Different Hues of My Mind

December 29, 2012 - Thiruvannamalai, near Srivilliputhur The trip down to Srivilliputhur in southern and interior Tamilnadu was of a religious nature. This town is famous for its Andal temple, and is unmistakably built around it. We stayed in a "chattiram" (community hall) right by the street that led to temple entrance. However, we also visited a small town temple of Thiruvannamalai around 15 kms away. The street that begins the climb to the temple on top of the hill is lined with usual hawkers and vendors. This old woman had a totally different ware to sell - "Kuzhi Paniyaram". This traditional snack comes in deliciously sweet and spicy varieties.

November 30, 2012 - Manipal County, Bangalore Another click from Manipal County resorts. This was a find during my leisurely stroll around the resorts. With not much else to do, this was best to while the time away.

November 30, 2012 - Manipal County, Bangalore Taken during a team outing to Manipal County Resorts, which is located well within the city limits. The resort is a fairly run-of-the mill kind, offering typical facilities like playground, restaurant, swimming pool, and other indoor games. Upon arrival, stalls with colourful canopies caught my eye and soon I discovered that there was a wedding hosted on one side of the resort and we were to share the space. Initial hours were spent clicking photographs of various things inside the resort. Rest of the day was quite uneventful.

March 30, 2012 - Wonder Valley, Bangalore Wonder Valley is a resort which is aimed at a more adventurous crowd. To keep such clientele involved, there are several activities involving the rope, like climbing, walking, etc. You also get to create your own bamboo-raft and go rafting in the adjacent lake. Apparently, the resort used to offer rappelling from a cliff looking over the lake. But due to quarrying the cliff is no more and so is rappelling. However, it was good to see a bunch of people having a peaceful chit-chat after lunch.

October 24, 2012 - Tulip Resorts, Bangalore I clicked this photo in Tulip Resorts while on a trip with my family. The resort is a slightly different resort with more facilities for amusements and entertainment than typical resorts. As soon as one steps in, it feels like they stepped into a mini amusement park. Different kind of rides and kids playthings share space with facilities like swimming pool, indoor games, and restaurant. I didn't find any tulips there, though this Lily caught my eye.

September 29, 2012 - Butterfly Park, Bannerghatta A recent visit to a nearby butterfly park was a revelation. Few things learnt about butterflies there: Butterflies have antennae that have rounded ends, while moths have fuzzy ones. Butterflies rest with their wings perpendicular to their body, moths use theirs as a "roof". Butterflies taste with their feet. Butterflies have long tongue which is normally rolled, and extended only when they want to eat/drink. Butterflies are active in the day, while moths are active at night.

December 27, 2011 - DLF Newtown, Bangalore An unusual pattern of clouds formed in the sky seem to converge over a building which still in early stages of construction. This is just a part of a huge township DLF is planning off Bannerghatta Road in Bangalore. This pic was taken in the evening, when the sun had almost set and was leaving a dull orange glow behind.

October 27, 2011 - Akshaya Nagar, Bangalore Festival of Deepavali as usual is known for electric atmosphere with loud explosions, colourful bursts of light and billowing smoke. Normally this would be enough to make you believe you live in a war-zone, which is easily belied by the friendly demeanor of people. Another side to this loud and boisterous festival is calm and joyous exchange of goodies. Truth be told, all the excess of sweets and food leaves you couple of kilos heavier after the festival.

July 30, 2011 - Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore We speed over Zebra crossings everyday on our way to work, school, college, etc. However, when you see a Zebra in its habitat, you stop. This happened when I visited the National Park recently. As I was walking around the park, I noticed this Zebra calmly grazing in its confines. I stopped there as it went around slowly, gracefully and quietly, making for a peaceful environment. Sadly it was quickly disturbed by other visitors who wanted the Zebra's attention.

August 5, 2011 - Elim Resorts, Bangalore Our recent corporate outing was to a resort called Elim Resorts, off Kanakapura road on the outskirts of Bangalore. Upon arrival we were greeted with breakfast. After breakfast everyone was excited to explore the resort. The excitement didn't last long as the resort was very small and didn't provide good facilities for sports, paintball being the exception. Those who didn't play paintball, just whiled away their time in their own ways. For me what better than clicking photos, especially of a colourful shuttle like this?

April 22, 2011 - Home, Akshaya Nagar Just when the heat starts to become intolerable, and you really want some respite the rains come to the rescue. The clouds form striking shapes during the day, and gather by afternoon for a downpour. Summer in Bangalore lasts 3 months (March-May), however it is normal to experience sudden summer showers in the afternoon mid-April onwards. It is nature's way to balance the temperature. This is what makes Bangalore city the charming city it is, apart from the lung spaces that give it the name of Garden City.

April 9, 2011 - Kudremukh National Park It was about 3.00 PM but dark clouds were building up in the sky. Through pouring rain we arrived at Lakya Dam, where the only people we met were the security guards. Waste from Iron Ore mining was dumped into this dam, so the appearance of this dam is unlike any other. We obliged when we were told not take any photos. Instead, we took in to the beauty of the dam and the surrounding hills. We also stopped midway to Gangamoola enjoying the refreshed atmosphere, and taking some photos (including this one).

April 9, 2011 - KIOCL township, Kudremukh Kudremukh is now a National Park where once KIOCL (Kudremukh Iron Ore Corporation Limited) use to operate. Due to environmental reasons Iron Ore mining has now been stopped here, and the company has shut shop. The township used in heydays of the company is now deserted. Very few people live in this town, and even fewer visit. However, the beauty and calm of this place can only be experienced, but not explained. Places worth visiting here are Lakya Dam, Gangamoola, Kadambi Falls and Hanumangundi Falls.

April 9, 2011 - from a bridge, Balehonnur It didn't matter that we had been on the road (by car) the previous night, and that we had hardly slept. I was about to dose off after having seen some beautiful twisty, misty ghat roads. With my eyes closed, I realized my friend had stopped the car. It was about 6.00 AM, and we were parked on a bridge. I opened my eyes to see River Bhadra flowing through thick vegetation as fog was lifting up at dawn. At that moment I couldn't think of a better way to wake up.

March 18, 2011 - Akshaya Nagar, Bangalore Come spring time and the Tabebuia trees lined up along many roads of Bangalore blossom and turn into wonderful hues of pink and yellow. Although spring doesn't last very long, the short period of full bloom gives some respite for sore city eyes. Unfortunately, the trees that line up the road near our house didn't bloom in tandem. Nevertheless, it did make for a beautiful morning when I stepped out of the house to click the picture.

February 19, 2011 - Mettupalayam road, Karamadai We were returning from Coonoor when we passed Mettupalayam on the way to Coimbatore. As we approached this small town, heavy traffic indicated that the famous car festival was happening at the Sri Ranganathar temple. We were engulfed by a sea of humanity as huge masses of devotees made it towards the temple from all directions. This onlooker was watching me with amusement as I really struggled to click some photos amidst all this frenzy. He stood there posing for me, and moved on as soon as I clicked his picture.

February 18, 2011 - Near Lamb's Rock, Coonoor The sight seeing tour of Coonoor takes you through attractions like Singara Tea Estates, Lamb's rock and Dolphin's Nose viewpoint. Other than these, you can also stop at various points to marvel at the beauty of the Nilgiris. We had hired a car to take us through these tourist attractions apart from other interesting viewpoints and spots. On the way back, while passing by Lamb's rock I noticed these roadside hedges with beautiful red flowers appearing as streaks as we sped past them. I clicked a photo to capture that moment.

February 18, 2011 - Hotel Vivek, Coonoor We stayed at Hotel Vivek, located by the "Figure of Eight" road in Upper Coonoor during our visit. The hotel is a fine place to stay, and the staff is friendly and helpful. We landed at the hotel by breakfast time, but by the time we got ready for sight seeing it was 11.45 AM. At this time, the restaurant didn't have anything to eat except sandwiches. We were hungry after a 12 hour journey, and had no option but to dig into whatever was available. In the time spent there, the only worthwhile things were a couple of clicks.

January 26, 2011 - JR Meadows, Anekal Taluk I had gone to attend "Gruhapravesham" (house warming) ceremony of my relative's home in JR Meadows. While clicking photos of the ceremony I noticed that these 2 construction workers were watching the proceedings from a nearby (under construction) house. I walked up to the window and aimed my camera at them, they gave the most charming smile I have seen in a while. I clicked and then extended the camera out of the grill for them to see the picture. They seemed happy, and I was too.

January 22, 2011 - Akshaya Nagar, Bangalore This girl was preoccupied playing on the slide in the play area of our apartment. As she was climbing up from the sliding end she noticed me taking photos in the car parking area. She paused momentarily and posed for a photograph. However, I clicked when she resumed playing.