Opulent Elegance: A Journey through Ornate India (Part-8)

Saturday Evenings and Mall Road in Shimla have a very strong connection. During my sabbatical, I was there in Shimla on Saturday and planned to have a round of Mall Road as well. This Photo Journey shares some moments spent around Mall Road on Saturday Evening and the associated memories.During my graduation from Himachal Pradesh University, we used to stay at Shangati, which is around 6 kilometers from Mall Road, Shimla. And every saturday we used to walk from Shangti or summerhill to Mall Road via Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Chaura Maidaan & Vidhan Sabha.It was part of our default routine to visit Mall Road to take 4-6 rounds of Mall Road & Ridge and have quick-snacks at Chachu's Tea shop on other end of the Mall Road. Friends who had girl-friends, they used to roam around other places like Top Breads, Barista or other fancy places to eat :).Why Saturday is so special. Basically most of the folks of shimla used to come to Mall Road during evening. All School & College Kids, Office working people etc. Don't know why but it has become a strong trend in Shimla to visit Mall Road on Saturday Evening. During the recent visit, we explored some of the new cafes and really loved the Wake & Bake Cafe, which is just in front of Shimla Town-Hall on Mall Road. Above photograph shows one of the art-work on walls of Wake & Bake Cafe.We met a gentleman who shared different stories about Shimla and some interesting observations on Mall Road which can't be shared on this blog. Aneesh encouraged him to have some detailed discussion about army and Indian politics. After all those conversations he also tried to tell Aneesh about his future and related stuff. It seems, this gentleman is found on Mall road every evening.Here is a photograph showingone portion of Gaiety Theatre building which is being used by Himachal police department. It's a beautiful building in front of Town-Hall Shimla.A beautiful night view of Mall Road Shimla - Town-Hall building on right. Most of the shooting on Kareeb movie has happened in this region. Town-Hall which is on right was shown as hospital and there is Fire-Station on left which was shown as laundry where Bobby Deol used to stay. Anyways, many other movies are shot around these beautiful buildings on Mall Road of Shimla. Most of the shops/buildings on Mall Road have old architecture and the ones which are new have been designed to match with overall feel on the town. Most of the old buildings are from British era. The beautiful architecture if the one of the reasons which make this city beautiful.Fruit vendor near Willow Bank building who welcomed us with plates full of fresh fruits - Cherries, Kiwi & Strawberries. Probably he chose best of the lot for us. Every piece was amazingly tasty. He is a big fan of Aneesh's bike stunts and an old friend when Aneesh used to live in Shimla.

Aguada Fort is very popular destination for tourists in goa. It's not only about tourists who love thials place but localities and Bollywood keeps showing their love the place. Many of the bollywood movies are shot at this place and 'Rang de Basanti' is known the most among them. Aguada Fort looks awesome during monsoons and exposes to an amazing view of the sea from a high place. This Photo Journey shares some of the moments spent around Aguada Fort through Photographs. All of the Aguada Fort pictures in this Photo Journey are clicked during monsoon season. Aguada fort is very approachable from differentplaces in Goa like Panjim, Candolim, Calangule, Baga etc. The Fort Aguada is a very well preserved portuguese fort which is there in Goa for last few centuaries. This is actually located near Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea around India. There is a working lighthouse inside this fort which you must have noticed in the first photograph as well in the photograph just above. Aguada Fort is located around 20 kilometers from Panajim, the Old part of Goa.Almost every tourist who comes to Goa, visits Aguada Fort. Aguada Fort timings are 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM. It's open on all days of the week. I thought of sharing timings here because, before coming to Aguada Fort we checked for two things - Timings & it's location on Map. Aguada fort map is much needed becausin Goa, you get different information about this fort from different sources. We realized that the name Aguada is used by many properties and many times people may guide you to some property.The Aguada fort was constructed in 16th centuary to guard this land against the Dutch and the Marathas. Aguada was a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe in old days. Aguada is an old Portuguese fort which is on south of Candolim beach and stands at the shore of the Mandovi River.Above photogrph shows amazing views of Arabic Sea... As shown in bollywood movie 'Rang de Basanti', this place expose tourists to some of the unique views & experiences of Goa. We went there in morning and found it best time to visit. Usually Aguada Fort is very crowded with tourists, so it's recommended to reach there early, which essentially means 10 am and explore the place. After our visit to Aguada Fort, we drove to the beach which was near Goa Jail. Many of the folks were doing fishing there and we saw hundreds of crabs on the beach. This was an awesome experience and we shall dedicate a separate Photo Journey to those crabs :)Many times, Goans confuse the fort with Aguada fort Taj which comes on the way to the fort and it's one of the most popular properties to stay in Goa. Apart from that many folks visit Vivanta by Taj and beaches around it. It has also become one of the main tourist destination. There are few fort like structures around Vivanta where tourists like to visit to witness high tides of the seaName of Aguada Fort is taken from freshwater spring which used to suppy water to the ships coming there. 'Agua' in actually a portuguese means water, and hence the fort was named 'Aguada' to denote a place where water is accumulated. There was time when fort was protected by more than 200 cannons and a deep dry moat, which one still has to cross to get inside. More details about history of this fort can be checked at - http://www.goatourism.gov.in/destinations/forts/150-aguada-fortFort has multiple levels and one needs to climb stairs to explore fort, so it's not recommended for folks having trouble in climbing high places and in general one needs to walk a lot to explore the fort. It seems that the land around the fort is now owned by The Indian Hotels Company. On the ramparts behind the fort is the Fort Aguada Beach Resort. This property is owned by Tatas and is part of an 85+ acres complex overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is situated on Sinquerim Beach and looks beautiful from road. Fort Aguada Beach Resort looks awesome with beautiful villas and cottages, with unmatchable views of Arabian sea.We didn't spend much time around Aguada Fort, as the list to do was long and there were many more exciting things in our mind. But it was wroth visiting Aguada Fort for short splan of time... On the back journey we noticed a beautoful beach with lot of ships parked there and planned to visit the same. It was Coco beach and following link shares the exciting experience with fishermen on the Coco Beach.

Aguada Fort is very popular destination for tourists in goa. It's not only about tourists who love thials place but localities and Bollywood keeps showing their love the place. Many of the bollywood movies are shot at this place and 'Rang de Basanti' is known the most among them. Aguada Fort looks awesome during monsoons and exposes to an amazing view of the sea from a high place. This Photo Journey shares some of the moments spent around Aguada Fort through Photographs. All of the Aguada Fort pictures in this Photo Journey are clicked during monsoon season. Aguada fort is very approachable from differentplaces in Goa like Panjim, Candolim, Calangule, Baga etc. The Fort Aguada is a very well preserved portuguese fort which is there in Goa for last few centuaries. This is actually located near Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea around India. There is a working lighthouse inside this fort which you must have noticed in the first photograph as well in the photograph just above. Aguada Fort is located around 20 kilometers from Panajim, the Old part of Goa.Almost every tourist who comes to Goa, visits Aguada Fort. Aguada Fort timings are 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM. It's open on all days of the week. I thought of sharing timings here because, before coming to Aguada Fort we checked for two things - Timings & it's location on Map. Aguada fort map is much needed becausin Goa, you get different information about this fort from different sources. We realized that the name Aguada is used by many properties and many times people may guide you to some property.The Aguada fort was constructed in 16th centuary to guard this land against the Dutch and the Marathas. Aguada was a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe in old days. Aguada is an old Portuguese fort which is on south of Candolim beach and stands at the shore of the Mandovi River.Above photogrph shows amazing views of Arabic Sea... As shown in bollywood movie 'Rang de Basanti', this place expose tourists to some of the unique views & experiences of Goa. We went there in morning and found it best time to visit. Usually Aguada Fort is very crowded with tourists, so it's recommended to reach there early, which essentially means 10 am and explore the place. After our visit to Aguada Fort, we drove to the beach which was near Goa Jail. Many of the folks were doing fishing there and we saw hundreds of crabs on the beach. This was an awesome experience and we shall dedicate a separate Photo Journey to those crabs :)Many times, Goans confuse the fort with Aguada fort Taj which comes on the way to the fort and it's one of the most popular properties to stay in Goa. Apart from that many folks visit Vivanta by Taj and beaches around it. It has also become one of the main tourist destination. There are few fort like structures around Vivanta where tourists like to visit to witness high tides of the seaName of Aguada Fort is taken from freshwater spring which used to suppy water to the ships coming there. 'Agua' in actually a portuguese means water, and hence the fort was named 'Aguada' to denote a place where water is accumulated. There was time when fort was protected by more than 200 cannons and a deep dry moat, which one still has to cross to get inside. More details about history of this fort can be checked at - http://www.goatourism.gov.in/destinations/forts/150-aguada-fortFort has multiple levels and one needs to climb stairs to explore fort, so it's not recommended for folks having trouble in climbing high places and in general one needs to walk a lot to explore the fort. It seems that the land around the fort is now owned by The Indian Hotels Company. On the ramparts behind the fort is the Fort Aguada Beach Resort. This property is owned by Tatas and is part of an 85+ acres complex overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is situated on Sinquerim Beach and looks beautiful from road. Fort Aguada Beach Resort looks awesome with beautiful villas and cottages, with unmatchable views of Arabian sea.We didn't spend much time around Aguada Fort, as the list to do was long and there were many more exciting things in our mind. But it was wroth visiting Aguada Fort for short splan of time... On the back journey we noticed a beautoful beach with lot of ships parked there and planned to visit the same. It was Coco beach and following link shares the exciting experience with fishermen on the Coco Beach.

















Baijnath is famous for it's old Shiva temple which was built in 13th Centuary. Shiva is considered as ‘the Lord of physicians’. Baijnath was originally known as Kiragrama and it lies on Pathankot-Palampur-Manali highway (National Highway No. 20) almost midway between Kangra and Mandi. The present name Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The town is located on the left bank of the river Binwa, which is a corrupt form of ancient Binduka(a tributary of river Beas). Let's check out this Photo Journey to know more about this temple in Baijnath...This famous temple of Shiva is very close to main road which connects Palampur with Mandi, via Jogindernagar. Baijnath town is almost on border of Kangra Border. Mandi Boundary starts at around 4-5 kilometers from main town. This temple comes on left as we move from Palampur to Mandi via Baijnath Town.Temple is visible from main road and there is a well maintained garden in it's back. At times, monkeys can also be seen around the temple and this green garden. This temple is on a hill top but there is no climb involved to reach the main campus. On other side of the temple there is a deep valley with wonderful view of flowing river with snow capped hills in background.Overall surroundings of Shiva Temple are pleasing...Temple in current form is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The Svayambhu form of Sivalinga is enshrined in main temple that has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall curvilinear Shikhara.Baijnath is popular for it's ancient temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Neighbouring towns of Baijnath are Palampur in Kangra district and Jogindernagar town in Mandi District.There are two balconies on two sides of main temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Above photograph shows some portions of a balcony..There is a small porch in front of mandapa hall that rests on four pillars in the front preceded by an idol of Nandi, the bull, in a small pillared shrine. Whole temple is enclosed by a high wall with entrances in the south and north. The outer walls of the temple have several niches with images of gods and goddesses. Numerous images are also fixed or carved in the walls.It is believed that durin Treta Yug, Ravana worshiped Lord Shiva in Kailash for getting invincible powers . In the same process, to please the almighty he offered his ten heads in havan kund. Influenced by this extra ordinary deed of Ravana, Lord Shiva not only restored his heads but also bestowed him with powers of invincibility and immortality.Most of the walls around main temple and outer walls have different designed carved out...The temple attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims from different parts of India and abroad throughout the year. Special prayers are offered in the morning and evening every day besides on special occasions and during festive seasonsSculptures of Chamunda Devi and Kartikey can be seen on the walls of main Shiva Temple. To have very specific details about these designs, check out official website of Baijnath Shiva Temple at http://www.baijnathtemple.com/Makara Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Vaisakha Sankranti, Shravana Mondays, etc. are celebrated with great zeal and splendor. A five day state level function is held here on Maha Shivratri every year.More photographs of Baijnath Shiva Temple can be seen at Lonely Planet website - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/751/42834/Baijnath+Shiva+Temple.+Kangra+Valley,+Himachal+Pradesh,+India?destId=356262

Baijnath is famous for it's old Shiva temple which was built in 13th Centuary. Shiva is considered as ‘the Lord of physicians’. Baijnath was originally known as Kiragrama and it lies on Pathankot-Palampur-Manali highway (National Highway No. 20) almost midway between Kangra and Mandi. The present name Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple. The town is located on the left bank of the river Binwa, which is a corrupt form of ancient Binduka(a tributary of river Beas). Let's check out this Photo Journey to know more about this temple in Baijnath...This famous temple of Shiva is very close to main road which connects Palampur with Mandi, via Jogindernagar. Baijnath town is almost on border of Kangra Border. Mandi Boundary starts at around 4-5 kilometers from main town. This temple comes on left as we move from Palampur to Mandi via Baijnath Town.Temple is visible from main road and there is a well maintained garden in it's back. At times, monkeys can also be seen around the temple and this green garden. This temple is on a hill top but there is no climb involved to reach the main campus. On other side of the temple there is a deep valley with wonderful view of flowing river with snow capped hills in background.Overall surroundings of Shiva Temple are pleasing...Temple in current form is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The Svayambhu form of Sivalinga is enshrined in main temple that has five projections on each side and is surmounted with a tall curvilinear Shikhara.Baijnath is popular for it's ancient temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Neighbouring towns of Baijnath are Palampur in Kangra district and Jogindernagar town in Mandi District.There are two balconies on two sides of main temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Above photograph shows some portions of a balcony..There is a small porch in front of mandapa hall that rests on four pillars in the front preceded by an idol of Nandi, the bull, in a small pillared shrine. Whole temple is enclosed by a high wall with entrances in the south and north. The outer walls of the temple have several niches with images of gods and goddesses. Numerous images are also fixed or carved in the walls.It is believed that durin Treta Yug, Ravana worshiped Lord Shiva in Kailash for getting invincible powers . In the same process, to please the almighty he offered his ten heads in havan kund. Influenced by this extra ordinary deed of Ravana, Lord Shiva not only restored his heads but also bestowed him with powers of invincibility and immortality.Most of the walls around main temple and outer walls have different designed carved out...The temple attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims from different parts of India and abroad throughout the year. Special prayers are offered in the morning and evening every day besides on special occasions and during festive seasonsSculptures of Chamunda Devi and Kartikey can be seen on the walls of main Shiva Temple. To have very specific details about these designs, check out official website of Baijnath Shiva Temple at http://www.baijnathtemple.com/Makara Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Vaisakha Sankranti, Shravana Mondays, etc. are celebrated with great zeal and splendor. A five day state level function is held here on Maha Shivratri every year.More photographs of Baijnath Shiva Temple can be seen at Lonely Planet website - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/751/42834/Baijnath+Shiva+Temple.+Kangra+Valley,+Himachal+Pradesh,+India?destId=356262

Old Photo Journey of St. John's Church is one of the most popular ones so far and if you have missed old one, we strongly recommend to see old photographs and those were clicked in appropriate season of the year with wonderful Himalayan Hues... HERE... This Photo Journey shared some of the recent photographs from our last visit to Mcledoganj and next will be planned with Mountain-Cleaners to make surroundings of this place cleanerThis time, we had enough time to spend around St. John Church in Mcledoganj. We were staying in Dharmshala, took a local bus from Dharmshala Bus-Station and reached this church which comes on the way from Dharmshala to Mcledoganj. It was a great welcome at church with wonderful music all around. I have been to this place many times and this was first time, when we listened prayers at St. John Church. It was Sunday Morning..This road you see on left is the one which connects Mcledoganj with Dharmshala. Mcledoganj is hardly 1.5 kilometers from here and after spending some time around the church we walked till Mcledoganj Market. In above photograph you can see that church is just on right side of this road and connected through a well maintained concrete path till main gateThis Photograph shows back side of St. John Church. Entry is on other side which is facing main road. This Photograph is clicked from the forest which is in back side of this church, although this whole hill is covered with high Cedar Trees. It was clear day, which is extremely unpredictable in Dharmshala/Mcledoganj. In India after Chirapoongi, Dharmshala gets maximum rains. In fact on same day it rained and we had to spend 2 hrs inside a cafe at Mcledoganj.During this visit, we met a gentleman who was cleaning the space around St. John Church. He comes to this place from Dharmshala every Sunday and do this work as a volunteer. Unfortunately he can't clean all hills around this place and tourists have made this place full of plastic bottles and wrappers. Mountain Cleaners is an organization which is based in Mcledoganj put their best efforts in ensuring cleanness around this part of State. Photo Journey team will try to clean the space around St John Church with Mountain-Cleaners next timeOverall this is a peaceful place to spend some time, although I know many people don't like such places. In past, I recommended this place to friends who visited Mcledoganj and they didn't like this place. Anyways, it's personal choice and it's worth to at least visit it onceIts churchyard is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, who served as Governor General of the Province of Canada, who oversaw the Creation of Responsible Government in Canada, and later while in China, ordered the complete destruction of the Old Summer Palace. He became Governor-General & Viceroy of India in 1861 during the British Raj, though he soon died at Dharamshala on November 20, 1863 and was buried there. (Courtesy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John_in_the_Wilderness)The most notable memorial and one which adjoins the church (the one you see on left side of first photograph in Photo Journey), is the elaborate stone memorial that was erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.The inscription reads - In memory of JAMES BRUCE, Earl of Elign and Kincardine K.T. G.C.B. G.M. S. I. Viceroy, and Governor-General of India, who having previously served his country as Governor of Jamaica, Governor General of Canada, High commissioner and Ambassador to China, and in other High offices, died at Dhurmsala in the discharge of his duties, on the 20th November 1863, aged 52 years and 4 months.There are many graves outside the St. John's church where many Britishers of that period have been buried. Still their names are engraved there. People visiting Mcleodganj often visit this fantastic church and get to know a lot about British history in India. This Photograph is clicked in front part of main church. There is a huge area where lot of graves are facing main Mcleodganj town.Apart from the one in front, there are some graves in backyard of St. John's Church in Mcledoganj. On both sides, this church is flanked by a well tended cemetery over the grassy slopes. Some of the graves are of those who were killed in the great earthquake of 1905. The inscriptions on others have a heartrending poignancy... (Courtsey - http://www.yatra.com/holiday-packages/destinations/in/mcleodganj/attractions/church+of+st+john+in+the+wilderness)St John Church structure survived 1905 Kangra earthquake, which killed close to 19800 people, injured thousands in the Kangra area and destroyed most buildings in Kangra, Mcleodganj and Dharamshala... its spire, Bell tower, was however destroyed. Later, a new bell, built in 1915 by Mears and Stainbank, which was brought from England and installed outside in the compound of the church. It's just in front of main gate of Church, enclosed with concrete on three side and iron bars on front sideSt. John in the Wilderness is an Anglican church dedicated to Saint John which was built in 1852 and located near Mcledoganj suurb of Dharamshala, India... Set amidst deodar forest and built in neo-Gothic architecture, this church is known for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord ElginWeather around this place very pleasant. It remains cool even when Mcledoganj is hot due to direct sunlight. This part is mainly surrounded by dense and high cedar trees.If you keep your eyes open, this place is surrounded by beautiful flora as well. Lot of tiny flower in different colors can be seen in these hills.

Old Photo Journey of St. John's Church is one of the most popular ones so far and if you have missed old one, we strongly recommend to see old photographs and those were clicked in appropriate season of the year with wonderful Himalayan Hues... HERE... This Photo Journey shared some of the recent photographs from our last visit to Mcledoganj and next will be planned with Mountain-Cleaners to make surroundings of this place cleanerThis time, we had enough time to spend around St. John Church in Mcledoganj. We were staying in Dharmshala, took a local bus from Dharmshala Bus-Station and reached this church which comes on the way from Dharmshala to Mcledoganj. It was a great welcome at church with wonderful music all around. I have been to this place many times and this was first time, when we listened prayers at St. John Church. It was Sunday Morning..This road you see on left is the one which connects Mcledoganj with Dharmshala. Mcledoganj is hardly 1.5 kilometers from here and after spending some time around the church we walked till Mcledoganj Market. In above photograph you can see that church is just on right side of this road and connected through a well maintained concrete path till main gateThis Photograph shows back side of St. John Church. Entry is on other side which is facing main road. This Photograph is clicked from the forest which is in back side of this church, although this whole hill is covered with high Cedar Trees. It was clear day, which is extremely unpredictable in Dharmshala/Mcledoganj. In India after Chirapoongi, Dharmshala gets maximum rains. In fact on same day it rained and we had to spend 2 hrs inside a cafe at Mcledoganj.During this visit, we met a gentleman who was cleaning the space around St. John Church. He comes to this place from Dharmshala every Sunday and do this work as a volunteer. Unfortunately he can't clean all hills around this place and tourists have made this place full of plastic bottles and wrappers. Mountain Cleaners is an organization which is based in Mcledoganj put their best efforts in ensuring cleanness around this part of State. Photo Journey team will try to clean the space around St John Church with Mountain-Cleaners next timeOverall this is a peaceful place to spend some time, although I know many people don't like such places. In past, I recommended this place to friends who visited Mcledoganj and they didn't like this place. Anyways, it's personal choice and it's worth to at least visit it onceIts churchyard is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, who served as Governor General of the Province of Canada, who oversaw the Creation of Responsible Government in Canada, and later while in China, ordered the complete destruction of the Old Summer Palace. He became Governor-General & Viceroy of India in 1861 during the British Raj, though he soon died at Dharamshala on November 20, 1863 and was buried there. (Courtesy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John_in_the_Wilderness)The most notable memorial and one which adjoins the church (the one you see on left side of first photograph in Photo Journey), is the elaborate stone memorial that was erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.The inscription reads - In memory of JAMES BRUCE, Earl of Elign and Kincardine K.T. G.C.B. G.M. S. I. Viceroy, and Governor-General of India, who having previously served his country as Governor of Jamaica, Governor General of Canada, High commissioner and Ambassador to China, and in other High offices, died at Dhurmsala in the discharge of his duties, on the 20th November 1863, aged 52 years and 4 months.There are many graves outside the St. John's church where many Britishers of that period have been buried. Still their names are engraved there. People visiting Mcleodganj often visit this fantastic church and get to know a lot about British history in India. This Photograph is clicked in front part of main church. There is a huge area where lot of graves are facing main Mcleodganj town.Apart from the one in front, there are some graves in backyard of St. John's Church in Mcledoganj. On both sides, this church is flanked by a well tended cemetery over the grassy slopes. Some of the graves are of those who were killed in the great earthquake of 1905. The inscriptions on others have a heartrending poignancy... (Courtsey - http://www.yatra.com/holiday-packages/destinations/in/mcleodganj/attractions/church+of+st+john+in+the+wilderness)St John Church structure survived 1905 Kangra earthquake, which killed close to 19800 people, injured thousands in the Kangra area and destroyed most buildings in Kangra, Mcleodganj and Dharamshala... its spire, Bell tower, was however destroyed. Later, a new bell, built in 1915 by Mears and Stainbank, which was brought from England and installed outside in the compound of the church. It's just in front of main gate of Church, enclosed with concrete on three side and iron bars on front sideSt. John in the Wilderness is an Anglican church dedicated to Saint John which was built in 1852 and located near Mcledoganj suurb of Dharamshala, India... Set amidst deodar forest and built in neo-Gothic architecture, this church is known for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord ElginWeather around this place very pleasant. It remains cool even when Mcledoganj is hot due to direct sunlight. This part is mainly surrounded by dense and high cedar trees.If you keep your eyes open, this place is surrounded by beautiful flora as well. Lot of tiny flower in different colors can be seen in these hills.

Few weeks back we have seen marvelous Interiors Monastery of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Institute of - HERE. This Photo Journey will take you through campus tour of Dzongsar Monastery. Let's take a wonderful tour to this wonderful place in a valley surrounded by snow capped hills of Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges..Here is a photograph of road facing beautiful hills with cloud shadows on them. This road connects Chauntra Town with Dzongsar Monastery which is about 2 kilometers for Chauntra Town. Entry gate on other end of this Monastery was really welcoming. After parking our car outside the gate, we entered into the campus and there was a huge temple on right side and a huge series of yellow buildings on left. The Red Temple you see in first photograph was on rightThis is the exact view we see from entry gate of Monastery of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Institute. For some time, we were simply amazed by the hugeness and beauty all around. It was first time that we were seeing such a huge Monastery and very well maintained campus with great peace. Overall environment was very peaceful and kind of unmatchable.As we moved further and came to the middle of this campus, above was the view on right. Now next thing was to go inside and see it's interiors. Main temple was closed and then one of our friends started moving around to figure out the way to get it opened. She found someone close to their office and we were able to see interiors which can be seen at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2012/05/interiors-at-monastery-of-dzongsar.htmlMonastery of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Institute at Chauntra is one of the important educational institution. Just in front of this temple there is a huge building and we noticed some monks moving around the space. It looked like the place where students stay or probably some part is also dedicated for studies. While in this campus, some of us were planning to explore possibilities of coming to this place and learn meditation, if possibleSomehow, we figured out way to open the main temple. One of the Monk was in on first floor who had the main key. It was time to take off the shoes and go inside.Things designed of the walls of this temple were very colorful and differentHere is first view you get after entering into the temple. A series of seats on both sides and a huge statute of budha in golden color. All vibrant colors were used inside the temple. There was pin drop silence and everyone of us didn't want to spoil this silence. Imagine spending 15 minutes at such a place and no talk at all :Here is a closer look at Golden Statute of Budha inside Monastery of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Institute @ Chauntra Town of Mandi District in Himachal Pradesh, IndiaMoving ahead of temple, there is some open space on right and few beautiful structures facing snow covered peaks of Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges. btw, Clouds were indicating something although everyone ignored :Snow covered hills in the background are more noticeable in this photograph. This whole stretch from Chauntra to Dharmshala has this wonderful view of Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges, which can usually be seen with snow layers.Here is a view when we moved back to look at the temple - Temple on left with main gate in the frame and clouds covering front hills of Jogindernagar ... Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Institute is administered by Khenpo Kunga Wangchuk until his passing in 2008. Khenpo Jamyang Lösel is the new abbot, together with a faculty of ten khenpos. The student body is composed of over 500 monks from various locales and monasteries, representing all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The curriculum encompasses a complete theoretical education in Buddhist Philosophy over nine years of study (for a Shastri degree) or eleven years of study (for an Archarya degree). Graduates may pursue further studies and responsibilities and become teachers or khenpos. Many Dzongsar graduates are now teaching the teachers of tomorrow, ensuring that the lineage of the Buddha remains unbroken. (Courtsey - http://www.siddharthasintent.org/centres/monastic-centres/chokyi-lodro-institute.html We thought of sitting on temple stairs for sometime and enjoy this peace. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Institute produces lot of highly qualified professionals. The primary language of instruction at Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Institute is Tibetan. This Institute also runs an intensive English language program, sponsored by Khyentse Foundation, for students in level 10 upward, to fulfill Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's vision of a more worldly-wise set of teachers who can travel and teach across many physical and cultural divides. Khyentse Foundation also sponsors the basic operating needs of the Institute. (Courtsey - http://www.siddharthasintent.org/centres/monastic-centres/chokyi-lodro-institute.html)

This Photo Journey shares some photographs from our weekend trip to Surajgarh, which is an interesting town with lot of old havelis in Jhunjhunun district of Rajasthan. Let's check out this Photo Journey to know more about the place...The very first photograph shows the place where we stayed - Surajgarh Fort by Kangra Group of Hotels. This is one of the decent places to stay in the town and we really enjoyed our stay here. It was an office outing with a group of ~40 people. There are different ranges of rooms/suites available in this hotel. And most of them are maintained in very royal style. Some of the suites were unimaginably huge..Hotel guys arranged a ride on Camel-cart to a place with a very old water-body. It was a huge water-pond surrounded by concrete boundary and a temple nearby. Water of this pond was not clean and not sure if it's being used or not. We noticed few clay-pots floating on water with lovely texture of green algae.We reached this place before sunset and spent some time by sitting on stairs around this. Evening snacks were served to everyone and it was fun with kids of the group. Land around this water-body was very rough with trees having no leaves. Probably we were is right season. It really gave the feel, what we used to imagine about Rajasthan. This region of Surajgarh was rough but the main town had green fields of various crops. We also saw few peacocks roaming here and there...After sunset we moved back to the hotel... On back journey, we spent some time in local market of Surajgarh to but some stuff like colorful Bangels etc.Here is a photograph showing people sitting on other side of this water tank at Surajgarh and you can see camel-carts standing in the background. It was amazing experience to have a ride in these Camel-carts through streets of Surajgarh.A photograph of two kids around the water tank. Both of the faces were very cheerful but somehow they lost the smile while posing for this photograph.Surajgarh town in Shekhavati region of Rajasthan is the home town of the Kedias, who are one of the top industrial families in India. The first well-known non-politician and the first man with post-graduate qualifications from Surajgarh was Late. Shri Rambilas sharma(Ghagshyan) also known as Headmasterji. He was a principal of PB SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL in Surajgarh . Late . Shri.Rambilasji Sharma born-1913 at surajgarh,was a man for literacy mission for a very small town-surajgarh. He was the first Post-graduate in Surajgarh,in year 1936, from LAHORE UNIVERSITY. Present Union Cabinet Minister From Congress- Sheshram Ola, The Promoter Of The First Degree College -Jugalkishore Barasia, Present MLA- Sharvan Kumar, Are All his Students to name a few. The first library in Surajgarh has a lot of contribution of Headmasterji. It is because of lifetime service to Surajgarh in education and development of late. Shri.Rambilas ji Sharma that today Surajgarh, though a small place, is on national map for education. TrulShri.Rambilasji- headmasterji has been a man of literacy mission. Today this place has a public school, degree college, an engineering college, MBA College. Usually the people from this area are considered very loud with their language with a mixture of shekhavati and haryanvi. (Courtesy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surajgarh)Most of the interior Photographs here in this Photo Journey are shot inside Surajgarh Fort. (Inside Hotel, where we stayed)It was a lovely weekend outing to Surajgarh from Delhi !!!

Jaipur is one of the most visited city by Delhites and same is the story with us as well. Few weeks back, we were again in Jaipur - The Pink City of India. This Photo Journey shares some moments/places captured during quick drive inside the city. let's check out...Jaipur is one of the finest planned cities of India which is located in the semi-desert lands of Rajasthan State. Jaipur city which once had been the capital of the royalty now is the capital city of Rajasthan State of India.Overall structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal families. These days Jaipur is one of the major business centers with all requisites of a metropolitan city. When I visited the city first time, I found it very cluttered but with time and more exploration made me realize that city has two parts. One is basically old Jaipur and other part is new Jaiput which is very well planned. Above photograph is shot near Tonk road where most of the main hotels are located and few mallsJaipur has a very delectable cuisine. Some of the local dishes have become world-famous names. Typical dishes include Dal Baati Churma, Missi Roti etc. Sweet dishes include Ghevar, Feeni, Gajak, Chauguni ke laddu, Moong Thal...Very first Photo Journey on Jaipur is still one of the most popular photo-stories on this blog, although I am not sure about the logic :) ... With time, I have noticed huge change in this city and with each visit, I like it more...Jaipur is also known as the City of Victory. Jaipur City is chaotic and congested, though it still has a habit of tickling travelers pink. Stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces fit like footprints from a rich royal past, candyfloss-bright turbans blaze a trail through brilliant bargain-filled bazaars, and fluttering saris catch the eye like butterflies...(Courtesy - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/rajasthan/jaipur)Jaipur has a number of forts and monuments like Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace, Central Museum, Albert Hall Museum. The Rose Pink City in India founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II. All these are major attractions for visitors. Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. Some part of Jaipur can still be seen in pink color but not very well followed in new part of the town.Here is the photograph of Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha. Jaipur is largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the eighteenth century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction amongst Indian as well as international travellers. Jaipur belongs to the tourist Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, which hosts several attractions like the City Palace, Govind Dev ji Temple, Vidhan Sabha, Birla Temple, several massive Rajput forts and so on. It also serves as a stepping stone for travelers heading to the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.A view of Jal Mahal from Jaigarh Fort.Various festivals are organized in Jaipur at various time of the year. Some of them include Gangaur Festival, Jaipur Literature Festival, Kite festival, Teej festival, Shitla Mata Fair, Chaksu Fair, Elephant Fair, Chhat ka mela in Amber during Navratri...Bramhiny starling, which we saw near Amber Fort @ Jaipur, Rajasthan.

India's biggest Mosque in Old Delhi - Jama Masjid surrounded by pigeon studded sky...Night Photograph at Indian Institute of Advanced Studies at Shimla, Himachal PradeshLady roaming around Qutub Campus in Delhi, IndiaThe TAJ MAHAL @ Agra, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaA part of OLD FORT in Delhi, IndiaBlue hour shot at India Gate with series of street-lights around road which connect India Gate with President's House, DelhiHimalayan Houses - A Photograph shot at Kullu-Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaWater Reflection of TAJ MAHAL !!!Humayun's Tomb on Lunar Eclipse Day, Delhi, IndiaDzongsar Monastery @ Chauntra, Mandi, Himachal PradeshMonolithic Marvels of Masroor Temples @ Kangra, Himachal PradeshSt. John Church @ Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaA beautiful Temple at Kullu-Sarahan, Himachal PtradeshSilhouette of Red-Fort @ Delhi, IndiaJantar Mantar @ Delhi, IndiaSt. John's Church in beautiful weather @ Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaIndian President's House on Republic Day of India @ DelhiIndia-Gate on the day of Beating-Retreat Ceremony @ DelhiTypical Architecture of Himalayan Temples...Town Hall Shimla, Himachal PradeshA Rare photograph of Qutub with it's reflection @ DelhiChurch on Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

India's biggest Mosque in Old Delhi - Jama Masjid surrounded by pigeon studded sky...Night Photograph at Indian Institute of Advanced Studies at Shimla, Himachal PradeshLady roaming around Qutub Campus in Delhi, IndiaThe TAJ MAHAL @ Agra, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaA part of OLD FORT in Delhi, IndiaBlue hour shot at India Gate with series of street-lights around road which connect India Gate with President's House, DelhiHimalayan Houses - A Photograph shot at Kullu-Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaWater Reflection of TAJ MAHAL !!!Humayun's Tomb on Lunar Eclipse Day, Delhi, IndiaDzongsar Monastery @ Chauntra, Mandi, Himachal PradeshMonolithic Marvels of Masroor Temples @ Kangra, Himachal PradeshSt. John Church @ Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaA beautiful Temple at Kullu-Sarahan, Himachal PtradeshSilhouette of Red-Fort @ Delhi, IndiaJantar Mantar @ Delhi, IndiaSt. John's Church in beautiful weather @ Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaIndian President's House on Republic Day of India @ DelhiIndia-Gate on the day of Beating-Retreat Ceremony @ DelhiTypical Architecture of Himalayan Temples...Town Hall Shimla, Himachal PradeshA Rare photograph of Qutub with it's reflection @ DelhiChurch on Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

India's biggest Mosque in Old Delhi - Jama Masjid surrounded by pigeon studded sky...Night Photograph at Indian Institute of Advanced Studies at Shimla, Himachal PradeshLady roaming around Qutub Campus in Delhi, IndiaThe TAJ MAHAL @ Agra, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaA part of OLD FORT in Delhi, IndiaBlue hour shot at India Gate with series of street-lights around road which connect India Gate with President's House, DelhiHimalayan Houses - A Photograph shot at Kullu-Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaWater Reflection of TAJ MAHAL !!!Humayun's Tomb on Lunar Eclipse Day, Delhi, IndiaDzongsar Monastery @ Chauntra, Mandi, Himachal PradeshMonolithic Marvels of Masroor Temples @ Kangra, Himachal PradeshSt. John Church @ Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaA beautiful Temple at Kullu-Sarahan, Himachal PtradeshSilhouette of Red-Fort @ Delhi, IndiaJantar Mantar @ Delhi, IndiaSt. John's Church in beautiful weather @ Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaIndian President's House on Republic Day of India @ DelhiIndia-Gate on the day of Beating-Retreat Ceremony @ DelhiTypical Architecture of Himalayan Temples...Town Hall Shimla, Himachal PradeshA Rare photograph of Qutub with it's reflection @ DelhiChurch on Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

India's biggest Mosque in Old Delhi - Jama Masjid surrounded by pigeon studded sky...Night Photograph at Indian Institute of Advanced Studies at Shimla, Himachal PradeshLady roaming around Qutub Campus in Delhi, IndiaThe TAJ MAHAL @ Agra, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaA part of OLD FORT in Delhi, IndiaBlue hour shot at India Gate with series of street-lights around road which connect India Gate with President's House, DelhiHimalayan Houses - A Photograph shot at Kullu-Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaWater Reflection of TAJ MAHAL !!!Humayun's Tomb on Lunar Eclipse Day, Delhi, IndiaDzongsar Monastery @ Chauntra, Mandi, Himachal PradeshMonolithic Marvels of Masroor Temples @ Kangra, Himachal PradeshSt. John Church @ Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaA beautiful Temple at Kullu-Sarahan, Himachal PtradeshSilhouette of Red-Fort @ Delhi, IndiaJantar Mantar @ Delhi, IndiaSt. John's Church in beautiful weather @ Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaIndian President's House on Republic Day of India @ DelhiIndia-Gate on the day of Beating-Retreat Ceremony @ DelhiTypical Architecture of Himalayan Temples...Town Hall Shimla, Himachal PradeshA Rare photograph of Qutub with it's reflection @ DelhiChurch on Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

I...am time. Men and women all alike, have moved along like shadows and mist. Radha and Salil are two such souls, who meet to separate... And I fly by, from one end to the other and I see them retreat from love to misery and back to love again. From the times when Slaves ruled and Aibak rose to heights with the Qutub Minar, still differences brew in the name of religion, caste and gender to the times when the Mughal sultans would slay those, whose orders they wouldn't abide by..though Love was splurged in money and stones and the Humayun's Tomb became a symbol of Mughal pride.Prayers are still read in the Jama Masjid was read then, the only difference I find is in the hearts of those they call 'divine'. They make laws and practices they define..And yet the ownership of God is given to make them suffice.I see them today as I rest under a tree's shade looking at the risque weather at India Gate.. They are crying in each other's arms, fearing of a tomorrow not together..(Write-up courtesy - Priyanka Dey)Here is a photograph of Jantar Mantar. I loved the way these stairs look through this window. These stairs take to a very high top-point from where whole campus can be seen.Here is a photograph of President's House lit very well on the evening of 'Beating Reatreat Ceremony' on 29th January 2011.Here is a night photograph of Humayun's Tomb in Delhi. This one was done during a project on Lunar Eclipse night. We had to through a long process to get permissions for getting entry into the campus for whole night.A silhouette of RED FORT in Delhi with shining Sun on top of it. One of my friend (Ashu Mittal) captioned it as - 'Like a Diamond in the Sky'One of the rare photograph of Qutub Minar with it's reflection if water @ Delhi, IndiaIndia Gate with wonderful lighting around Republic Day in 2011. During these days, tri-colored light is flashed on top of India Gate and it looks amazing...

We have been to Lodhi Garden many times in last 7 years and it was always a different experience to see people all around doing various things. Good part is that garden is maintained very well and better things have happened in past. Let's check out this Photo Journey to know more about Lodhi Garden..Most interesting visit to Lodhi Garden was during Scott Kelby Photo-walk when many of my office-friends were accompanying. We enjoyed it a lot and whole day was very productive.People living around this graden prefer to come here for playing, book-reading or spending some quality time with their friends and families.Lodi Gardens is a park in Delhi, capital city of India, which is spread over 90 acres and contains Mohammed Shah's Tomb, Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad, architectural works of the 15th century Sayyid and Lodis, a Pashtun dynasty which ruled much of Northern India during the 16th century, and the site is now protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Lodhi gardens are situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb on Lodi Road. It is beautiful and serene, and is a hotspot for morning walks for the Delhiites.Many folks love to spend their leisure time in green lawns of Lodhi Gardens. Many kids, families, joggers etc can be seen in happy posture. Relaxing environment all around the Lodhi Garden, makes it a wonderful place to spend free time with your loved ones. Kid in above photograph was at garden with his father and both of them were relaxing after playing football. This kid was quite energetic, as he was not interested in any breaks but his father want him to take some drinks/snacks in betweenFurther into the gardens, there are remains of a watercourse connected to the Yamuna River to Sikander Lodi's tomb. This tomb still has the battlements enclosing it. Nearby to Sikander's tomb is the Athpula ('Eight Piered') Bridge, the last of the buildings in Delhi, built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, it contains seven arches, amongst which the central one being the largest.I request you guys to contact this number again n again and make him feel that monuments are not built for stupid publicity with coal-marks on them. It's extremely sad to see people doing all this on walls of these monuments. There is a big need of educating Indians on this.Still some of the portions of Lodhi Garden are under regular surveillance. Some security people are deployed around some of the monuments to ensure that people don't take these places lightly and do some harmful activities.In the middle of Lodhi Garden, there is the Bara Gumbad which consists of a large rubble-construct dome and it's not a tomb but a gateway to an attached a three domed masjid (mosque), both built in 1494 during the reign of Sikander Lodi, there is also a residence surrounding a central courtyard, where the remains of a water tank can be seen. Opposite the Bara Gumbad is the Sheesh Gumbad (Glass dome) for the glazed tiles used in its construction, which contains the remains of an unknown family, this was also built during the reign of Sikander Lodi. The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the last of the Sayyid dynasty rulers, the earliest of the tombs in the garden, was built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah as a tribute to Mohammed Shah.Tea vendors can be seen all around the garden. Apart from hot tea, vendor offering cold-drinks & snacks can be seen inside Lodhi Garden.Ideally all these activities make the place dirty but somehow people have learned to use dustbins, although some exceptions would always be there.As there is little architecture from two periods remaining in India, Lodi Gardens is an important place of preservation. The tomb of Mohammed Shah is visible from the road, and is the earliest structure in the gardens. The architecture is characterized by the octagonal chamber, with stone chhajjas on the roof and guldastas on the corners.Sunset light coming directly to hit these walls of Mosque. Orangish light shades make things more beautiful at timesA view of Big Dome from entry to the gate through Gate No 1. There is a huge lawn between the big dome and Gate No 1 with some trees planted symmetrically. Whole garden has appropriate number of dustbins installed at most relevant locations and sign-boards around warnings, directions etcAnother tomb within the gardens is that of Sikander Lodi, which is similar to Mohammed Shah's tomb, though without the chhatris, it was built by his son Ibrahim Lodi in 1517, the last of Sultan of Delhi from Lodi dynasty, as he was defeated by Babur, First battle of Panipat in 1526, this laying the foundation of the Mughal Empire. His tomb is often mistaken to be the Sheesh Gumbad, and is actually situated in near the tehsil office in Panipat, close to the Dargah of Sufi saint Bu Ali Shah Qalandar. It is a simple rectangular structure on a high platform approached by a flight of steps. The tomb was renovated by the British, and an inscription mentioning Ibrahim Lodi's defeat at the hands of Babur and the renovation was included in 1866.Check out more at - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodi_Gardens

We have been to Lodhi Garden many times in last 7 years and it was always a different experience to see people all around doing various things. Good part is that garden is maintained very well and better things have happened in past. Let's check out this Photo Journey to know more about Lodhi Garden..Most interesting visit to Lodhi Garden was during Scott Kelby Photo-walk when many of my office-friends were accompanying. We enjoyed it a lot and whole day was very productive.People living around this graden prefer to come here for playing, book-reading or spending some quality time with their friends and families.Lodi Gardens is a park in Delhi, capital city of India, which is spread over 90 acres and contains Mohammed Shah's Tomb, Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad, architectural works of the 15th century Sayyid and Lodis, a Pashtun dynasty which ruled much of Northern India during the 16th century, and the site is now protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Lodhi gardens are situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb on Lodi Road. It is beautiful and serene, and is a hotspot for morning walks for the Delhiites.Many folks love to spend their leisure time in green lawns of Lodhi Gardens. Many kids, families, joggers etc can be seen in happy posture. Relaxing environment all around the Lodhi Garden, makes it a wonderful place to spend free time with your loved ones. Kid in above photograph was at garden with his father and both of them were relaxing after playing football. This kid was quite energetic, as he was not interested in any breaks but his father want him to take some drinks/snacks in betweenFurther into the gardens, there are remains of a watercourse connected to the Yamuna River to Sikander Lodi's tomb. This tomb still has the battlements enclosing it. Nearby to Sikander's tomb is the Athpula ('Eight Piered') Bridge, the last of the buildings in Delhi, built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, it contains seven arches, amongst which the central one being the largest.I request you guys to contact this number again n again and make him feel that monuments are not built for stupid publicity with coal-marks on them. It's extremely sad to see people doing all this on walls of these monuments. There is a big need of educating Indians on this.Still some of the portions of Lodhi Garden are under regular surveillance. Some security people are deployed around some of the monuments to ensure that people don't take these places lightly and do some harmful activities.In the middle of Lodhi Garden, there is the Bara Gumbad which consists of a large rubble-construct dome and it's not a tomb but a gateway to an attached a three domed masjid (mosque), both built in 1494 during the reign of Sikander Lodi, there is also a residence surrounding a central courtyard, where the remains of a water tank can be seen. Opposite the Bara Gumbad is the Sheesh Gumbad (Glass dome) for the glazed tiles used in its construction, which contains the remains of an unknown family, this was also built during the reign of Sikander Lodi. The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the last of the Sayyid dynasty rulers, the earliest of the tombs in the garden, was built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah as a tribute to Mohammed Shah.Tea vendors can be seen all around the garden. Apart from hot tea, vendor offering cold-drinks & snacks can be seen inside Lodhi Garden.Ideally all these activities make the place dirty but somehow people have learned to use dustbins, although some exceptions would always be there.As there is little architecture from two periods remaining in India, Lodi Gardens is an important place of preservation. The tomb of Mohammed Shah is visible from the road, and is the earliest structure in the gardens. The architecture is characterized by the octagonal chamber, with stone chhajjas on the roof and guldastas on the corners.Sunset light coming directly to hit these walls of Mosque. Orangish light shades make things more beautiful at timesA view of Big Dome from entry to the gate through Gate No 1. There is a huge lawn between the big dome and Gate No 1 with some trees planted symmetrically. Whole garden has appropriate number of dustbins installed at most relevant locations and sign-boards around warnings, directions etcAnother tomb within the gardens is that of Sikander Lodi, which is similar to Mohammed Shah's tomb, though without the chhatris, it was built by his son Ibrahim Lodi in 1517, the last of Sultan of Delhi from Lodi dynasty, as he was defeated by Babur, First battle of Panipat in 1526, this laying the foundation of the Mughal Empire. His tomb is often mistaken to be the Sheesh Gumbad, and is actually situated in near the tehsil office in Panipat, close to the Dargah of Sufi saint Bu Ali Shah Qalandar. It is a simple rectangular structure on a high platform approached by a flight of steps. The tomb was renovated by the British, and an inscription mentioning Ibrahim Lodi's defeat at the hands of Babur and the renovation was included in 1866.Check out more at - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodi_Gardens

Recently some of us were on Kinnaur Trip and there is place called Jeory on the way. Sarahan is approximately 30 kilometers from Jeory and it's a beautiful town located on hill-top with amazing views of snow covered hills of Kinnaur. Bheemakali temple of Sarahan is most popular place to visit and this Photo Journey shares some of the moments spent around Bheema Kali Temple.Bheema Kali Temple has a huge campus and different temples inside the campus. There are two main temples, out of which one is accessible to everyone during normal days.The Second one is opened on some special occasions and Devi only allows Raja Virbhadra Singh to open the door of that temple. Shri Bheema Kali Temple is located in Sarahan town of Himachal Pradesh in India which is dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, presiding deity of the rulers of former Bushahr State. The temple is situated about 180 km from Shimla and is one of 51 Shakti Peethass. The temple complex has another three temples dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, Narsinghji and Patal Bhairva Ji (Lankra Veer) - the guardian deity.Architecture of Bheema Kali Temple is beautiful. Whole campus is built with Stone and wooden blocks. It seems some part of the campus has not even cement to fix the joints. Whole campus is very well maintained and there is enough security as well.Here is one of the doors of the Bheem Kali temple in Sarahan Town. It's made up of silver with beautiful carving. There is also some text written, mostly in Hindi and Tibbatian scripts. Most of the carved forms are different gods and linked through some old stories.Sarahan was the capital of rulers of former Bushahr State. Bushahr dynasty earlier used to control the state from Kamroo. The capital of state later was shifted to Sonitpur. Later Raja Ram Singh made Rampur as the capital. It is believed that the country of Kinnaur was the Kailash mentioned in Puranas, the abode of Shiva. With its capital at Sonitpur this former princely state was extended up to entire area of Kinnaur where for sometimes Lord Shiva disguised himself as Kirata. Today, the then Sonitpur is known as Sarahan. Banasura, the ardent devotee of Lord Siva, eldest among the one hundred sons of great ablative demon King Bali and the great grandson of Vishnu votary Prahlad, during the Puranic age was the ruler of this princely state.(Courtesy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhimakali_Temple)According to a legend, the manifestation of the goddess is reported to the Daksha-Yajna incident when the ear of the Sati fell at this place and became a place of worship as a Pitha - Sthan. Presently in the form of a virgin the icon of this eternal goddess is consecrated at the top storey of the new building. Below that storey the goddess as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya is enshrined as a divine consort of Lord SivaThere is a small market around Bheema Kali Temple and there are enough shops to have lunch or light snacks. Apart from that local caps can be bought from this fellow. He was very welcoming and offered good discounts for us :). We had asked for rates in Rampur Market, but he had better stuff and reasonable prices. There are many other shops in the town where some local stuff can be procured. On top of all that, most of the folks were really sweet to interact with.During our visit, we were looking for ladies wearing Dhaatu but couldn't gain the courage to ask anyone to get clicked by us. And just outside the Bheema Kali temple, this lady asked us to click one of her photograph and show her how we click. Probably she was noticing us clicking & reviewing photographs around the temple. We clicked few shots and showed to her. She shared some tips to improve and finally approved few of the shots. After final approval, she invited us to her hotel nearby but we couldn't go because it was time to head back as we had booked guest-house in Jeory.Here is a nearby sight, which is popularly known as Hawa-Ghar. This point has very clear view of Kinnar-Kailash Hills and place was quite windy. We spent around 30 minutes here to enjoy the breeze and take rest. This place is isolated form hustle bustle of the town. When we reached, there was only one person sitting here. Probably this place was least used by localites, as everyone has Hawa-ghar around their own houses :)Whole place was surrounded by Pine or Deodar Forests and smell was awesome in the middle of these forests. It was really an amazing experience to roam around Bheema Kali Temple and Sarahan Town. Meeting different people, visiting one of the amazing temples in this region, Hawa Ghar, a huge house of old kingdom etc.The town Sarahan is known as the gateway of Kinnaur. Down below at a distance of 7 km from Sarahan is the River Satluj. Sarahan is identified with the then Sonitpur mentioned in Puranas.Before entering into the main temple, everyone needs to lock mobiles, wallets or anything else which is made of leather and then wear a cap. Above photograph shows Aneesh wearing the holy cap and standing on right side of lockers everyone gets to keep everything safe.

Recently some of us were on Kinnaur Trip and there is place called Jeory on the way. Sarahan is approximately 30 kilometers from Jeory and it's a beautiful town located on hill-top with amazing views of snow covered hills of Kinnaur. Bheemakali temple of Sarahan is most popular place to visit and this Photo Journey shares some of the moments spent around Bheema Kali Temple.Bheema Kali Temple has a huge campus and different temples inside the campus. There are two main temples, out of which one is accessible to everyone during normal days.The Second one is opened on some special occasions and Devi only allows Raja Virbhadra Singh to open the door of that temple. Shri Bheema Kali Temple is located in Sarahan town of Himachal Pradesh in India which is dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, presiding deity of the rulers of former Bushahr State. The temple is situated about 180 km from Shimla and is one of 51 Shakti Peethass. The temple complex has another three temples dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, Narsinghji and Patal Bhairva Ji (Lankra Veer) - the guardian deity.Architecture of Bheema Kali Temple is beautiful. Whole campus is built with Stone and wooden blocks. It seems some part of the campus has not even cement to fix the joints. Whole campus is very well maintained and there is enough security as well.Here is one of the doors of the Bheem Kali temple in Sarahan Town. It's made up of silver with beautiful carving. There is also some text written, mostly in Hindi and Tibbatian scripts. Most of the carved forms are different gods and linked through some old stories.Sarahan was the capital of rulers of former Bushahr State. Bushahr dynasty earlier used to control the state from Kamroo. The capital of state later was shifted to Sonitpur. Later Raja Ram Singh made Rampur as the capital. It is believed that the country of Kinnaur was the Kailash mentioned in Puranas, the abode of Shiva. With its capital at Sonitpur this former princely state was extended up to entire area of Kinnaur where for sometimes Lord Shiva disguised himself as Kirata. Today, the then Sonitpur is known as Sarahan. Banasura, the ardent devotee of Lord Siva, eldest among the one hundred sons of great ablative demon King Bali and the great grandson of Vishnu votary Prahlad, during the Puranic age was the ruler of this princely state.(Courtesy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhimakali_Temple)According to a legend, the manifestation of the goddess is reported to the Daksha-Yajna incident when the ear of the Sati fell at this place and became a place of worship as a Pitha - Sthan. Presently in the form of a virgin the icon of this eternal goddess is consecrated at the top storey of the new building. Below that storey the goddess as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya is enshrined as a divine consort of Lord SivaThere is a small market around Bheema Kali Temple and there are enough shops to have lunch or light snacks. Apart from that local caps can be bought from this fellow. He was very welcoming and offered good discounts for us :). We had asked for rates in Rampur Market, but he had better stuff and reasonable prices. There are many other shops in the town where some local stuff can be procured. On top of all that, most of the folks were really sweet to interact with.During our visit, we were looking for ladies wearing Dhaatu but couldn't gain the courage to ask anyone to get clicked by us. And just outside the Bheema Kali temple, this lady asked us to click one of her photograph and show her how we click. Probably she was noticing us clicking & reviewing photographs around the temple. We clicked few shots and showed to her. She shared some tips to improve and finally approved few of the shots. After final approval, she invited us to her hotel nearby but we couldn't go because it was time to head back as we had booked guest-house in Jeory.Here is a nearby sight, which is popularly known as Hawa-Ghar. This point has very clear view of Kinnar-Kailash Hills and place was quite windy. We spent around 30 minutes here to enjoy the breeze and take rest. This place is isolated form hustle bustle of the town. When we reached, there was only one person sitting here. Probably this place was least used by localites, as everyone has Hawa-ghar around their own houses :)Whole place was surrounded by Pine or Deodar Forests and smell was awesome in the middle of these forests. It was really an amazing experience to roam around Bheema Kali Temple and Sarahan Town. Meeting different people, visiting one of the amazing temples in this region, Hawa Ghar, a huge house of old kingdom etc.The town Sarahan is known as the gateway of Kinnaur. Down below at a distance of 7 km from Sarahan is the River Satluj. Sarahan is identified with the then Sonitpur mentioned in Puranas.Before entering into the main temple, everyone needs to lock mobiles, wallets or anything else which is made of leather and then wear a cap. Above photograph shows Aneesh wearing the holy cap and standing on right side of lockers everyone gets to keep everything safe.

Recently some of us were on Kinnaur Trip and there is place called Jeory on the way. Sarahan is approximately 30 kilometers from Jeory and it's a beautiful town located on hill-top with amazing views of snow covered hills of Kinnaur. Bheemakali temple of Sarahan is most popular place to visit and this Photo Journey shares some of the moments spent around Bheema Kali Temple.Bheema Kali Temple has a huge campus and different temples inside the campus. There are two main temples, out of which one is accessible to everyone during normal days.The Second one is opened on some special occasions and Devi only allows Raja Virbhadra Singh to open the door of that temple. Shri Bheema Kali Temple is located in Sarahan town of Himachal Pradesh in India which is dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, presiding deity of the rulers of former Bushahr State. The temple is situated about 180 km from Shimla and is one of 51 Shakti Peethass. The temple complex has another three temples dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, Narsinghji and Patal Bhairva Ji (Lankra Veer) - the guardian deity.Architecture of Bheema Kali Temple is beautiful. Whole campus is built with Stone and wooden blocks. It seems some part of the campus has not even cement to fix the joints. Whole campus is very well maintained and there is enough security as well.Here is one of the doors of the Bheem Kali temple in Sarahan Town. It's made up of silver with beautiful carving. There is also some text written, mostly in Hindi and Tibbatian scripts. Most of the carved forms are different gods and linked through some old stories.Sarahan was the capital of rulers of former Bushahr State. Bushahr dynasty earlier used to control the state from Kamroo. The capital of state later was shifted to Sonitpur. Later Raja Ram Singh made Rampur as the capital. It is believed that the country of Kinnaur was the Kailash mentioned in Puranas, the abode of Shiva. With its capital at Sonitpur this former princely state was extended up to entire area of Kinnaur where for sometimes Lord Shiva disguised himself as Kirata. Today, the then Sonitpur is known as Sarahan. Banasura, the ardent devotee of Lord Siva, eldest among the one hundred sons of great ablative demon King Bali and the great grandson of Vishnu votary Prahlad, during the Puranic age was the ruler of this princely state.(Courtesy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhimakali_Temple)According to a legend, the manifestation of the goddess is reported to the Daksha-Yajna incident when the ear of the Sati fell at this place and became a place of worship as a Pitha - Sthan. Presently in the form of a virgin the icon of this eternal goddess is consecrated at the top storey of the new building. Below that storey the goddess as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya is enshrined as a divine consort of Lord SivaThere is a small market around Bheema Kali Temple and there are enough shops to have lunch or light snacks. Apart from that local caps can be bought from this fellow. He was very welcoming and offered good discounts for us :). We had asked for rates in Rampur Market, but he had better stuff and reasonable prices. There are many other shops in the town where some local stuff can be procured. On top of all that, most of the folks were really sweet to interact with.During our visit, we were looking for ladies wearing Dhaatu but couldn't gain the courage to ask anyone to get clicked by us. And just outside the Bheema Kali temple, this lady asked us to click one of her photograph and show her how we click. Probably she was noticing us clicking & reviewing photographs around the temple. We clicked few shots and showed to her. She shared some tips to improve and finally approved few of the shots. After final approval, she invited us to her hotel nearby but we couldn't go because it was time to head back as we had booked guest-house in Jeory.Here is a nearby sight, which is popularly known as Hawa-Ghar. This point has very clear view of Kinnar-Kailash Hills and place was quite windy. We spent around 30 minutes here to enjoy the breeze and take rest. This place is isolated form hustle bustle of the town. When we reached, there was only one person sitting here. Probably this place was least used by localites, as everyone has Hawa-ghar around their own houses :)Whole place was surrounded by Pine or Deodar Forests and smell was awesome in the middle of these forests. It was really an amazing experience to roam around Bheema Kali Temple and Sarahan Town. Meeting different people, visiting one of the amazing temples in this region, Hawa Ghar, a huge house of old kingdom etc.The town Sarahan is known as the gateway of Kinnaur. Down below at a distance of 7 km from Sarahan is the River Satluj. Sarahan is identified with the then Sonitpur mentioned in Puranas.Before entering into the main temple, everyone needs to lock mobiles, wallets or anything else which is made of leather and then wear a cap. Above photograph shows Aneesh wearing the holy cap and standing on right side of lockers everyone gets to keep everything safe.  

Recently some of us were on Kinnaur Trip and there is place called Jeory on the way. Sarahan is approximately 30 kilometers from Jeory and it's a beautiful town located on hill-top with amazing views of snow covered hills of Kinnaur. Bheemakali temple of Sarahan is most popular place to visit and this Photo Journey shares some of the moments spent around Bheema Kali Temple.Bheema Kali Temple has a huge campus and different temples inside the campus. There are two main temples, out of which one is accessible to everyone during normal days.The Second one is opened on some special occasions and Devi only allows Raja Virbhadra Singh to open the door of that temple. Shri Bheema Kali Temple is located in Sarahan town of Himachal Pradesh in India which is dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, presiding deity of the rulers of former Bushahr State. The temple is situated about 180 km from Shimla and is one of 51 Shakti Peethass. The temple complex has another three temples dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, Narsinghji and Patal Bhairva Ji (Lankra Veer) - the guardian deity.Architecture of Bheema Kali Temple is beautiful. Whole campus is built with Stone and wooden blocks. It seems some part of the campus has not even cement to fix the joints. Whole campus is very well maintained and there is enough security as well.Here is one of the doors of the Bheem Kali temple in Sarahan Town. It's made up of silver with beautiful carving. There is also some text written, mostly in Hindi and Tibbatian scripts. Most of the carved forms are different gods and linked through some old stories.Sarahan was the capital of rulers of former Bushahr State. Bushahr dynasty earlier used to control the state from Kamroo. The capital of state later was shifted to Sonitpur. Later Raja Ram Singh made Rampur as the capital. It is believed that the country of Kinnaur was the Kailash mentioned in Puranas, the abode of Shiva. With its capital at Sonitpur this former princely state was extended up to entire area of Kinnaur where for sometimes Lord Shiva disguised himself as Kirata. Today, the then Sonitpur is known as Sarahan. Banasura, the ardent devotee of Lord Siva, eldest among the one hundred sons of great ablative demon King Bali and the great grandson of Vishnu votary Prahlad, during the Puranic age was the ruler of this princely state.(Courtesy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhimakali_Temple)According to a legend, the manifestation of the goddess is reported to the Daksha-Yajna incident when the ear of the Sati fell at this place and became a place of worship as a Pitha - Sthan. Presently in the form of a virgin the icon of this eternal goddess is consecrated at the top storey of the new building. Below that storey the goddess as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya is enshrined as a divine consort of Lord SivaThere is a small market around Bheema Kali Temple and there are enough shops to have lunch or light snacks. Apart from that local caps can be bought from this fellow. He was very welcoming and offered good discounts for us :). We had asked for rates in Rampur Market, but he had better stuff and reasonable prices. There are many other shops in the town where some local stuff can be procured. On top of all that, most of the folks were really sweet to interact with.During our visit, we were looking for ladies wearing Dhaatu but couldn't gain the courage to ask anyone to get clicked by us. And just outside the Bheema Kali temple, this lady asked us to click one of her photograph and show her how we click. Probably she was noticing us clicking & reviewing photographs around the temple. We clicked few shots and showed to her. She shared some tips to improve and finally approved few of the shots. After final approval, she invited us to her hotel nearby but we couldn't go because it was time to head back as we had booked guest-house in Jeory.Here is a nearby sight, which is popularly known as Hawa-Ghar. This point has very clear view of Kinnar-Kailash Hills and place was quite windy. We spent around 30 minutes here to enjoy the breeze and take rest. This place is isolated form hustle bustle of the town. When we reached, there was only one person sitting here. Probably this place was least used by localites, as everyone has Hawa-ghar around their own houses :)Whole place was surrounded by Pine or Deodar Forests and smell was awesome in the middle of these forests. It was really an amazing experience to roam around Bheema Kali Temple and Sarahan Town. Meeting different people, visiting one of the amazing temples in this region, Hawa Ghar, a huge house of old kingdom etc.The town Sarahan is known as the gateway of Kinnaur. Down below at a distance of 7 km from Sarahan is the River Satluj. Sarahan is identified with the then Sonitpur mentioned in Puranas.Before entering into the main temple, everyone needs to lock mobiles, wallets or anything else which is made of leather and then wear a cap. Above photograph shows Aneesh wearing the holy cap and standing on right side of lockers everyone gets to keep everything safe.


While going to Kinnaur we stopped at Rampur for Lunch and spent some time around Rajmahal which is just on roadside. This Photo Journey shares some of the photographs from old Rajmahal Campus.While passing through the town we noticed these beautiful buildings on road-side. It was evening when we were crossing Rampur and target was to reach jeory. We planned to stop during back journey. Following link has really interesting details about Rampur Town and stories around these buildings - http://mysterioushimachal.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/know-about-history-of-rampur-bushar-many-name-many-legend/The principality of Bashahr was once among the largest of the twenty-eight Shimla Hill States under the administration of the British Raj keen to invest on regional and transcontinental trade and exploit Himalayan resources. It bordered on the north with Spiti, on the east with Tibet, on the south with Garhwal, and on the west with Jubbal, Kotkhai, Kumharsain, Kotgarh, and Kulu.On the 8th March 1948, along with twenty other princely hill States of Punjab and Shimla, Bashahr signed an agreement which resulted in its inclusion in the Indian State of Himachal Pradesh.Rampur Town is located on river-side. River Satluj flow through main town and there are huge buildings hanging around high hills of Himachal Pradesh. After having lunch we spent sometime in the balcony of the hotel having amazing views of fast flow water in Setluj River. Although water is muddy most of the times because the flow is hindered on the way by various hydro projects and there are few other water-sources which hit the main river.Rajmahal in Rampur is located near to Bus Stand of the town. There is gate on left side of the Bus-Stand which is main entry to Rajbhavan. The day we went there, it was under renovation and there was hardly anyone in the huge ground in front of it. Initially we thought that public is not allowed inside the premises, but after confirming from others we entered into this huge campus in the middle of Rampur Town



Saturday Evenings and Mall Road in Shimla have a very strong connection. During my sabbatical, I was there in Shimla on Saturday and planned to have a round of Mall Road as well. This Photo Journey shares some moments spent around Mall Road on Saturday Evening and the associated memories.During my graduation from Himachal Pradesh University, we used to stay at Shangati, which is around 6 kilometers from Mall Road, Shimla. And every saturday we used to walk from Shangti or summerhill to Mall Road via Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Chaura Maidaan & Vidhan Sabha.It was part of our default routine to visit Mall Road to take 4-6 rounds of Mall Road & Ridge and have quick-snacks at Chachu's Tea shop on other end of the Mall Road. Friends who had girl-friends, they used to roam around other places like Top Breads, Barista or other fancy places to eat :).Why Saturday is so special. Basically most of the folks of shimla used to come to Mall Road during evening. All School & College Kids, Office working people etc. Don't know why but it has become a strong trend in Shimla to visit Mall Road on Saturday Evening. During the recent visit, we explored some of the new cafes and really loved the Wake & Bake Cafe, which is just in front of Shimla Town-Hall on Mall Road. Above photograph shows one of the art-work on walls of Wake & Bake Cafe.We met a gentleman who shared different stories about Shimla and some interesting observations on Mall Road which can't be shared on this blog. Aneesh encouraged him to have some detailed discussion about army and Indian politics. After all those conversations he also tried to tell Aneesh about his future and related stuff. It seems, this gentleman is found on Mall road every evening.Here is a photograph showingone portion of Gaiety Theatre building which is being used by Himachal police department. It's a beautiful building in front of Town-Hall Shimla.A beautiful night view of Mall Road Shimla - Town-Hall building on right. Most of the shooting on Kareeb movie has happened in this region. Town-Hall which is on right was shown as hospital and there is Fire-Station on left which was shown as laundry where Bobby Deol used to stay. Anyways, many other movies are shot around these beautiful buildings on Mall Road of Shimla. Most of the shops/buildings on Mall Road have old architecture and the ones which are new have been designed to match with overall feel on the town. Most of the old buildings are from British era. The beautiful architecture if the one of the reasons which make this city beautiful.Fruit vendor near Willow Bank building who welcomed us with plates full of fresh fruits - Cherries, Kiwi & Strawberries. Probably he chose best of the lot for us. Every piece was amazingly tasty. He is a big fan of Aneesh's bike stunts and an old friend when Aneesh used to live in Shimla.

Saturday Evenings and Mall Road in Shimla have a very strong connection. During my sabbatical, I was there in Shimla on Saturday and planned to have a round of Mall Road as well. This Photo Journey shares some moments spent around Mall Road on Saturday Evening and the associated memories.During my graduation from Himachal Pradesh University, we used to stay at Shangati, which is around 6 kilometers from Mall Road, Shimla. And every saturday we used to walk from Shangti or summerhill to Mall Road via Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Chaura Maidaan & Vidhan Sabha.It was part of our default routine to visit Mall Road to take 4-6 rounds of Mall Road & Ridge and have quick-snacks at Chachu's Tea shop on other end of the Mall Road. Friends who had girl-friends, they used to roam around other places like Top Breads, Barista or other fancy places to eat :).Why Saturday is so special. Basically most of the folks of shimla used to come to Mall Road during evening. All School & College Kids, Office working people etc. Don't know why but it has become a strong trend in Shimla to visit Mall Road on Saturday Evening. During the recent visit, we explored some of the new cafes and really loved the Wake & Bake Cafe, which is just in front of Shimla Town-Hall on Mall Road. Above photograph shows one of the art-work on walls of Wake & Bake Cafe.We met a gentleman who shared different stories about Shimla and some interesting observations on Mall Road which can't be shared on this blog. Aneesh encouraged him to have some detailed discussion about army and Indian politics. After all those conversations he also tried to tell Aneesh about his future and related stuff. It seems, this gentleman is found on Mall road every evening.Here is a photograph showingone portion of Gaiety Theatre building which is being used by Himachal police department. It's a beautiful building in front of Town-Hall Shimla.A beautiful night view of Mall Road Shimla - Town-Hall building on right. Most of the shooting on Kareeb movie has happened in this region. Town-Hall which is on right was shown as hospital and there is Fire-Station on left which was shown as laundry where Bobby Deol used to stay. Anyways, many other movies are shot around these beautiful buildings on Mall Road of Shimla. Most of the shops/buildings on Mall Road have old architecture and the ones which are new have been designed to match with overall feel on the town. Most of the old buildings are from British era. The beautiful architecture if the one of the reasons which make this city beautiful.Fruit vendor near Willow Bank building who welcomed us with plates full of fresh fruits - Cherries, Kiwi & Strawberries. Probably he chose best of the lot for us. Every piece was amazingly tasty. He is a big fan of Aneesh's bike stunts and an old friend when Aneesh used to live in Shimla.

During my sabbatical I was out for Kinnaur trip along with one of the great bikers in India. During our back journey, we thought of going via Kotgarh, which is popular area for finding best quality apples and other fruits. Around these orchards, there is a beautiful place for relaxed stay with peaceful environment all around. This Photo Journey shares some o the quick shots taken at Sheetalvan Resort. Let's check out.I have lot of things to tell about this place and not sure which one should be the first thing to start. I think I should start with the owners and one of the best couple I have met. Varsha and Gaurav, who personally take care of this whole resort along with great set of folks. This resort is spread over unimaginable area of land on hills. A small portion of whole area is used for cottages and rooms. Most of the part has orchards of apples, pears, Cherries & Kiwis. A place like Sheetalvan, which is surrounded by great beuty all around makes it a best choice to spend a relaxing vacation to take rest from fast moving life of cities. It was really great to be there and the hospitality brings much more value when Himachali people are there to help you with stuff you need. Let me control my emotions and share some information about the place. The first fact is that it's called as 'Sheetlvan Orchard' instead of 'Sheetalvan Resort'. Somehow Resort has caught my mind. Entry of Sheetalvan has a huge compound having apples trees all around and initially you may feel that you have entered into wrong place. We walked inside and noticed few parking lots on right side and few cars were parked out there. After these parking areas, there is a steep road which leads to main cottages.There is enough place to park vehicles near cottages as well. Just in front of this open space, we noticed a building which looked like a old himachali styled house. Since I also belong to Himachal, it was easy for me to conclude as well. I was quite curious to explore it from inside. But it was time to settle down and have some water. All the cottages have lot of plants all around with colorful flower and nice aroma. Sheetvan is there on facebook as well, so you can connect through - https://www.facebook.com/SeetalvanOrchard We entered into common area with all our bags and it was time to have some snacks & relax after long ride. This common area of Sheetlvan is well equipped with stuff we usually need. Elegegant furniture aligned indoors and in a roofed balcony. Here is another view of common area at Sheetalvan. This whole space is full of books, magazines, games and some other interesting stuff.Aneesh choosing between the seats by checking out the outside view he may get from different alternatives available. After some rest, Gaurav joined us and we thought of taking a tour of orchards around the cottages. btw, here we are talking about more trees inside the campus which are different from huge orchards at the entrance of Sheetalvan. It was quite challenging for me to find out a place from where I could click photograph of all cottages, because it was surrounded by trees. In above photograph you see second storey of new cottages of Sheetalvan and this point was located after 15 minutes of walk. and of course, it's shot with a zoom lens.There were some almond trees across the cottages. Gaurav asked us to have few and try. It was really delicious and of course, far more than what you see in the above photograph :). We got few more for folks at home.Then a variety of trees came on the way and Gaurav started interviewing us. Being a Himachali, I was not able to accept that I don't know about these and hard time guessing these trees/fruits. Anyways, the fruit you see in above photograph is pear.Some colorful mushrooms at Sheetalvan Campus but these were not eatable. They were looking awesome. I could not capture them well, as most of these shots are taken very quickly while walking down the orchards. In these orchards we saw apple, pear, kiwi, cherries, apricot, almond & pulm. I am sure that I must be missing few more names here :). Gaurav/Varsha, please comment back with other names...After a quick walk around the orchards/farms, it was time to relax and have some tea. It was time to have some more discussions about Biking, Himachal & many other topics. btw, the seating area above is used for evening bonfire. Almost every cottage has similar but relatively smaller areas with appropriate seating arrangements. Apart from these seating areas, there are of course sufficient seating areas in balconies to enjoy amazing views of hills. After tea break, we headed towards rooms and thought of exploring different cottages as most of them has different styles and interiors. Most of the rooms are quite spacious with huge balconies with appropriate stuff to relax. Interior decoration with done with local stuff and this I want to keep as suspense, because many of things inside rooms really surprised me and I don't want to spoil that for others.And now it was the great moment when we moved towards the old looking himachali house. What can you expect by looking at this corridor of ground floor? Keep your thoughts reserved with you and start exploring this with us. This building had extra spacious suites. A common area at entrance connected to a room & seating room. The whole space inside was redone without destroying the feel. It was really awesome !!!Here is the room of this suite... Sheetalvan has really well maintained rooms with appropriate stuff ready for guests. This suite also has a kitchen attached.Near to these cottages, there is a huge house which is well connected with other parts of Sheetalvan Orchard. This is house of Gaurav & Varsha, the owners of Sheetalvan Orchards !!! More about Sheetalvan can be known through their official website @ http://www.seetalvanorchI am already planning my next visit to Sheetalvan soon and hope stay for longer period of time now.

When we were planning our trip to Kinnaur, a visit to Sarahan was also planned. Before starting from Delhi we had researched enough about places we should not miss when visiting a town or village on the way. But still many things surprised us and this Rajmahal just behind Bhimakali Temple was one of them. This Photo Journey is trying to share some moments spent around this Rajmahal with huge campus near the famous Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan town of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh.Architecture of this Rajmahal was almost similar to one which we saw in Rampur, Shimla. We visited Sarahan next day after exploring Rampur and Jeori. If you have missed our old post on Ramapur Kingdom, just check it out at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2013/05/rajmahal-at-rampur-bushahr-in-shimla.htmlUsually people know Sarahan because of Bhimakali Temple and folks are hardly worried about this huge campus. But above view caught our attention and these huge houses made us explore possibilities to go there and see. Initially people were hesitant about telling that property belongs to Raja Virbhadra Singh, but gradually we got to know. While having snacks in the market, someone told us that visitors are also allowed inside this campus. He guided us through the main gate where we requested the gate-keeper. He allowed us to go inside and see some of these huge complexesAs we entered, there was a very well maintained road connecting all Apple orchards & houses. First we crossed few apple trees on boths sides and then there was a gate on right which was a direct entry for Bhimakali Temple. Bhimakali Temple has two main entries, one is from main market and other is from this Rajmahal campus. If you haven't checked our Photo Journey on Bhimakali Temple, check it out at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2013/05/bheemakali-temple-sarahan-town-shimla.htAs we moved close to these huge buildings, we noticed that some families were living there. We didn't ask much but it seems, these were families of folks who were taking care of this whole campus full of Apple Orchards, different buildings and few small temples as well.At the end of this internal road, there is a huge building which was probably the largest one among all. This was named as 'Shrikhand View'. Above photograph shows one of the main gates for this building. Initially we were hesitating to enter inside this building but staff there was quite welcoming and they guided us through the whole building.There is a huge lawn around this building and above photograph is clicked form lawn only. Photograph shows view of hills above the main Rajmahal. The very first photograph of this Photo Journey shows this great lawn with main Rajmahal building in the background.This whole campus is surrounded by Pine forests. In fact whole Sarahan town is mainly surrounded by Pine and Apple Trees :)Sarahan Palace was alos capital pf former princely state of Bushair for several centuries. Sarahan is famous for it's legends, hilly architecture, special culture and amazing beauty of nature all aroundIt's on hill top and there is a deep valley next to it which ends at Satluj River. One can see snow covered peaks of Shirkhand mountains and that is why one of the main Palace is known as Shirkhand View PalaceSummer capital of Rampur Bushahr which is one of the biggest princely states in the Shimla region is mainly popular for Bhimkali Temple. Sarahan presents striking spectacle of snow-covered Himalayan ranges and a picture of unspoilt pastoral loveliness. It beholds the construction technic of more than 800 years old and also gives a good opportunity to study the western Himalayan architecture.Shrikhand view has a huge campus and many rooms attached to it. It seems, some of the rooms have not been opened for many years. Some of them have very old styled locks and chains.With its two multi-tiered sanctuary ters, elegantly sloping slate-tiled roofs, and gleaming golden spires, Sarahan Palace & Bhimakali Temple are few of the most majestic of the few early timber architectures left in the Sutlej Valley... This is an area renowned for its unusual tradition of housing holy shrines on raised wooden platforms.Following page has some nice details about Sarahan Town, Bhimakali Temple and Sarahan Palace - http://www.trancehimalaya.info/p/sarahan.htmlNotice these chains and locks, which are still in use at Sarahan Palace. There are some small temples inside the Palace as wellThese huge seating areas in Placae balconies are really royalBhimakali Temple was made at the order of Raja Shamsher Singh in the mid-nineteenth century. The sanctum also contains a fabulous collection of Hindu as well as Buddhist bronzesOne of the most interesting structures of the timber-bonded style is Raja Bushahr Palace cum Temple Complex which has been described as one of the finest specimens of hilly architecture. Almost 2000 years old, and like all buildings of the hill type, it is built of layers of rubble masonry and beams of cedar wood A View of Bhimakali Temple from Sarahan Palace and few apple trees can be seen on the foreground

When we were planning our trip to Kinnaur, a visit to Sarahan was also planned. Before starting from Delhi we had researched enough about places we should not miss when visiting a town or village on the way. But still many things surprised us and this Rajmahal just behind Bhimakali Temple was one of them. This Photo Journey is trying to share some moments spent around this Rajmahal with huge campus near the famous Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan town of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh.Architecture of this Rajmahal was almost similar to one which we saw in Rampur, Shimla. We visited Sarahan next day after exploring Rampur and Jeori. If you have missed our old post on Ramapur Kingdom, just check it out at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2013/05/rajmahal-at-rampur-bushahr-in-shimla.htmlUsually people know Sarahan because of Bhimakali Temple and folks are hardly worried about this huge campus. But above view caught our attention and these huge houses made us explore possibilities to go there and see. Initially people were hesitant about telling that property belongs to Raja Virbhadra Singh, but gradually we got to know. While having snacks in the market, someone told us that visitors are also allowed inside this campus. He guided us through the main gate where we requested the gate-keeper. He allowed us to go inside and see some of these huge complexesAs we entered, there was a very well maintained road connecting all Apple orchards & houses. First we crossed few apple trees on boths sides and then there was a gate on right which was a direct entry for Bhimakali Temple. Bhimakali Temple has two main entries, one is from main market and other is from this Rajmahal campus. If you haven't checked our Photo Journey on Bhimakali Temple, check it out at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2013/05/bheemakali-temple-sarahan-town-shimla.htAs we moved close to these huge buildings, we noticed that some families were living there. We didn't ask much but it seems, these were families of folks who were taking care of this whole campus full of Apple Orchards, different buildings and few small temples as well.At the end of this internal road, there is a huge building which was probably the largest one among all. This was named as 'Shrikhand View'. Above photograph shows one of the main gates for this building. Initially we were hesitating to enter inside this building but staff there was quite welcoming and they guided us through the whole building.There is a huge lawn around this building and above photograph is clicked form lawn only. Photograph shows view of hills above the main Rajmahal. The very first photograph of this Photo Journey shows this great lawn with main Rajmahal building in the background.This whole campus is surrounded by Pine forests. In fact whole Sarahan town is mainly surrounded by Pine and Apple Trees :)Sarahan Palace was alos capital pf former princely state of Bushair for several centuries. Sarahan is famous for it's legends, hilly architecture, special culture and amazing beauty of nature all aroundIt's on hill top and there is a deep valley next to it which ends at Satluj River. One can see snow covered peaks of Shirkhand mountains and that is why one of the main Palace is known as Shirkhand View PalaceSummer capital of Rampur Bushahr which is one of the biggest princely states in the Shimla region is mainly popular for Bhimkali Temple. Sarahan presents striking spectacle of snow-covered Himalayan ranges and a picture of unspoilt pastoral loveliness. It beholds the construction technic of more than 800 years old and also gives a good opportunity to study the western Himalayan architecture.Shrikhand view has a huge campus and many rooms attached to it. It seems, some of the rooms have not been opened for many years. Some of them have very old styled locks and chains.With its two multi-tiered sanctuary ters, elegantly sloping slate-tiled roofs, and gleaming golden spires, Sarahan Palace & Bhimakali Temple are few of the most majestic of the few early timber architectures left in the Sutlej Valley... This is an area renowned for its unusual tradition of housing holy shrines on raised wooden platforms.Following page has some nice details about Sarahan Town, Bhimakali Temple and Sarahan Palace - http://www.trancehimalaya.info/p/sarahan.htmlNotice these chains and locks, which are still in use at Sarahan Palace. There are some small temples inside the Palace as wellThese huge seating areas in Placae balconies are really royalBhimakali Temple was made at the order of Raja Shamsher Singh in the mid-nineteenth century. The sanctum also contains a fabulous collection of Hindu as well as Buddhist bronzesOne of the most interesting structures of the timber-bonded style is Raja Bushahr Palace cum Temple Complex which has been described as one of the finest specimens of hilly architecture. Almost 2000 years old, and like all buildings of the hill type, it is built of layers of rubble masonry and beams of cedar wood A View of Bhimakali Temple from Sarahan Palace and few apple trees can be seen on the foreground

When we were planning our trip to Kinnaur, a visit to Sarahan was also planned. Before starting from Delhi we had researched enough about places we should not miss when visiting a town or village on the way. But still many things surprised us and this Rajmahal just behind Bhimakali Temple was one of them. This Photo Journey is trying to share some moments spent around this Rajmahal with huge campus near the famous Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan town of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh.Architecture of this Rajmahal was almost similar to one which we saw in Rampur, Shimla. We visited Sarahan next day after exploring Rampur and Jeori. If you have missed our old post on Ramapur Kingdom, just check it out at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2013/05/rajmahal-at-rampur-bushahr-in-shimla.htmlUsually people know Sarahan because of Bhimakali Temple and folks are hardly worried about this huge campus. But above view caught our attention and these huge houses made us explore possibilities to go there and see. Initially people were hesitant about telling that property belongs to Raja Virbhadra Singh, but gradually we got to know. While having snacks in the market, someone told us that visitors are also allowed inside this campus. He guided us through the main gate where we requested the gate-keeper. He allowed us to go inside and see some of these huge complexesAs we entered, there was a very well maintained road connecting all Apple orchards & houses. First we crossed few apple trees on boths sides and then there was a gate on right which was a direct entry for Bhimakali Temple. Bhimakali Temple has two main entries, one is from main market and other is from this Rajmahal campus. If you haven't checked our Photo Journey on Bhimakali Temple, check it out at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2013/05/bheemakali-temple-sarahan-town-shimla.htAs we moved close to these huge buildings, we noticed that some families were living there. We didn't ask much but it seems, these were families of folks who were taking care of this whole campus full of Apple Orchards, different buildings and few small temples as well.At the end of this internal road, there is a huge building which was probably the largest one among all. This was named as 'Shrikhand View'. Above photograph shows one of the main gates for this building. Initially we were hesitating to enter inside this building but staff there was quite welcoming and they guided us through the whole building.There is a huge lawn around this building and above photograph is clicked form lawn only. Photograph shows view of hills above the main Rajmahal. The very first photograph of this Photo Journey shows this great lawn with main Rajmahal building in the background.This whole campus is surrounded by Pine forests. In fact whole Sarahan town is mainly surrounded by Pine and Apple Trees :)Sarahan Palace was alos capital pf former princely state of Bushair for several centuries. Sarahan is famous for it's legends, hilly architecture, special culture and amazing beauty of nature all aroundIt's on hill top and there is a deep valley next to it which ends at Satluj River. One can see snow covered peaks of Shirkhand mountains and that is why one of the main Palace is known as Shirkhand View PalaceSummer capital of Rampur Bushahr which is one of the biggest princely states in the Shimla region is mainly popular for Bhimkali Temple. Sarahan presents striking spectacle of snow-covered Himalayan ranges and a picture of unspoilt pastoral loveliness. It beholds the construction technic of more than 800 years old and also gives a good opportunity to study the western Himalayan architecture.Shrikhand view has a huge campus and many rooms attached to it. It seems, some of the rooms have not been opened for many years. Some of them have very old styled locks and chains.With its two multi-tiered sanctuary ters, elegantly sloping slate-tiled roofs, and gleaming golden spires, Sarahan Palace & Bhimakali Temple are few of the most majestic of the few early timber architectures left in the Sutlej Valley... This is an area renowned for its unusual tradition of housing holy shrines on raised wooden platforms.Following page has some nice details about Sarahan Town, Bhimakali Temple and Sarahan Palace - http://www.trancehimalaya.info/p/sarahan.htmlNotice these chains and locks, which are still in use at Sarahan Palace. There are some small temples inside the Palace as wellThese huge seating areas in Placae balconies are really royalBhimakali Temple was made at the order of Raja Shamsher Singh in the mid-nineteenth century. The sanctum also contains a fabulous collection of Hindu as well as Buddhist bronzesOne of the most interesting structures of the timber-bonded style is Raja Bushahr Palace cum Temple Complex which has been described as one of the finest specimens of hilly architecture. Almost 2000 years old, and like all buildings of the hill type, it is built of layers of rubble masonry and beams of cedar wood A View of Bhimakali Temple from Sarahan Palace and few apple trees can be seen on the foreground

PHOTO JOURNEY through some of the Architecture Forms captured in Travelling Camera : PART -1 : posted by VJ SHARMA at www.travelllingcamera.com : Here are some photographs on Architecture forms captured on PHOTO JOURNEY during last three years...This is Safdarjung Tomb in delhi....Safdarjung's Tomb is a garden tomb in a marble mausoleum in Delhi, India. It was built in 1754 in the style of late Mughal architecture. The top story of the edifice houses the Archaeological Survey of India. The garden, in the style evolved by the Mughal Empire that is now known as the Mughal gardens style known as a charbagh, is entered through an ornate gate. Its facade is decorated with elaborate plaster carvings...An evening at Safdarjung Tomb, Delhi... @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/06/evening-at-safdarjung-tomb-delhi.htmlJama Masjid @ Old Delhi, INDIAJama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD and it was again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan behind this architectural masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were involved in the construction of the msque. It is located in Old Delhi, just opposite to the famous Lal Quila or the Red Fort...Delhi 6 - Jama Masjid @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/02/delhi-6-jama-masjid.html .. INDIA GATE @ Delhi, Capital city of INDIAThe India Gate is one of the largest war memorials in India. Situated in the heart of New Delhi, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It is a prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the members of the erstwhile British Indian Army who lost their lives fighting for the Indian Empire in World War I and the Afghan Wars. Originally, a Statue of King George V had stood under the now-vacant canopy in front of the India Gate, and was removed to Coronation Park with other statues. Following India's independence, India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti.(Courtesy: wikipedia)A late evening glance at India Gate, Delhi @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/03/late-evening-glace-at-india-gate-delhi.html ... Lodhi-Garden is a park in Delhi, India. It contains architectural works of the Lodhis, a Pathan dynasty which ruled much of Northern India during the 16th century. The gardens are situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb on Lodhi Road. .. Lodhi Garden @ Delhi, INDIA @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2008/12/lodhi-garden-delhi-india.html ... Baijnath is a small town which comes on the way from Palampur to Billing. We stopped at Baijnath for some snacks and also visited Shiva Temple here...Travelling Camera stopped at Shiva Temple in Baijnath while moving towards Billing for Paragliding @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2010/07/travelling-camera-stopped-at-shiva.html ... Very Old Shiva Temple @ Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh, INDIABaijnath is a small town which comes on the way from Palampur to Billing. We stopped at Baijnath for some snacks and also visited Shiva Temple here...Travelling Camera stopped at Shiva Temple in Baijnath while moving towards Billing for Paragliding @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2010/07/travelling-camera-stopped-at-shiva.html ... Red Fort @ Old Delhi, INDIA... Delhi's famous Red Fort is known by that name because of the red stone with which it is built and it is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is also closely linked with this fort. ... Red Fort @ Delhi, India @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/06/sunny-day-at-red-fort.html ... Naggar Castle @ Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, INDIA...Naggar Castle is situated on the left bank of river Beas at an altitude of 1851m, above sea level. Naggar - an ancient town commands an extensive views, especially of the north west of the valley. Naggar was the former capital of Kullu about 1460 years. It was founded by Raja Visudhpal and continued as a headquarters of the State until the capital was transferred to Sultanpur (Kullu) by Jagat Singh probably by 1460 A.D. Today this ancient and beautiful place is a popular tourist spot in the Kullu valley which has many legends and attractions. ... Naggar Castle : A Premium Hotel with amazing views of Kullu-Valley (full of Apples) and Hills (covered by clouds) @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/08/naggar-castle-premium-hotel-with.html ... Hidimba Devi Temple is located in Manāli, a hill station in the State of Himāchal Pradesh in north India. It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, sister of Hidimba, who was a character in the Indian epic - Maharashtra. This temple is surrounded by a deodar forest in Himalyas. ... Hadimba Temple: One of the main Tourist attractions in Manali, HP @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2010/01/hadimba-temple-one-of-main-tourist.html ... Ranthambore Fort is an impressive fort and display historical developments of Rajasthan. It is situated near Sawai-Madhopur town in Rajasthan... .... Ranthambore Fort in Xtra saturated colors @ Rajasthan, India @ http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/11/ranthambore-fort-in-xtra-saturated.html


Some Experiments with old architecture of Jantar Mantar in Delhi, INDIA : Posted by VJ SHARMA on www.travellingcamera.com : Last month me and one of my friend were waiting for other folks to reach Connaught Place in Delhi and they called us to inform that all of them are arriving after 1:30 Hrs... This was good opportunity for us to explore some place nearby and decided to visit Jantar Mantar... After reaching the place I was not able to decide what should I shoot... Everywhere people were roaming and it was really difficult to find a place without people... and it was not like two or three folks.. It was huge crowd in front of each yantra @ Jantar Mantar.. So finally I decided to have some photographs which can avoid this crowd and it gave a good opportunity to place with various angles/compositions... check out and critics are welcome !!The first photograph where I wanted to have darkest possible shadows to make it look like black tiles in contact with reds and white ones.. Although it doesn't look like that... I would have to wait to click this photograph at right time but we had to move out in few hrs... Never mind, I will try it again...This time I was carrying SONY Alpha-700 and was confused with some of the controls.. Anyway that's not important... These yantras were very narrow is shape and it was difficult to fit myself for clicking these architecture forms nicely... Here is a tilted view of a semi-spherical yantra @ Jantar Mantar...All these photographs from the same yantra and it was was quite interesting... But please don't ask me about how it functions and what it is supposed to do...Stairs hidden behind these structures and everyone needs to follow them to go down and see the real work inside these yantras.. In Jantar Mantar at jaipur, everyone was not allowed to go inside these structures but in Delhi I didn't see such restrictions except one which had highest structure followed by lot of stairs....Jantar Mantar in Delhi is a very popular place among activists, social associations and artists as well... Many of the NGOs choose this place to start a rally or protest... Also many artists have explored this very well and many times Photographers have exhibited this place...A Series of small pillars taking all the weight of small paths connecting outer circle of a structure with a pole in the middle... as you can see the turning path in a circle...One of my friend called it 'Stairs of Success'.. I don't if that is the name of these stairs but like the caption :)Final Photograph showing the close-up view of this architecture which shows the age of this structure and its been repaired multiple times in past which resulted in this roughness... I am again planning to visit Jantar Mantar in Delhi and will ensure that I get full day to spend there...

Some Experiments with old architecture of Jantar Mantar in Delhi, INDIA : Posted by VJ SHARMA on www.travellingcamera.com : Last month me and one of my friend were waiting for other folks to reach Connaught Place in Delhi and they called us to inform that all of them are arriving after 1:30 Hrs... This was good opportunity for us to explore some place nearby and decided to visit Jantar Mantar... After reaching the place I was not able to decide what should I shoot... Everywhere people were roaming and it was really difficult to find a place without people... and it was not like two or three folks.. It was huge crowd in front of each yantra @ Jantar Mantar.. So finally I decided to have some photographs which can avoid this crowd and it gave a good opportunity to place with various angles/compositions... check out and critics are welcome !!The first photograph where I wanted to have darkest possible shadows to make it look like black tiles in contact with reds and white ones.. Although it doesn't look like that... I would have to wait to click this photograph at right time but we had to move out in few hrs... Never mind, I will try it again...This time I was carrying SONY Alpha-700 and was confused with some of the controls.. Anyway that's not important... These yantras were very narrow is shape and it was difficult to fit myself for clicking these architecture forms nicely... Here is a tilted view of a semi-spherical yantra @ Jantar Mantar...All these photographs from the same yantra and it was was quite interesting... But please don't ask me about how it functions and what it is supposed to do...Stairs hidden behind these structures and everyone needs to follow them to go down and see the real work inside these yantras.. In Jantar Mantar at jaipur, everyone was not allowed to go inside these structures but in Delhi I didn't see such restrictions except one which had highest structure followed by lot of stairs....Jantar Mantar in Delhi is a very popular place among activists, social associations and artists as well... Many of the NGOs choose this place to start a rally or protest... Also many artists have explored this very well and many times Photographers have exhibited this place...A Series of small pillars taking all the weight of small paths connecting outer circle of a structure with a pole in the middle... as you can see the turning path in a circle...One of my friend called it 'Stairs of Success'.. I don't if that is the name of these stairs but like the caption :)Final Photograph showing the close-up view of this architecture which shows the age of this structure and its been repaired multiple times in past which resulted in this roughness... I am again planning to visit Jantar Mantar in Delhi and will ensure that I get full day to spend there...

Purana Qila (Old Fort) - Relieved of its bloody past : Delhi, INDIA : Purana Qila was constructed in the 16th century and within the first 25 years of its construction, passed from one ruler to the other and saw many great kings die of accidents and war. As of now, the Qila still stands tall right next to the Delhi Zoological Gardens and is often the venue for concerts etc. It also hosts a sound and light show after sunset that showcases the history of the seven cities of Delhi.The architecture is mostly Mughal with intricate carvings and domes. However, the qila was briefly captured by Hemu, the Hindu king. He was coronated in the qila and after his death in the second battle of Panipat, his torso was hung outside the qila as a warning. Unimpressed by the bloody history of the Qila, delhites now endorse it as a place of solitude and romance.Chhatris on the North Gate. The North gate is also known as the Talaqi Darwaza or the forbidden gate. Grounds around the quila could do with some landscaping. Imagine if this patch had lush green grass, how beautiful would the entire scene be.Some work is ongoing. But I think, we need more workforce to be employed in the area and more investment in the upkeep. Some lessons can be learnt from the way Qutb Minar complex is maintained.A lone cyclist on the road next to the qila complex. Visible in the background is the Sher Mandal which has some interesting (read bloody) history of its own.Arches, domes and chhatris are the sure signs of Mughal architecture coupled with red stones. Some of the most imposing monuments in India are Mughal.Typical door of a Mughal building. Very interesting and photogenic. Some at Humanyun's Tomb which is visible from the Humanyun Gate at Purana qila have stars and flowers on them. Qila-i-kuhna mosque in the complex. It is the best preserved building in the complex today.The five arches of the mosque are clearly visible in this picture. The complex itself is spacious and open. An ideal place for a walk when it's not too hot.Close up of some of the carvings on the walls. Typical flower carvings that set the Mughal architecture apart from the rest of the architecture of the era.Another place where some work is going on. It must take a lot of determination and alertness to maintain a building that is almost crumbling.The Sher mandal which was built as an observatory. This was also the place where the emperor Humanyun met with his untimely death after a fatal accident when he slipped on the stairs while going for the evening Namaz.There are very few places in Delhi where young couple can have some time to themselves where they are not harrassed by police or transgenders. I'm not sure what the situation in the Purana qila complex is like. But I did see many young couples sitting and chatting.The common myna which is usually seen in pairs. In fact, if you see one without a partner, it is supposed to bring bad luck. However, this one brought me good luck as I got some excellent shots from this excursion.The quitessential snack vendor. Though it is nice to see an absence of litter around him. There is a museum inside Old Fort Campus !!!The small lake next to the qila which is a popular boating location. The qila in fact was built on the banks of the river Yamuna. The river seems to have receded or changed course now.A child chilling around in the complex. Time to move towards parking area and go back home !!!Connaught Place @ Delhi, INDIA, Red fort (Lal Quila) @ Delhi, INDIA Qutub Minar @ Delhi, INDIA India Gate @ Delhi, INDIAPresident's House @ Delhi, INDIALotus Temple @ Delhi, INDIASafdarjung Tomb @ Delhi, INDIAHumayun's Tomb @ Delhi, INDIAOld Fort (Purana Quila) @ Delhi, INDIALodhi Garden @ Delhi, INDIAZOO @ Delhi, INDIA

Purana Qila (Old Fort) - Relieved of its bloody past : Delhi, INDIA : Purana Qila was constructed in the 16th century and within the first 25 years of its construction, passed from one ruler to the other and saw many great kings die of accidents and war. As of now, the Qila still stands tall right next to the Delhi Zoological Gardens and is often the venue for concerts etc. It also hosts a sound and light show after sunset that showcases the history of the seven cities of Delhi.The architecture is mostly Mughal with intricate carvings and domes. However, the qila was briefly captured by Hemu, the Hindu king. He was coronated in the qila and after his death in the second battle of Panipat, his torso was hung outside the qila as a warning. Unimpressed by the bloody history of the Qila, delhites now endorse it as a place of solitude and romance.Chhatris on the North Gate. The North gate is also known as the Talaqi Darwaza or the forbidden gate. Grounds around the quila could do with some landscaping. Imagine if this patch had lush green grass, how beautiful would the entire scene be.Some work is ongoing. But I think, we need more workforce to be employed in the area and more investment in the upkeep. Some lessons can be learnt from the way Qutb Minar complex is maintained.A lone cyclist on the road next to the qila complex. Visible in the background is the Sher Mandal which has some interesting (read bloody) history of its own.Arches, domes and chhatris are the sure signs of Mughal architecture coupled with red stones. Some of the most imposing monuments in India are Mughal.Typical door of a Mughal building. Very interesting and photogenic. Some at Humanyun's Tomb which is visible from the Humanyun Gate at Purana qila have stars and flowers on them. Qila-i-kuhna mosque in the complex. It is the best preserved building in the complex today.The five arches of the mosque are clearly visible in this picture. The complex itself is spacious and open. An ideal place for a walk when it's not too hot.Close up of some of the carvings on the walls. Typical flower carvings that set the Mughal architecture apart from the rest of the architecture of the era.Another place where some work is going on. It must take a lot of determination and alertness to maintain a building that is almost crumbling.The Sher mandal which was built as an observatory. This was also the place where the emperor Humanyun met with his untimely death after a fatal accident when he slipped on the stairs while going for the evening Namaz.There are very few places in Delhi where young couple can have some time to themselves where they are not harrassed by police or transgenders. I'm not sure what the situation in the Purana qila complex is like. But I did see many young couples sitting and chatting.The common myna which is usually seen in pairs. In fact, if you see one without a partner, it is supposed to bring bad luck. However, this one brought me good luck as I got some excellent shots from this excursion.The quitessential snack vendor. Though it is nice to see an absence of litter around him. There is a museum inside Old Fort Campus !!!The small lake next to the qila which is a popular boating location. The qila in fact was built on the banks of the river Yamuna. The river seems to have receded or changed course now.A child chilling around in the complex. Time to move towards parking area and go back home !!!Connaught Place @ Delhi, INDIA, Red fort (Lal Quila) @ Delhi, INDIA Qutub Minar @ Delhi, INDIA India Gate @ Delhi, INDIAPresident's House @ Delhi, INDIALotus Temple @ Delhi, INDIASafdarjung Tomb @ Delhi, INDIAHumayun's Tomb @ Delhi, INDIAOld Fort (Purana Quila) @ Delhi, INDIALodhi Garden @ Delhi, INDIAZOO @ Delhi, INDIA

Purana Qila (Old Fort) - Relieved of its bloody past : Delhi, INDIA : Purana Qila was constructed in the 16th century and within the first 25 years of its construction, passed from one ruler to the other and saw many great kings die of accidents and war. As of now, the Qila still stands tall right next to the Delhi Zoological Gardens and is often the venue for concerts etc. It also hosts a sound and light show after sunset that showcases the history of the seven cities of Delhi.The architecture is mostly Mughal with intricate carvings and domes. However, the qila was briefly captured by Hemu, the Hindu king. He was coronated in the qila and after his death in the second battle of Panipat, his torso was hung outside the qila as a warning. Unimpressed by the bloody history of the Qila, delhites now endorse it as a place of solitude and romance.Chhatris on the North Gate. The North gate is also known as the Talaqi Darwaza or the forbidden gate. Grounds around the quila could do with some landscaping. Imagine if this patch had lush green grass, how beautiful would the entire scene be.Some work is ongoing. But I think, we need more workforce to be employed in the area and more investment in the upkeep. Some lessons can be learnt from the way Qutb Minar complex is maintained.A lone cyclist on the road next to the qila complex. Visible in the background is the Sher Mandal which has some interesting (read bloody) history of its own.Arches, domes and chhatris are the sure signs of Mughal architecture coupled with red stones. Some of the most imposing monuments in India are Mughal.Typical door of a Mughal building. Very interesting and photogenic. Some at Humanyun's Tomb which is visible from the Humanyun Gate at Purana qila have stars and flowers on them. Qila-i-kuhna mosque in the complex. It is the best preserved building in the complex today.The five arches of the mosque are clearly visible in this picture. The complex itself is spacious and open. An ideal place for a walk when it's not too hot.Close up of some of the carvings on the walls. Typical flower carvings that set the Mughal architecture apart from the rest of the architecture of the era.Another place where some work is going on. It must take a lot of determination and alertness to maintain a building that is almost crumbling.The Sher mandal which was built as an observatory. This was also the place where the emperor Humanyun met with his untimely death after a fatal accident when he slipped on the stairs while going for the evening Namaz.There are very few places in Delhi where young couple can have some time to themselves where they are not harrassed by police or transgenders. I'm not sure what the situation in the Purana qila complex is like. But I did see many young couples sitting and chatting.The common myna which is usually seen in pairs. In fact, if you see one without a partner, it is supposed to bring bad luck. However, this one brought me good luck as I got some excellent shots from this excursion.The quitessential snack vendor. Though it is nice to see an absence of litter around him. There is a museum inside Old Fort Campus !!!The small lake next to the qila which is a popular boating location. The qila in fact was built on the banks of the river Yamuna. The river seems to have receded or changed course now.A child chilling around in the complex. Time to move towards parking area and go back home !!!Connaught Place @ Delhi, INDIA, Red fort (Lal Quila) @ Delhi, INDIA Qutub Minar @ Delhi, INDIA India Gate @ Delhi, INDIAPresident's House @ Delhi, INDIALotus Temple @ Delhi, INDIASafdarjung Tomb @ Delhi, INDIAHumayun's Tomb @ Delhi, INDIAOld Fort (Purana Quila) @ Delhi, INDIALodhi Garden @ Delhi, INDIAZOO @ Delhi, INDIA

Purana Qila (Old Fort) - Relieved of its bloody past : Delhi, INDIA : Purana Qila was constructed in the 16th century and within the first 25 years of its construction, passed from one ruler to the other and saw many great kings die of accidents and war. As of now, the Qila still stands tall right next to the Delhi Zoological Gardens and is often the venue for concerts etc. It also hosts a sound and light show after sunset that showcases the history of the seven cities of Delhi.The architecture is mostly Mughal with intricate carvings and domes. However, the qila was briefly captured by Hemu, the Hindu king. He was coronated in the qila and after his death in the second battle of Panipat, his torso was hung outside the qila as a warning. Unimpressed by the bloody history of the Qila, delhites now endorse it as a place of solitude and romance.Chhatris on the North Gate. The North gate is also known as the Talaqi Darwaza or the forbidden gate. Grounds around the quila could do with some landscaping. Imagine if this patch had lush green grass, how beautiful would the entire scene be.Some work is ongoing. But I think, we need more workforce to be employed in the area and more investment in the upkeep. Some lessons can be learnt from the way Qutb Minar complex is maintained.A lone cyclist on the road next to the qila complex. Visible in the background is the Sher Mandal which has some interesting (read bloody) history of its own.Arches, domes and chhatris are the sure signs of Mughal architecture coupled with red stones. Some of the most imposing monuments in India are Mughal.Typical door of a Mughal building. Very interesting and photogenic. Some at Humanyun's Tomb which is visible from the Humanyun Gate at Purana qila have stars and flowers on them. Qila-i-kuhna mosque in the complex. It is the best preserved building in the complex today.The five arches of the mosque are clearly visible in this picture. The complex itself is spacious and open. An ideal place for a walk when it's not too hot.Close up of some of the carvings on the walls. Typical flower carvings that set the Mughal architecture apart from the rest of the architecture of the era.Another place where some work is going on. It must take a lot of determination and alertness to maintain a building that is almost crumbling.The Sher mandal which was built as an observatory. This was also the place where the emperor Humanyun met with his untimely death after a fatal accident when he slipped on the stairs while going for the evening Namaz.There are very few places in Delhi where young couple can have some time to themselves where they are not harrassed by police or transgenders. I'm not sure what the situation in the Purana qila complex is like. But I did see many young couples sitting and chatting.The common myna which is usually seen in pairs. In fact, if you see one without a partner, it is supposed to bring bad luck. However, this one brought me good luck as I got some excellent shots from this excursion.The quitessential snack vendor. Though it is nice to see an absence of litter around him. There is a museum inside Old Fort Campus !!!The small lake next to the qila which is a popular boating location. The qila in fact was built on the banks of the river Yamuna. The river seems to have receded or changed course now.A child chilling around in the complex. Time to move towards parking area and go back home !!!Connaught Place @ Delhi, INDIA, Red fort (Lal Quila) @ Delhi, INDIA Qutub Minar @ Delhi, INDIA India Gate @ Delhi, INDIAPresident's House @ Delhi, INDIALotus Temple @ Delhi, INDIASafdarjung Tomb @ Delhi, INDIAHumayun's Tomb @ Delhi, INDIAOld Fort (Purana Quila) @ Delhi, INDIALodhi Garden @ Delhi, INDIAZOO @ Delhi, INDIA






Photography and shooting videos inside Metro is not allowed but one can click photographs of things outside Metro... Many times I see beautiful Akshardham Temple from Metro and since Cameras are not allowed inside, I thought of capturing it through Metro only ...A quick glance at Akshardham Temple from Metro train at Delhi, INDIA !!! Although these pics are shaky...Flyovers near Akshardham temples have made drive easy for people who come via cars... All thanks to Common Wealth Games. Although many corrupt people dumped our money at unknown places, but infrastructure has improved a lot !!!Anyway, speed of improving infrastructure is less than population of our country !!! So this photograph shows heavy jam on same flyovers which helped in reducing traffic during Common Wealth Games .... Same thing is with Metro train.. Initially everyone thought that it will reduce some traffic on roads, but now Metro is also overloaded as we see Delhi-Roads...Anyways Akshardham is a lovely place and good place to hang out with your family and friends... I always recommend light and music fountain show which happen during evenings.. It's amazing and should be seen once at least....



It started with Sumant's generous invitation to visit Dhanachuli and to explore the Kumaun region with 'Te Aroha' as the base. I was super-excited about this trip and the real journey started on 4th October. This Photo Journey shares some of the moments from the journey from Anand Vihar Railway Station(Delhi) to Kathgodam & Dhanachuli, which was our final destination for the day. We reached Anand Vihar Railway station at 5:15AM to catch Kathgodam Shatabdi which was supposed to start at 6:15AM. We had a cup of tea at Railway station and started waiting for the train. There are three platforms on this railways station. On one platform, there was another train which was going to North East at 6:50AM and there were continuous (irritating) announcements throughout. And at the same time, another announcement was happening that Kathgodam Satabdi has been delayed because of some technical problem. Hills on our mind were enough to motivate us for waiting on the platform. Finally we heard a good announcement that train is coming towards the platform. It started at 7:15 from Anand Vihar railway station, but managed to reach Kathgodam on time - 11:45AM. Sumant was driving from Delhi on same morning and he met us at Kathgodam station. So there was a blue Ford Endeavor outside railway station, which was waiting for us. Vibha, Mukta, Divya, Aanchal & Aditya were also accompanying us for next journey towards Dhanachuli. Kathgodam is in foothills and next journey was through hilly terrains. As we started climbing up towards Bheemtaal, clouds also chose to follow us and suddenly it became very misty all around. It was a great welcome to Uttrakhand. By road one can approach Dhanachuli through following route : Delhi - Hapur Bypass - Muradabad Bypass - Rampur - Bilaspur - Rudrapur - Haldwani - Kathgodam - Ranibagh - Bhimtal - Khutani - Padampuri - Dhari - DhanachuliFor more details, check out - http://www.tearoha.in/tearoha_map.pdf This was my first visit to Uttarakhand after the floods in June'2013 but I couldn't see any signs of the disaster. When talked to our driver, I got to know that Kumaun region had remained largely unimpacted by those floods. Basically Uttrakhand can be divided into two parts - Kamaun & Garhwal. Kumaun includes the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar. It is bounded on the north by Tibet, on the east by Nepal, on the south by the state of Uttar Pradesh, and on the west by the Garhwal region. There was hardly any impact of june floods in Kumaun region.After a refreshing ride through beautiful hills surrounded by mist, we reached Dhanachuli - Te Aroha !!! Team at Te Aroha was ready to welcome us at one of the highest peaks around Dhanachuli. After an interesting welcome drink we moved to our rooms and a series of surprises awaited us. And I am sure that I will not able to share all the surprises/experiences we got at Te Aroha and Dhanachuli. One of the Te Aroha team-member escorted us to the top most suite in the property, known as 'The Long House'..Spacious rooms with spellbinding views of snow-covered peaks of Himalayan ranges....Just looking at the doors, we were able to guess that it's going to be very grand but we failed to estimate the real experience of this stay. It was far more beautiful & luxurious as compared to what we had thought. At times, I feel that I would not be able to define this experience through words. But still I will try to share some part of it through a series of Photo Journeys on Dhanachuli and Te Aroha. Please feel free to share your feedback through comments here.Above photograph shows the first view we get after entering into The Long House at Te Aroha. Exquisite colors, peach & white, dominated our first experience of the room. We only noticed the intricately handcrafted furniture, a piano & a fireplace after we got over the soft and gentle color scheme. Every element in The Long House was a collectible by Sumant Batra, who has envisioned such a lovely place on the hills of Dhanachuli. We spent a significant time in exploring the interiors of the suite.Then we stepped up towards the bedroom which was next to the living room of The Long House. Again everything was unique. Let me stop here and move on with the other things we did during our first day after reaching Te Aroha, Dhanachuli. But don't be disappointed as I would be sharing a separate post on Te Aroha only. And the BIGGEST surprise in The Long House suite is yet to be disclosed :)Transported to the bygone elegance of the colonial era...was time to come out and have delicious lunch made by the Chef. It was great to know about the fine selection of cuisines by experiences chefs. After our lunch, we moved to the breakfast terrace which is just outside the dining area. We were humbled with the experience of finest hospitality, although lot more came our way during the next two days. We had a long chit chat around this terrace and some of us thought of having a quick walk around the road which was just below Te Aroha. Divya and VIbha sitting on roadside to enjoy the beautiful sunset with dense clouds all around the hills of Dhanachuli.It was getting dark now and time was to switch on the lights. After few minutes , we got a call from reception that bonfire area is ready and please join other folks there. After coming to bonfire area, we started discussing about Education system in India and none of us was optimistic about the way things are happening in education space. Sumant joined the discussion after some time and shared his inspiring thoughts and almost everyone agreed and felt better :)Towards the end of our day, something like following video was playing in our mind. The day ended with bonfire, delicious snacks and red wine followed by continental dinner. Keep checking this space for updates from next two days at Dhanachuli.

Hope you have enjoyed the journey of first two days with us so far. If you haven't gotten a chance, we recommend to check out Part-1 & Part-2 of the journey and then come back here to enjoy the third day trek to Dhanachuli Village around Kumaun hills. Let's start this Photo Journey to the beautiful Dhanachuli Village.It was bright sunny morning at Dhanachuli and some of us were up at 6:30am. Unpredictable weather during last two days had created so much curiosity that everyone was excited to see bright morning on third day. It opened the gates for the trek to the abandoned village of Dhanachuli. We started from Te Aroha at around 7:00 am. We drove from Te Aroha to the market of Dhanachuli village. We stopped near Bank of Baroda and started our trek downwards through green farms facing snow covered peaks. Mr. Sumant Batra personally led the entire trek and kept us informed about various trees, crops, plants, architecture & people.For initial 20 minutes, we were walking through the habitat area which is comparatively close to the main road which connects Dhanachuli village to other parts of Kumaun. Most of the villagers have pets and mainly cows & goats. Corn crops were all over the farms and some of the farms also had seasonal vegetables - peas, cabbage, bringle, tomatoas, green chillies, kidney-beans (Rajmah) etc. Dhanchuli village is deep in the valley surrounded by snow capped hills on one side and steep green mountains on other side. Dhanachuli hills are probably some of the highest hills in Kumaun region.At the end of the trek were some dilapidated houses of the old Dhanachuli village. Most of the old village is abandoned with only a couple of houses still occupied. The villagers, it seems, have moved to houses closer to the road.The houses were adorned with some interesting carvings and designs. Sumant pointed out some samples of carvings from as far as Rajasthan. He expressed his amazement at finding such designs up here in Uttarakhand. One possible explanation, he thinks, is that these people migrated from the plains over a hundred years ago to escape forced conversions. And with them they carried a part of their memories, tradition, and culture, always wanting to cling on to what they had to leave behind.The houses, though abandoned, still tell a story with their strong foundations, quality material used for building. If you look at the picture above, you will see stones stacked on top of each other. This material is native to the hills and has stood against the test of time.This was one of the houses that was still occupied. A cat was sunning itself on the stairs, while the occupants went about their daily chores. The villagers keep busy most of the times as they need to do almost everything themselves. It is a life full of hardwork and peace.These freshly plucked red chillies and corns have been spread out to dry so that they don't get spoilt when they are stored. The villagers keep some portion of the crops they produce for their personal use, while they sell of the rest. This particular house was so isolated from the rest that we were wondering if the occupants feel afraid at night. We were also asking ourselves what they do to keep themselves entertained. And then we noticed the dish antennae installed outside...but of course...While looking at the exteriors of the abandoned houses, we were curious about the insides. We found an interesting looking house and some of us dared to climb inside. A few of us were worried whether we would chance upon a sleeping leopard inside the house. But Sumant assured us that it wasn't a possibility because if there was a leopard inside, we would be able to smell it before we saw it. Our fear may sound funny to you, but in reality a leopard sighting isn't as rare in these parts. If a cattle is killed or a dog vanishes, the crime is mostly blamed on leopards. Some of the buildings were so beautiful that we were left wondering why no one had noticed them yet. No Bollywood film thriller/ horror film has been shot here, no fashion shoot has been organized with these houses as a backdrop, although the setting is perfect!The last point of the trek was a temple. We sat in the premises and had tea and cookies made by Te Aroha's chef. It was very considerate of Sumant to have thought of this because after the long trek, all of us were dying for a cup of tea. We sat there for about half-an-hour listening to the birds sing and watching the clouds drifting into the valley. We had some interesting conversations while sitting here. We spoke about how inconsiderate it is to build a huge concrete structure on the top of a hill in the mountains. Such things can be very risky for the villagers living below. We discussed how essential it is for development to happen in a responsible way. And during the course of this discussion we discovered that Te Aroha, even though they have taken a water connection from the government's water supply and pay for it, they never use the water. Simply because if the resort starts using the water, hardly anything will be left for the villagers. Instead, Te Aroha has made elaborate arrangements for rainwater harvesting and uses the water they collect from this along with the water from the borer they have installed themselves. After the tea, it was time to head back and this time we chose a different route. Instead of the slippery rocky route, we chose to walk a trail through thefields. En route we stopped and tasted some very sweet peas, and met some local children who were more than happy to oblige us with generous smiles. The morning was a tiring one and yet gratifying. And we felt exercised and yet relaxed at the end of it. More than anything else the trek provided a lot of food for thought and we dwelled on it for quite some time.Hope you have enjoyed the journey of first two days with us so far. If you haven't gotten a chance, we recommend to check out Part-1 & Part-2 of the journey and then come back here to enjoy the third day trek to Dhanachuli Village around Kumaun hills. Let's start this Photo Journey to the beautiful Dhanachuli Village.It was bright sunny morning at Dhanachuli and some of us were up at 6:30am. Unpredictable weather during last two days had created so much curiosity that everyone was excited to see bright morning on third day. It opened the gates for the trek to the abandoned village of Dhanachuli. We started from Te Aroha at around 7:00 am. We drove from Te Aroha to the market of Dhanachuli village. We stopped near Bank of Baroda and started our trek downwards through green farms facing snow covered peaks. Mr. Sumant Batra personally led the entire trek and kept us informed about various trees, crops, plants, architecture & people.For initial 20 minutes, we were walking through the habitat area which is comparatively close to the main road which connects Dhanachuli village to other parts of Kumaun. Most of the villagers have pets and mainly cows & goats. Corn crops were all over the farms and some of the farms also had seasonal vegetables - peas, cabbage, bringle, tomatoas, green chillies, kidney-beans (Rajmah) etc. Dhanchuli village is deep in the valley surrounded by snow capped hills on one side and steep green mountains on other side. Dhanachuli hills are probably some of the highest hills in Kumaun region.At the end of the trek were some dilapidated houses of the old Dhanachuli village. Most of the old village is abandoned with only a couple of houses still occupied. The villagers, it seems, have moved to houses closer to the road.The houses were adorned with some interesting carvings and designs. Sumant pointed out some samples of carvings from as far as Rajasthan. He expressed his amazement at finding such designs up here in Uttarakhand. One possible explanation, he thinks, is that these people migrated from the plains over a hundred years ago to escape forced conversions. And with them they carried a part of their memories, tradition, and culture, always wanting to cling on to what they had to leave behind.The houses, though abandoned, still tell a story with their strong foundations, quality material used for building. If you look at the picture above, you will see stones stacked on top of each other. This material is native to the hills and has stood against the test of time.This was one of the houses that was still occupied. A cat was sunning itself on the stairs, while the occupants went about their daily chores. The villagers keep busy most of the times as they need to do almost everything themselves. It is a life full of hardwork and peace.These freshly plucked red chillies and corns have been spread out to dry so that they don't get spoilt when they are stored. The villagers keep some portion of the crops they produce for their personal use, while they sell of the rest. This particular house was so isolated from the rest that we were wondering if the occupants feel afraid at night. We were also asking ourselves what they do to keep themselves entertained. And then we noticed the dish antennae installed outside...but of course...While looking at the exteriors of the abandoned houses, we were curious about the insides. We found an interesting looking house and some of us dared to climb inside. A few of us were worried whether we would chance upon a sleeping leopard inside the house. But Sumant assured us that it wasn't a possibility because if there was a leopard inside, we would be able to smell it before we saw it. Our fear may sound funny to you, but in reality a leopard sighting isn't as rare in these parts. If a cattle is killed or a dog vanishes, the crime is mostly blamed on leopards. Some of the buildings were so beautiful that we were left wondering why no one had noticed them yet. No Bollywood film thriller/ horror film has been shot here, no fashion shoot has been organized with these houses as a backdrop, although the setting is perfect!The last point of the trek was a temple. We sat in the premises and had tea and cookies made by Te Aroha's chef. It was very considerate of Sumant to have thought of this because after the long trek, all of us were dying for a cup of tea. We sat there for about half-an-hour listening to the birds sing and watching the clouds drifting into the valley. We had some interesting conversations while sitting here. We spoke about how inconsiderate it is to build a huge concrete structure on the top of a hill in the mountains. Such things can be very risky for the villagers living below. We discussed how essential it is for development to happen in a responsible way. And during the course of this discussion we discovered that Te Aroha, even though they have taken a water connection from the government's water supply and pay for it, they never use the water. Simply because if the resort starts using the water, hardly anything will be left for the villagers. Instead, Te Aroha has made elaborate arrangements for rainwater harvesting and uses the water they collect from this along with the water from the borer they have installed themselves. After the tea, it was time to head back and this time we chose a different route. Instead of the slippery rocky route, we chose to walk a trail through thefields. En route we stopped and tasted some very sweet peas, and met some local children who were more than happy to oblige us with generous smiles. The morning was a tiring one and yet gratifying. And we felt exercised and yet relaxed at the end of it. More than anything else the trek provided a lot of food for thought and we dwelled on it for quite some time.
This time New Year was celebrated in Punjab and on first day of 2012, we were in Amritsar. Apart from main attraction of Amritsar Town , Golden Temple, we also visited Jallianwala Bagh which around Swarn-Mandir only. Let's have a quick Photo Journey to Jallianwala Bagh...There is a museum inside with some of the old Photographs of freedom fighters form Punjab and people who were present in Jallianwala bagh during The Jallianwala Bagh massacre... On side of each Photograph, there is a detailed note to describe the life of person and various achievements during their lifetime. The gentleman above is reading description for one of the photograph inside the museumHere is a path which leads to the Museum and Shahidi Kuan inside Jallianwala Bagh @ Amritsar, Punjab, India !!Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden in Amritsar in the Punjab province of India and houses a memorial of national importance, established in 1951 to commemorate the murder of peaceful celebrators on the occasion of the Punjabi New Year on April 13, 1919 in the Jallianwala Bagh MassacreMarks of bullets can be seen on the wall which surrounds Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. Some of the marks are covered by a glass-wall to better protect them for future.The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is also known as the Amritsar massacre which took place in the Jallianwala Bagh public garden in the northern Indian city of Amritsar and was ordered by Brigadier-General Reginald E.H. Dyer. On Sunday 13 April 1919 Mr. Dyer was convinced that a major insurrection was at hand. He banned all meetings and hearing a meeting of 15,000 to 20,000 people had assembled he marched his fifty riflemen to a raised bank and ordered them to shoot at the crowd which included men, women, and children. Dyer kept the firing up for about ten minutes. Official Government of India sources estimated the fatalities at 379, with 1100 wounded. The casualty number estimated by the Indian National Congress was more than 1500 with approximately 1000 killedDyer was removed from duty and forced to retire but he became a celebrated hero in Britain among people with connections to the British Raj. The massacre caused a reevaluation in the Army's role in which the new policy became minimum force and the Army was retrained and developed suitable tactics such as crowd control. Historians consider the episode was a decisive step towards the end of British rule in India.(Courtesy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jallianwala_Bagh_massacreThere is a small structure in the middle of this garden which looks like a temple. It seems Mr. Gandhi was protected in this area and many people surrounded him when force of Mr. Dyer was firing continuously in Jallianwala Bagh. We are not very sure about this fact, as this is told by the driver accompanying us. This structure inside Jallianwala Bagh also has various marks of BulletsThe 6.5-acre garden site of the massacre is located in the vicinity of Golden Temple complex which is the holiest shrine of Sikhism. The memorial is managed by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, which was established as per the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act passed by the Government of India in 1951There is only one entry into the Jallianwala Bagh and it's extremely narrow. Apart from two wheelers, no other vehicle can pass inside the Garden, although vehicles are not allowed inside. This place was not very maintained during the time we visited and not sure about it's situation otherwise.Check out more about Jallianwala Bagh at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jallianwala_Bagh


Apart from visiting the Royal Tank, Deer Park and various restaurants of Hauz Khas Village we also spent some time around Firoz Shah's Tomb in Green park, Delhi. Let's have a Photo Journey to the place with some information picked from various sources... The very first photograph of this PHOTO JOURNEY is main entry into the Tomb of Firoz Shah, his two Sons and a Grandson. The above Photograph is not exactly Tomb but some other ruins in the garden of Hauz Khas Village in Delhi.Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village was repaired during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi in 1507 AD. This is evidenced from an inscription on the entrance. The main impression is one of solidity and lack of decoration, which is typical part of Tuglaq Style. Apart from this Tomb there is a Madarasa, Pavillions, Mosque as well..Among the notable buildings of historical importance that Firoz Shah built within Hauz Khas Village precincts is the domed tomb for himself. The tomb which is very austere in appearance, is located at the intersection of the two arms of the L–shaped building which constitutes the madrasa.Firuz Shah who had established the tomb, ascended the throne in 1351 when he was middle aged, as the third ruler of the Khilji dynasty and ruled till 1388. He was considered a well–liked ruler. His wife was a Hindu lady and his trusted Prime Minister, Khan-i-Jahan Junana Shah was a Hindu convertFiroz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village is a square chamber which is made of local quartzite rubble with a surface plaster finish that sparkled in white color when completed. The door, pillars and lintels were made of grey quartzites, while red sandstone was used for carvings of the battlementsEntry to the tomb is through a passage in the south leading to the doorway. The passage wall is raised on a plinth which depicts the shape of a fourteen phased polyhedron built in stones. Three horizontal units laid over eight vertical posts that are chambered constitute the plinth. Squinches and muqarnas are seen in the solid interior walls of the tomb and these provide the basic support to the octagonal spherical dome of the tomb.Firoz Shah assisted by his Prime Minister was responsible for building several unique monuments (mosques, tombs, pavilions), hunting lodges and irrigation projects (reservoirs) in his domains, apart from establishing and constructing a new Citadel (palace) in his new city of Firuzabad. Feruz died at the age of ninety due to infirmities caused by three years of illness between 1385 and 1388. On his death, his grandson Ghiya Suddin was proclaimed as his successor to the throne. During his enlightened rule he abolished many vexatious taxes, brought in changes in the laws on capital punishment, introduced regulations in administration and discouraged lavish living styles. But the most important credit that is bestowed on him is for the large number of public works executed during his reign namely, 50 dams for irrigation across rivers, 40 mosques, 30 colleges, 100 hospitals, 100 public baths, 150 bridges, apart from many other monuments of aesthetic beauty and entertainmentThe width of the gate is equal to one-third of tombs' width. The entrance hall has fifteen bays and terminates in another doorway which is identical to the gateway at the entranceThe door way of Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village depicts a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture. Another new feature not seen at any other monument in Delhi, built at the entrance to the tomb from the south, is the stone railings. The second doorway of the Hauz Khas Tomb leads to the tomb chamber and cenotaph, which are accessed from the gateway through the L–shaped corridor. Similar arrangement is replicated on the western doorway of the tomb leading to the open pavilion on the westThere are four graves inside the tomb, one is of Feruz Shah and two others are of his son and grand son..The ceiling in the dome depicts a circular gold medallion with Quranic inscriptions in Naksh characters. Foliated crenellations are seen on the outer faces of the base of the tomb. Interesting features seen on the northern and southern sides of the tomb, considered typical of the Tuglaq period layout, are the ceremonial steps provided at the ground level that connect to the larger steps leading into the reservoir.The maximum height of the tomb is on its face overlooking the reservoir. The domed gateway on the north has an opening which has height equal to two–thirds the height of the tomb. More details about Firoz Shah's Tomb in Hauz Khas Village can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauz_Khas_Complex

Apart from visiting the Royal Tank, Deer Park and various restaurants of Hauz Khas Village we also spent some time around Firoz Shah's Tomb in Green park, Delhi. Let's have a Photo Journey to the place with some information picked from various sources... The very first photograph of this PHOTO JOURNEY is main entry into the Tomb of Firoz Shah, his two Sons and a Grandson. The above Photograph is not exactly Tomb but some other ruins in the garden of Hauz Khas Village in Delhi.Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village was repaired during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi in 1507 AD. This is evidenced from an inscription on the entrance. The main impression is one of solidity and lack of decoration, which is typical part of Tuglaq Style. Apart from this Tomb there is a Madarasa, Pavillions, Mosque as well..Among the notable buildings of historical importance that Firoz Shah built within Hauz Khas Village precincts is the domed tomb for himself. The tomb which is very austere in appearance, is located at the intersection of the two arms of the L–shaped building which constitutes the madrasa.Firuz Shah who had established the tomb, ascended the throne in 1351 when he was middle aged, as the third ruler of the Khilji dynasty and ruled till 1388. He was considered a well–liked ruler. His wife was a Hindu lady and his trusted Prime Minister, Khan-i-Jahan Junana Shah was a Hindu convertFiroz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village is a square chamber which is made of local quartzite rubble with a surface plaster finish that sparkled in white color when completed. The door, pillars and lintels were made of grey quartzites, while red sandstone was used for carvings of the battlementsEntry to the tomb is through a passage in the south leading to the doorway. The passage wall is raised on a plinth which depicts the shape of a fourteen phased polyhedron built in stones. Three horizontal units laid over eight vertical posts that are chambered constitute the plinth. Squinches and muqarnas are seen in the solid interior walls of the tomb and these provide the basic support to the octagonal spherical dome of the tomb.Firoz Shah assisted by his Prime Minister was responsible for building several unique monuments (mosques, tombs, pavilions), hunting lodges and irrigation projects (reservoirs) in his domains, apart from establishing and constructing a new Citadel (palace) in his new city of Firuzabad. Feruz died at the age of ninety due to infirmities caused by three years of illness between 1385 and 1388. On his death, his grandson Ghiya Suddin was proclaimed as his successor to the throne. During his enlightened rule he abolished many vexatious taxes, brought in changes in the laws on capital punishment, introduced regulations in administration and discouraged lavish living styles. But the most important credit that is bestowed on him is for the large number of public works executed during his reign namely, 50 dams for irrigation across rivers, 40 mosques, 30 colleges, 100 hospitals, 100 public baths, 150 bridges, apart from many other monuments of aesthetic beauty and entertainmentThe width of the gate is equal to one-third of tombs' width. The entrance hall has fifteen bays and terminates in another doorway which is identical to the gateway at the entranceThe door way of Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village depicts a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture. Another new feature not seen at any other monument in Delhi, built at the entrance to the tomb from the south, is the stone railings. The second doorway of the Hauz Khas Tomb leads to the tomb chamber and cenotaph, which are accessed from the gateway through the L–shaped corridor. Similar arrangement is replicated on the western doorway of the tomb leading to the open pavilion on the westThere are four graves inside the tomb, one is of Feruz Shah and two others are of his son and grand son..The ceiling in the dome depicts a circular gold medallion with Quranic inscriptions in Naksh characters. Foliated crenellations are seen on the outer faces of the base of the tomb. Interesting features seen on the northern and southern sides of the tomb, considered typical of the Tuglaq period layout, are the ceremonial steps provided at the ground level that connect to the larger steps leading into the reservoir.The maximum height of the tomb is on its face overlooking the reservoir. The domed gateway on the north has an opening which has height equal to two–thirds the height of the tomb. More details about Firoz Shah's Tomb in Hauz Khas Village can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauz_Khas_Complex

Apart from visiting the Royal Tank, Deer Park and various restaurants of Hauz Khas Village we also spent some time around Firoz Shah's Tomb in Green park, Delhi. Let's have a Photo Journey to the place with some information picked from various sources... The very first photograph of this PHOTO JOURNEY is main entry into the Tomb of Firoz Shah, his two Sons and a Grandson. The above Photograph is not exactly Tomb but some other ruins in the garden of Hauz Khas Village in Delhi.Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village was repaired during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi in 1507 AD. This is evidenced from an inscription on the entrance. The main impression is one of solidity and lack of decoration, which is typical part of Tuglaq Style. Apart from this Tomb there is a Madarasa, Pavillions, Mosque as well..Among the notable buildings of historical importance that Firoz Shah built within Hauz Khas Village precincts is the domed tomb for himself. The tomb which is very austere in appearance, is located at the intersection of the two arms of the L–shaped building which constitutes the madrasa.Firuz Shah who had established the tomb, ascended the throne in 1351 when he was middle aged, as the third ruler of the Khilji dynasty and ruled till 1388. He was considered a well–liked ruler. His wife was a Hindu lady and his trusted Prime Minister, Khan-i-Jahan Junana Shah was a Hindu convertFiroz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village is a square chamber which is made of local quartzite rubble with a surface plaster finish that sparkled in white color when completed. The door, pillars and lintels were made of grey quartzites, while red sandstone was used for carvings of the battlementsEntry to the tomb is through a passage in the south leading to the doorway. The passage wall is raised on a plinth which depicts the shape of a fourteen phased polyhedron built in stones. Three horizontal units laid over eight vertical posts that are chambered constitute the plinth. Squinches and muqarnas are seen in the solid interior walls of the tomb and these provide the basic support to the octagonal spherical dome of the tomb.Firoz Shah assisted by his Prime Minister was responsible for building several unique monuments (mosques, tombs, pavilions), hunting lodges and irrigation projects (reservoirs) in his domains, apart from establishing and constructing a new Citadel (palace) in his new city of Firuzabad. Feruz died at the age of ninety due to infirmities caused by three years of illness between 1385 and 1388. On his death, his grandson Ghiya Suddin was proclaimed as his successor to the throne. During his enlightened rule he abolished many vexatious taxes, brought in changes in the laws on capital punishment, introduced regulations in administration and discouraged lavish living styles. But the most important credit that is bestowed on him is for the large number of public works executed during his reign namely, 50 dams for irrigation across rivers, 40 mosques, 30 colleges, 100 hospitals, 100 public baths, 150 bridges, apart from many other monuments of aesthetic beauty and entertainmentThe width of the gate is equal to one-third of tombs' width. The entrance hall has fifteen bays and terminates in another doorway which is identical to the gateway at the entranceThe door way of Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village depicts a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture. Another new feature not seen at any other monument in Delhi, built at the entrance to the tomb from the south, is the stone railings. The second doorway of the Hauz Khas Tomb leads to the tomb chamber and cenotaph, which are accessed from the gateway through the L–shaped corridor. Similar arrangement is replicated on the western doorway of the tomb leading to the open pavilion on the westThere are four graves inside the tomb, one is of Feruz Shah and two others are of his son and grand son..The ceiling in the dome depicts a circular gold medallion with Quranic inscriptions in Naksh characters. Foliated crenellations are seen on the outer faces of the base of the tomb. Interesting features seen on the northern and southern sides of the tomb, considered typical of the Tuglaq period layout, are the ceremonial steps provided at the ground level that connect to the larger steps leading into the reservoir.The maximum height of the tomb is on its face overlooking the reservoir. The domed gateway on the north has an opening which has height equal to two–thirds the height of the tomb. More details about Firoz Shah's Tomb in Hauz Khas Village can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauz_Khas_Complex

Apart from visiting the Royal Tank, Deer Park and various restaurants of Hauz Khas Village we also spent some time around Firoz Shah's Tomb in Green park, Delhi. Let's have a Photo Journey to the place with some information picked from various sources... The very first photograph of this PHOTO JOURNEY is main entry into the Tomb of Firoz Shah, his two Sons and a Grandson. The above Photograph is not exactly Tomb but some other ruins in the garden of Hauz Khas Village in Delhi.Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village was repaired during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi in 1507 AD. This is evidenced from an inscription on the entrance. The main impression is one of solidity and lack of decoration, which is typical part of Tuglaq Style. Apart from this Tomb there is a Madarasa, Pavillions, Mosque as well..Among the notable buildings of historical importance that Firoz Shah built within Hauz Khas Village precincts is the domed tomb for himself. The tomb which is very austere in appearance, is located at the intersection of the two arms of the L–shaped building which constitutes the madrasa.Firuz Shah who had established the tomb, ascended the throne in 1351 when he was middle aged, as the third ruler of the Khilji dynasty and ruled till 1388. He was considered a well–liked ruler. His wife was a Hindu lady and his trusted Prime Minister, Khan-i-Jahan Junana Shah was a Hindu convertFiroz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village is a square chamber which is made of local quartzite rubble with a surface plaster finish that sparkled in white color when completed. The door, pillars and lintels were made of grey quartzites, while red sandstone was used for carvings of the battlementsEntry to the tomb is through a passage in the south leading to the doorway. The passage wall is raised on a plinth which depicts the shape of a fourteen phased polyhedron built in stones. Three horizontal units laid over eight vertical posts that are chambered constitute the plinth. Squinches and muqarnas are seen in the solid interior walls of the tomb and these provide the basic support to the octagonal spherical dome of the tomb.Firoz Shah assisted by his Prime Minister was responsible for building several unique monuments (mosques, tombs, pavilions), hunting lodges and irrigation projects (reservoirs) in his domains, apart from establishing and constructing a new Citadel (palace) in his new city of Firuzabad. Feruz died at the age of ninety due to infirmities caused by three years of illness between 1385 and 1388. On his death, his grandson Ghiya Suddin was proclaimed as his successor to the throne. During his enlightened rule he abolished many vexatious taxes, brought in changes in the laws on capital punishment, introduced regulations in administration and discouraged lavish living styles. But the most important credit that is bestowed on him is for the large number of public works executed during his reign namely, 50 dams for irrigation across rivers, 40 mosques, 30 colleges, 100 hospitals, 100 public baths, 150 bridges, apart from many other monuments of aesthetic beauty and entertainmentThe width of the gate is equal to one-third of tombs' width. The entrance hall has fifteen bays and terminates in another doorway which is identical to the gateway at the entranceThe door way of Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village depicts a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture. Another new feature not seen at any other monument in Delhi, built at the entrance to the tomb from the south, is the stone railings. The second doorway of the Hauz Khas Tomb leads to the tomb chamber and cenotaph, which are accessed from the gateway through the L–shaped corridor. Similar arrangement is replicated on the western doorway of the tomb leading to the open pavilion on the westThere are four graves inside the tomb, one is of Feruz Shah and two others are of his son and grand son..The ceiling in the dome depicts a circular gold medallion with Quranic inscriptions in Naksh characters. Foliated crenellations are seen on the outer faces of the base of the tomb. Interesting features seen on the northern and southern sides of the tomb, considered typical of the Tuglaq period layout, are the ceremonial steps provided at the ground level that connect to the larger steps leading into the reservoir.The maximum height of the tomb is on its face overlooking the reservoir. The domed gateway on the north has an opening which has height equal to two–thirds the height of the tomb. More details about Firoz Shah's Tomb in Hauz Khas Village can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauz_Khas_Complex

Apart from visiting the Royal Tank, Deer Park and various restaurants of Hauz Khas Village we also spent some time around Firoz Shah's Tomb in Green park, Delhi. Let's have a Photo Journey to the place with some information picked from various sources... The very first photograph of this PHOTO JOURNEY is main entry into the Tomb of Firoz Shah, his two Sons and a Grandson. The above Photograph is not exactly Tomb but some other ruins in the garden of Hauz Khas Village in Delhi.Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village was repaired during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi in 1507 AD. This is evidenced from an inscription on the entrance. The main impression is one of solidity and lack of decoration, which is typical part of Tuglaq Style. Apart from this Tomb there is a Madarasa, Pavillions, Mosque as well..Among the notable buildings of historical importance that Firoz Shah built within Hauz Khas Village precincts is the domed tomb for himself. The tomb which is very austere in appearance, is located at the intersection of the two arms of the L–shaped building which constitutes the madrasa.Firuz Shah who had established the tomb, ascended the throne in 1351 when he was middle aged, as the third ruler of the Khilji dynasty and ruled till 1388. He was considered a well–liked ruler. His wife was a Hindu lady and his trusted Prime Minister, Khan-i-Jahan Junana Shah was a Hindu convertFiroz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village is a square chamber which is made of local quartzite rubble with a surface plaster finish that sparkled in white color when completed. The door, pillars and lintels were made of grey quartzites, while red sandstone was used for carvings of the battlementsEntry to the tomb is through a passage in the south leading to the doorway. The passage wall is raised on a plinth which depicts the shape of a fourteen phased polyhedron built in stones. Three horizontal units laid over eight vertical posts that are chambered constitute the plinth. Squinches and muqarnas are seen in the solid interior walls of the tomb and these provide the basic support to the octagonal spherical dome of the tomb.Firoz Shah assisted by his Prime Minister was responsible for building several unique monuments (mosques, tombs, pavilions), hunting lodges and irrigation projects (reservoirs) in his domains, apart from establishing and constructing a new Citadel (palace) in his new city of Firuzabad. Feruz died at the age of ninety due to infirmities caused by three years of illness between 1385 and 1388. On his death, his grandson Ghiya Suddin was proclaimed as his successor to the throne. During his enlightened rule he abolished many vexatious taxes, brought in changes in the laws on capital punishment, introduced regulations in administration and discouraged lavish living styles. But the most important credit that is bestowed on him is for the large number of public works executed during his reign namely, 50 dams for irrigation across rivers, 40 mosques, 30 colleges, 100 hospitals, 100 public baths, 150 bridges, apart from many other monuments of aesthetic beauty and entertainmentThe width of the gate is equal to one-third of tombs' width. The entrance hall has fifteen bays and terminates in another doorway which is identical to the gateway at the entranceThe door way of Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village depicts a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture. Another new feature not seen at any other monument in Delhi, built at the entrance to the tomb from the south, is the stone railings. The second doorway of the Hauz Khas Tomb leads to the tomb chamber and cenotaph, which are accessed from the gateway through the L–shaped corridor. Similar arrangement is replicated on the western doorway of the tomb leading to the open pavilion on the westThere are four graves inside the tomb, one is of Feruz Shah and two others are of his son and grand son..The ceiling in the dome depicts a circular gold medallion with Quranic inscriptions in Naksh characters. Foliated crenellations are seen on the outer faces of the base of the tomb. Interesting features seen on the northern and southern sides of the tomb, considered typical of the Tuglaq period layout, are the ceremonial steps provided at the ground level that connect to the larger steps leading into the reservoir.The maximum height of the tomb is on its face overlooking the reservoir. The domed gateway on the north has an opening which has height equal to two–thirds the height of the tomb. More details about Firoz Shah's Tomb in Hauz Khas Village can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauz_Khas_Complex

Apart from visiting the Royal Tank, Deer Park and various restaurants of Hauz Khas Village we also spent some time around Firoz Shah's Tomb in Green park, Delhi. Let's have a Photo Journey to the place with some information picked from various sources... The very first photograph of this PHOTO JOURNEY is main entry into the Tomb of Firoz Shah, his two Sons and a Grandson. The above Photograph is not exactly Tomb but some other ruins in the garden of Hauz Khas Village in Delhi.Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village was repaired during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi in 1507 AD. This is evidenced from an inscription on the entrance. The main impression is one of solidity and lack of decoration, which is typical part of Tuglaq Style. Apart from this Tomb there is a Madarasa, Pavillions, Mosque as well..Among the notable buildings of historical importance that Firoz Shah built within Hauz Khas Village precincts is the domed tomb for himself. The tomb which is very austere in appearance, is located at the intersection of the two arms of the L–shaped building which constitutes the madrasa.Firuz Shah who had established the tomb, ascended the throne in 1351 when he was middle aged, as the third ruler of the Khilji dynasty and ruled till 1388. He was considered a well–liked ruler. His wife was a Hindu lady and his trusted Prime Minister, Khan-i-Jahan Junana Shah was a Hindu convertFiroz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village is a square chamber which is made of local quartzite rubble with a surface plaster finish that sparkled in white color when completed. The door, pillars and lintels were made of grey quartzites, while red sandstone was used for carvings of the battlementsEntry to the tomb is through a passage in the south leading to the doorway. The passage wall is raised on a plinth which depicts the shape of a fourteen phased polyhedron built in stones. Three horizontal units laid over eight vertical posts that are chambered constitute the plinth. Squinches and muqarnas are seen in the solid interior walls of the tomb and these provide the basic support to the octagonal spherical dome of the tomb.Firoz Shah assisted by his Prime Minister was responsible for building several unique monuments (mosques, tombs, pavilions), hunting lodges and irrigation projects (reservoirs) in his domains, apart from establishing and constructing a new Citadel (palace) in his new city of Firuzabad. Feruz died at the age of ninety due to infirmities caused by three years of illness between 1385 and 1388. On his death, his grandson Ghiya Suddin was proclaimed as his successor to the throne. During his enlightened rule he abolished many vexatious taxes, brought in changes in the laws on capital punishment, introduced regulations in administration and discouraged lavish living styles. But the most important credit that is bestowed on him is for the large number of public works executed during his reign namely, 50 dams for irrigation across rivers, 40 mosques, 30 colleges, 100 hospitals, 100 public baths, 150 bridges, apart from many other monuments of aesthetic beauty and entertainmentThe width of the gate is equal to one-third of tombs' width. The entrance hall has fifteen bays and terminates in another doorway which is identical to the gateway at the entranceThe door way of Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village depicts a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture. Another new feature not seen at any other monument in Delhi, built at the entrance to the tomb from the south, is the stone railings. The second doorway of the Hauz Khas Tomb leads to the tomb chamber and cenotaph, which are accessed from the gateway through the L–shaped corridor. Similar arrangement is replicated on the western doorway of the tomb leading to the open pavilion on the westThere are four graves inside the tomb, one is of Feruz Shah and two others are of his son and grand son..The ceiling in the dome depicts a circular gold medallion with Quranic inscriptions in Naksh characters. Foliated crenellations are seen on the outer faces of the base of the tomb. Interesting features seen on the northern and southern sides of the tomb, considered typical of the Tuglaq period layout, are the ceremonial steps provided at the ground level that connect to the larger steps leading into the reservoir.The maximum height of the tomb is on its face overlooking the reservoir. The domed gateway on the north has an opening which has height equal to two–thirds the height of the tomb. More details about Firoz Shah's Tomb in Hauz Khas Village can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauz_Khas_Complex

Apart from visiting the Royal Tank, Deer Park and various restaurants of Hauz Khas Village we also spent some time around Firoz Shah's Tomb in Green park, Delhi. Let's have a Photo Journey to the place with some information picked from various sources... The very first photograph of this PHOTO JOURNEY is main entry into the Tomb of Firoz Shah, his two Sons and a Grandson. The above Photograph is not exactly Tomb but some other ruins in the garden of Hauz Khas Village in Delhi.Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village was repaired during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi in 1507 AD. This is evidenced from an inscription on the entrance. The main impression is one of solidity and lack of decoration, which is typical part of Tuglaq Style. Apart from this Tomb there is a Madarasa, Pavillions, Mosque as well..Among the notable buildings of historical importance that Firoz Shah built within Hauz Khas Village precincts is the domed tomb for himself. The tomb which is very austere in appearance, is located at the intersection of the two arms of the L–shaped building which constitutes the madrasa.Firuz Shah who had established the tomb, ascended the throne in 1351 when he was middle aged, as the third ruler of the Khilji dynasty and ruled till 1388. He was considered a well–liked ruler. His wife was a Hindu lady and his trusted Prime Minister, Khan-i-Jahan Junana Shah was a Hindu convertFiroz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village is a square chamber which is made of local quartzite rubble with a surface plaster finish that sparkled in white color when completed. The door, pillars and lintels were made of grey quartzites, while red sandstone was used for carvings of the battlementsEntry to the tomb is through a passage in the south leading to the doorway. The passage wall is raised on a plinth which depicts the shape of a fourteen phased polyhedron built in stones. Three horizontal units laid over eight vertical posts that are chambered constitute the plinth. Squinches and muqarnas are seen in the solid interior walls of the tomb and these provide the basic support to the octagonal spherical dome of the tomb.Firoz Shah assisted by his Prime Minister was responsible for building several unique monuments (mosques, tombs, pavilions), hunting lodges and irrigation projects (reservoirs) in his domains, apart from establishing and constructing a new Citadel (palace) in his new city of Firuzabad. Feruz died at the age of ninety due to infirmities caused by three years of illness between 1385 and 1388. On his death, his grandson Ghiya Suddin was proclaimed as his successor to the throne. During his enlightened rule he abolished many vexatious taxes, brought in changes in the laws on capital punishment, introduced regulations in administration and discouraged lavish living styles. But the most important credit that is bestowed on him is for the large number of public works executed during his reign namely, 50 dams for irrigation across rivers, 40 mosques, 30 colleges, 100 hospitals, 100 public baths, 150 bridges, apart from many other monuments of aesthetic beauty and entertainmentThe width of the gate is equal to one-third of tombs' width. The entrance hall has fifteen bays and terminates in another doorway which is identical to the gateway at the entranceThe door way of Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village depicts a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture. Another new feature not seen at any other monument in Delhi, built at the entrance to the tomb from the south, is the stone railings. The second doorway of the Hauz Khas Tomb leads to the tomb chamber and cenotaph, which are accessed from the gateway through the L–shaped corridor. Similar arrangement is replicated on the western doorway of the tomb leading to the open pavilion on the westThere are four graves inside the tomb, one is of Feruz Shah and two others are of his son and grand son..The ceiling in the dome depicts a circular gold medallion with Quranic inscriptions in Naksh characters. Foliated crenellations are seen on the outer faces of the base of the tomb. Interesting features seen on the northern and southern sides of the tomb, considered typical of the Tuglaq period layout, are the ceremonial steps provided at the ground level that connect to the larger steps leading into the reservoir.The maximum height of the tomb is on its face overlooking the reservoir. The domed gateway on the north has an opening which has height equal to two–thirds the height of the tomb. More details about Firoz Shah's Tomb in Hauz Khas Village can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauz_Khas_Complex

Apart from visiting the Royal Tank, Deer Park and various restaurants of Hauz Khas Village we also spent some time around Firoz Shah's Tomb in Green park, Delhi. Let's have a Photo Journey to the place with some information picked from various sources... The very first photograph of this PHOTO JOURNEY is main entry into the Tomb of Firoz Shah, his two Sons and a Grandson. The above Photograph is not exactly Tomb but some other ruins in the garden of Hauz Khas Village in Delhi.Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village was repaired during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi in 1507 AD. This is evidenced from an inscription on the entrance. The main impression is one of solidity and lack of decoration, which is typical part of Tuglaq Style. Apart from this Tomb there is a Madarasa, Pavillions, Mosque as well..Among the notable buildings of historical importance that Firoz Shah built within Hauz Khas Village precincts is the domed tomb for himself. The tomb which is very austere in appearance, is located at the intersection of the two arms of the L–shaped building which constitutes the madrasa.Firuz Shah who had established the tomb, ascended the throne in 1351 when he was middle aged, as the third ruler of the Khilji dynasty and ruled till 1388. He was considered a well–liked ruler. His wife was a Hindu lady and his trusted Prime Minister, Khan-i-Jahan Junana Shah was a Hindu convertFiroz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village is a square chamber which is made of local quartzite rubble with a surface plaster finish that sparkled in white color when completed. The door, pillars and lintels were made of grey quartzites, while red sandstone was used for carvings of the battlementsEntry to the tomb is through a passage in the south leading to the doorway. The passage wall is raised on a plinth which depicts the shape of a fourteen phased polyhedron built in stones. Three horizontal units laid over eight vertical posts that are chambered constitute the plinth. Squinches and muqarnas are seen in the solid interior walls of the tomb and these provide the basic support to the octagonal spherical dome of the tomb.Firoz Shah assisted by his Prime Minister was responsible for building several unique monuments (mosques, tombs, pavilions), hunting lodges and irrigation projects (reservoirs) in his domains, apart from establishing and constructing a new Citadel (palace) in his new city of Firuzabad. Feruz died at the age of ninety due to infirmities caused by three years of illness between 1385 and 1388. On his death, his grandson Ghiya Suddin was proclaimed as his successor to the throne. During his enlightened rule he abolished many vexatious taxes, brought in changes in the laws on capital punishment, introduced regulations in administration and discouraged lavish living styles. But the most important credit that is bestowed on him is for the large number of public works executed during his reign namely, 50 dams for irrigation across rivers, 40 mosques, 30 colleges, 100 hospitals, 100 public baths, 150 bridges, apart from many other monuments of aesthetic beauty and entertainmentThe width of the gate is equal to one-third of tombs' width. The entrance hall has fifteen bays and terminates in another doorway which is identical to the gateway at the entranceThe door way of Firoz Shah's Tomb at Hauz Khas Village depicts a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture. Another new feature not seen at any other monument in Delhi, built at the entrance to the tomb from the south, is the stone railings. The second doorway of the Hauz Khas Tomb leads to the tomb chamber and cenotaph, which are accessed from the gateway through the L–shaped corridor. Similar arrangement is replicated on the western doorway of the tomb leading to the open pavilion on the westThere are four graves inside the tomb, one is of Feruz Shah and two others are of his son and grand son..The ceiling in the dome depicts a circular gold medallion with Quranic inscriptions in Naksh characters. Foliated crenellations are seen on the outer faces of the base of the tomb. Interesting features seen on the northern and southern sides of the tomb, considered typical of the Tuglaq period layout, are the ceremonial steps provided at the ground level that connect to the larger steps leading into the reservoir.The maximum height of the tomb is on its face overlooking the reservoir. The domed gateway on the north has an opening which has height equal to two–thirds the height of the tomb. More details about Firoz Shah's Tomb in Hauz Khas Village can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauz_Khas_Complex

I love the Himalayan State of India - Himachal Pradesh and proud to say that Himachal is one of the most explored state on Photo Journey. Here we are trying to start a series on places we have shared in last Four Years.The very first photograph in this Photo Journey is showing St. John's Church near Mcleodganj. This Church comes on the way to Mcleodganj from Dharmshala in Himachal Pradesh. It's very near to Mcleodganj Market and most of the times people love to stop at this place to see this beautiful Church. More Photographs from the place can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/12/st-johns-church-on-way-to-mcleodganj.htmlVarious wonderful places around this Church are - Mcleodganj, Bhagsu-Nag Temple, Waterfalls of Bhagsu, Dalai Lama's Temple and Museum. These are some of the nearest places to visit. Apart from these, if you have enough time in hand, you can think of exploring Palampur, Baijnath, Bir-Billing, Masroor Temples, Pong Dam, Chamunda Temple etc... Here is a photograph of Hatu Temple, which is located in Thanedar region of Shimla District. Shimla is capital city of Himachal Pradesh and district headquarter. Hatu Temple is located on very high peak which gets snowfall earlier than other surrounding regions. Hatu Peak is quite popular among Adventure Lovers and Bikers. Nearest town to hatu Peak is Narkanda, where one can find decent place to stay and eating joints. More Photographs of Hatu Peak and temple can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/12/hatu-temple-near-narkanda-and-tani.htmSome of the other interesting places around Hatu Temple are Tanni Jubber Lake, Narkanda, Skiiing place - Dhomri,ple Orchards around Kotkhai, Shilaroo Hockey Stadium etc...Here is a photograph of huge Shiva-Rock standing on top of hills at the height of 19000 feets. This is one of my initial treks in Kullu Region of Himachal Pradesh. The whole trek is wonderful and it takes approximately 5 days to complete. During end stretch of the trek, we literally crossed through clouds. So experience the most adventurous trek through photographs, check out - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/07/shrikhand-mahadev-abode-of-lord-shiva.htmSome of the interesting places around Shirkhand includes - Kullu-Sarahan - A wonderful village surrounded by snow covered hills, Nirmand - Asia's largest village, Narkanda, Tanni Jubber Lake, Kullu, Manali etThis photograph shows wonderful view of Sunset at Pong Dam Lake near Nagrota Suriyan in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India. This Photographs was shot during one of the recent trips to Himachal in 2012. It was basically a seminar on Birding, which is annual event of Himachal Pradesh Wildlife Department. More about Pong and its beauty can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2012/03/winged-wonders-of-pong-wetlands-by.htmlSome of the other main places to visit around Pong Dam are - Monolithic Temples of Masroor which are carved out of a huge mountain and now maintained by Archeological Survey of India, Kangra Fort, Nurpur Fort, Dharmshala, Mcleodganj, Palampur, Baijnath etAnother Maharana Pratap Sagar, here is a Photographs from Bhakhra Dam lake aka - Govind Sagar Lake. This Photograph was shot during March, 2012 at Lathiani, Una, Himachal Pradesh. It's a beautiful lake which covers some of the old temples under the water during monsoons and they come out during summers. April to June is best time to go and experience the amazing architecture of those Temples built by King of Bilaspur. More about Govind Sagar Lake and it's beauty, check out - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2012/03/colorful-journey-to-govind-sagar-lake.htmApproachable places from Lathinai are Una, Hamirpur, Baba balak Nath Ji, Jwalaji, Chintpurni etc.. A small but beautiful lake surrounded by hills and dense forest, where no one lives. One needs to trek through some hills and Forest to reach this lake. It's Sarolsar Lake near Jalori Pass in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India. It takes 2 hrs from main road to reach Sarolsar Lake. Apart from this lake, there is a small temple around it, but no one stays here. Apart from Lake and Temple, there is a small tea-shop by an oldman. To know more about Sarolsar Lake and it's beauty, check out - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/12/trek-to-sirolsar-lake-near-jalori-pass.htmlSome of the approachable places around Sarolsar lake are Jalori Pass, Banjar, Kullu, Shaij etcTanni Jubber lake is a small and beautiful lake surrounded by high deodars and some villages with lot of Apple Orchards. During this visit to Tani Jubber, we stayed in one of the Orchard-House and it was a wonderful experience to stay in a huge house surrounded by Apples and their fragrance. More photographs of Tani Jubber can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/11/tani-jubber-lake-thanedar-near-narkanda.htmlHere are some hues of Lahaul and Spiti. This photograph was shot during one of my trip to Trilokinath in Lahual District of Himachal Pradesh. It's near to Udaipur and route take opposite turn from Tandi. One road from Tandi goes to Keylong, district headquarter of Lahual and other leads to Udaipur and Trilokinath. This Photograph was shot on the way from Tandi to Trilokinath. This was one of most thrilling car-ride on hills during night. Roaring sounds of Chandrabhaga river from one side, huge hills standing on other side and car is moving on an extremely narrow road... More photographs of Trilokinath and other places in Lahual can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/04/trilokinath-temple-lahaul-spiti.htmHere comes a photograph of my favorite place in Shimla and a must visit destination for folks who come to Shimla, Capital City of Himachal Pradesh. This huge building is now known as Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and also popular as Viceregal Lodge. There were two residences of british Viceroy in India - One in Delhi and other in Shimla. he used to stay in Shimla one during summer and in winters at Delhi. Current President House in delhi was Viceroy's house in Delhi during British Raj. This is a completely different place in Shimla and each tourist should visit Viceregal Lodge once. It's near to boileuganj and Himachal Pradesh University. More photographs of this place can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/11/indian-institute-of-advanced-studies.htmOther interesting places around Viceregal Lodge are Bird-Sactuary, Peter-Hoff Hotel on Hill-top, beautiful walk to Mall Road, Ridge and Himachal Pradesh University. We shall be sharing more places from Himalayan State of India. Keep a close watch on this series to explore various parts of Himachal Pradesh, India.

This Photo Journey is basically sharing one photograph from various Photo Journeys from Delhi, India. All the photographs in this Photo Journey shows some beautiful buildings in the city. Let's check out..First Photograph is showing Humayun's Tomb and more photographs of the place can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/12/extra-saturated-colors-of-humayun-tomb.htmlHere is a photograph showing well lit President House during Beating Republic Ceremony. More Photographs of President's House is Delhi can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/08/wonderful-architecture-of-indian.htmlThis photograph is showing India Gate which is very well lit for three days between Independence Day and Beating Retreat Ceremony in Capital City of India, Delhi. Morew Photographs of India Gate can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/08/india-gate-first-time-pure-photo.htmThis is one of my favorite photograph of Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. Thousands of pigeons keep flying around the biggest Mosque of the country. More photographs of Jama Masjid can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/02/delhi-6-jama-masjid.htmlHere is a Photograph from Old Fort near Pragati Maidan in Capital City of India, Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/07/purana-qila-old-fort-relieved-of-its.htmHere is a photograph of Qutub Minar in Capital City of India, Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/09/recently-processed-photographs-from.htmHere is a photograph showing the highest staircase inside Jantar Mantar, Delhi, India - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/02/some-experiments-with-old-architecture.htmlDelhi has lot of beautiful buildings with modern architecture as well and above is the one almost everyone in Delhi can recognize. It's Statesman House near Connaught Place - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/02/delhi-heights-short-photo-journey.htmlLotus Temple in Nehru Place is one of the other beautiful place in Delhi, India. Lotus Temple is also known as Bahai's Temple and more photographs can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2010/02/sunset-view-lotus-temple-nehru-place.htmlThis photograph shows night view of Shanti Stoopa near Indraprastha Park in Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2010/03/vishva-shanti-stoop-indraprastha-park.htmHere are few photographs from Safdarjung Tomb in Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/06/evening-at-safdarjung-tomb-delhi.html

This Photo Journey is basically sharing one photograph from various Photo Journeys from Delhi, India. All the photographs in this Photo Journey shows some beautiful buildings in the city. Let's check out..First Photograph is showing Humayun's Tomb and more photographs of the place can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/12/extra-saturated-colors-of-humayun-tomb.htmlHere is a photograph showing well lit President House during Beating Republic Ceremony. More Photographs of President's House is Delhi can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/08/wonderful-architecture-of-indian.htmlThis photograph is showing India Gate which is very well lit for three days between Independence Day and Beating Retreat Ceremony in Capital City of India, Delhi. Morew Photographs of India Gate can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/08/india-gate-first-time-pure-photo.htmThis is one of my favorite photograph of Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. Thousands of pigeons keep flying around the biggest Mosque of the country. More photographs of Jama Masjid can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/02/delhi-6-jama-masjid.htmlHere is a Photograph from Old Fort near Pragati Maidan in Capital City of India, Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/07/purana-qila-old-fort-relieved-of-its.htmHere is a photograph of Qutub Minar in Capital City of India, Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/09/recently-processed-photographs-from.htmHere is a photograph showing the highest staircase inside Jantar Mantar, Delhi, India - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/02/some-experiments-with-old-architecture.htmlDelhi has lot of beautiful buildings with modern architecture as well and above is the one almost everyone in Delhi can recognize. It's Statesman House near Connaught Place - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/02/delhi-heights-short-photo-journey.htmlLotus Temple in Nehru Place is one of the other beautiful place in Delhi, India. Lotus Temple is also known as Bahai's Temple and more photographs can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2010/02/sunset-view-lotus-temple-nehru-place.htmlThis photograph shows night view of Shanti Stoopa near Indraprastha Park in Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2010/03/vishva-shanti-stoop-indraprastha-park.htmHere are few photographs from Safdarjung Tomb in Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/06/evening-at-safdarjung-tomb-delhi.html

This Photo Journey is basically sharing one photograph from various Photo Journeys from Delhi, India. All the photographs in this Photo Journey shows some beautiful buildings in the city. Let's check out..First Photograph is showing Humayun's Tomb and more photographs of the place can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/12/extra-saturated-colors-of-humayun-tomb.htmlHere is a photograph showing well lit President House during Beating Republic Ceremony. More Photographs of President's House is Delhi can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/08/wonderful-architecture-of-indian.htmlThis photograph is showing India Gate which is very well lit for three days between Independence Day and Beating Retreat Ceremony in Capital City of India, Delhi. Morew Photographs of India Gate can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/08/india-gate-first-time-pure-photo.htmThis is one of my favorite photograph of Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. Thousands of pigeons keep flying around the biggest Mosque of the country. More photographs of Jama Masjid can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/02/delhi-6-jama-masjid.htmlHere is a Photograph from Old Fort near Pragati Maidan in Capital City of India, Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/07/purana-qila-old-fort-relieved-of-its.htmHere is a photograph of Qutub Minar in Capital City of India, Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/09/recently-processed-photographs-from.htmHere is a photograph showing the highest staircase inside Jantar Mantar, Delhi, India - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/02/some-experiments-with-old-architecture.htmlDelhi has lot of beautiful buildings with modern architecture as well and above is the one almost everyone in Delhi can recognize. It's Statesman House near Connaught Place - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2011/02/delhi-heights-short-photo-journey.htmlLotus Temple in Nehru Place is one of the other beautiful place in Delhi, India. Lotus Temple is also known as Bahai's Temple and more photographs can be checked at - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2010/02/sunset-view-lotus-temple-nehru-place.htmlThis photograph shows night view of Shanti Stoopa near Indraprastha Park in Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2010/03/vishva-shanti-stoop-indraprastha-park.htmHere are few photographs from Safdarjung Tomb in Delhi - http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2009/06/evening-at-safdarjung-tomb-delhi.html

During first weekend of April'2012 we were in Virndavan, which is also known as town of Temples in India. During this visit, we had a quick visit to different temples in early morning. Shri Rangji Temple was the first one...The very first Photograph shows main gate of Shri Rangji Temple in Vridavan and the photograph above shows the next gate to the main temple. Architecture of this temple resembles with South Indian Temples and most of the priests were from South. Overall environment of the temple was quite peaceful.Sri Rangji Mandir is dedicated to Lord Sri Goda-Rangamannar. Goda or Andal is popularly known in South India was a famous 8th century Vaishnava saint who had composed 'Tiruppuvai' which centers around her love for her beloved Lord Krishna and his leela bhoomi Vrindavan. She pines for him, fasts for him, sings songs in his praise and wants to attain him by marrying him. Lord Ranganatha who is none other than Krishna answers her prayers by becoming her bridegroom. In Sri Rangji Mandir, Lord Krishna is present as the bridegroom with a walking stick in his hand as is the custom in a traditional south Indian marriage. To his right is Andal and to his left Garuda, the vahana of Lord KrishnaWhen we reached inside the temple, there were multiple rows of the folks who were lined up for Prasadam at the temple. Curd-rice were being served at Ranganatha Temple in the morning. He had some and it was enough for us in breakfast :)Andal had expressed three wishes in 'NachiyarTirumozhi'. Her first wish was to spend her life at the feet of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. Her second wish that Lord Krishna accept her as his bride came true when she married Lord Krishna and the third wish that Lord Ranganatha (Lord Krishna) be offered 'Ksheeranna'(dessert made of rice and milk) in a hundred pots was fulfilled by the eleventh century vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya.Her first wish which had not been fulfilled by any of the previous Vaishnava acharyas was fulfilled by Sri Rangadeshik Swamiji by constructing this temple where Sri Goda-Rangamannar reside as divya dampathi. There are lot of other stories associated with this temple. The pillar you see above is made up of gold and dedicated tp parents.There is a beautiful water-pond, which was closed and no one can go inside this space. In the moring, it looked magical.SriRangji temple is considered as one of the largest temples in the whole of North India. Its one of the very few temples in India, where regular festivals are celebrated and all the traditions and rituals are performed according to the prescribed Vedic norms.In SriRangji temple one would find a unique mixture of both south and north Indian traditions. In addition to celebrating all the festivals which are part of South Indian SriVaishnava temple tradition, several festivals which are part of the North tradition are also celebrated here. For example its only at SriRangji temple where devotees can enjoy the pleasure of playing holi with the Lord during SriBrahmotsav.Here is a photograph showing some yogis coming out of their rooms. It seemed there are various rooms/houses inside the temple campus and are in use by various families associated with temple by one or other mean. I don't remember the exact number now, but our guide had told us the number of rooms around the temple;.Here is a photograph with kids living around the temple ! One of the our group member wanted to have a photograph in front of main gate of Temple and these kids volunteered to joined her :All of us were wondering about the ticket amount mentioned in Paisas and not sure if these actually mean 'Paisa' or something else. btw, we didn't see Sheesh-Mahal inside the temple.Here a photograph showing lot of people lined to get Rice Prasadam in the morning. Lot of people visit Vrindavan on daily basis and city has a huge religious significance.Whole group listening very carefully to the stories being told by our guide !

This Photo Journey is about PREM Mandir, which is quite near to ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan Town. All these photographs are shot during one of our recent trips to Vrindavan ! Let's check out ...Prem Mandir has become another source of pride for lot of Hindu devotees and tourists from all over the world. Prem Mandir is built entirely of gigantic blocks of grainless, pure white Italian marble, with no steel, bricks or cement binding between blocks.Although beautiful to the senses, perhaps its greatest value lies in its utter spiritual significance to countless supporters and devotees. It is the 'Temple of Divine Love'. Prem Mandir is inaugurated on 15 - February 17, 2012 in the presence of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. It is already being called a wonder of the modern world.Lord Krishna at ground floor of Prem Mandir, Vridavan, Uttar Pradesh, India !On fifty acres of land, Prem Mandir is surrounded with magnificent gardens and beautiful fountains. On the walls of this double story monument, the true theme of our scriptures, the Vedic science of creation, the world history and the unbroken continuity of Bhartiya scriptures for over 1.9 billion years will be depicted. The beautiful deities of Radha Krishn and their leela songs are depicted in an exquisite manner. All creations on outer walls look 3 dimensional Here is a photograph of huge entry gate for Prem Mandir. Entry of Prem Mandir has lot of green patches all around. Lush green lawns look amazing and some flowers planted around the boundaries. Just after the entry gate, there is a green lawn on left side and having some trees around. On one of the tree, there is a creation which shows Lord Krishna and Radha Rani on a jhoola made up of flowers. Since no one is allowed to step over lush green lawns, I can't comment on material used in creating these ! But the quality of all these creations is unmatchable... Above photograph shows one of the artistic creation of white marble. This is a photograph of one part of pillar in Prem Mandir ! These creations were very close to natural objects and it was hard to believe that all these are created in Marble. Wonderful work done at various parts of Prem Mandir. This is one of the magical part of Prem Mandir in Vrindavan. To us this seemed like a tourist place as compared to a typical temple, but we were proved wrong when we entered into the core of Prem Mandir (Temple).Architecture of Prem Mandir is based on the book 'Shilp-Ratnakar', written by Vishwa Karma. It is apparently the first temple in the world where the many pastimes written in Bhagwatam are illustrated on the wall. The inside view of the temple is said to overwhelm visitors with religious feelings. Huge Deities of Radha Krishna are situated in the center of ground floor. The inside walls are beautified with engraved paintings of Radha Krishn and glimpses of group kirtan (chanting) and lectures of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. It is said that the beauty and art of the tomb-type roof cannot be described in words. The first floor is glorified with the Deities of Sita Ram. Towards the south side of this floor the scenes of the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are engraved with multi color stones and towards the north side the pictures of all the 4 previous Jagadgurus and great rasik saints like Jeev Goswami, Haridas Ji, Hit Harivansh Ji and Vallabhacharya Ji are engraved beautifully. Besides that the beutiful verses are inscribed on the walls.My photographs don't do any justice to lighting of Prem Mandir ! Huge light chandeliers were used to lit various parts of the temple. Upper storey of Prem Temple is dedicated to Ram Mandir ! Above photograph shows one of the smallest lighting stuff, which was hanging around various walls of Prem Mandir ! This photograph shows a close-up of Lord Krishna while he has picked up Govardhan Parvat on his finger. There is a huge creation in front of Prem Mandir which shows Lord Krishna lifting up the Govardhan Parvat and lot of other folks with cattle under it. Here is a photograph showing some of the creations carved on inner walls of the temple (Prem Mandir). Check out following link for more details about Prem Mandir - http://knol.google.com/k/david-mccaldin/prem-mandir-the-inauguration-of-a/2pr18mcjtayt9/19#

This Photo Journey is about PREM Mandir, which is quite near to ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan Town. All these photographs are shot during one of our recent trips to Vrindavan ! Let's check out ...Prem Mandir has become another source of pride for lot of Hindu devotees and tourists from all over the world. Prem Mandir is built entirely of gigantic blocks of grainless, pure white Italian marble, with no steel, bricks or cement binding between blocks.Although beautiful to the senses, perhaps its greatest value lies in its utter spiritual significance to countless supporters and devotees. It is the 'Temple of Divine Love'. Prem Mandir is inaugurated on 15 - February 17, 2012 in the presence of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. It is already being called a wonder of the modern world.Lord Krishna at ground floor of Prem Mandir, Vridavan, Uttar Pradesh, India !On fifty acres of land, Prem Mandir is surrounded with magnificent gardens and beautiful fountains. On the walls of this double story monument, the true theme of our scriptures, the Vedic science of creation, the world history and the unbroken continuity of Bhartiya scriptures for over 1.9 billion years will be depicted. The beautiful deities of Radha Krishn and their leela songs are depicted in an exquisite manner. All creations on outer walls look 3 dimensional Here is a photograph of huge entry gate for Prem Mandir. Entry of Prem Mandir has lot of green patches all around. Lush green lawns look amazing and some flowers planted around the boundaries. Just after the entry gate, there is a green lawn on left side and having some trees around. On one of the tree, there is a creation which shows Lord Krishna and Radha Rani on a jhoola made up of flowers. Since no one is allowed to step over lush green lawns, I can't comment on material used in creating these ! But the quality of all these creations is unmatchable... Above photograph shows one of the artistic creation of white marble. This is a photograph of one part of pillar in Prem Mandir ! These creations were very close to natural objects and it was hard to believe that all these are created in Marble. Wonderful work done at various parts of Prem Mandir. This is one of the magical part of Prem Mandir in Vrindavan. To us this seemed like a tourist place as compared to a typical temple, but we were proved wrong when we entered into the core of Prem Mandir (Temple).Architecture of Prem Mandir is based on the book 'Shilp-Ratnakar', written by Vishwa Karma. It is apparently the first temple in the world where the many pastimes written in Bhagwatam are illustrated on the wall. The inside view of the temple is said to overwhelm visitors with religious feelings. Huge Deities of Radha Krishna are situated in the center of ground floor. The inside walls are beautified with engraved paintings of Radha Krishn and glimpses of group kirtan (chanting) and lectures of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. It is said that the beauty and art of the tomb-type roof cannot be described in words. The first floor is glorified with the Deities of Sita Ram. Towards the south side of this floor the scenes of the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are engraved with multi color stones and towards the north side the pictures of all the 4 previous Jagadgurus and great rasik saints like Jeev Goswami, Haridas Ji, Hit Harivansh Ji and Vallabhacharya Ji are engraved beautifully. Besides that the beutiful verses are inscribed on the walls.My photographs don't do any justice to lighting of Prem Mandir ! Huge light chandeliers were used to lit various parts of the temple. Upper storey of Prem Temple is dedicated to Ram Mandir ! Above photograph shows one of the smallest lighting stuff, which was hanging around various walls of Prem Mandir ! This photograph shows a close-up of Lord Krishna while he has picked up Govardhan Parvat on his finger. There is a huge creation in front of Prem Mandir which shows Lord Krishna lifting up the Govardhan Parvat and lot of other folks with cattle under it. Here is a photograph showing some of the creations carved on inner walls of the temple (Prem Mandir). Check out following link for more details about Prem Mandir - http://knol.google.com/k/david-mccaldin/prem-mandir-the-inauguration-of-a/2pr18mcjtayt9/19#


Hope you have enjoyed the journey of first two days with us so far. If you haven't gotten a chance, we recommend to check out Part-1 & Part-2 of the journey and then come back here to enjoy the third day trek to Dhanachuli Village around Kumaun hills. Let's start this Photo Journey to the beautiful Dhanachuli Village.It was bright sunny morning at Dhanachuli and some of us were up at 6:30am. Unpredictable weather during last two days had created so much curiosity that everyone was excited to see bright morning on third day. It opened the gates for the trek to the abandoned village of Dhanachuli. We started from Te Aroha at around 7:00 am. We drove from Te Aroha to the market of Dhanachuli village. We stopped near Bank of Baroda and started our trek downwards through green farms facing snow covered peaks. Mr. Sumant Batra personally led the entire trek and kept us informed about various trees, crops, plants, architecture & people.For initial 20 minutes, we were walking through the habitat area which is comparatively close to the main road which connects Dhanachuli village to other parts of Kumaun. Most of the villagers have pets and mainly cows & goats. Corn crops were all over the farms and some of the farms also had seasonal vegetables - peas, cabbage, bringle, tomatoas, green chillies, kidney-beans (Rajmah) etc. Dhanchuli village is deep in the valley surrounded by snow capped hills on one side and steep green mountains on other side. Dhanachuli hills are probably some of the highest hills in Kumaun region.At the end of the trek were some dilapidated houses of the old Dhanachuli village. Most of the old village is abandoned with only a couple of houses still occupied. The villagers, it seems, have moved to houses closer to the road.The houses were adorned with some interesting carvings and designs. Sumant pointed out some samples of carvings from as far as Rajasthan. He expressed his amazement at finding such designs up here in Uttarakhand. One possible explanation, he thinks, is that these people migrated from the plains over a hundred years ago to escape forced conversions. And with them they carried a part of their memories, tradition, and culture, always wanting to cling on to what they had to leave behind.The houses, though abandoned, still tell a story with their strong foundations, quality material used for building. If you look at the picture above, you will see stones stacked on top of each other. This material is native to the hills and has stood against the test of time.This was one of the houses that was still occupied. A cat was sunning itself on the stairs, while the occupants went about their daily chores. The villagers keep busy most of the times as they need to do almost everything themselves. It is a life full of hardwork and peace.These freshly plucked red chillies and corns have been spread out to dry so that they don't get spoilt when they are stored. The villagers keep some portion of the crops they produce for their personal use, while they sell of the rest. This particular house was so isolated from the rest that we were wondering if the occupants feel afraid at night. We were also asking ourselves what they do to keep themselves entertained. And then we noticed the dish antennae installed outside...but of course...While looking at the exteriors of the abandoned houses, we were curious about the insides. We found an interesting looking house and some of us dared to climb inside. A few of us were worried whether we would chance upon a sleeping leopard inside the house. But Sumant assured us that it wasn't a possibility because if there was a leopard inside, we would be able to smell it before we saw it. Our fear may sound funny to you, but in reality a leopard sighting isn't as rare in these parts. If a cattle is killed or a dog vanishes, the crime is mostly blamed on leopards. Some of the buildings were so beautiful that we were left wondering why no one had noticed them yet. No Bollywood film thriller/ horror film has been shot here, no fashion shoot has been organized with these houses as a backdrop, although the setting is perfect!The last point of the trek was a temple. We sat in the premises and had tea and cookies made by Te Aroha's chef. It was very considerate of Sumant to have thought of this because after the long trek, all of us were dying for a cup of tea. We sat there for about half-an-hour listening to the birds sing and watching the clouds drifting into the valley. We had some interesting conversations while sitting here. We spoke about how inconsiderate it is to build a huge concrete structure on the top of a hill in the mountains. Such things can be very risky for the villagers living below. We discussed how essential it is for development to happen in a responsible way. And during the course of this discussion we discovered that Te Aroha, even though they have taken a water connection from the government's water supply and pay for it, they never use the water. Simply because if the resort starts using the water, hardly anything will be left for the villagers. Instead, Te Aroha has made elaborate arrangements for rainwater harvesting and uses the water they collect from this along with the water from the borer they have installed themselves. After the tea, it was time to head back and this time we chose a different route. Instead of the slippery rocky route, we chose to walk a trail through thefields. En route we stopped and tasted some very sweet peas, and met some local children who were more than happy to oblige us with generous smiles. The morning was a tiring one and yet gratifying. And we felt exercised and yet relaxed at the end of it. More than anything else the trek provided a lot of food for thought and we dwelled on it for quite some time.
Hope you have enjoyed the journey of first two days with us so far. If you haven't gotten a chance, we recommend to check out Part-1 & Part-2 of the journey and then come back here to enjoy the third day trek to Dhanachuli Village around Kumaun hills. Let's start this Photo Journey to the beautiful Dhanachuli Village.It was bright sunny morning at Dhanachuli and some of us were up at 6:30am. Unpredictable weather during last two days had created so much curiosity that everyone was excited to see bright morning on third day. It opened the gates for the trek to the abandoned village of Dhanachuli. We started from Te Aroha at around 7:00 am. We drove from Te Aroha to the market of Dhanachuli village. We stopped near Bank of Baroda and started our trek downwards through green farms facing snow covered peaks. Mr. Sumant Batra personally led the entire trek and kept us informed about various trees, crops, plants, architecture & people.For initial 20 minutes, we were walking through the habitat area which is comparatively close to the main road which connects Dhanachuli village to other parts of Kumaun. Most of the villagers have pets and mainly cows & goats. Corn crops were all over the farms and some of the farms also had seasonal vegetables - peas, cabbage, bringle, tomatoas, green chillies, kidney-beans (Rajmah) etc. Dhanchuli village is deep in the valley surrounded by snow capped hills on one side and steep green mountains on other side. Dhanachuli hills are probably some of the highest hills in Kumaun region.At the end of the trek were some dilapidated houses of the old Dhanachuli village. Most of the old village is abandoned with only a couple of houses still occupied. The villagers, it seems, have moved to houses closer to the road.The houses were adorned with some interesting carvings and designs. Sumant pointed out some samples of carvings from as far as Rajasthan. He expressed his amazement at finding such designs up here in Uttarakhand. One possible explanation, he thinks, is that these people migrated from the plains over a hundred years ago to escape forced conversions. And with them they carried a part of their memories, tradition, and culture, always wanting to cling on to what they had to leave behind.The houses, though abandoned, still tell a story with their strong foundations, quality material used for building. If you look at the picture above, you will see stones stacked on top of each other. This material is native to the hills and has stood against the test of time.This was one of the houses that was still occupied. A cat was sunning itself on the stairs, while the occupants went about their daily chores. The villagers keep busy most of the times as they need to do almost everything themselves. It is a life full of hardwork and peace.These freshly plucked red chillies and corns have been spread out to dry so that they don't get spoilt when they are stored. The villagers keep some portion of the crops they produce for their personal use, while they sell of the rest. This particular house was so isolated from the rest that we were wondering if the occupants feel afraid at night. We were also asking ourselves what they do to keep themselves entertained. And then we noticed the dish antennae installed outside...but of course...While looking at the exteriors of the abandoned houses, we were curious about the insides. We found an interesting looking house and some of us dared to climb inside. A few of us were worried whether we would chance upon a sleeping leopard inside the house. But Sumant assured us that it wasn't a possibility because if there was a leopard inside, we would be able to smell it before we saw it. Our fear may sound funny to you, but in reality a leopard sighting isn't as rare in these parts. If a cattle is killed or a dog vanishes, the crime is mostly blamed on leopards. Some of the buildings were so beautiful that we were left wondering why no one had noticed them yet. No Bollywood film thriller/ horror film has been shot here, no fashion shoot has been organized with these houses as a backdrop, although the setting is perfect!The last point of the trek was a temple. We sat in the premises and had tea and cookies made by Te Aroha's chef. It was very considerate of Sumant to have thought of this because after the long trek, all of us were dying for a cup of tea. We sat there for about half-an-hour listening to the birds sing and watching the clouds drifting into the valley. We had some interesting conversations while sitting here. We spoke about how inconsiderate it is to build a huge concrete structure on the top of a hill in the mountains. Such things can be very risky for the villagers living below. We discussed how essential it is for development to happen in a responsible way. And during the course of this discussion we discovered that Te Aroha, even though they have taken a water connection from the government's water supply and pay for it, they never use the water. Simply because if the resort starts using the water, hardly anything will be left for the villagers. Instead, Te Aroha has made elaborate arrangements for rainwater harvesting and uses the water they collect from this along with the water from the borer they have installed themselves. After the tea, it was time to head back and this time we chose a different route. Instead of the slippery rocky route, we chose to walk a trail through thefields. En route we stopped and tasted some very sweet peas, and met some local children who were more than happy to oblige us with generous smiles. The morning was a tiring one and yet gratifying. And we felt exercised and yet relaxed at the end of it. More than anything else the trek provided a lot of food for thought and we dwelled on it for quite some time.
Hope you have enjoyed the journey of first two days with us so far. If you haven't gotten a chance, we recommend to check out Part-1 & Part-2 of the journey and then come back here to enjoy the third day trek to Dhanachuli Village around Kumaun hills. Let's start this Photo Journey to the beautiful Dhanachuli Village.It was bright sunny morning at Dhanachuli and some of us were up at 6:30am. Unpredictable weather during last two days had created so much curiosity that everyone was excited to see bright morning on third day. It opened the gates for the trek to the abandoned village of Dhanachuli. We started from Te Aroha at around 7:00 am. We drove from Te Aroha to the market of Dhanachuli village. We stopped near Bank of Baroda and started our trek downwards through green farms facing snow covered peaks. Mr. Sumant Batra personally led the entire trek and kept us informed about various trees, crops, plants, architecture & people.For initial 20 minutes, we were walking through the habitat area which is comparatively close to the main road which connects Dhanachuli village to other parts of Kumaun. Most of the villagers have pets and mainly cows & goats. Corn crops were all over the farms and some of the farms also had seasonal vegetables - peas, cabbage, bringle, tomatoas, green chillies, kidney-beans (Rajmah) etc. Dhanchuli village is deep in the valley surrounded by snow capped hills on one side and steep green mountains on other side. Dhanachuli hills are probably some of the highest hills in Kumaun region.At the end of the trek were some dilapidated houses of the old Dhanachuli village. Most of the old village is abandoned with only a couple of houses still occupied. The villagers, it seems, have moved to houses closer to the road.The houses were adorned with some interesting carvings and designs. Sumant pointed out some samples of carvings from as far as Rajasthan. He expressed his amazement at finding such designs up here in Uttarakhand. One possible explanation, he thinks, is that these people migrated from the plains over a hundred years ago to escape forced conversions. And with them they carried a part of their memories, tradition, and culture, always wanting to cling on to what they had to leave behind.The houses, though abandoned, still tell a story with their strong foundations, quality material used for building. If you look at the picture above, you will see stones stacked on top of each other. This material is native to the hills and has stood against the test of time.This was one of the houses that was still occupied. A cat was sunning itself on the stairs, while the occupants went about their daily chores. The villagers keep busy most of the times as they need to do almost everything themselves. It is a life full of hardwork and peace.These freshly plucked red chillies and corns have been spread out to dry so that they don't get spoilt when they are stored. The villagers keep some portion of the crops they produce for their personal use, while they sell of the rest. This particular house was so isolated from the rest that we were wondering if the occupants feel afraid at night. We were also asking ourselves what they do to keep themselves entertained. And then we noticed the dish antennae installed outside...but of course...While looking at the exteriors of the abandoned houses, we were curious about the insides. We found an interesting looking house and some of us dared to climb inside. A few of us were worried whether we would chance upon a sleeping leopard inside the house. But Sumant assured us that it wasn't a possibility because if there was a leopard inside, we would be able to smell it before we saw it. Our fear may sound funny to you, but in reality a leopard sighting isn't as rare in these parts. If a cattle is killed or a dog vanishes, the crime is mostly blamed on leopards. Some of the buildings were so beautiful that we were left wondering why no one had noticed them yet. No Bollywood film thriller/ horror film has been shot here, no fashion shoot has been organized with these houses as a backdrop, although the setting is perfect!The last point of the trek was a temple. We sat in the premises and had tea and cookies made by Te Aroha's chef. It was very considerate of Sumant to have thought of this because after the long trek, all of us were dying for a cup of tea. We sat there for about half-an-hour listening to the birds sing and watching the clouds drifting into the valley. We had some interesting conversations while sitting here. We spoke about how inconsiderate it is to build a huge concrete structure on the top of a hill in the mountains. Such things can be very risky for the villagers living below. We discussed how essential it is for development to happen in a responsible way. And during the course of this discussion we discovered that Te Aroha, even though they have taken a water connection from the government's water supply and pay for it, they never use the water. Simply because if the resort starts using the water, hardly anything will be left for the villagers. Instead, Te Aroha has made elaborate arrangements for rainwater harvesting and uses the water they collect from this along with the water from the borer they have installed themselves. After the tea, it was time to head back and this time we chose a different route. Instead of the slippery rocky route, we chose to walk a trail through thefields. En route we stopped and tasted some very sweet peas, and met some local children who were more than happy to oblige us with generous smiles. The morning was a tiring one and yet gratifying. And we felt exercised and yet relaxed at the end of it. More than anything else the trek provided a lot of food for thought and we dwelled on it for quite some time. 



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