Colorful India

Lotus

2011-02-26T02:31:00.003+05:30

Location: India Gate, Delhi
Date: January 30, 2011
Time of day: Evening
Condition: Clear, Not very bright

India Gate

2011-02-26T02:25:00.006+05:30

Location: india Gate, Delhi
Date: January 30, 2011
Time of day: Evening
Condition: Clear, Not very bright

Humayun's Tomb

2011-02-26T01:57:00.005+05:30

Location: Humayun ka Maqbara, Delhi

Date: January 30, 2011

Time of day: Evening

Condition: Clear

Violet lotus

2010-10-03T22:51:00.009+05:30

We've come across an interesting comprehension of the word VIOLET.
VIOLET= ( VIOLENT - N ) = Non Violent
Also Violet coupled with Lotus is a potent symbol of peace .

Would like to add one more interesting observation .
VIBGYOR - Demure VIOLET is at opposite end of spectrum from fiery RED.
symbolic of yet another non violent streak . Cheers Gandhi bappa
followers , we serve you a new symbol VIOLET LOTUS

Location: Talegaon, Near Pune
Date: September 25, 2010
Time of day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny

White monster

2010-10-03T00:14:00.006+05:30

Having seen too many hollywood extravaganzas featuring dinausaurs & other gigantic creatures on screen , mind extrapolates & create monsters out of seemingly nowhere.

Can you figure out a gentle giant lurking somewhere in the serene white clouds . I bet you would . Just have a look for a minute !

Location: Andhra Lake, Talegaon, Near Pune
Date: September 25, 2010
Time of day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny

Mumbai cha Dabbawala

2009-10-25T23:21:00.002+05:30

Location: Kala Ghoda Festival, Mumbai

Date: Febrary 17, 2008

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

The Humble Shoe

2009-09-13T10:16:00.002+05:30

This installation symbolizes the comin together of people from all walks of life showing an object of daily use that may not occupy an important space in our lives but speaks volumes about us... the humble shoe.

Location: Kala Ghoda Festival, Mumbai
Date: Febrary 17, 2008
Time of day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny

Is it a substitute to food?

2009-09-11T17:08:00.002+05:30

Location: Lower Parel Office, Mumbai

Date: September 6, 2009

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Closed room - artificial light

Who Was Our Saviour ?

2009-03-28T18:25:00.006+05:30

We were loittering on the Dam banks on the same morning when the floods came. Someone from inside the water appeared through a reflection & warned us to go away from there. We didnt know why we followed his advice. The next day we witnessed the biggest flood in Udaipur's history. The question is Who Was Our Savior?

http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/aug/19rains1.htm

Location: Madaar Dam, Udaipur
Date: August 19, 2006
Time of day: Morning
Condition: Sunny

Mother's Day Out

2009-03-18T10:05:00.006+05:30

A touching tale of a cat & its kitten. Mother looking for food for its offspring knowing fully well that it might take hours together. Also it has to worry about the kitten's safety in this rotten world. Altogther, a great capture.

Location: Dadar, Mumbai

Date: January 31, 2009

Time of day: Morning

Condition: Sunny

Perfect fusion of colors

2009-02-19T11:11:00.005+05:30

Location: Hyderabad

Photographed by: Ashok Tamilarasan

Date: Feruary 15, 2009

Time of day: Afternoon

Trail of Trekkers

2009-02-15T00:33:00.007+05:30

Exceptional piece of imagery! This trail of trekkers must be marvelling at the exhilarating experience they are undergoing at the moment. Interesting amalgam of rock & snow makes the terrain all the more difficult to conquer. A trekker's paradise to "boot".

Location: Solang Valley, Manali
Date: January 31, 2009
Time of day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny

The Himalyan Yak

2009-02-07T22:48:00.009+05:30

Yak is the most respected bovines found in Tibet & Northernmost India. Yak can be both domesticated & wild. Yak physiology is well adapted to high altitudes, having larger lungs and heart than cattle found at lower altitudes, as well as greater capacity for transporting oxygen through their blood. Conversely, yaks do not thrive at lower altitude. Its also considered a good luck charm to get a see.

Location: Hidamba Temple, Manali

Date: February 1, 2009

Time of day: Evening

Condition: Clear / high altitude

Earth's ambition

2009-02-06T08:47:00.008+05:30

Trees are the ambition of earth to reach to the stars.

Location: Hidamba Temple, Manali

Date: February 1, 2009

Time of day: Evening

Condition: Clear / High altitude

Life is infectious, as this smile

2009-02-03T23:23:00.011+05:30

Purity is rare, more so the purity of genuine happiness. A flash of pure smile can cause a few thousand watt bulbs irrelevant. Incandescent, is the word that is perfectly applicable to the picture. Coupled with the innocence of yore, an enchanting and unalloyed feature and not just the blue boots which make this snap memorable.

Location: Solang Valley, Manali
Date: January 31, 2009
Time of day: Morning
Condition: Sunny

From the running train

2009-01-17T14:10:00.001+05:30

Location: Between Abu Road & Sirohi, Rajasthan
Date: January 1, 2009
Time of day: Morning
Condition: Clear

Shankheshwar Parshwanath Temple

2008-11-26T23:32:00.005+05:30

Location: Shankheshwar, Distt. Modhera, near Ahmedabad

Date: August 20, 2006

Time of day: Morning

Condition: Sunny

Nike collabrorates with Sprite

2008-11-08T11:07:00.017+05:30

In this severe era of cost cutting measures, most marketers have applied out of the box ideas to save expenses. Sometimes this can result in dire goof ups! Nike and Sprite are like chalk & cheese with thier product mixes & segments, but the above picture suggests something else.
Okay, okay enough BS!

Location: Sam desert, Jaisalmer
Date: December 23, 2007
Time of day: Evening
Condition: Clear

Horizon

2008-10-06T07:30:00.004+05:30

Horizons may be misleading but they provide a perspective. You have to train your eyes & mind to get their bandwidths . Also the barbed fences above may indicate the border or the absence of freedom . What is to be learnt is the fences should not foray the end of the vision.

Location: Sam desert, Jaisalmer

Date: December 24, 2007

Time of day: Dawn

Condition: Foggy

A new day has come...

2008-10-06T07:22:00.004+05:30

A perfect capture of what the advent of a new day can do. It can bring smiles to the forlorn , droplets to the barren & oodles of energy into the sickly. Lets forget the gloom in our lives & wait for the new day to revitalize it.

Location: Sam desert, Jaisalmer
Date: December 24, 2007
Time of day: Morning
Condition: Foggy

Divine combination

2008-09-27T00:46:00.006+05:30

A very potent mix of past & future stares at you in the barren environs of Jaisalmer. The whole vista suggests that giant fans are used for the benefit of the royals residing (after death) in the custom made "Chhatris". Awesome sight.

Location: Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer
Date: Dec 24, 2007
Time of day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny

Sky is the limit

2008-09-27T00:37:00.005+05:30

The gigantic steel structure inspires both awe & love to conquer anything, even the skies. Even as the complex mesh of steel provides the giant fan, the truss & support, it also sums up the algorithm to reach the top. No Shortcuts !

Location: On way to Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer
Date: Dec 23, 2007
Time of day: Morning
Condition: Cloudy

Ground reality

2008-09-27T00:17:00.007+05:30

We have taken a lot of snaps which show rods, ways, zigzags. But for the first time we tried taking this which shows the grains of the road closely. Combined with the light & dusty colors of Jaisalmer, the result is there to see.

Location: Near Sam, Jaisalmer
Date: Dec 24, 2007
Time of day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny

The real mountaineers

2008-07-19T22:20:00.009+05:30

Natural yet irresistible! The lure of the top slot is what drives people to great heights. Look at the confident & fearless mountain trotters, who have conquered this obscure yet charming landscape. Friends, be inspired & just look within yourself. Nothing else is required to reach great heights.

Location: Hill at Karjat (near Mumbai)
Date: Jun 29, 2008
Time of day: Afternoon
Condition: Cloudy

It's a beautiful life

2008-07-01T23:34:00.005+05:30

How we wish our life would replicate the beauty & serenity as seen in this picture. Green should be the color of the future & thats why we have featured the Green Bug so prominently on our blog. Also this rainy season is synonymous with the prevailing greenery all around.

Location: Hills at Karjat (near Mumbai)
Date: Jun 29, 2008
Time of day: Afternoon
Condition: Rainy day

Slice of life

2008-07-01T21:58:00.009+05:30

Already feeling hungry! Do you ever wonder when was the last time you had your evening "chai with pakoras"? Now the shopping malls/cafe/posh eating joints have crept up & we soak up more pizzas then we prefer our desi pakoras. So, try to rewind the clock & shift to the era where bhajiya/pakoras were the evening staple. Still if you favor non-desi delights, please venture towards other blogs.

Location: Karjat Village (near Mumbai)
Date: Jun 29, 2008
Time of day: Morning
Condition: Rainy day

No need for VIAGRA

2008-06-22T12:10:00.006+05:30

Should I say something or the picture says it all. Rush to Jaisalmer to bring this GOD's gift if...............................
(Clarification: We didn't purchase one of these)

Location: Outside Fort, Jaisalmer

Date: Dec 23 ,2007

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

What are you looking at!

2008-06-20T00:11:00.007+05:30

White, a colour delivers a rich connotation, power & pure, flowing & omnipotent, is a inherent part of our lives. It' just that this bird recognizes it more than we do. Moreover, Black & White is not the name of the game in the modern world. GREY is the new white!

Location: Kerla

Courtsey: Ashish Idnany

Date: Jan 8, 2006

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

O Maajhi Re .....

2008-06-19T23:13:00.007+05:30

A trip to the placid yet picturesque kerela backwaters would enable your creative juices flowing. The perfect postcard for the freedom from the ever-engaging hullabaloo we face on a daily basis. Just render your heart out with the maajhi here & amalgamate with the nature. Pure Joie de vivre!

Location: Kumarakom Back Waters, Kerla

Courtsey: Ashish Idnany

Date: Jan 14, 2006

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

Traffic control in Kolkata

2008-04-20T00:41:00.006+05:30

A Future traffic cop in his quest towards controlling traffic in our own kolkata. Traffic might not hear what he is trying to prove but we salute the spirit. Kudos to young next-gen.

Location: Near New Market, Kolkata, West Bengal
Date: April 13, 2008
Time of day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny

Victoria Memorial Hall

2008-04-20T00:37:00.005+05:30

Victoria memorial hall, established in the year 1921, is a fabulous museum. The memorial is a fantastic place that will take one into the world of past history, where one can view the photos and effigies of prominent personalities, who made an incredible contribution in the glory of India. If you happen to be in Kokata, it is a must visit place.

Location: Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, West Bengal

Date: February 28, 2008

Time of day: Aftenoon

Condition: Sunny

St. Paul’s Cathedral

2008-04-20T00:19:00.007+05:30

Constructed between 1839 and 1847 in Gothic style with stained glass windows and two Florentine frescoes, the cathedral is the largest in the city.

Location: St. Paul Cathedral, Kolkata, West Bengal

Date: February 23, 2008

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

Poly-Buddha!

2008-03-30T02:35:00.006+05:30

Inside the age old caves of Ellora, you can witness one of the miracles of architecture . Seven pristine buddha idols in the row is even more than a devoted buddhist can expect. The picture is a little dark but then what can you expect in a cave?

Location: Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Date: Jan 30, 2006

Time of day: Morning

Condition: Closed room

Looks like another bicylce ad

2008-03-13T00:45:00.008+05:30

Hero Rangers, Atlas Cycles, Hercules .................... remember the blast from the past when you were a toddler craving for the two tyre magic bike from your parents as a b'day gift. Also ET (Extra terrestrial) fueled desires in many. This pic has a magnificent background of a classic Jain temple in Jaisalmer, obviously giving the bike a distinguished background. So, like to ride one & revisit ur childhood!

Location: Behind Jain temple, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Date: December 23, 2007
Time of day: Morning
Condition: Clear

Incredibles......

2008-03-13T00:30:00.010+05:30

Almost have a feeling that fish have jumped from the oceans blue to skies blue bringing some of their abode with them. Actually what we are looking at is a collection of dew droplets on a hazy morning in the desert of Jaisalmer. Absolutely incredible sight!

Location: Sam desert, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Date: December 24, 2007
Time of day: Morning
Condition: Foggy

The Alladin's Lamp

2008-02-22T20:41:00.010+05:30

Illumination! on the side of your bed. Looks like all yellow of heaven has come down to encircle your sleeping abode. May be to remind you to see positive in your dreams.

Location: Hotel Taj, Nasik, Maharashtra
Date: April 20, 2007
Time of day: Night
Condition: Dark / Closed room

Taare Zameen Par.......

2008-02-19T00:05:00.017+05:30

One of the most expressive pics ever seen by us. Notice the full gamut of expressions on each of the child's face - love, annoyance, boredom, casual, curiosity, recognition. Thanks for the creative picture Paritosh. We can sincerely say stars have come to mundane earth to enliven our humdrum life (again quoting from latest Aamir Khan flick).

Location: A Village on the way from Sangla to Rakcham, Himachal Pradesh
Courtsey: Paritosh Birla
Date: June 15, 07
Day of time: Afternoon
Condition: Clear

Imagine@Jaisalmer

2008-01-04T00:12:00.002+05:30

Great backdrop, a windy day with a towering windmill especially with a dense growth of impressive cactus lines. Only Jaisalmer can bring such variety of conflicting flora which can sweep you off their feet. Just scroll down for more such imagery......

Location: Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer

Date: Dec 23, 2007

Time of day: Morning

Condition: Cloudy

Sunwalk

2008-01-03T23:52:00.000+05:30

Bored of moonwalk... here we present, for the first time... Sunwalk

Location: Sam Desert, Jaisalmer

Date: Dec 24, 2007

Time of Day: Early Morning

Condition: Foggy

Maru!

2008-01-03T23:40:00.000+05:30

Quite a natural view . You can imagine what might be running inside his head ( I mean the colorful turban )

Location: Fort, Jaisalmer

Date: Dec 22, 2007

Time of Day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

Jaisalmer...the true Rajasthan

2008-01-03T23:25:00.000+05:30

Location: Sam Desert, Jaisalmer

Date: Dec 24, 2007

Day of Time: Dawn

Condition: Foggy

The Blue City

2007-12-16T13:39:00.002+05:30

In the effort of turning Jodhpur blue analogous of Jaipur's pink hues , the results are there for you to see . Huge amounts of indigo mixed lime used on the walls . May be in future the effect will mature for us to brand Jodhpur as "Blue City"

Location: From Top of Mehrangarh Fort , Jodhpur

Date: December 4th , 2007

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

Puppet Show

2007-12-16T12:04:00.000+05:30

Puppet Show was a staple of Rajput kings entertainment . Here is one such puppet king with her maharani . After the dreaded wars these are the typical respite methods for the kings & the Gentry.

Location: Mehrangarh Fort , Jodhpur

Date: December 4, 2007

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

The Circle of Life

2007-11-20T00:12:00.000+05:30

Life rotates in various concentric circles and you cannot take the diametrical route to prevent something in your destiny . The sugarcane juice vendor here is also in some part of the circle of life and his machine is providing that momentum .

Location: A village on SG Highway, between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar

Date: March 15, 2006 (Holi)

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

A Chawl of South Mumbai

2007-11-06T01:05:00.000+05:30

A colourful chawl opposite Metro Theatre at Marine Lines.

A Chawl is a building occupied by middle class families, commonly seen in Mumbai. They typically consisted of 4 to 5 stories with about 10 to 20 tenements or ‘kholi’ on each floor. Rents were often Rs. 40 per month or even lower. Inhabitants mostly belong to the lower economic stratum. They have deep emotional attachment towards their chawl and are generally proud of their chawl and its history.

Location: A Chawl near Marine Lines, Mumbai
Date: September 2, 2007
Time of Day: Afternoon
Condition: Rainy day

Say a little prayer for you

2007-10-16T09:30:00.000+05:30

People across the country & even from far off are enamoured by the power of the river Ganga & flock its banks to pray & may be wash off their sins . Amazing environment makes it all the more a reason to be there yourself & be a part of the serene cold wind . To top it you can take a bath also to wash off extra "sins"

Location: Hrishikesh, Uttrakhand
Date: Aug 19, 2007
Time of day: Morning
Conditions: Clear

City Palace : Udaipur ; Golden Splendour

2007-09-29T18:15:00.000+05:30

"WOW" Only this could be uttered after watching this spectacle live. It is a juicy invitation for all those who still discount Udaipur's success on the international scene. And adding a little info about the great City Palace of Mewar dynasty.

Location: Restuarant "Ambrai", overlooking City Palace, Udaipur
Date: Sept 28th, 2007 (Pranav's B'day)
Time of day: Night
Condition: Clear

"Jhoola" on Ganga River , The Other One

2007-09-07T01:20:00.000+05:30

Ram Jhoola on river Ganga in Hrishikesh

There are 2 pedestrian bridges that span the Ganga River and connect the 2 sides of Rishikesh – ‘Laxman Jhool’ and ‘Ram Jhool’. Although the bridge is for pedestrians, but motor cycles, scooters, bicycles and cows too are allowed to cross. ‘Ram Jhoola’ is downstream of Laxman Jhoola and is much wider. Unlike ‘Lakshman Jhoola’, the area near this Jhoola is much nicer and the restaurants & the streets are better and cleaner.

Location: Ram Jhoola, Hrishikesh, Uttarakhand
Date: Aug 19, 2007
Time of day: Morning
Condition: Cloudy

Mercury Decoration

2007-09-07T01:09:00.001+05:30

Reflextion of flash light falling on the water droplets lying on lotus leaves in the dark of the night..... looks as if some rich king has showered mercury pearls on the lotus leaves.....

Location: Sahelion Ki Badi, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Date: Oct 2, 2006
Time of day: Night
Condition: Dark

Designer gate

2007-09-07T01:01:00.001+05:30

Location: Massoorie, Uttarakhand
Date: August 17, 2007
Time of Day: Afternoon
Condition: Cloudy & foggy

Bhatta Fall

2007-09-07T00:16:00.000+05:30

When we hear about Massourrie, first thing that strikes our mind in 'Kemty Fall'. Hence, most of the people go to Kempty. But we explored one more - 'Bhatta Fall', which is 7 km from Massoorie on Massoorie - Dehradun road. This is definitely an ideal place for taking a shower. The water and the spot is very clean, may be because of less human intervention and no commercial activity. To be sincere, this one is a better fall than Kempty Fall.

The speed of the fall is so high that its tough to stand below the fall for even 5 seconds. We tried many times but failed every time and gave up. May be we will try again sometimes in summer, when the pressure is expected to be low.

Location: Bhatta Fall, Massoorie , Uttarakhand
Date: Aug 16th , 2007
Time of Day: Morning
Condition: Cloudy & Foggy

Udaipur : Best in India ( 7th in world)

2007-08-30T23:54:00.000+05:30

Friends , Its been a pleasure to share with you that Udaipur has been declared as one of the most beautiful cities in the world according to Travel & leisure . Infact Udaivilas Palace ( Best Hotel in the world) & lake Palace makes this view Godly.Visit Udaipur and see for yourself what exotica lies in store for you .
For more info about rankings visit the following links.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2007/results.cfm?cat=cities
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19681883/

Location: Sunset Point overlooking Lake Palace, Udaipur
Date: Feb 12th , 2007
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Sunny

Haldi Ghati : History Revisited

2007-08-20T21:40:00.000+05:30

Haldi Ghati , a name heard by many but only a few have ventured into the history books to get an insight of a truly great warrior & his equally renowned stallion . Yes sir , we are talking about the unsurmountable Maharana Pratap & his dutiful "Chetak" . If you are still interested please check the incredible story of Maharana Pratap & his bravery against the Mughal empire .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharana_Pratap

Location: Haldi ghati near Nathdwara , Udaipur Dist.
Date: Aug 12th , 2007
Time of Day: Noon,
Condition: Windy

Monsoon Palace in Monsoon

2007-08-17T21:47:00.000+05:30

The post of this innocent looking fort might be a little discerning in a sense that you couldnot find anything great about it . But the real clincher is the exhilarating view that can be captured from the top ( World Famous Pichola Lake in view , keen viewer might notice the City Palace & Lake palace in the lake also) . For history conscious ,Sajjangarh Fort palace was established by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884. The palace is located on top of the hill and you will get a sensuous view of the city from there. As the palace looks most beautiful in the rainy season it is also called as Monsoon Palace.

Location: Sajjangarh Palace Udaipur , Rajasthan
Date: July 29th, 2007
Time of Day: Evening,
Condition: Cloudy

Reflections.................

2007-08-05T22:05:00.000+05:30

This can be a reflection of our life also . Hills in the background , the goals to scale . Small bushes , small victories . The water upfront act as a stabilizer and introspector so that we can look back to what we have achieved and what is left to be conquered.

Location: Jhadol near Udaipur , Rajasthan
Date: Aug 05th , 2007
Time of Day: Noon,
Condition: Cloudy

The Mystic Gallery

2007-06-05T23:25:00.000+05:30

This is pretty much similar to a gothic ancient gallery where horror movies sets could be brilliantly fixed . In reality , its one of the galleries of Radisson resort in Goa , which in no way is ancient or can inspire dread . But nights always bring a dark side to even the most luminous.

Location: Radisson Resort, Goa
Date: May 25, 2007
Time of Day: Night
Condition: Dark

15 Minute Conundrum

2007-06-05T19:43:00.000+05:30

Great Views both , No PP involved . Just waited for 15 mins before taking the next one .Just visualize the nature's playground.

Location: Radisson White Sand Beach , Goa
Date: May 25, 2007
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

Life .... Up there

2007-06-05T08:09:00.002+05:30

Human cravings ......... They want to conquer every sphere of life . What if God hasnt provided them wings , still they'll find out ways to float .Parasailing with the help of motorboats in Goa beaches is a common enough scene . But to be up there is a high which cant be explained . Just take a joyride to feel it...

Location: Colva Beach , Goa
Date: May 26, 2007
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

Morning Walk

2007-06-05T07:51:00.000+05:30

Tried to capture the morning view of the sublime beach . Look at the man marching towards the end of the stretch . In a way we all are trying to walk towards the same destination , whatever our ways may be . But eventually its the way we carve out our journeys shape our lives .

Location: Radisson White Sand Beach , Goa
Date: May 25, 2007
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

Beach Wear

2007-06-04T20:55:00.001+05:30

Next few posts will be dedicated to a place where every young guy fantasize about . Goa , a land of absolute natural beauty coupled with romanticism of the lifetime . This is a picture of a collection of shells I found at the White Sands Beach ( Radisson resort) . Look at the circle formed by the shells . Its quite alluring.

Location: Radisson White Sand Resort , Goa
Date: May 25, 2007
Time of Day: Morning
Condition: Clear

Mumabi Marvels: The Taj - the other one

2007-06-04T20:37:00.000+05:30

As the whole of India is watching towards the Tajmahal nomination for Seven wonders , here is one wonder which can still bewitch you with all its modern day splendor . Built in 1903, the hotel is an architectural marvel and brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary Indian influences along with beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers.

A visit to Mumbai is incomplete without this viewing . We offer you a different take on this building , a sideways glance . Visit the web for more pictures .

Location: The Gateway Of India,Mumbai , Maharashtra
Date: May 08th, 2007
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

Sula Winery : Get ready for the delicacies

2007-06-03T13:12:00.000+05:30

Sula Winery is one of the finest wineries in India , situated in the picturesque Nasik district , The air, heavy with the heady aroma of wine, welcomes you to the Winery. The first pic shows the merits in the symmetry . Notice the flawless mixing of tiles with the bushes .

The second picture shows the final product of the winery in special casings . Already thirsty ...........

Location: Sula Winery , Nasik, Maharashtra
Date: April 27th, 2007
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

Kawas ( Barmer) : Disaster struck when God opened floodgates

2007-06-03T12:23:00.000+05:30

After a 1 month hiatus we're back with a lot of pictures from Western India . The first series presented is a calamity torn area which remained in media for a better part of last august & september . The extraordinary rains which filled the arid area of Kawas were unprecented in the Rajasthan deserts . And even after 8-9 months of furore , the signs of damage are still visible at large . Just look at the poignant pics above esp camps which are still there for village people even if most of the inhabitants have left kawas for good. For more reports go though these web links .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barmer_district
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1943706.cms
http://wellsforindia.org/pdf/floods%20report%2026%20aug.pdf
http://www.unicef.org/india/media_2662.htm

Location: Kawas Village , Barmer, Rajasthan
Date: May 7th, 2007
Time of Day: Noon
Condition: Sunny

Life beams through the clouds

2007-04-23T22:04:00.000+05:30

We went to the Fatehsagar lake to capture the picturesque lake , but instead got this masterpiece . Rays of enigmatic sun through the equally magnanimous cloud cover imitate the journey of life through various cloudy tunnels but victorious at last . Enchanted were we , and life seemed to change after that.

Location: Fatehsagar Lake , Udaipur , Rajasthan
Date: April 15 , 2007
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

The Aravali Greens : Sight to behold

2007-04-23T00:14:00.000+05:30

This is the second time we are posting a photograph of a marble mine , albeit a better one this time around . Its the Famous green marble of kesariyaji near Dungarpur.Enlarge the picture and you'll gauge the intensity of this powerful picture . It can be life changing for those few who really want to make a dent into the ambient energy & have the persona to get the diamond out of the graves .

Location: Kesariyaji -Green Marble, , Rajasthan
Date: April 17 , 2007
Time of Day: Noon
Condition: Clear , Sunny

Windmills : Remember Don Quixote

2007-04-23T00:10:00.000+05:30

Even Don Quixote with his fantastic windmills havent thought of the impact these windmills would bring into this mighty desert . You can also buy one of these smart pieces , many of them larger than Qutub Minar. Few of them owned by celebrities , none the lesser than the beautiful Aishwarya Rai.( oops! Bachchan now)

Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Date: April 10th, 2007
Time of Day: Afternoon
Condition: Hot & Dusty

India is One: Tale of two highways

2007-04-03T15:53:00.000+05:30

Location: Indore Byepass, Indore ( Madhya Pradesh)

Date: Mar 1, 2007

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

Wherever you travel in this country you'll come across such landscapes, a hearty mix of Yellow , blue & Green. The two pictures in this set showcase the similarity in the basic premise, the open fields with all the right ingredients though at distinct locations.

Location: Sarkhej - Gandhinagar Highway, Gujarat

Date: Mar 15, 2006

Time of day: Afternoon

Condition: Sunny

Holy Chick

2007-04-03T15:32:00.000+05:30

What a serene and beautiful scene -a holy swim in the waters of Ganges, forming 'V' behind, the scattered reflextion on the flowing water and the soothing colours.

Location: Ganga tat, Banaras, Uttar Pradesh
Date: Dec 17, 2006
Time of day: Morning
Conditions: Sunny

Vijaya Stambha

2007-04-03T15:02:00.000+05:30

To commemorate the victory over Sultan of Malwa, this magnificent stambha (37.19 metre high) was built and consecrated by Maharana Kumbha in AD 1448. Dedicated to Vishnu, it has nine stories distinctly marked with openings and balconies at every face of each story. The interior staircase winds alternately through the central chamber and surrounding gallery. The inscribed slabs in the uppermost story contain genealogy of the rulers of Chittaur from Hamir to Rana Kumbha. The entire tower is covered with architectural ornaments and inscribed images of gods and goddesses, seasons, weapons, musical instruments, etc. Its inscribed sculptures are a veritable text-book of this Hindu iconography. The portraits of the architect of this tower Jaita and his three sons – Napa, Puja and Poma, is carved in the fifth story.

Location: Chittaurgarh Fort, Chittaur, Rajasthan
Date: Oct 2, 2006
Time of Day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny

Cactus, the vegetation of Rajasthan

2007-04-03T14:29:00.001+05:30

A cactus is any member of the succulent plant family Cactaceae. They are often used as ornamental plants, but some are also crop plants. Cacti are distinctive and unusual plants, which have adapted to extremely arid and hot environemnts showing a wide range of anatomical and physiological features which conserve water. Their stems have expanded into green succulent structures containing the chlorophyll necessary for life and growth, while the leaves have become the spines for which cacti are so well known.

Some environments, such as deserts, semi-deserts and dry steppes, receive little water in the form of precipitation. Plants that inhabit these dry areas are known as xerophytes, and many of them are succulents, with thick or reduced, "succulent", leaves.

Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Date: Sep 3, 2006
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Foggy

Mandore: Soon to be Ravana 's new abode

2007-03-24T08:55:00.000+05:30

Mandore Gardens in Jodhpur is famous for its ancient temples and beautiful gardens. The Mandore Gardens also house a government museum, a 'Hall of Heroes' and a temple to 33 crore Gods. Various artefacts and statues found in the area are housed at the museum. The 'Hall of Heroes' commemorates popular folk heroes of the region. It contains 16 figures carved out of a single rock. Next door is a larger hall called 'The temple of 33 crore Gods', which houses images of various Hindu Gods.

Mandore is soon to house one Ravana temple also, first of its kind in North India. Remember Ravana's wife, Mandodari . The gardern has been named 'Mandore' as it is said to be the place of Ravana's in-laws.

Location: Mandore Gardens, Jodhpur, Rajasathan
Date: Dec 02, 2006
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

Lake of Salt

2007-03-19T01:09:00.000+05:30

Passing through the wilderness of Barmer, we came across this vast lake of salt known as Pachpadra lake, albeit almost dry at the onset of summer. The whitish tint of land is the spread of salt over it. The whole area is full of salt mounds and this is the second salt water lake in Rajasthan after the Sambar lake near Jaipur. The setting is all the more picturesque as the salt body is bound by the Great Indian Desert.

Location: Dry Pachpadra Lake, Pachpadra Salt (70 km from Barmer), Rajasathan
Date: Mar 15, 2007
Time of Day: Morning
Condition: Sunny

Sky salutes the Sun

2007-03-10T00:31:00.000+05:30

So our affair with the sunsets continues unabashedly. This one depicts the puzzlement of sky as it watches with gasping breath the nature's beautiful act. Please go through a few of our other blogs below to view this quartret of sunsets and you'll appreciate that how in a matter of minutes landscapes metamorphose into variety of portraits.

Our Other Sunset Blogs:
- Golden Eve
- Touching the Sunset
- A Sunset for the Blues

Location: Sunset Point, Pichola Lake, Udaipur, Rajasathan
Date: Dec 15, 2006
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Cloudy

The Invincibles: the great wall of India

2007-03-08T21:43:00.000+05:30

Kumbhalgarh Fort
The Second Largest Wall in the world - 36 km Long, after the Great Wall of China

A fort, derived from fortification for defense purposes is always a sight to behold. Rajasthan always heralds the distinction of having the best looking forts in the country. Taking the literal meaning of defense, the fort (Kumbhalgarh fort) posted above was one of the most unconquerable & one of the least marketed / known forts in india (Mewar dynasty: birth place of Maharana Pratap). Rana Kumbha of Mewar built this great defensive fortress on a 3,500 feet (1,100 meters) high hill overlooking the approaches from Ajmer and Marwar. (First picture)

What made it difficult for the Mughals to conquer was the complex maze of Aravali Hills, which renedered it virtually hidden from intruders. We were able to see the whole fort only after coming tantalizingly close to it. It boasts of a a large fortified wall (36 Km) long and claims to be the second largest after Great Wall of China. Quite a feat! (Second picture)

Data Courtesy : http://www.palacesonwheels.com/destinations/kumbhalgarh.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumbhalgarh

Location: KumbhalGarh Fort, Distt. Rajsamand, Rajasathan
Date: Oct 1, 2006
Time of Day: Afternoon
Condition: Clear / Sunny

Life in pink

2007-03-07T19:29:00.000+05:30

Pink has a variety of meanings, the most significant of which is joy & effervescence. Displayed at the top is the color fuchsia pink. This color is also called light magenta.

Source : Wikipedia.org

Location: 'Rajwadu' Restaurant, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Date: Mar 5, 2006
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

Japanese Buddha Temple

2007-03-07T11:51:00.000+05:30

This Buddha Temple was built by Japanese, very near to the famous Sarnath temple. Inside is the idol of Gautam Budhha in sleeping position. The interiors of the temple are made of sandal wood. Can't you smell the fragrance of it? No .....

So, you need to go there to explore the beauty of the place and the experience the aura of Lord Buddha.

Location: Sarnath, Banaras, Uttar Pradesh
Date: Dec 17, 2006
Time of Day: Morning
Condition: Foggy / Sunny

Quench your thirst

2007-03-07T11:37:00.000+05:30

On our way to Gandhinagar from Ahmedabad on bikes, we stopped at a dhaba for water, where we saw this unique display of earthen pot.

Location: A Dhaba on SG Highway, Near Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Date: Mar 15, 2006
Time of Day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny / Clear

Welcome to the 'Juti' shop, aha!

2007-03-07T11:12:00.000+05:30

This restuarant in Mumbai may offer other delicacies to "eat " as well . But these are reserved for the lucky few who have ventured into risky propositions . (Un)fortunately we were bereft of the choiciest "dishes".

Location: UrbanTadka, Mumbai

Date: Apr 29, 2006

Time of Day: Afternoon

Condition: Low light (closed room)

Molten Gold

2007-03-06T23:27:00.000+05:30

This picture may well be used for a test of imagination / reasoning / eyes. Any guesses gentlemen!

No use pretending, its the reflection of lazy / depleting sun in the suave waters of a perfectly serene water body. The richness of the texture looks inviting.

Have a plunge to get the gold.....

Location: Doodtalai, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Date: Dec 15, 2006
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear / Sunny

Still waters

2007-03-02T20:06:00.000+05:30

Waterbed so calm, so still with dash of saffron sprinkled round the corner makes for dreamers fantasy come true. .

Alas! life is more like a waterfall or a wild river. Never at all still.

Location: Pichhola Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Date: Oct 2, 2006

Time of Day: Evening

Condition: Clear / Sunny

Golden eve

2007-03-02T20:01:00.000+05:30

Somehow the sunsets never fail to mesmerize. This is the third sunset of the blog and the extraordinary variety of hues contribute to magical finishes. And whats more interesting to note, all the three pictures are taken at the same place albeit at different times.

Location: Sunset Point, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Date: Oct 2, 2006

Time of Day: Evening

Condition: Clear

Complex life...

2007-03-02T19:46:00.000+05:30

Life is nothing less than a labyrinth, the picture here expresses the sentiment perfectly. But, the rays escaping from the branches & leaves guide the way out.

One more pivotal point is the strength of the trunk. However complex your life is, if the base is strong, the complexities would always be neutralized.

Date: Jun 25, 2006
Location: Ahmedabad
Time of Day: Afternoon
Condition: Sunny

After a hard day's work .............

2007-02-27T20:14:00.000+05:30

As we were posing for the photographs, I heard a call from behind, "babu, thoda hamara bhi photu le lo na". The result is one of the most natural pics that I've ever taken.

This highlights the eternal craving of mankind to get noticed. In this case these people who bring the "anna" to your plates daily deserve to be up there with all the celebrities whom you notice day in & day out.

Location: Jhadol, 30 km from Udaipur, Rajasthan
Date: July 23, 2006
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

Wonder Marble : Getting it Out from Mother Earth

2007-02-27T00:35:00.000+05:30

This might not be the mines from where the marble for Taj Mahal is taken out, but it is todays marvel. Look at it carefully & you'll find the depth to which man can venture.

This picture also marks the significance of the womb of mother earth which bears all the essentials for your life, even the material to beautify it.

Scale: The yellow monster ( machine) shown in the photograph is a 36 Tonne machine, four times your height. Imagine how deep the mines is!

Location: Marble Mines, Rajsamand, Rajasthan
Date: July 17, 2006
Time of Day: Evening
Condition: Clear

The Road to ............

2007-02-26T00:24:00.000+05:30

All your destinations require a road , and a road less travelled will fetch you unheralded joys and invisble insights. This road will lead you to ..............., yes, wherever your imagination takes you to. Just tell me which word comes into your mind.

Location: Road to Guru Shikhar, Mount Abu, Rajsathan
Date: September 17, 2006
Time of Day: Morning
Condition: Foggy

Touching the Sunset

2007-02-26T00:14:00.000+05:30

Just concentrate on the sun while its going down the Aravali slopes, you'll find all your mental worries going down the drain. Just touch the sunset with your mind & feel the magic.

Location: Sunset Point, Pichola Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Date: Feb 18, 2007
Time of Day: Dusk
Condition: Clear

Multifaceted Earth

2007-02-25T23:04:00.000+05:30

Sometimes and I mention only sometimes .... its possible to capture a snap so picturesque, so living, so earthly and still bring an unrealism to the life. It creates a world of layers, each one of the which signify different meanings.

Sky, the eternal youth
Hills, the touch of experience
Marble, the toughness galore
Soil, the ground reality

The amalgam of all 4 elements create a multidimensional picture almost humanesque.... just almost.

Location: Banas (overlooking Mount Abu), Sirohi, Rajasthan
Date: Feb 19, 2007
Time of Day: Afternoon
Condition: Clear

A sunset for the blues

2007-02-25T21:38:00.000+05:30

You might have seen a lot of sunsets from various vantage points in your life, but looking at the sun stepping down through the gorgeous Aravali ranges with the company of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, would make you a poet instantly.

Location: Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Date: Feb 18, 2007
Time of Day: Dusk
Condition: Clear