Paigah Tombs Hyderabad

The Paigah tombs at Hyderabad, though in the heart of the city remain a hidden beauty. The Necropolis  is of  the family Paigah who served the Nizam.

One can see beautiful carved lattice work, delicate stucco work, Sad it remains hidden

Vashisht and Hidamba Temples Manali

Vashisth Temple

Hidamba temple

Woods around Hidamba Temple

Enroute to Uri, J & K

Parks in East Bengaluru

East Bengaluru retains the old charm of the  pensioner's paradise. Some colonial building still exists along with some beautiful churches

The Jayamahal Park: A neat little park in the Jayamahal Extension 

Richards park:  A colonial structure in the middle of the park add beauty to the already serene atmosphere

Moon Phase

Moon shot using a Celestron telescope

Bengaluru Haralitu

Bloom in Bengaluru

Temples of Kanchi-Kamakshi temple

Temples of Kanchi-Ekambareswarar Temple

Another ancient and vast temple is the Ekambareswarar Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva.

An interesting feature of this temple is the existence of a mango tree consider to be more than 1000 years old.

Temples of Kanchi - Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Apart from silk sarees, Kanchi or Kanchipuram is a temple town boasting of many ancient exquisite temple.  Varadharaja Perumal is a huge temple complex - a delite for any history buff  for  many a dynasties have left their  architectural mark here.

Stadium at Dharmashala

The Cricket stadium at  Dharmashala is breathtaking, Nestled as it is in the lap of snow clad himalayas.

I train my camera at the wicket for the first time (Ranji Trophy- Oct 2016) and what do I get , A wicket of course!

Baga Creek-Goa

Enchanting is Goa- Romance probably is in the air. 18 months of hectic travel - hordes of photographs lying in the can (modern day memory card). Starting of with Baga creek.

Waterfalls_Ganganachukki and BaraChukki

Karnataka is blessed with many a water falls spanning the entire state. Quite close to Bengaluru are  two fabulous waterfalls adjoining the oldest hydel power station -The Shivansumudram project.

A perfect place to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Ganganachukki

 BaraChukki

Savandurga

Savandurga, couple of hours drive from Bengaluru is a perfect place for rock climbing, both for a novice as well as a enthusiast.


A view of the rock from a distance

Dotted by beautiful spots around, including temples and a fort which runs all along the rock

And provides a perfect setting for rock climbing

Random Shots in God's Own Country

Om the way to Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

Shooing away the Predators

Paddy fields

Someshwara temple_Kolar

This fourteenth century Someshwara temple is the contribution of the Vijaynagar kings to Kolar, and is typical to  Vijaynagar. A huge  complex, it also has  a smaller temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Beautifully crafted Pillars in the mandap reminds of the temples at Hampi.

Kolaramma Temple_Kolar

Back from Bloggers Block with Kolar

Kolar, otherwise known for the gold fields has rich history, have been  ruled by the Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar kings. The area consists of many beautiful temples, One among them is the Kolaramma temple dedicated to Goddess Durga

A Friday ritual with women lighting lamps made out of inverted squeezed lime rind

Cholan inscription dated to the reign of Rajendra Chola (1012-1045 AD)

Coracles at Hogenakkal

We make the 180 kms journey to Hogenakkal falls only to see that it closed due to a drowning incident. Some how don't  feel like taking the coracle ride deep down the river. Instead spend some time around and make a swift return to Bangalore

Opals at Melbourne

How do you return from Australia and return without buying Opals - The National gemstone of Australia. 

Mesmerizing to see the various shapes, colors, and hues that the opal offers.

Penguins at St. Kilda's Beach, Melbourne

On an  extremely cold evening, we headed to the St. Kilda's Beach to spot the famed pygmy sized penguins. A crowed beach in summer, but on a cold evening it wore a deserted look.

The penguins-extremely shy venture out into the sea under the cover of darkness, and during the day nestle in among the rocks and are tough to find. Volunteer with blue torch in hand help the tourist to spot the hidden penguin and goad tourist to avoid flash photograph. This is what I could get without flash -thanks to Photoshop.

Scores of yacht anchored  along the pier

Canberra-Nara Peace Park

Put up in the Hyaat Hotel Canberra had its advantages- located just opposite the hotel was the Canberra-Nara Peace Park, what better place for the customary  morning jog. Now Nara used to be the ancient capital of Japan and is a sister city of Canberra.

Further reading tells that the people of Nara donated generously to establish this park in Canberra. 

Splendid meadows, beautiful wood..

A enchanting  water front, I probably had the most wonderful morning walks.