Nadankanan Zoo at Bhubaneswar is one of great zoo in India. There are various animals and birds at the zoo. One among them is Crocodile. Here are a few snaps that I have taken.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Tannirbavi Beach, Mangalore
Tannirbavi Beach on the outskirts of Mangalore city is one of the popular beaches in the area. It is on the Malabar Coast, facing the Arabian Sea.
I had visited the beach with family and kids had good time playing in the sand.
The beach is clean and sunset here is definitely worth a watch.
The beach is clean and sunset here is definitely worth a watch.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Images of India - 102
A glimpse of India in black and white. This picture was taken at a event in the school. When kids are answering the exam, the parents are busy chatting in the waiting area.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Gondal, the Princely City
Gondal town lies on the banks of Gondali river just 40 kms from Rajkot. In olden days this was a princely state and one can still see the remnants of its glorious past. During the time of Kathiawar rulers, the place was came to known as the Princely City.
Along with the ancient heritage today the city has a modern look because of the visionary ruler, Sri Bhagwatsinghji.
The town boasts of numerous palaces and some of these have now been converted into heritage hotels. Places of interest that I have visited here are:
Places of interest near by are:
Along with the ancient heritage today the city has a modern look because of the visionary ruler, Sri Bhagwatsinghji.
The town boasts of numerous palaces and some of these have now been converted into heritage hotels. Places of interest that I have visited here are:
Places of interest near by are:
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Hoopee at Ooty
During our visit to Ooty, we came across many colourful birds. Our trip was made memorable by the presence of beautiful birds. One such colourful bird we saw was Hoopee.
It is a medium-sized bird that is 9.8–12.6 inches long, with a 17–19 inches wingspan. It is easily recognized because of its colorful feathers. It has cinnamon to chestnut in color, with white and black stripes on the wings and tail.
It has prominent, upright crest on its head. It has long and strong black beak that is curved and adapted for the feeding on the ground.
It eats different type of insects, small reptiles, snails, frogs, seeds, berries and other types of plant materials.
It is a medium-sized bird that is 9.8–12.6 inches long, with a 17–19 inches wingspan. It is easily recognized because of its colorful feathers. It has cinnamon to chestnut in color, with white and black stripes on the wings and tail.
It has prominent, upright crest on its head. It has long and strong black beak that is curved and adapted for the feeding on the ground.
It eats different type of insects, small reptiles, snails, frogs, seeds, berries and other types of plant materials.
Images of India - 101
A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
If one is interested in visiting historical sites in Gujarat then Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is the best bet. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 is a must visit. This place is located at a distance of 50 kms from Vadodara and I am happy to visit this place during my tour of the state.
It is spread over an area of more than 1329 hectares of which Primary Heritage Zone covers 983 hectares. This is largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties cradled in an impressive landscape and it also includes prehistoric sites. The landscape consists undulating hillocks and plateaus. There are steep rock exposures formed by ancient volcanic eruptions and lava flows.
Champaner is to the south of Pavagadh Hill. Pavagadh Hill rises to a height of 800 meters is considered to be one of the oldest rock formations in India. The site has many religious monuments of Gujarati Sultans, Rajputs, and Jains. There are also palaces, entrance gates and arches, tombs and residential complexes.
We shall soon explore more of this place.
It is spread over an area of more than 1329 hectares of which Primary Heritage Zone covers 983 hectares. This is largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties cradled in an impressive landscape and it also includes prehistoric sites. The landscape consists undulating hillocks and plateaus. There are steep rock exposures formed by ancient volcanic eruptions and lava flows.
Champaner is to the south of Pavagadh Hill. Pavagadh Hill rises to a height of 800 meters is considered to be one of the oldest rock formations in India. The site has many religious monuments of Gujarati Sultans, Rajputs, and Jains. There are also palaces, entrance gates and arches, tombs and residential complexes.
We shall soon explore more of this place.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Bhadra Fort, Ahmedabad
The tour of historical city of Ahmedabad is not complete without a visit to Bhadra Fort. The construction of this historical fort in 1411 was done by the founder of the city, then ruler Sultan Ahmed Shah.
The intricate arches, carved balconies and detailed latticework showcase the admirable Islamic architecture of the fort. Originally the massive fort occupied by 43 acres with 14 minars, 8 gates. But now only small portion of it is still existing.
Some of the interesting areas of fort that we visited are:
The intricate arches, carved balconies and detailed latticework showcase the admirable Islamic architecture of the fort. Originally the massive fort occupied by 43 acres with 14 minars, 8 gates. But now only small portion of it is still existing.
Some of the interesting areas of fort that we visited are:
- Lal Darwaja
- Bhadra Gate
- Bhadrakali Temple
- Clock tower
Saturday, February 14, 2015
South Indian Rock Agama at Avani
During our exploration of hillock at Avani we cam across several lizards. One of them is female South Indian Rock Agama.
Females are olive-brown, spotted, speckled with a series of white, elongated spots along each side of the back.
Females are olive-brown, spotted, speckled with a series of white, elongated spots along each side of the back.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Mor Chowk of City Palace, Udaipur
Mor Chowk or Peacock Courtyard is one of the most ornate inner courtyards of the City Palace of Udaipur. It was constructed during the reign of Rana Karan Singhji and is the last area in the Mardana Mahal (Palace of Kings).
The magnificent chamber consists of three peacocks that were created during the reign of Maharana Sajjan Singhji in 1874-1884. The glass inlay work and peacocks were added in this period. Around 5,000 pieces of mosaic tiles have been used in creating the works of art. The peacocks have been crafted with pieces of glass, which shine in green, gold and blue colors.
These peacocks represent the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon.
At the upper level, there is a projecting balcony, which is flanked by inserts of colored glass.
The magnificent chamber consists of three peacocks that were created during the reign of Maharana Sajjan Singhji in 1874-1884. The glass inlay work and peacocks were added in this period. Around 5,000 pieces of mosaic tiles have been used in creating the works of art. The peacocks have been crafted with pieces of glass, which shine in green, gold and blue colors.
These peacocks represent the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon.
At the upper level, there is a projecting balcony, which is flanked by inserts of colored glass.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Images of India - 100
A glimpse of India in black and white. These are the shots that I had taken while on my to office and I am not proud of content.
In India, the smoking by girls is not as common as that by the boys. Here a girl was busy smoking in the car when every other passenger in the car were not smoking.
It is unfortunate that knowing very well "Smoking is Injurious for Health" people continue to indulge in smoking.
In India, the smoking by girls is not as common as that by the boys. Here a girl was busy smoking in the car when every other passenger in the car were not smoking.
It is unfortunate that knowing very well "Smoking is Injurious for Health" people continue to indulge in smoking.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Great Cave, Elephanta
The main cave, also called the Shiva cave, Cave 1, or the Great Cave at Elephanta is the most impressive structure on the island. Built anytime between 6th and 7th century, the cave is a sculptural marvel evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture.
It was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese invaded the cave in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was restored in the 1970s, but the damage done was too much. In the year 1987 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The cave has a main entrance on the north with two other openings on the east and west respectively. The central hall with six rows of pillared columns, six in each row. The roof of the hall has concealed beams supported by stone columns joined together by capitals.
In the center of northern wall is the gigantic figure of Shiva as Mahesha, the Supreme God combining in himself the qualities of creator, preserver and destroyer.
Each wall of the complex has large carvings of Shiva, each more than 16 ft in height. One such panel is Gangadhara image to the right of the Trimurti. The carving which is 13 ft wide and 17 ft high is an ensemble of divinities assembled around the central figures of Shiva and Parvati. In this image Shiva has the River Ganges as she descends from heaven.
The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures. The most of the sculptures here are very huge some are as high as 5 meters tall. The central figure here is that of Ardhanarishvara where sculpture's left is female and the right is male.
It was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese invaded the cave in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was restored in the 1970s, but the damage done was too much. In the year 1987 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The cave has a main entrance on the north with two other openings on the east and west respectively. The central hall with six rows of pillared columns, six in each row. The roof of the hall has concealed beams supported by stone columns joined together by capitals.
In the center of northern wall is the gigantic figure of Shiva as Mahesha, the Supreme God combining in himself the qualities of creator, preserver and destroyer.
Each wall of the complex has large carvings of Shiva, each more than 16 ft in height. One such panel is Gangadhara image to the right of the Trimurti. The carving which is 13 ft wide and 17 ft high is an ensemble of divinities assembled around the central figures of Shiva and Parvati. In this image Shiva has the River Ganges as she descends from heaven.
The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures. The most of the sculptures here are very huge some are as high as 5 meters tall. The central figure here is that of Ardhanarishvara where sculpture's left is female and the right is male.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Nadankanan Zoo - Saraus Crane
Nadankanan Zoo at Bhubaneswar is one of great zoo in India. There are various animals and birds at the zoo. One among them is Sauras Crane.
It is tallest of the flying birds, with a height of up to 1.8 m. They have overall grey colour and the contrasting red head and upper neck. It is a large non-migratory crane.
It is mostly seen in marshes and shallow wetlands and feed mainly on roots, tubers, insects, and small vertebrate prey.
It is tallest of the flying birds, with a height of up to 1.8 m. They have overall grey colour and the contrasting red head and upper neck. It is a large non-migratory crane.
It is mostly seen in marshes and shallow wetlands and feed mainly on roots, tubers, insects, and small vertebrate prey.
Images of India - 99
A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Sri Maruleshwara Temple, Talkad
Maruleshwara Temple at Talkad is one of the oldest temple here. Recent excavations have unearthed this temple and some other prominent temples. This temple built sometime between 11th and 12th century by the kings of Ganga Dynasty.
The sanctum of the temple has Shivalinga. The temple is amidst the sand dunes and down in side the protective walls built to save the temples from sand movements. To reach this temple one has to climb down series of steps.
This is a small and simple temple without any sculptural decorations on the exterior walls of the temple like any other temples of that period.
The sanctum of the temple has Shivalinga. The temple is amidst the sand dunes and down in side the protective walls built to save the temples from sand movements. To reach this temple one has to climb down series of steps.
This is a small and simple temple without any sculptural decorations on the exterior walls of the temple like any other temples of that period.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Diu
Diu is a tiny island on the southern tip of of Gujarat. This small island is a beautiful and scenic place in the lap of Arabian Sea. Portuguese controlled this territory from 1537 till 1961 and after the military action launched by the Government of India it was merged with India and became a centrally administered Union Territory.
Diu formed part of several kingdoms that ruled over the western India. The last king of the Vaja dynasty ruler of Somnath ruled over Diu in the first decade of the fifteenth century. Thereafter, it came under the control of the Sultans of Gujarat who seen to have ruled Diu for the next one and a half centuries.
Apart from tourist destination it is also a fishing town. The place is known for its Fortress, Cathedral and Beaches. The place we visited on our one day tour of the city are:
Diu formed part of several kingdoms that ruled over the western India. The last king of the Vaja dynasty ruler of Somnath ruled over Diu in the first decade of the fifteenth century. Thereafter, it came under the control of the Sultans of Gujarat who seen to have ruled Diu for the next one and a half centuries.
Apart from tourist destination it is also a fishing town. The place is known for its Fortress, Cathedral and Beaches. The place we visited on our one day tour of the city are:
- Fort
- Panikotha
- St. Paul Church
- St. Thomas Church (Diu Museum)
- Nagoa Beach
- INS Khukri Memorial
- Gangeshwar Temple
- Naida Caves
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)