), whisky, Pork, chicken, Wow! it was wonderful.

Getting up early and taking a walk in the meadows-

Crossing cool crystal clear streams - most refreshing

Sugar cane from the nearby fields for breakfast

Some flowers along the way

This is something amateur irrespective of the results try

Golden Temple, Bylakuppe

2010-12-10T12:37:00.001+05:30

A long pending dream to visit Coorg (Kodagu) came true thanks to the initiative taken by my Cousins, A bunch of vibrant people, lots if fun spread over two days began with a visit to the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe on the door way to Kodagu district. Enter this settlement and you are in a different world altogether, A home away from home for Tibetan.

The main entrance to the monastery

Rear View

Monks in prayers

And the Buddha........

Ameins

2010-11-22T14:02:00.000+05:30

Here we were in this Picardie region visiting some sites related to clean energy and efficiency. The first point being the station of Douai, where we arrived at, by TGV from Paris, just a couple of hours.

We drive through some picturesque landscapes and visiting some Municipal waste based power generating sites and Landfill gas based power generation site and

We arrive at Amiens. A beautiful city again with a rich heritage, a famous cathedral and wonderful cuisine. The Amiens Macaroon are a delicious speciality of the Picardie area I was told and they tasted delicious and almost melted in the mouth. Another of the local delicacy is Foie gras -prepared out of the liver of a duck specially fattened. Did I enjoy this? I dont't know, I will have to try it again.
Well this our dinner table

And now the cathedral of our lady of lady of Amiens,

said to be tallest in France and built in the 11 century has some marvellous facade.

The are some exquisite hotels and restaurants around the bylanes of the Cathedral and its lovely to spend a evening.

Unfortunately for us this monument was closed due to major repairs being undertaken.

The entrance to the cathedral Apostles and Saint on the facade

Getting around this wonderful city was such a experience, with canals and quaint little building lining it, Alas, the camera was at the hotel, but could manage these shots from the city centre.

Nantes-France

2010-11-11T17:39:00.001+05:30

And here we are at Nantes railway station

On a visit to L'ecole de Mines, we got to spend a couple of days in this lovely city of Nantes. Located in the western part of France, about 500 kms form Paris. I learn later of the rich history of this region starting with the Gauls, the Roman and the English

Two days was hardly sufficient to do justice to this historic city in the erstwhile province of Brittany. Wish I could visit the coast and the many beautiful cathedrals, but not to be.

Some shots from the city centre

Stade de la Beaujoire -the home stadium of the Food ball club de Nantes

The tram-very effective means of transportation

Buddha Vihara- Gulbarga

2010-10-28T13:49:00.000+05:30

Gulbarga has many historical buildings particularly of the Deccan sultans. A visit to the the Shrine of the Sufi saint Hazrat Kwaja Bande Nawas and the Sharana Baseweshwara temple is a must, which I couldn't in this visit, But the latest addition to monuments is the Buddha Vihara which was thrown open to public last year. A imposing white structure built over 75 acres of land is worth a visit, if one is in Gulbarga. Photography is prohibited in the precincts and I have no complaints, the ambience is silent and peaceful

The gateway to the vihara

The main Stupa resplendent in twilight

Gulbarga Fort

2010-10-14T15:53:00.000+05:30

History always surprises me. Its one thing reading history in text books and another when you visit the monuments. I have read a lot about the Deccan sultanates. Always thought that Bijapur was the one which was all powerful with impressive list of monuments. But then Gulbarga fort is a massive and beautiful. Roaming around in the fort one is taken back to the grand old days when the Bahamani sultans ruled from here for more than two centuries, until they decided to change their capital to Bidar

Surrounded by a moat, which is overgrow by weed. There are two entrances to this fort, entry of which is through the bridges across the moat. Both these entrances are flanked by strong bastions.

One of the entrance, What is he waiting for? Settlements inside the fort - time stands still

Among the many Canons in this fort this is the one biggest one, Majestic in length all 29 feet and facing the entrance on the other side ready to boom in case of a breach

This is a jewel in the fort-the Jumma Masjid, a huge structure extremely simple and beautiful, The ASI board say this was designed by Rafi -an architect from Iran. Designed to accommodate 5000 people.

This Mosques is said to resemble the a famous mosque in Cardova city of Spain

A view from the rear side, This mosques is also opined to follow the plain Turkish design contemporary to Byzantine, I wonder if the raised design in the middle wall does resemble some Churches particularly the St. Francis Church in Goa

The interiors of the mosques supported by 140 pillars and 250 arches

It has five large domes. The central dome here is 80 feet in diameter The Grandeur of the ceiling decorated with flowers and creepers

Nilgiri Thars at Eravikulam National Park

2010-08-19T17:42:00.000+05:30

Eravikulam National Park boasts of the being the only place one could see large concentration of Nilgiri Thar. This national park situated in the Kanan Devan Hill of Idukki Districts.

Good thing about this park is a limited no. of vechiles are allowed into the park, thereby causing less interference. The long wait for tickets enabled me to shoot this colourful waste bin.

The Mini bus take the visitor deep into the park,lined up with some exquisite mist laden gardens

Spotting the Thar is not a problem with so many in abundance. They are quite friendly and do not mind crossing the human path.

The male is called a saddleback, I know not which is this one

And This one-serenely watching the onlookers

Idduki High ranges

2010-08-10T12:28:00.000+05:30

Idduki nestled in the high ranges of Western ghats is truly God's Own - with the beautiful Munnar tea gardens and the wonderful Thekkadi. But if one is not a tourist, we get to see the beautiful interiors-how common people live in bliss, high up in mountains, where its a challenge to provide electricity and communication facility. Well lucky enough to be in such locations on job.

The tea-garden workers dry their clothes in this vast expanse of land

High up in the mountains, people live in such huts, surrounded by peaks on all sides

Kids do play cricket in this open space beyond a Local kids basking in the mellow sun light
small temple

How would it be to watch a program in this settings

Krimchi

2010-07-15T15:47:00.006+05:30

This was the last of our sojourn to Jammu, put a perfect icing on the cake. A short detour of about 10 kms from the town of Udhampur brings us to Krimchi. That this temples had a Greek influence in the architecture made me eager to see this place and I should give the credit to my kid brother who influenced this visit not withstanding the fast approaching twilight.

At the village square, one need to take a deviation and walk down this Path that lead to the Krimchi temples which are situated on the banks of river Burunala.

A good half a km walk in the wilderness, going up and down the hillock, This first sight of the temple Shikara burst opens. But its perched on a small hillock yet another climb to take to the isolated temple complex

Shikaras of the Krimchi temple complex.

If the palace of Virat was nearby at Aaknoor, can the palace of Kichaka be far behind ? Krimchi was purported to be founded by Raja Kichaka of Mahabarata times .

Said to bear close resembles to the ones at Bhuvaneshwar, I would say the shikaras at Aihole and Patadakal in Karnataka are similar.

All the material available on the Net talks of the Hellenic (Greek) Influence in the construction of these temples, but never mentions in what way. I may have to request fellow blogger from Greece Phivos Nicolaides to point out if he can spot any influence.

Could it be the columns at the entrance. Are they similar to the columns of Parthenon?

Patnitop-The hill station enroute to Srinagar

2010-07-06T16:03:00.000+05:30

If one finds travel to Srinagar a risky affair and yet wants to have a whiff of the valley then a alternative could be Patnitop or Patni Top-a beautiful hill top tourist spot located on the Udhampur - Srinagar route.

On cancellation of our helicopter service to the shrine at Vaisno devi due to bad weather (Lucky to get the tickets the next day), we took this journey to Patnitop from Katra, a journey in the lower Himalayan ranges with picture postcard images all along.

A better way explore and bask in the atmosphere here would be to spend at least a day at the many resorts in the the vicinity. On our short visit we could only enjoy the beautiful valley for some time in biting cold on a summer day.

The Winding road to the top

The Beautiful meadows with the tall Pine trees

Cute Little cottages painted green

Pani-puri on the meadows

Octroi Post-Indo-Pak Border

2010-06-28T16:32:00.001+05:30

Pakistan- I hope all thats between us would be solved ot atleast take a back seat and we could live as neighbours should live. Will the day dawn when we could walk down one such border post into Pakistan, go to the Indus valley sites of Mohenjodaro?

I hope it happens.

Never the less we are at the Octroi border, near the Suchet Garh village. A very short distance from Jammu. This post is devoid of all the glamour associated with the Wagha Border and is a silent place, with farmers grazing the land on both sides and the birds chirping (yes from both sides -they know no border)

The milestone says Sialkot 11 km (someone remarked- this is where Sania Mirza lives now)

Entry through the above gate brings to this last point

AMBARAN-An ancient buddist site

2010-06-18T11:12:00.001+05:30

It was ecstatic to learn of Ambaran- an ancient Buddhist ruins of Kushans and Gupta dynasties. Located a few kilometers away from Akhnoor on the banks of the Chenab. Excavations suggests four different periods of existance-the pre kushans period (second century BC), The Kushans period, the Gupta and the post kushans period.

The site at Ambaran-excavated at different levels

Many a terracotta heads and a gold casket containing the relics of the Buddha were unearthed here and are exhibited in various museums of the world.

Some coins, terracotta beads and other articles of Kaniska- the great Kushan Emperor unearthed her are exhibited in a small room along with some photographs of the excavation.

For some one with deep routed interest in archeology, a visit to this virgin site (I call it so because the excavation are on and fear, one fine day they may construct or recreate-this I feel is sacrilegious) is enthralling.

The base of the Stupa covered by tarpaulin sheets to save it from the vagaries of the weather. Hope the rain does not disintegrate the structure

Akhnoor- Glow of the Eye

2010-06-14T10:44:00.001+05:30

When I did my research for ancient sites around Jammu, I stumble upon Akhnoor and to my surprise I learn Sites concerning Indus valley civilisation are at Akhnoor, and then the romantic epic of Sohni-Mahiwal was said to have taken place here ( with both drowning in the Chenab).

A Strategic located place, just about 40 kms from Jammu, along the might Chenab, used to be the Mogul route Srinagar. It takes little more than a hour from Jammu, mainly because of the many barricades and check point put up by the Army. Because of the close proximity to the Pak-border, security in this area is quite intense.
Emperor Jahangir-passionately in love with Kashmir died on the way to Srinagar near here. We were told stories of Pandav's serving their Agayat Vas here, the presence of King Virat's palace. Previously called Virat nagar, the change to Akhnoor (glow of the eye) is attributed to the Mogul Queen being cured of a eye ailment by a priest here .

The Imposing fort built on the hilltop is said to be on a previous terrace of the Harrapan civilisation. Excavation in the fort are purported to support this, Unfortunately there were no guides to explain this. A walk down the fort leads to the Pandav Guha-the cave where the pandavs hid.

Panoramic View of the fort across the river Chenab

The interiors of the fort

A priest cooks his lunch of cabbage in one of the temples- he is the one who narrates most of history to us

The Steps of the Gurudwara leads to the Chenab

Jammu_The Temple Town

2010-06-08T14:50:00.001+05:30

Jammu is called the temple towns for the umpteen number of temple seen every where. This town serves as the base camp for devotees to Vaishno Devi, Tourists and locals to Srinagar and Leh, Ladakh and off course our Troops-who are dispatched all over the valley from here.
In this process not many view Jammu from the tourist angle. We too couldn't see the Bahu Fort (I have seen the photographs they are amazing), An ancient Shiva temple nearby, 'coz we had kept it for the last and then finally missed it.
With Jammu as base we visited lots of interesting places: The Octroi Border, Aaknoor, Vaishno Devi, Patni Top etc.

The Raghunath Mandir in the heart of the town-is a sprawling temple complex surrounded by the markets full of shops selling dry fruits, carpets, Rajma, Pasmina shawls ets.

Raghunath Mandir Pasmina stole on dispaly

The revolving restaurant (KC residency) nearby gives a very good view of the whole city , and serves good non-vegetarian food too.

The one place not to miss, is the war recently constructed war memorial. Constructed atop a hill top- A dagger like structure, surrounded by sprawling gardens and sand stone columns with the names of the Martyrs in the various wars fought by India engraved on them . Come to the Kargill war section and one can see the many familiar names of soldiers. The atmosphere here is very sacred, with patriotic songs in the background-leaves one with goose pimples and a lump in the throat.

An evening view of the War Memorial

Moret-sur-Loing

2010-05-29T11:46:00.004+05:30

When our local contact who lives in Moret-sur-Loing offered to take us to his village, many local french suggested us to take this, calling it a beautiful place, an abode of painters, especially Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. I neither knew impressionist painting nor Alfred Sisley, though later, I could see his works on the net.

Moret-sur-Loing is only few miles away from Fontainebleau, A fairy tale like place so beautiful, words fail to describe. No wonder why Alfred would have chosen to spend his life here. It looks as if time has stopped, Its medieval structure, the cobbled stone pathways, the enchanting river gushing through the place. Wow, I am waiting to spend a couple of days here.
The delicacy of this place is a candy called Sucre d'Orge, a triangular shaped peppermint similar in shape and appearance to our vicks drops, but sweet in taste. I recall having tasted similar peppermint in my schooldays with a hint of coconut in it. The recipe is closely guarded for about 160 years now and the factory also boast of a museum for tourists to see the history of Sucre d'Orge.

Medieval buildings such as this and beautiful statues adorn the Town all along

La maison Raccolet a house of tourist attraction

An ancient facade probably called Façade François Ier

12th-century towers which takes to the river

Panoramic view of the right bank

The beautiful Right bank

Château de Fontainebleau

2010-05-16T12:45:00.002+05:30

My penchant for history takes me to Fontainebleau a small town just 60 kms away form Paris. Surrounded by dense forest and famous for the Château de Fontainebleau- the palace with history embedded in every corner of the huge palace. You get to see the place Pope Pius VII was imprisoned by Napoleon and then, at this very palace Napoleon signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau, by the virtue of which he was exiled to Elba. Its another matter he returned back to face defeat at Waterloo.

The Palace is surrounded by huge gardens, rich with fountains of all type, beautiful sculptures spread out in the entire complex, a huge lake, White peacock dancing along - makes all this a enchanting place.

The Imposing Palace gates

Front View of the Château

An Interesting Fountain

A collage of sculptures in the Château and out in the gardens

Collage of the bedroom, assembly hall, paintings and the stained glass in side the Château

Country side in the Suburbs of Paris

2010-05-04T12:19:00.007+05:30

Its always worth while moving away from places which are filled with the regular tourists, limiting ourself to the city of lights-Paris, is a mistake most of us the make. A short distance from the main centre of attraction will take you to many places, which could turn out to be a beautiful experience.

Starting with the French countryside, I wanted to see how the rural ordinary people live, there life style etc. But after seeing much of the areas, I realised that in a Developed Nation, If I was trying to find the sort of poverty that exist in rural India, It is not to be. Having spent 16 years in Kerala, I suddenly realised, Kerala too is miles ahead in terms of Hygiene, cleanliness, standard of living etc. All this only due to the higher literacy rates.

A small village

Horse breeding farms

History stares at you in many locations,

Old mansions....

Forts

A brook, very much like in a Enid Blyton story

This is beautiful-an ancient water wheel, in working condition

Parenting- A job indeed for birds too

2010-04-26T10:40:00.034+05:30

For those of us who have undergone the travails of parenting would agree the great joy and at times the pain involved in parenting. I have always believed that we are as old as our kids as a parent.

Well Parenting is a task for all living beings. Have we not being chased by a ferocious dogs when we approach their litter, or a violent hen ready to peck, when the chick are approached. But what we have not seen is probably how the birds take pains to hygienically feed their young ones, just like we would sterilise the bowls, spoons, bottles etc. of our young ones

A mother River tern with her chicks patiently waiting for her mate to come with lunch.

One of the chick is a little docile may be because its younger, but the older one is quite brave and ventures out exploring the surrounding.

Pop Arrives with lunch, but the feed being big, the chick nibbles at it and in this process the feed is dropped

Guess what, Pop picks up the feed, flies to the stream, dips in the water to wash fish

It now comes back with the feed, unfortunately the feed is big and again gets dropped, Pop dutifully carries the same drill of washing the feed

Meanwhile the daring kid ventures out further, and is now dangerously perched near the water. Pop comes and starts feeding his baby, probably unaware of the proximity of the water.

But alas, in the process our daring young one tumbles into the stream and the parents starts wailing and screaming.

well, no further photographs...........

There was a happy end though. We decided to intervene, rightly or not we do not know? We rescued the chick to its parents. Nature has its owns laws should we intervene in the ways of nature ? Can we be a mute spectator? I know not. Rescuing seemed the right option. but then, people has other opinion too.

The whole saga took about 20 minutes and was more of a delight to watch than to photograph.

Ranganathittu_Revisited

2010-04-23T14:49:00.001+05:30

Ranganathittu is a birders and photographers paradise, and is a pleasure to keep visiting again and again. The park is full of bird in the seasom from December to March. You will find birds zipping around, Birds nesting, their full throated cry, fetching nesting material, food for their young ones ... my nest, sorry next post will bring in the story of parenting, which is just as important for birds too.

Painted Stork - aptly named in all its glory

An Egret with its babies

Open bill Storks

The mud swallows- builds their nest in crevices of the rock above the water, and are extremely swift

Morning hues at Hessarghatta Lake

2010-03-29T15:46:00.000+05:30

Hessarghatta lake just on the outskirts of Bangalore is a favorite haunt of many a photographers. Designed more than a century back to meet the water suppy to Bangalore city-this lake is home to many a variety of birds. The cacophony of the bird calls reaches a crescendo in the morning with the birds of all sizes zipping around is something to be experienced.
This area is also famous for the dance school started by the Odissi danseuse late Protima Bedi.

However, here are some photographs of the wonderful hues the nature paints at Hessarghatta.

Nature's Pallette

Just before the sun emerges out of the clouds

Pathway leading to the lake, displays many a hue

Orange on a blue sky

BUNS at Karwar

2010-03-22T16:02:00.000+05:30

The best thing to do when you travel is do what the locals do. So here I was in Karwar and landed up on the beach for a morning walk in the early hours-watching the sky change its colours, The fishermen untangle there nets to send their catch to the market. The lazy one setting out for to collect their share of nature's bounty.

Here is a group preparing for tommrow, mending their nets

After the walk we land up in a road side shop for coffee and we see the the morning rays on VADA and BUNS. Buns? I had not heard of it it. It looks a bit like Puri and a bit like Kachori. Its normally eaten with vegetable curry, and is quite filling. I prefered to have it without the curry since it was a bit sweet- on account of the banana added to the dough. My cousin, passionate about food as I am, blogs profusely at http://kannadacuisine.blogspot.com/
I am sure she would love to gather the recipe for buns. It would be so nice if somebody could do it.

Enjoy this Buns with vada

The Sajjeshwara Temple at Karwar - One of the Panchaliga

2010-03-17T16:23:00.000+05:30

Mythology is always intersting-irrespective of facts. Heres another - the Mythology of Ravana handing over the Shiva Linga to Ganesh to perform his evening rituals and Ganesh grounding it in Gokarna is well known. In a fit of rage, Ravana is supposed to have tried to wrench out the Linga from ground and in this process flew out four fragments, the main remaining at Gokarna - The four other locations where the fragments flew out are purported to be, the Sajjeshwara, Gunavanteshwar, Murudeshwar and Dhareshwar ,

While Gokarna is a famous pilgrim centre – This temple - Sajjeshwara is nondescript and almost lost, with the maintenance much to be desired. Easily accessible from Karwar, its only a few Kilometres away.

A Jain Basidi in Ammanagi

2010-03-10T14:20:00.003+05:30

Travel places and bet to find something to knock you down. Here we were on the way to Hukkeri (in Belguam District of Karnataka) and we learn of a ancient Jain temple unearthed in the year 1993. This is Ammanagi village in Hukkeri Taluk.

A magnificent temple, all black dedicated to Thirthankara Parasvanath - look as if it is cut of some soft material and not stone. Even a knock on the wall does not sound like stone. Purported to have been built in the ninth century during the Chalukyan period by their Chieftain who were Jains, this village has some dilapidated remains of buildings which points to Ammanagi being an important settlement those days.

The Basidi

Inner View of the temple

Chitradurga fort

2010-02-16T16:53:00.004+05:30

Finaly I got to see the fort; on a trip organised by Youth Photographic Society, Bangalore.

A massive one spread over miles and miles of many mountains, Chitradurga fort is a photographers delight, apart from being a nice place to trek, rock climb.

The best of the forts that I have seen until now, one needs to spend at least a day, trekking, photographing and of course visiting the fame Obavan Kindi (crevice) - The brave lady, single handedly killed scores of Hyder Ali's soldiers emerging out of a crevice with a pestle.
Legend has it that Bhima had a duel with the Raksha Hidamba here, and then went on to marry Hidambi, thats the beauty of India, most of the places you visit have some association with mythology.

The Gali Gopura and the hindambeshwar temple are such beauty and charm to photograph at different periods of the day, I could get it in the morning and evening light but would love to get on a full moon day.

The Gali-Gupura - Hidambeshwara temple in the morning light

The Gali-Gupura - Hidambeshwara temple in the setting sun- light

This is the ancient Murga Matha

The fort has an excellent system of rain water, harvesting at different levels of the fort- seven if I get it right. It is told Hyder Ali lifted the siege on the fort when he learnt that the fort could sustain on its own water suppy for atleast 12 years.

This is one of the rain water harvesting tank

Pondicheery

2010-01-15T16:51:00.019+05:30

Pondicheery or Puduchery as its called now has diverse views of people on tourism potential. Whats there to see here is what people say and then flock to it. I have always believed that any place has much more to experience than see. You can see the monuments in TV, Photographs, Experiencing is what make the place lovable.
Well, the Sri. Aurobindo's samadi is a great place to experience, especially the silence. So is the sprawling Auroville-an experiment in international community living. The matri mandir at aurovile, My friend says, has a meditation hall, wherein you could literally experience deafening silence (unfortunately is not open to common public).
So, Puducherry is all about the ashram, Auroville, the broad Promenade in the french quarters, the beautiful buildings in the Tamil quarters, and enjoying french food in few of the restaurants.
INTACH, has done some excellent work here in restoring the old colonial structures. They take on a heritage walk in the french quarters of the city on week end.

Interiors of a refurbished buildings which houses the INTACH office today. The yellow Oxide floor in this building is exquisite to see.

Rows of Old houses in the Tamil quarters

Wonderful to walk, on the beach front
Gateway to the many french building
Streets bear the french names even today

Facade of a Hotel typically french

Hotel de Ville being refurbished-houses the State Govt. offices

The magnificent interiors of the Alliance Francaise buildings

Ranganathittu and Bandipur

2010-01-15T14:25:00.008+05:30

The Youth Photographic Society, Bangalore brings together Professionals and rookies like me together and arranges trip all over the country.
My first trip with this wonderful group of people to Ranganathittu bird sanctuary and Bandipur wild life sanctuary in Karnataka.
A River Tern

Stone Plover

A flock of white ibis in animated conversation

I live in towns too

Serious Introspection

A cute one

Streaming light through Venetian blind

2009-12-29T09:38:00.003+05:30

When I walked in for Break fast at Hotel Hans in Hubli, It was dazzling to see the effect the light streaming through venetian blind, I had to run back to the room to fetch the camera, lest I lose the effect. The photographs are no where as good, since I could not capture the minute squares cast on the floor and tables. well, tommrow is always there....

KAMALA BASIDI_BELGAUM

2009-12-21T16:58:00.008+05:30

Kamala Basidi or the kamal Basti, so called because of the enchanting chandelier carved in stone on the ceiling of the main temple or basidi dedicated to Jain tirthankaras. Purported to have been built by the Goa Kadamas, at its heights, this complex had many basidis, but regular invasions by Moguls, Bhamanis etc. has taken its toll
If lucky, one can have the darshan of a young Jain muni, resplendent in nature's splendour. Honestly dressed in branded stuff top to down, I felt absolutely naked in his august presence. Its a humbling experience.

The Kamala Basidi

All I could manage was this of the KAMALA

The Chikki Basti

Children posing with the intricately carved facade of the Chikki Basti in the back ground

Belgaum Lake

2009-12-16T17:00:00.005+05:30

For someone habituated to take a morning wake in the pristine surrounding of Sankey Tank in Bangalore, the Belgaum lake situated near the fort was a boon.
Much bigger than Sankey, the maintenance is much desired. All the same its heavenly to walk around in the morning.

Over cast sky in the early hours lends a different hue

Ducks lumbering out after their morning Bath (they do have one every morning)

Madhugiri Betta

2009-12-02T14:01:00.005+05:30

Namuru chandvo Nemuru chandvo...........So goes the kannada song ( Is my city beautiful or yours..), this had been the topic for my wife who believes that the Madhugiri hillock is the second biggest monolithic rock in Asia, and I argue it is the Bellary rock, Well after seeing both I can only say the measurements for Bellary Hillock is available on the net, none for madhugiri, the case rests, but then Savandura too lays its claim.

This is the Hillock

The Indo-Sarsenic influence seen at the entrance to the fort

British influence seen in this old machinery and a building within the fort

GOLCONDA FORT

2009-09-30T17:54:00.005+05:30

Golconda reminds one of the famed Kohinoor diamond which was not mined here as I had assumed, but sold in the Mina bazaar in the precincts of the town. Its one of the most glamorous forts I have seen. The Acoustics of this fort is just fantastic and the reception across the wall is so clear it beats any of the modern communication methods.

An interesting entrance to the fort, the main door is blocked by a huge bastion like structure to which rules out the possibility of the main door being rammed open.

The Sprawling fort, the building with the minars seen at the top, was the inspiration for the charminar

Repair work of any kind on monuments ruin the whole effect, I wish they let it be and instead maintain the same condition.

A sound and light show amidst these ruins make a great effect

The Barracks

Seine River Cruise

2009-09-07T20:21:00.007+05:30

Every ancient civilization sprung up on the banks of a river. Be it the Egyptian on the banks of Nile, or the Mesopotamian on Tigris and Euphrates, the Indus valley on Indus. And every great city is built on a river, be it Agra and Delhi on Yamuna, Calcutta on Ganga, London on Thames, New York on Hudson , Budapest, Vienna and Belgrade on Danube.
A River adds a great dimension to the city. Imagine Taj Mahal without the Yamuna, Calcutta without the Hoogly Ghats, and Varanasi without the Ganga.
So is Seine to Paris. Dividing Paris into the left and the right bank, A must for any visitor to Paris is the Seine river cruise. Guaranteed to trill even a hard demeanor person , It showcases the history of the city. One can get to see beautiful bridges across Seine (called Pont in French), the Louvre Museum, The famed Notre Dame Cathedral, The Obliex at the place de la Concorde, the location where Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette was beheaded, the french revolution unfolds.....

This pier opposite the Eiffel tower from where the cruise start

Waiting for the service to start after buying tickets, it would be great to have pancakes with chocolate spread

One of the most beautiful and ornately decorated, the Alexander III rd bridges

Le Grand Palais_ an Exhibition Hall

A statute on the Pont de l’Alma

The Pont des Arts against the fiery evening sky

The Pont Royal with Lourve in the background

The Obelisk –A gift from Egypt at the Place de la Concorde

The Eiffel sparkling at the stroke of the hour from across the river

RAIN AND SHINE

2009-08-26T12:37:00.007+05:30

Karwar still retains the old charm of a typically town much akin to the Malgudi of R K Narayan. The multi storied building with glass facades are yet to invade the market places. The laid back approach typical of coastal people is very much to be seen, and how would you expect the monsoon to be in a coastal town.

RAIN AT TIMES

SHINE AT TIMES

REPAIR AT YOUR DOOR STEP

2009-08-26T12:08:00.005+05:30

Those were the times. When the village/town used to be self contined in itself. You had the brick maker, The black smith, the baker, the oil extractor, the lime maker in the kilns, the potter and not to mention the locally grown grains and vegetable, milk butter, everything in the village and for some other items which could be considered exotic you had the weekly santhe (market day).
And these are the times: One single or couple of manufacturer of Milk for the whole state, Packed bakery products, branded grocery, no pottery or lime used but only cement. so on and so forth.
And times to come, globalisation will see a single maker of milk worldwide, like wise for cement, brick, bakery, and so on. We already have only two manufactures making Cola, all other items will follow.
Nice to see this scene which was prety common in our childhood. Wandering/mobile repair men with their little pump and earthen stove approching and repairing almost anything. Here we see the old man soldering the chain of the wrist watch, while the kerosene stove lies in line for repair.

World Photographic Day

2009-08-20T09:17:00.004+05:30

Yesterday was the world photographic day. The Youth Photographic Association, Bangalore organised a exhibition of photographs on The Monuments of Karnataka, got to see some beautiful photographs.

Hard pressed for time these days, I choose this one photograph on this occasion. The credit for this shot though goes to my wife who insisted I shoot this combination of pink and white bougainvillea.

Patadakal

2009-08-10T14:29:00.005+05:30

Patadakal is mindbogglingly and sheer poetry in stone. I was torn between photographing the structures and admiring it. The temple architecture represented here boast of both The Nagara and the Vesara style, adopted by later dynasty like the Rastrakutas, the Hoysala the Kalyani Chalukyas etc.
Sheer poetry is required to describe these structures and I am no poet. I hope the photographs speak for themselves.

The Entire Complex with various styles of Architecture

A closer look

The Virupaksha, Sangameshwara temples, the Chalukyan kings being shaivates, all the temples here are dedicated to Shiva.

The nandi as always present in front of the Virupaksha

Sigandoor

2009-07-20T16:01:00.003+05:30

The best thing I loved about Signadoor is that the Chudeshwari Devi temple is almost located in thick forest sans any commercial activity. Located near Sagara and just a short distance away for the famed Jog falls, reaching this place is no easy.
One has to take a launch to cross the river Sharavati and then a drive in the woods to reach the place. Serene Atmosphere and tranquility prevails all around.

The dried stumps makes the scene all the more attractive

The Chudeshwari temple nestled in deep woods

Aihole

2009-07-15T11:27:00.016+05:30

The architecture at Aihole is termed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. Artisan are purported to have experimented here before evolving the rock cut concepts and the full fledged Chalukayan style and probably the later Rastrakutas sytle.
As is the truth with all tourist places, the main complex is of interest and the rest in and around the place remains in ruins unvisited, un preserved. I wish the authorities could do some thing to demarcate these precious monuments which will automatically bring in people.

Some shots of both the main complex and the village...

Did Edwin Lutyens visit Aihole ? Was this inspiration for the Parliament house?

Shiv ling fascinates me. Yes, it is a quiet simple structure but all the same it can be fashioned in many forms. I have been making it out of the chapatti dough and clay for myself in my childhood and later for my kids. Until recently they would run to me to fashion one out of dough each evening.
You could see them in many forms many a thing qualify to look like a ling, but this one below is something I had not seen earlier or imagined ,

A ling more like mortar pestel .

There are many temples all around the village of Aihole. Sad, it does not interest the tourist one such complex in the heart of the village.

Nice place to park the bullock cart and store firewood.

Ancient and the new co-exist perfectly. This must have been a grand structure

Nice place for a smoke in royal style?

Banvasi_ the ancient city of Kadambas

2009-07-14T15:03:00.003+05:30

Banavasi, touted as the ancient city next only to Varanasi is today a town of population less than 5000. It was during the rule of Kadambas this kingdom acquired its great heights and the words of poet Pampa which made Banavasi all the more famous (for Pampa’s exact lines see http://www.banavasibalaga.org/laanchana_en.html ). A sleepy village nestled in the western ghats, the principal attraction is the Madhukareshwara Temple, is a quiet place in spite of the town having a history of more than 2000 years. Many dynasties are reported to have added their own stamp to the temple complex and it was fascinating to learn that Shantala- The dancing queen had challenged the famed Allam Prabhu in the very precincts of this temple.

Exquisitely carved elephants at the entrance

Temple Precincts

This Probably is the spot where the Hoysala queen Shantala danced, with the imposing nandi in the backdrop

A very intricate work on a stone cot, captured partly

Can't say for sure how old this figurines could be but was just wondering if the style reminds of Dandiya

A solitary bird

2009-07-08T11:00:00.003+05:30

Last time I posted a couple of birds, Rajkumar and Arun were kind to identify it, from their data given this one is probably from the family of erget.

Chola temple at Binnamangala

2009-06-27T10:29:00.005+05:30

Not very far from Nelamangala the Bangalore – Tumkur highway, a drive of about a kilometer on kutcha road leads to the Mukti Nateshwar temple and regular worship is on these days.
This temple is rebuilt by the ASI, I would say they have done a reasonable job, but I would always want to see ancient ruins preserved in the conditions it is found rather than remodel and built it. To cite an example, I have Seen the Urga Narashima statues at Hampi in ruins, with the legs broken and lying in the floor. One should see this now, the legs are joined using cement plaster. I would say preservation and not restoration is what is important.

Well, expect for the Nelamangala town website, I do not find anything much about this temple other than that it was built by Raja Raja Chola. Though a local man tells his parents from the nearby village used to come to this temple to pray for rains and at times it used to rain on their journey back home.

Rich caving of the old and new on the walls.

Pillars are ancient all right

Manne_ The Capital of Gangas

2009-06-26T15:32:00.009+05:30

With a history as old as Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt, Most of the places one visits in India are replete with tales associated with Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramyana and also the various kings who ruled the area. While on a visit to Kaivara, It was interesting to learn that the hillock in the village was where the duel between Bhima and Bakasura took place.

So, When I had to visit Nelamangala, A quick search on the net and lo! What do I find? the ancient capital of Ganga’s of Talakad called Manne today but Manyapura in its hey days. A further research tells the Ganga shifted their capital from Talakad in last days of their reign, probably after the rise of Hoysala.

Manne is a small village today with green pastures on all the sides, very quietly the arch at the entrance welcomes you to the capital of Ganga. There are three temples we could see scattered around the village. But I am sure a little more patience and exploring the area may have many more such ruins.
Alas, there were none to tell us the names of the temple, the website of Nelamangala town lists two temple Kapileshwara and Someshwara
The temple below which I assume is Kapileshwara does not have a scantum scantorium, whether it existed at all is a question

But then, year of neglelect and growth of vegetaion may have left the original complex depleted

A Close up of the sclupture at the entrance

and beautifuly decorated windows, A careful look at the details of the carvings gives a insight to this structure

Another one of the windows

The structure below called the sule gudi (A prostitute's temple, probably built by a prostitute) is today cleverly used to store fodder, located as it is among a cluster of houses. Oldtimer recall that few decades back it used to be a big complex atleast four times the present size, and the diety present here was carried to Shivagange which is another beautiful hillock nearby.

The temple below probably Someshwara temple is situated in field, away from the road. Vegetation has completly engulfed it from all the sides and this is the only decent shot I could manage, but the intricacies at the roof and the pillar indicate this must be a beautiful structure, wish the local authorites would clear the bushes

I could not resist clearing a litte and what I see inside is this, I know this is a lousy shot

Banashankari_Temple Town

2009-06-24T13:46:00.003+05:30

This temple town is a short distance away from the famed Badami caves and located at Cholchigudda. The deity inside the temple, an incarnation of Parvathi is ancient and worth seeing. Apart from visiting the temple, one can eat Jowar and Bajra roti, with various chutney powder and curries sold by women wearing colorful sarees. The tower which forms the centre part of the temple complex looks straight for the caste of Hogwarts

A Big tank opposite the temple called the Harida teertha

The tower as viewed from across the temple

Caves of Badami

2009-06-20T11:04:00.005+05:30

A visit to Badami caves is a dream come true. Especially so, 'coz I have still retained by childhood interest in history and archeology. The sight of the huge caves thrills me to such an extent, That I could hardly compose a shot. Ideally way to explore the surroundings of the caves and the whole of Badami would be spend a full day if not two.

These caves, constructed by the Chalukyas have huge sculptures of vashinavaite, Shavite and jains. I forgot the tale behind the famous bhajan in carnatic music "Vatapi Ganapathim...". Faintly recollect that this has something to do with the Pallavas carrying a Ganapati from here when they briefly occupied Badami.

Awesome first sight of the Badami cave

Finely carved entrance

Image of Vishnu in a hall with intricately carved pillars

This one is on the Ceiling

Entrance door to the caves further on the top

Grinding stone, we used this too about 25 years back

Magnificent view of the boothnath temple from across the caves

Shishuvinala_ revisited

2009-06-18T14:00:00.002+05:30

I love this hamlet near Hubli, I do not really know the reason.
All I know is Sheriff, was a great poet who could transcend the boundaries of religion and has written some beautiful verse, most of it I can’t comprehend, but yet moves me to tears each time I listen to.
The tomb amidst fields, has goats grazing at all the places. This picture shot by my daughter is apt for the surroundings, reminds me of the shepherd who pursues his dream in the book Alchemist by Paul Coelho.

Modern art on the streets of Paris

2009-06-10T15:25:00.011+05:30

Paris boast of many museum from the Louvre where one can recieve a bewitching smile from Mona Lisa or La Giaconda as called in french, to the modern arts museum called Pompidou Centre ( a unique building with exposed interconnected brightly connected pipelines exibiting modern art, sculptures and painting of Matisse etc.). But the impressive fact about Paris is the art you see on the streets. The Buildings, the Sculptures , the Graffiti, the fountains, all these are a treat to see and experience.
Here are some photographs of modern works in the City of Lights.

Stravinsky Fountain

A Sculpture at La Defence (modern suburbs of Paris)

A sculpture

Paintings on sale at Montmarte

These are from the walls near the metro

Eiffel Tower

2009-06-02T14:58:00.010+05:30

The Eiffel Tower easily among the four most photographed monument, the other being The Taj Mahal, The Statue of Liberty and the Big Ben, is a delight to photograph. Almost every side and every angle gives a different perceptive. Some shots...
A Street View

A close up
Growing atop a tree

The Base of the tower

Illuminated tower shot from a moving boat

Twinkling lights every hour shot from a roof of the boat

GOD'S OWN COUNTRY_BACK WATERS

2009-04-30T10:24:00.004+05:30

The Best part of God's own country is the variety it offers to the tourists, the famed beaches, the temples and churches, the hill ranges of Munnar, the water falls and hydels generating stations and so on.. Today its the turn of Back water, just after Kollam, this backwater off the national highway takes one to Amritapuri.

Fast moving fishing trawler

Though in motion looks as if the entire frame has come to a standstill ..

The Katu vellam or the house boat moored for the day

So are the smaller ones

Some Birds

2009-03-07T11:37:00.005+05:30

Its always satisfying to capture a bird sitting far off in a tree, it would be even more satisfying to identifying it, but..

Butter fly on Rocks

2009-03-06T12:07:00.004+05:30

Its common to see butterfly on flowers, but on a rock... ?

Portrait on a lazy Afternoon

2009-03-04T12:55:00.004+05:30

On a days visit to Goa, with a afternoon to kill, the logical option would have been to rush to the nearest beach, but I choose to laze around just as Goans do, spent the afternoon in the garden opposite Margao Municipality, the traffic on the road at standstill, the shops closed. Its then I saw a dog cuddling with such love and warmth to a old man, it would have made a great picture, and I lost the moment by the time I could whip by camera out. Nevertheless the Portrait I took of this man looked great, being the most satisfactory portrait shot by me.

Look at the intense gaze

A lazy afternoon

A day in tumkur

2009-02-18T11:24:00.006+05:30

On a day's picnic tour of Tumkur, we got to visit the Siddhaganga Math , Namada Chilume and Devarayanadurga. All these spots are in the close proximity to each other.

The Pinnacle of the temple at the Siddhaganga Math

Namada Chilume believed to be have been created by Lord Rama

A solitary lotus in the pond created by the oozing water from the chilume (spring)

Bastions at the entrance to the Devarayandurga fortress

Yoganarasima Temple at the top

A half finished job.Waiting to be sculpted at the precincts of a rebuilt 800 year old Shiva temple at Durgadahalli

Fields such as this surround the Durgadahalli temple

Chintamani, Kaivara

2009-02-18T10:18:00.004+05:30

Place have interesting tales to tell, especially if you know a bit of Indian Mythology. I was in Chintamani and got to see the Kailash Giri caves, where a whole mountain is being drilled to house a temple, on the lines of Badami, Patadkal, but in these modern times a cave temple....... The Kaivara town I found was not only known for the 19th century saint Nayanappa, but also is the place where the duel between Bhima and Bhakasura took place.

This road leads to Kailashgiri

The Cave Temple

The Hillock where the duel reportedly took place ending in the fall of the Bhakasura from the top

Saint Narayanapp' s temple at Kaivara

Chintamani by Night-Shot from a nearby hillock

PODS

2009-02-09T16:47:00.000+05:30

History tells us India had trade links with the Pharaohs, the Greeks and Romans for spices and which also was the main reasons for the Western occupation of our country.
Katapanna in the Idukki ranges is the trading town for the spices with all the trappings of a city. It is good to walk the streets filled with aroma of cardamon, tea, coffee and so many other exotic spices. Deep interiors will take you to the plantations, here are few the pods

Pepper

Coffee

Cardamom Pods

Chitradurga da kalina kote

2009-02-05T17:06:00.000+05:30

This hair rising song from the Kannada movie " Nagarahavu", rings in your ears when you near the fort. Its a beauty but I am yet to admire it. This is my third visit to this fort and I am yet to explore the vast area and see for myself, the brave lady Obavva's kindi. Like always this time too I reached the fort around 6 pm, after a days work and had to be satisfied roaming around the periphery and take couple of shots promising myself a next visit.

The Bastions at the base of the mountains

The path to the summit of the fort

Harihareshwara Temple

2009-02-05T14:50:00.000+05:30

After a hard days work in Harihara, we go to the Harihareshwara temple at about 7 pm.
The pillars of the temple are awesome and the carvings intricate , but almost total darkness and no tripod to shoot. This is probably the time one can hone their skills in photography.
For someone who loves history, this temple built by the Hoysala kings was great to admire , More so because I am yet to visit Belur-Halebidu - another beauty of Hoysala period.

Both this images were shot with the camera on a pillar with a shutter speed of 15 sec and a aperture of 4.0

The Entrance to the Temple

Lateral view of the temple

Kokkare Bellur

2009-01-12T15:05:00.000+05:30

I had not heard of this place, until my uncle who presently resides in Maddur suggested a visit to this village of Kokkare Bellur. A pretty ordinary village, but with a difference, here the man and the beast (birds) coexist peacefully. A nesting place for the soft billed pelicans and the painted stork, these birds probably cross couple of continents are confident to build their nests right in the midst of the village. We came across a old woman who says the right time to visit is the last of January. The village kids come to you and describe the birds to you assuming the mantel of guides. For people visiting this place ( Take a right turn a little away from Maddur town on the Bangalore Mysore Highway), don't forget to carry some biscuits and chocolates for these kids.

A Pensive Pelican

An aggressive one delicately perched

Majestic in flight

A flock of painted stork nesting on a tree top

A stork in deep thought

How dare you zoom on me

Macro shots of Flowers

2009-01-06T11:25:00.001+05:30

Close up shots of flowers are always challenging. here are some....
One of the First shot taken with my new camera

Bees on a flower, yes, But a spider???

This was taken by my daughter

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T11:01:00.000+05:30

I wish a joyous new year to all of you . Hear are few pictures of the first rays of the sun on the first day of the year

Idukki hill ranges-Tea gardens

2008-12-26T16:18:00.000+05:30

Munnar is one beautiful place in the Gods own country, largely untouched by commercialisation. Couple of days in these hill ranges would be rejuvenating . The tea gardens are a beauty, you could keep gazing at it for hours or decide to take a walk along the steep paths.

A bewitching shot of the existing tea bushes and the sprouting ones

The clouds too wants its print on the garden

Amidst all the beauty periyar flows nonchalantly

Idduki Hill Range_ Kurisumala Ashram

2008-12-23T15:47:00.000+05:30

If silence is what one need to experience, then Kurisumala Ashram is the best place. Established by Christian monks and situated in the famous Vagamon grasslands of Idukki hill ranges , its place where silences is strictly followed and is so quiet and tranquil, you will wish to spend at least a couple of days in this place in complete silence and contemplation- tending to the cattle and participating in the chores of the Ashram.
ByLanes of the Ashram

Cattle sheds and Milk processing centre
Splendid view of the Vegetable patch and beyond

PASSING SHOW.

2008-12-20T11:10:00.000+05:30

I have a faint recollection of a cigarette called Passing show in my childhood, This photograph of my friend took me back to those times

MIST LADEN PONMUDI

2008-12-20T10:44:00.000+05:30

This virgin mist laden valley is just under 60 kms away from Trivandrum largely untouched and waiting to be commercialized. The nip in the mountain air gets you and you have this unmistakable exhilaration.

The majestic Kallar river flowing in the valley

Misty Breeze sweeping across the mountain side

On a trek in the mountains

Misty, misty, Misty pathway

Dhund se lipte in vadiyon mein kahin lika hai mera nam (Faintly recollect these lines were of Deepti Naval)

Cottages on the top of the mountain

Food-French delicacies

2008-11-27T10:20:00.000+05:30

French- nation of gourmets, not only love their food but go a long way in presenting it. The best part of it is having lunch or dinner in french style whether at their homes or at the pavements of Bistros/ brasseries at our own time with wine of course. It takes some time to develop a taste for french cuisine, but have developed once, there will be no looking back and one will start enjoying it so much, they would start exploring the dishes of various regions of France and the local delicacies.

This is a working meal of noodles, chicken shreds, salad and baguette (bread)

Duck with sliced Potato and salad leaves

This one for veggies, shredded vegetables with mushrooms

Again for veggies but a better one- French fries with french beans

Sliced meat (raw ?) with sausages and a type of cabbage probably grown in Germany (Photograph is out of focus)

Combination of raw and smoked salmon over spaghetti and fish sauce

With over 350 varieties of cheese always, dessert is always cheese.

Few shots of a brick kiln

2008-11-20T10:50:00.001+05:30

Famed Tulip gardens-No our own marigold

2008-11-20T09:35:00.000+05:30

Just about a hours drive from Bangalore will lead to Narasapur, 15 kms away from the the gold mine of Kolar, We were in the midst of a power system survey in the interiors of Narasapur and suddenly this sea of yellow unveiled in front of us. It was shocking, for it for not expected but no less beautiful than famed tulip gardens of Holland.

Kolapur_Mahalaxmi temple

2008-11-19T13:45:00.000+05:30

The road from Belgaum to Kolapur is absolute beauty-comparable to the best in the world, The approximate distance of 120 kms can be covered in a little more than a hour. Kolapur is best known for the fame Kolapuri chappals and I learn later for the Mahalaxmi temple too. The temple is a exquisite beauty-first look reminds one - of the temples ate Belur-Halebidu. Set in black stone and is intricately carved

The entrance door to the temple complex

One of the Facades of the Temple

If you wonder what does one need in life, look below, Notice the pillow

Hukkeri

2008-11-14T17:57:00.000+05:30

My saga in the northern part of karanataka continues.
This is a beautiful country side of hukkeri, The weather in this part of karnataka is always moderate and gives a sort of English village feel (not that I have seen one, but the you read a lot in so many of the book). The chirping/tweeting and (what else I don't know ) of birds reaches a crescendo of sorts, believe me its a lovely experience.
The Village at a distance

A humble dwelling at the edge of a field

Just as the woman stares at her worldly belongings , imagine yourself here I am sure you will smell the earthy goodness of a village

Ah! This is my favorite, I could have taken a better shot, They make a lovely pair isn't?

Sogal, Murgod and Saundatti

2008-10-30T13:55:00.000+05:30

Sogal:
Sogal is almost a isolated place, known for the Somaeshwara temple built by the Rastrakuttas. Legend has it that Shiva married Parvathi at this place. You see a serene water fall and when you climb up the steps adjacent to the water fall you reach the temple.

Murgod:
On the way to Saundatti from Belgaum, a little deviation in the the travel will take us to Murgod, a quaint little village, sleepy and the sort a city bred with a penchant for rural life would love to spend. One can do so at this Chidambar Ashram which is the samadi of a 16th century saint.

The Asharam

A grand two storey building in the village

Saundatti:

Saundatti - known for the devadasi cult prevailing hitherto is a famous temple town. The presiding Deity being Renuka Yellama. The surroundings rocky hills of the temple give a sonorous glow in the twilight of the day.

View of Temple in the Twilight

Ganagapur- Gulbarga District

2008-10-28T12:31:00.000+05:30

Gangapur in Gulbarga District of Karnataka is a famous pilgrim centre and a known Dattathrey Peeta. The temple town is almost a village-dusty and as you would expect any pilgrim town. But it offers the photographer in you a very colourful images
This is a where the devotees sit and recite the scriptures day and night on fulfilment of their vows.

The river front of Bhima , with devotees taking a sacred dip

And what could this be a make shift dressing room? - this is on the banks of river Bhima

The temple chariot standing majestically in a open space littered with cow dung with the earthy smell that today's city dwellers may almost not have experienced

Enchanting Rural north Karnataka_On the way to Shishuvinala

2008-10-02T23:20:00.000+05:30

Rural India always bewitches me. any rural area for that matter. When in France I was able cajole my hosts, who were gracious enough to show me there country side will post these photographs on another day but today this lovely countryside on the way to Shishuvinala.

You must me there to experience the nip in air, the laid back attitude of the people you come across more often than not one is reminded of Robert Frost's line "I have miles to go Miles to go before I rest", but then in today's time will the miles to go ever stop? Note that all the images were shot in a travelling car, such is the miles we have to cover...

So you see a haystack (view the small temple on the background)

Banyan Tree standing majestically and its over hanging roots tantalizing touching the waters of the placid lake.

A boy riding a Buffalo with aplomb.

Hubli-Shishuvinala

2008-09-30T15:47:00.000+05:30

Hubli-Dhrawad means a lot to Hindustani music buffs, Music probably rings in the air in the interiors of this place. It was an enriching experience to see places like Hanagal, Kundgol, where the greats of Hindustani music either hail from or obtained their training.

But the most enchanting and humbling experience was a visit to Shishuvinal, the birth place of the musician saint Shishuvinal Sharif, a secular poet saint revered equally by all communities, it a delight to hear to his compositions in rural north karnataka dialect. The tomb of this man is in the midst of agricultural land, standing quietly no hustle- bustle a

This is great man's tomb.

The Precincts of the tomb or Ashram- A hostel for students
I wish I could get a close up of this mendicant, his calm gaze and serene face would have been great to capture