New Sea Mouth, Chilka Lake

The Chilka Lake is the biggest lagoon on India's eastern coast. It is well known wintering site for migratory birds and nearly half of the over 210 species recorded here are the intercontinental migrants from far parts of Asia.

Dredging of the lead channel, and opening the new mouth in September 2000, have significantly changed the lagoon's hydrology, returning it to a more natural state than existed before excessive silttation affected the tidal flows in and out of the lagoon.  

Because of third peripheral and island villagers were not affected by floods and water-logged land after 2001. Opening of new mouth had dramatically positive effect of fish catchers.

The lagoon is home for wide variety of plants in the aquatic and terrestrial islands of known medicinal properties. These plant resources provide a vital base for the local community, as well as for birds and fishes.

Cave No. 2, Kanheri

In Mumbai, there are more than 100 caves at Kanheri of which many of them have beautiful carvings. One of the interesting cave among them is Cave No. 2. 

The cave consists of a vihara and three stupas that are in separate chambers.  Interestingly  these chambers are separated from the viharas. This cave dates between to 5th – 6th centuries A.D.

Out of the three Stupas, the third Stupa has an elaborate sculptures around it that are carved inside the niche. 

On the left side wall are six large panels at the bottom and above these are eight small panels.

There is a large panel at the end which equals to the height of adjacent small and large panel. Buddha seated with pendant legs and in teaching posture is the common motif appearing in all these panels. 

There are two panels, one above another, at the end of this wall.

Images of India - 63

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.

Kailash Cave at Ellora 

Cuttack, the Silver City

Cuttack on the Mahanadi river delta is located at a distance of 28 kms from Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha. This city which is more than thousand years old also referred to as 'Millennium City'. This city is internationally famous for its silver filigree work and also known as 'Silver City'.

Cuttack has a perfect combination of traditional and modern lifestyle. This city was established in 989 CE by Keshari dynasty. By 1750, Cuttack came under Maratha rules and then it was occupied by the British in 1803 and later became the capital of Orissa division in 1816. 

The places of interest that I have visited my family are:

• Katak Chandi Temple
• Barabati Fort
• Netaji Birth Place Museum
• Gadi Chandi Temple

Places of interest near by are:

• Bhubaneswar 
• Bhitarkanika
• Udaygiri
• Khandagiri

Deer at Bhitakanika

Bhitarkanika National Park is home for many wild animals and birds. Spotted deer on the river bank can be seen while cruising on the boat in the river.

The place is known for variety of birds.

Madikeri, Scotland of India

Madikeri in Karnataka at a distance of  250 kms of Bangalore. It is located at an elevation of 1525m is the district headquarters of Coorg. The town is dotted with red-tiled bungalows and has an old charm about it. This hill station with its austere beauty, calm and quiet hilly terrain is known as Scotland of India.

Madikeri was founded in 1681 by Muddu Raja, the prince of the Haleri dynasty. Prior to this period from 2nd century this area was under the control of various other dynaties like Kadambas, Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas. 

Places of interest here are:

• Omkareshwara Temple
• Madikeri Fort
• Raja's Seat
• Raja's Tomb
• Abbey Falls

The places of interest nearby are:

• Bylukuppe
• Mysore

Images of India - 62

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.

Caves at Ugaygiri Jain heritage site

Poetry in Stone - 20

This is twentieth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. The 9th century Brahmeswara Temple in Bhubaneshwar is one of the earliest temples of the city and there are beautiful sculptures on the external walls of this temple.   

A warrior riding a horse with the full attire required for combat.  There are several similar sculptures with minute differences.

A portrait of couple having an interesting discussion. From their expression of their faces it is very clear it is something funny. At Sanchi the Great Stupa has interesting sculptures depicting life of Buddha and life of people at that time.

1. From the top front panel of the right post, after the death of Buddha's mother, she was reborn in the Heaven. The panel shows his return to earth following the visit. Buddha descends the central ladder in the company of Indra, Brahma, and other gods and sages. 
2. From the middle front panel of the right post, a royal departure is shown, perhaps of the Buddha's father from Kapilavastu.
3. From the right post, the fortunate denizens relax "at ease" behind a colonnade, or view the passing scene from an upper balcony. 

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Birds of Hebbal Lake - 8, Bangalore

Hebbal Lake in north Bangalore is favorite spot for joggers, photography enthusiasts and birds. Here are some shots of the birds around the lake.

Patalapuri Gumpha, Udaygiri

Patalapuri Gumpha is located on Udayagiri hill in Orissa. This is of the period Mahameghavahana Chedi dynasty during 1st century B.C.

Rock cut cave consists of four dwelling cells, two at the back and one on either side of the benched veranda. The veranda originally provided with two pilasters and three pillars.

The cave is devoid of sculptural embellishments except the traces of a man on the bracket fighting with a lion and two winged lion on the top of a pillar on its square base.

Images of India - 61

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.

Gadisagar Lake at Jaisalmer

Ratnagiri, the Hill of Jewels

Well known Buddhist sites of Orissa form Diamond Triangle with Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri. They are located in the green hills and lush fields amidst the serene surroundings of Mahanadi basin. 

Ratnagiri or the Hill of Jewels is situated on an isolated hill of Assia range and the excavations at Ratnagiri has unearthed several important Buddhist sculptures. And as per these excavations, the history of the region dates back to 6th Century AD during the reign of Gupta Dynasty. It is believed that the place has been a superb destination of learning for the Buddhism.

The important attractions here are:

• Stupas
• Monastery - 1
• Monastery - 2
• Sculptures

Nearby places of interest are:

• Lalitgiri
• Udaygiri

How to Reach: Ratnagiri is just 70 kms away from Cuttack and it can be reached by travelling on National Highway 5A. There are sign boards on the highway to reach this place.

Indian River Tern, Chilka Lake

Chilka Lake which is around 55 kms from Puri is home for many birds. One can get to see many birds in this place during the winter months. One of the birds we could see here is Indian River Tern.

They are mostly found in freshwater, rarely venture near tidal creeks. This is a medium-sized tern with dark grey upper parts, white under parts, a forked tail with long flexible streamers, and long pointed wings. The bill is yellow and the legs red. It has a black cap in breeding plumage.

During breeding season, this species are seen in colonies in less accessible areas such as sandbanks in rivers.  They feed on fish, crustaceans, tadpoles and aquatic insects in rivers, lakes, and tanks. 

Their numbers are decreasing fast due to the pollution of their habitat.

Mahalakshmi Temple, Goravanahalli

We visited the Mahalakshmi Temple at Goravanahalli on our way back to Bangalore from Deverayan durga. This is an old temple and current structure is a new temple. It is at a distance of 80 kms from Bangalore.

The colorful tower of the temple has beautifully carved with the sculptures of the Goddess. It is one of the popular pilgrim centers

How to Reach: From Bangalore on NH-4 route travel towards Tumkur. 10 kms before Tumkur enter Dabaspet town and take deviation towards right. 

Images of India - 60

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.

Amber Fort at Jaipur

Ooty, Queen of Hill Stations

Udhagamandalam better known, as Ooty is the most popular hill station in the Southern India. This picturesque place located in the Western ghats at a height of 2240m is Queen of Hill Stations.

The weather is quite pleasant and it ranges from 15 to 20°C around the year, while in the winter it can reach as low as of 0°C. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees.

There are many interesting sites in Ooty. Among those some of the places that I have seen are:

• Government Rose Garden (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
• Botanical Gardens (1, 2, 3)
• Ooty Lake
• Stone House
• St. Stephen's Church 
• Breeks Memorial Anglo Indian School
• Adam's Fountain 
• Mariamman Temple
• Thread Garden
• Ooty Mountain Railway
• Needle Rock Viewpoint 
• Pine Forest
• Birding (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

Indian Pond Heron at Bhubaneshwar

When we visited Mukteswar Temple at Bhubaneshwar I spotted Indian Pond Heron with breeding plumage on the top of tree. 

During the breeding season it looks stunning due to change of its colors. It has a deep maroon and brownish golden plumage at breeding time. Red legs and lanceolate plume at the back of the head complete the transformation. 

Jaya Vijaya Gumpha, Udaygiri

Jaya Vijaya Gumpha is located on Udayagiri hill in Orissa. This is of the period Mahameghavahana Chedi dynasty during 1st century B.C.

This is a double storeyed rock cut cave having pillared veranda in the upper floor where as the lower floor is without pillars. In the past this cave was used by Jain monks.

The caves are devoid of any sculptural friezes. At the entrance of  the upper cave is sculptures of door keepers.