Different Hues of My Mind

April 20, 2014 - Upper Bhavani Lake, Avalanche I have been to Ooty and seen usual sight seeing places numerous times. This time I wanted to visit Avalanche, which I have never seen before. It is around 22 kms from Ooty and the route beyond Emerald goes through Reserved Forest area. The road ends at a check-post, beyond which only forest department buses are allowed. Seats need to booked at the ticket counter here. A round trip takes approx 2 hours, and the bus winds its way through some breathtaking scenery to reach this lake.

March 21, 2014 - Wonder La, Bangalore Wonder La is one of the better amusement parks around Bangalore. It's conveniently located off the Bangalore - Mysore highway, making it easily accessible. Once inside, you will find all kind of rides and activities that you would typically find in an amusement park. There is something for everyone here, from adventure seekers to people who just want to unwind. I had quite a few photographic opportunities from flowers basking in sun, to people getting drenched in water - such as this water ride.

August 09, 2013 - Innovative Film City, Bangalore Innovative Film City is another worth visiting place on the outskirts of Bangalore. Located near Bidadi on the Bangalore - Mysore highway, this place is just right for a day outing. Once inside, there are numerous options to while the time away. Almost everything is done lavishly - the filmy style. One such example can be seen in this photo. Best time to start exploring this city is in the morning as time flies through the many activities and attractions, including a water park.

August 2, 2013 - Mango Mist Resorts, Bangalore A lot of resorts have sprung up in and around Bangalore in recent times to cater to the demands of the ever-increasing IT companies. Each trying to stand out from others in terms of ambiance, activities, food and packages. Located on the outskirts of the city a few kilometers after Bannerghatta on Bangalore - Jigani road. This resort provides a relaxing atmosphere along with some adventurous activities. One of the specialties here is a unique take on rain dance, and one can experience mist on the dance floor.

May 5, 2013 - Bannerghatta, Bangalore Bannerghatta National Park is a very famous tourist destination in Bangalore. However, the small village of Bannerghatta which the National Park is named after, is largely untouched. This small town has a few prominent temples. There is one on the foothill of a hillock, and one on top of it. From the top of the hill, a 4 km walk takes one to another temple which is famous for its pond, locally called "kalyani". It is believed that a dip in the holy waters of this pond cures all health problems and fulfills wishes. This photo is from top of the hill.

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.