Different Hues of My Mind

December 6, 2014 - Golconda Fort, Hyderabad My first visit to Hyderabad happened incidentally due to my colleague's marriage. We (colleagues) landed there a day before marriage. As we had a spare day, we planned to do some sight-seeing around Hyderabad's more famous landmarks. First up, was Golconda fort. This fort built on top of a hill is surrounded by vast ramparts. On the way up and from hill-top you get good views of the city below. Later that day we also covered Birla temple and planetarium, Lumbini Park and Hussain Sagar lake.

October 19, 2014 - Vittala temple, Hampi Situated in the north of Karnataka as the erstwhile seat of Vijayanagaram empire, Hampi has a strong connection with history. A quick glance around the town tells us the magnitude of the grandeur which lays in ruins now. Places of interest are divided into the sacred center and the royal center. Sacred center is interspersed with the town and comprises of temples. Royal center lies about 5 kms from the main town and it is populated with royal and military constructions.

October 7, 2014 - Balamuri Falls, Mysore This is one of my favourite places in Mysore. Having lived there for a number of years, Balamuri was the first option when it came to planning a day out. A very popular tourist spot for families and youngsters alike, Balamuri Falls can be visited anytime of the year. However after monsoons the river Kaveri is really swell and entry into water is prohibited. Coracle ride, and of course a bath in the river is a must-do during the visit.

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).