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The Wave

I might have known about this place from Windows 7 stock wallpapers, back in 2007. As I started digging around, realized it was not a walk in, walk out kind of spot. And that made it more enticing :) The Wave – aptly named for its wave like rock formation – is situated on the Utah-Arizona border, halfway between Page, Arizona and Kanab, Utah in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the site and its fragile state, BLM limits foot traffic to 20 people/day. That’s right – only 20 people are allowed access to the site at a time, thus preserving the integrity and beauty of The Wave. 10 spots a day via online lottery and 10 via a walk in lottery at the visitor center. It was a long story on the lottery, but I was fortunate to get selected on the second day. As for the hike – it was pretty wild, since there are almost no trail signs at all. It was easy to get lost and a bit dangerous in such a wild zone, but that’s part of what made it so fun :) One of the most beautiful and unique places I’ve adventured. My only regret was, I never made the trip back for a night out with starts, that I had wanted at this spot. Anyway, it has been more than a decade, but the memory is still fresh. These days it isn’t quiet that easy to get the lottery. For this (2020) summer ~500 pitched in for the 10 online lottery spots / day consistently. BLM does a great job of managing the footfall. Given the fragility of the place, these stringent measures are required to ensures it stands for the future generations to experience. We occasionally do some good work , to protect visually fragile spots. But the current situation around COVID19 is beginning to highlight how much we have messed up with mother earth. We just don’t realize the damage, or we just close our eyes. Couple of weeks lock down for us humans – we are already seeing earth vibrations going down, much cleaner air even in the most polluted cities and the animals enjoying the space :) May be we need to manage our foot fall, give space & learn better to cohabit and live in unison with nature.

Keshava temple of Somanathapura

The Chennakesava temple of Somanathapura stands on a raised platform, in the centre of a spacious enclosure having sixty four cells. This three celled (trikutachala) structure consists of three garbha grihas, three antaralas and a navarang. It has a mahadwara standing on the east. The basement of the outer wall is highly ornamented with friezes of elephants, scrolls, epic & puranic scenes. The lathe turned pillars and delicately carved sixteen different types of ceilings are the characteristic feature of the hoysala art. Inscriptions engraved on a huge slab standing in the mahadwara and on the beams of the navaranga ranging in date from 1269 – 1550 AD, give the details of the construction of the temple. When we visited, the outer enclosure was being refurbished. That particular afternoon the brewing storm added to mood of the shot. Shortly after this, witnessed quiet a downpour, but we were safe inside the garbha grihas :)

Arena of Abiqua

This week shot is from 8 years back, but the experience of Abiqua trail is still so fresh in my mind that I can smell the fragrance of the moss & feel the chinless of the water. Abiqua Falls is part of the same geological formation as the waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park, and is not far from there as a bird flies (but significantly longer in distance when travelling by road). As for the hike, one would have to climb over and around rocks and logs, but it can be done. If you are not a big fan of getting messy during hikes – you might not as much enjoy all the sliding, scrambling and wading – but at the end, when you get a glimpse of this view – am sure you would feel it was all well worth it :)

Simple Life

With all the things going around in the world right now, in context of COVID19 – borders being closed, people staying home as much as possible. It is tough times. But nature always has its way of getting things balanced out. Distance socially, but not from yourself. Slow down, breath, find your zen. Enjoy small things in life. Go for a walk, enjoy the sunset, spend some lone time & rejuvenate. Learn something new. Use the opportunity to connect – with people and nature. Stay healthy and stay safe. This scene is from a village in south of India. Just a regular day, a regular guy, spending his morning time in the early morning twilight. Life is simple, the moment we stop making it complex :)

Meghalaya – Land of flying boats

Meghalaya with its magical mist is well known as ‘Land of the Clouds’. The best time to visit the north east is indeed the monsoon season – when the forest is lush and the waterfalls are overflowing. But if you wanna experience a different kind of magic, you should plan to visit between Oct to Feb. During this season, the Umngot river (traversing thru Dwaki & Shnongpdeng) is so crystal clear that one can see the river bed right till the bottom. During this season at the right time of the day, the shadow of the boats fall on the river bed – the river being so clear. This makes the boats float :) After witnessing this little gem at Shnongpdeng, I feel it would be apt to call Meghalaya – Land of flying boats. What do you say :)

Signs of Spring @ Badami

Though Badami is more famous for its cave temples, I liked the visit to the Shivalaya temple better. Situated on the hills on the northern shore of Lake Agasthya, it faces the cave temples on the southern shore. The trek up needs a bit of an effort, but the experience so much makes up for it. This particular early morning, the clouds did not play along for the dramatic sunrise we expected, but the twilight was serene. The fresh spring leaves felt juxtaposed by the gnarled tree & the rugged landscape, but it indeed had a beauty of its own :)

Mesmerizing Munnar

Munnar is a mesmerizing hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala. Munnar derives its name from the 3 rivers that confluence here. Rolling mountains, moving mists, flying clouds, rich green slopes & trees swaying to the cool mountain breeze - it all transports one to a mesmerizing magical world !

King of Pushkarnis

Pushkarni or kalyani – by themselves are an work of art. But this one by Hoysala Kings (in 1163 A.D) – is probably a milestone in the art of constructing Pushkarinis. The details in the work is amazing. This beautiful sacred pool of water is situated in a small village called Hulikere (Huli means tiger and kere refers to a pond), 5 Km from Halebeedu. Surrounded by lush greenery, the water can be reached via the descending stone steps. Locals say that the sanctums and sanctuaries of this pushkarini represent the 12 Zodiac & 27 stellar constellations. This particular day, there was not much water in the pushkarni, but the golden morning sunlight flooded the place and made it even more magical.

Just be happy

Be happy for no reason, like a child. If you are happy for a reason, you’re in trouble, because that reason can be taken from you. – Deepak Chopra Sanibel Thriller provides one of kind experience in the in the waters of Gulf of Mexico. The speed ride circumnavigates the shores of Sanibel and Captiva islands. In addition, the dolphins have a unique relationship with the Sanibel Thriller. They chase the waves created by the speed rider and have so much fun & frolic. They are just happy and would do it all day long. It is one treat to watch :)

Chettinad Natukottai

The Chettinad region around Sivaganga district is well known for its 19th-century mansions, whose wide courtyards and spacious rooms are embellished with marble and teak – imported from around the world like Italy and Burma. Along with the exotic imports, local legend has it that even things like egg whites were used to get the smooth texture on the walls. Chettiars were a mercantile community involved with commerce, banking and money lending from as early as Chola and Pandiya kingdom. Much of their profits went into building these grand residences, which used to be called natukottai or regional fort. Some of the Chettinad homes are so big that their entrance and exits are on parallel streets. The distant door on this shot opens up to the cooking area and the inner courtyards. Can you imagine – what you see below is just one of the several courtyards that spawn up the Natukottai.

Standing Out

Don’t be afraid to Stand out. We are born unique, but spend the first couple of decades of our life, learning to confirm. Learn – it is important. But – Learn critical life skills. Learn what helps you to stand out. Learn to differentiate what is being shoved down your throat by so-called society. Don’t be afraid to Stand out. Don’t lose the uniqueness that is You.

Autumn Glow

How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.

Window with a View

The views you get to see, depends on the windows you choose. If you don’t like where you are (even in life), get up & move. You are the one who can decide what happens to you. Worst case, you can at least decide how to respond, with what happens to you – and that makes a world of difference :)

Cosmic View by Backyard

The Cosmos is all that is, or ever was, or ever will be. – Carl Segan It is one thing to drive out to the county side in the dark of the night to enjoy the stars. But imagine a world where you could wait for the sun to go down the horizon, grab some coffee and just enjoy this celestial view. There exists places where, when the sun sets the black curtain rolls up and the sky fills with dazzling stars. Most of us being urban dwellers, ought to do more to protect the night sky. Not just for the sake of protecting it, but for the sake of amazing views and serene feeling it brings !

Million shades of green

It is no surprise that autumn shines with million colors. But Spring shines with a million shades of one color - Green :)

An Art called Autumn

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.

Sunrise by Choleswaran Kovil

It would have been great if some clouds were there to make the sunrise more dramatic. But am not complaining – since just few hours before this – I got to witness the grandeur of the night, with Milky Way hanging just over the Kopuram … Lesson to self : Always make the most of what is around, than complaining for what could have been better :)

That tree in Hampi

Vittala Temple is one of the most extravagant architectural showpiece of Hampi. Words can not depict this spectacle. This temple was built in the form of a sprawling campus with compound wall and gateway towers. There are many halls, pavilions and temples located inside this campus. But this wonderfully shriveled tree, standing tall, just around the corner from the famous Stone Chariot at Vitthala Temple, steals the show. The temple built around 15th century – is a splendor. But this tree dated back by 150 years – equally matches to its grandeur. The twilight sun – kissing the wizened tree was a sight to behold.

Separate yet same

The Oaks of Charleston – at the outset it looks like each one is standing in a line – individually. Look further, and you would realize each one of them is connected at a far deeper level – by the comprehensive root system. But not always the connections manifest at a physical level. We are connected with each other & everything that surrounds us. Be aware, Breathe, when you get a chance to walk on the grass barefoot, hug that tree, sense the surrounding, feel the connection – with one another & the surroundings :)

Sunset, as seen by the falls

Smokies is such a vast place – that you can find an interesting subject to shoot, irrespective of the weather – lovely sunrises, dynamic landscape, long exposure waterfalls, fireflies, dark skies and what not – you get the picture. This particular afternoon started out as a moody and overcast one. After gambling that the the sunset would not hit the high cord, decided to hike up to the little Gotto Falls. But as luck would have it – the overcast became cloudy, resulting in a bit of drizzle, eventually clearing up by around sun set. The colors were starting to show up thru the trees, but it was too late to head out. That is when I decided to capture how the falls would witness such a lovely sunset … how do u like it :)

Stillness

The Stillness that you search within can be initiated with external triggers – that slow melody, that soothing breeze as you walk by nature, that moment when the sunset makes the sky as its canvas. If nothing else, just have a deep breath. When you cannot handle the mind directly, it can be handled through breath … Hope this serene sunset from Hampi, brings you the peace you are looking for :)

Shipwreck by Keys

Seeing a place from a different vantage point always makes it stand out. Getting over the keys was one of the best ways to enjoy the view. We even got to see some marine life (sharks and rays, etc.). The different colors in the water helped appreciate & perceive how shallow some places indeed were. In addition, getting to view the ship wreck made the experience complete :)

Star Fort of Sakleshpur

Sakaleshpur a hill station town, in Malnad region lies on the magnificent mountains of the Western Ghats. It has a temperate climate surrounded with lofty green hills full of Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper and Areca Plantations. And hidden in this forest is the amazing fort of Manjarabad. Started in 1785 and after almost 7 years, Tipu Sultan completed this star-shaped fort as part his defense strategy. This enabled him to see British Army from Mangalore. Also, it is said to be used for storing ammonia, horses, and a secret tunnel to Srirangapatna – capital of Tipu Sultan. Though – in the present day – the busy Bangalore Mangalore N48 runs close to the fort, not many take time to stop by and enjoy this marvel. I was glad I did :)

Not all conversations needs words

So, if you are too tired to speak, sit next to me for I, too, am fluent in silence. Some conversations need words, some needs just silence :)

The Hiker in Red Jacket

Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry, hence its name. Unfortunately no one told this is true, only when the flow is low. That particular day we got pretty wet – with the spotty rains and more so from the spray of the falls. Not that we were complaining, but it would have been good to know ! With the rain, I was not shooting much and this particular view felt cliche – but the hiker in the red jacket (yeah that tiny red fleck you can see, in the center of the frame, about to hike behind the falls) made all the difference and I couldn’t resit but go for the click :)

Magic of Kodai

If Ooty is the “Queen of the hills”, Kodaikanal goes with “Princess of the hills”. Folks also refer to kodaikanal as “Switzerland of the East”, “Set of Southern Emeralds”, “Chilled paradise among the Hills”, “Summer Heaven”. In Tamil – Kodaikanal has several meanings depending on how you break it up – “A place to see in Summer (kodai kanal)”, “The End of the forest (kO Di kanal)”, “The forest of the Creepers (kodi kanal)”, ” The Gift of the Forest (kOdai kanal)” – (oh the beauty of Tamil) But what is there in the name … Irrespective of how you call, it is beautiful. The view points, lake and everything else is well developed but the beauty is still kept, atleast in pockets. The floating mist as it sails thru the valley, adds magic to the already beautiful place :)

Sunset by the Concrete Jungle

The sun doesn’t care … it sets just the same way be it majestic mountains, lovely valleys or man made concrete jungles. It continues it’s magic. But may be we should care. Or is it already too late to fix the mess we are creating and embracing nature more ?

Calming the Chaos

Our society thrives on the concept of being busy all the time. The entire system is built around to keep you busy, on the edge, always being bothered, forcing to carry the mountains that aren’t yours to carry. Photography for me, helps to go within and contemplate what is it I am here to do. Sometimes our life is full of chaos, sometimes the mind is full of chaos. It is all about Calming the Chaos … Hidden in the chaos, are the treasures of life … Would you agree :)

The Path of Fireflies

This is not a great shot in technical sense, but the experience was quiet surreal … I was really lucky : I got to experience the synchronous fireflies at Smokies for two years in a row. For the first year I got the tickets (this was the first year when they introduced the lottery for the viewing). For the second year I was not that lucky – the tickets got sold in minutes, from when it was opened up online. As I was exploring to see if anyone would share or other alternate options – realized that booking a camp site at Elkmont campground, during the same days – would grant access to the trails. After trying few days, was able to grab a reservation as someone else cancelled. This even had an added advantage – It gets you within a mile of the Elkmont Viewing area. Even more, one could hike up the entire trail to avoid the crowds, much beyond the set area for lottery viewing. Just make sure to carry the campground reservation. This shot is a composite of 164 shots (22 minutes) and around 8 sec exposure for the foreground. Thanks to the Sony A7S II that I was able to rent. This low light monster was able to capture so much of details even in the faint moon light ! The 70% gibbous moon was not conducive for the fireflies, but that did help light up the nearby stream :) The hustling stream, chilling breeze, dark of the night, the little bit moon lit forest, walking with my son, by the trail into the Smokies Forest & Fireflies along the path – it was indeed a surreal experience !

Just show up

It was almost new year’s eve and we were in the process of moving out of Florida. As much as I was excited about the move to the new place, I knew I would miss those lovely florida sunsets. That particular Friday was pretty darn cloudy. Looking up the forecast via Clear Outside, realized the evening was going to be 99% cloudy. Was debating if it was worth taking the chance. Since there were not many more evenings left in Florida, decided to just drive out. It was pretty overcast all along and the sun was nowhere to be seen. But the walk by the lake was pretty soothing with the evening breeze. Then the 1% clear sky happened by the horizon. And that was enough for the sun to put up a show … Sometime, all you got to do is just show up :)

The Perfect Traveller

Enroute to Smokies we heard about this waterfalls that was tucked away in the mountains. We decided to make the trip to Minnehaha and it was well worth it. Located the trail head with head with help of GPS [34.749633, -83.479083]. There were very few parking spots by the road, but the drive up the winding road and the lake was quick a sight. Once you locate the trail head (with small set up stairs from the road) and get a parking spot, the fun continues. The trail is somewhat uphill, but the few stairs sprinkled along the way helped. In addition to the trail, The falls itself is incredible. They spills over a cliff in a gorgeous, multi-tiered cascade before continuing downstream to the Lake Rabun shore. The morning sun, the floating fog, the spray from the falls, the chillness of the water – it all makes it a worthwhile experience. Water is the most perfect traveller, because when it travels it becomes the path itself ! ― Mehmet Murat ildan

The Prakaram of Nemam Temple

Nemam Temple near Karikudi is one among the 9 temples connected with the Nagarathar community. The nine temples connected with the Nagarathar or Natukottai chettiyar include: Ilayathakudi, Iluppaikkudi, Iraniyur, Mathur, Nemam, Pillayarpatti, Soorakudi, Vairavan, and Velangudi. Some of these like Pillayarpatti are more prominent than others. But the intricate work at Nemam temple makes it stand out. Sculptures in the temple are so artistic, minute and sharp. The prakaram around the inner sanctum was definitely an architectural splendor. Once could sense how accurate these were laid out. The windows on the top brings in the right amount of sun to light up the prakaram and the beauty of the sculptures.

Soul of Ooty

It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. As the summer temperatures were soaring up pretty much everywhere, we decided to head to Ooty – Queen of the Hills – for a short break. Being a impromptu travel, there was not much time for planning or scouting locations. Being our first trip to Ooty, we made the mistake of booking the last of the rooms by Ooty downtown. Thought it would be good to enjoy a walk by the lake or get to the shops. But, oh boy the traffic was similar to that of Bangalore SilkBoard, if not worse :) The serene drive to Emerald & Avalanche Lake, next day, balanced it all out. Some spots were indeed blocked or restricted, since it is owned by Electric Board and used for electricity generation. These spots need prior planning and securing permits beforehand. Still the drive is very picturesque and worth even if you were not able to secure the permits. This weeks shot is a view is from a quick curve by the road side, as we were driving back from Emerald lake to Ooty. I love this shot – it distills the essence of all that Ooty has to offer – Queen of hills, land of lakes, rolling coffee plantations, distant fog and a bit of human settlement. The sunset colors were a pleasant addition and the afternoon thunderstorms accentuated it. Ooty being cloudy / foggy most of the time, we did not expect this scene. But we gladly enjoyed as it unfolded in all its glory ! Surprises like these and more are what make the impromptu travel so additive :)

Perspective

Perspective – it changes everything. One of the amazing things in life – just when we think we have everything figured out & then you stumble upon something new or suddenly see the same things in a different perspective & everything shifts again :) Today’s shot is that of a top perspective of Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam temple – something that most would never have witnessed, lest be captured in the golden twilight. Perspective – it changes everything :)

Courage

Courage in the path is what makes the path manifest itself - Paulo Coelho

Cosmic Unison

Some dreaming, some planning and a lot of waiting was involved for this shot. When I first got to visit this spot, I went crazy with ideas like a kid with cotton candy. Of those, capturing this beauty under the cosmic stars was on top. This past weekend everything came together to make this possible ... The temple was just couple feet away while the milky way was 25,000 light years away. The temple was constructed around 1000 years back while the milky way is from a couple million years back. Separated vastly by space and time, yet in in cosmic unison – it was one beautiful sight to behold ! Being no moon, it was quiet dark. Hence decided to play with light painting to make the temple pop. To make it even sweeter, I had a lovely assistant who diligently worked with me thru the process. Having to accompany my son on his first night out and shooting stars was even a greater experience :)

Little things

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

In spite of everything …

You can feel the stars and the infinity of the sky since life, in spite of everything, is like a dream. – Vincent van Gogh In spite of all the noise, there is a connect when you are with the nature In spite of all the chaos, there is a tranquil when you are with the cosmos In spite of all the chase, there is a silence when you are with the stars Cherish it, live it, love it and don’t ever lose it !

Merku Gopuram of Meenakshi Temple

This shot is just part of the base 2 tiers of the 9 tier Merku Gopuram (west tower) of Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai. The temple complex spanning 14 acers - has 4 nine-storey gopurams (outer, raja), 1 seven-storey gopuram (Chittirai), 5 five-storey gopurams, 2 three-storey, and 2 one-storey gold-gilded sanctum towers. Each one compete and excel at being more intricate and detailed as the other. Though there are references to Meenakshi Amman temple in literature going back to 6th century, these were restored back to its pristine glory in the 16th century, when King Thirumalai Naicker came back to power in Madurai. What awe-inspiring structures, with-standing the test of time. With such intricate work, would you believe this was conceived and constructed centuries ago ?!!!

Love

Love is the absence of judgment !

View with a Vertigo

Dubai is known for high rise skyscrapers and its views. But this one is special. This is probably what Tom Cruise would have seen, when maneuvering over Burj Khalifa, if he had done the same stunt by night :)

Kotravaleeswarar Temple of Koviloor

The Koviloor temple of "Sri Kotravaleeswarar" was initially built by the Pandiya King "Veerasekara Pandiyan" - approximately thousand years ago. Legend says that once when King Veerasekaran was on his hunting at this place, he lost his sword and later recovered it. The temple was raised for the lord who helped recover the same. And hence the name Kotrai val eeswaran Temple ! The temple tank right in front of the temple called Madhu Puskarani, is one magnificent structure. The pretty mandapam backed by the row of coconut trees, reflected in the sparkling waters is a sight to behold, especially during sunset.

Divine Island

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam (வண்டியூர் மாரியம்மன் தெப்பக்குளம்) is a temple tank located near to Vandiyur Mariamman Temple and situated at a distance of about 4 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. Teppakulam, literally translates to temple pond and is mainly used for devotional festivals. The tank is connected to Vaigai River through an ingenious system of underground channels. This was constructed by the King Thirumalai Nayak. One of the largest Ganesha, the Mukkuruni Vinayagar in Meenakshi Amman Temple is said to be found when this tank is dug in 1645. As a kid, I had seen this pond often used as cricket playing field. But when filled with water, the artificial tank makes the temple within - an island and is a sight to behold. An walk around this would take 30 minutes and would be awesome during early morning or evening times. The place is filled up with lot of road side shops to eat and walk with. If the tank is filled with water and the climate is breezy, you definitely would enjoy this spot !

Find your light

The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It's our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows. Find your light and make it shine :)

Alone by the Gulf

This is from few years back. Photographically not a great shot. But this brings back candid memories from the sole road trip, chasing some light and lightning ! The twilight Sun, wears the veil of the rainfall Thunder, though distant, rumbles across the Clouds The rolling waves, gently crash across the feet The gentle breeze with its tropical warmth, caresses the face And I realize – I am no longer alone :)

Ocean Entry @ Hawaii

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – Mark Twain The lava flow and the associated ocean entry, when it happens, is a sight to behold. It is, as if the lava flows all the way to jump into the ocean, while the water keeps lashing it back. Together they keep creating earth, one layer at a time !

Center of my Universe

You are not at the center of The Universe, but you definitely are center of your universe :)

Iraniyur

Just a short drive from karaikudi is lraniyur, which hosts this lovely Aatkondanathar Swami temple. As the first rays of the sun hit, birds chirped all around, accompanied by the cool and pristine breeze - one is just teleported to a different world and time ! The history goes that Lord Narasimha incurred a dosha for killing demon Hiranya. He worshipped Lord Shiva for relief. Lord Shiv granted darshan to Lord Narashima and cleansed him of His dosha.