At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on August 2011 there were exclusive collection of Dahlias on display. The colors were amazing. One of the colorful Dahlia is below.
Mahabalipuram is famous for finely carved rock cut shrines. Adjacent to the hill on which there is a lighthouse, there is a superb rock-cut shrine of Mahishasuramardini Mandapa.
On top of the diorite hillock where the cave is present is an another ancient shrine, Olakneswara Temple.
It was closed when we were there. On the exterior walls it had beautiful carvings.
From Mahabalipuram in the afternoon we left for Chidambaram which is at a distance of 145 kms, via Pondicherry. Unfortunately it was past 6 p.m when we reached Pondicherry. Hence could not see much of this place other than a few. From here we moved to Cudlore where we had our rooms booked for overnight stay.
Early morning we left for our destination. Chidambaram, known as the 'City of the Cosmic Dancer' as the ancient Nataraja Temple of the dancing Shiva is located here.
Chidambaram is a center second to none in representing the rich cultural heritage of India. The artifacts hand created from here are rich in quality and artistry. Above is one of the four entrance towers of the temple.
At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on August 2011 there were little beautiful flowers Candy-tuft. These were on display in a variety of colors. One of them was pink in color.
Mahabalipuram is famous for finely carved rock cut shrines. Adjacent to the hill on which there is a lighthouse, there is a superb rock-cut shrine of Mahishasuramardini Mandapa.
This is a 7th century cave temple where front part adorned with four columns. There are two impressive friezes one at each end of the long veranda.
On the panel in the right, Goddess Durga seated astride on her lion wielding an assortment of weapons. She is slaying a buffalo-headed demon, Mahisha, who disturbs the delicate balance of life. Goddess is accompanied by eight ganas, where as Mahisa with his army of seven demons is retreating. Hence, the name Mahish-asura-mardini meaning ‘destroyer of demon’.
At the opposite end of the veranda, Lord Vishnu is lying under the protective hood of the seven-headed serpent Adishesha in the sea of eternity. Below Vishnu there is Bhu-devi, Mother Earth. Above and below the God are shown four flying ayudh-purushas - divine weapons of Lord.
At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on August 2011 there were little beautiful flowers Penstetom. These were on display in a variety of colors. One of them was purple in color.
Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October, 1869 in Porbandar. He completed his basic education in India and then moved on to London to study Law. After that he practiced law in South Africa.
Later he returned back to India in 1915 to join he freedom struggle against British. He led Indians in protesting the British-imposed salt tax with the 250 mile Dandi Salt March.
He practiced non-violence and truth in all situations, and advocated that others do the same. He lived modestly in a self-sufficient residential community and wore the traditional Indian dhoti and shawl, woven with yarn he had hand spun on a charkha.
With his principles he forced British to free India from their clutches.
The above images of Gandhi and beach are taken at Malpe Beach at Udupi.
The Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore is an important destination where one can find variety of flowers, fountains, trees. One of them is tree fossil.
This tree fossil is a collection from the Natioanl Fossil Park, Tiruvakkarai, South Arcot in Tamilnadu. It is supposed to be 20 million years old.
The fossil is of petrified coniferous tree.
In Shimoga the ASI Museum has a beautiful garden. The garden with flowery plants attract lot of butterflies.
With these flowers one can see lot of butterflies flying around.
This butterflies are colorful and have different patterns on them.
We were in front of magnificent Patwon ki Haveli. This was built by Guman Chand Patwathe well-renowned dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery during those times. Built between 1800 and 1860 this five-storey mansion has five suites for the five sons of the merchant.
This beautiful sandstone mansion is carved and pieced together with in different patterns. This difference is undone by the perfect harmony in architecture. 
The lavish haveli showcases their beauty of craftsmanship in the stone carving. It surely hypnotizes one and all with its charm. No two windows are same.
Every window has something different to offer. It reflects the unique architecture of traditional Jaisalmer. The splendid monument adds to the old glory and grandeur of the place.
It is not possible to capture every detail of this marvel in camera. One has to be there in person to really enjoy it.
