The Mesmerizing Malabar

The placid backwaters leading into the vast Arabian Sea. Mangrove forests on one side, a hamlet on the other. Birds of a feather flocking together on small islands of sand. The ripples reflecting the golden hue of the dipping sun. The silence unsettled by the rambling of a train or two. Fisher folk getting set to venture into the sea. A perfect orchestration of the elements of nature to create a spectacle.
Aboard a small country boat steered effortlessly by one of the locals, I caught a glimpse of the unspoilt grandeur of Kerala, at its very best. The land of coconut trees is "God's Own Country" indeed! The beauty and ambience left me bedazzled and now bereft of words as I try to recount that unforgettable experience. I left that place with a feeling that any number of photographs will not do justice to the aura of that evening.
Here are a few pictures from my trip to Calicut, Cochin and Bharananghanam, a small village tucked in the hills.


Rhythm Divine

Shades of crimson, amidst tranquil waters, the receding sun, riding on a country boat, a dream come true... The backwaters of Kadallundi.



Over The Hills

A sunny day, clear blue skies, stunning vistas, a refreshing change... The hills of Vagamon.



The Great Lake

One of the houses nestled along the periphery of the Vembanad Lake which is the largest in Kerala and the longest in the country.



Nature's work of art....

A host of colours filled the sky and cast a spell over the Cochin Port. It was such a spectacular scene that I just couldn't stop clicking pictures.




Road to nowhere ...

A picture worth a thousand words....The walkway leading up to the hill top Kurussimala Ashram.


Deft Strokes...

A symphony of varied expressions, splendid enactment, lively dance, thumping percussion and coulourful face painting... A Kathakali performance.



Country roads take me home...

A line from one of my favourite songs as well as the caption for this picture. Could not get this song out of my head then and cannot think of a better caption for this picture now!




Postcard From Kochi

The Chinese Fishing nets at Fort Kochi. A unique fishing technique using a large net propelled by mechanical force for trapping the fish.

Down the '07 Memory Lane...

All experience is an arch where through gleams that untraveled world, whose margin fades for ever and for ever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!
As tho' to breathe were life!

-- Ulysses (Lord Alfred Tennyson)


Chowki Dhani at the 'Pink City' is the place to get a peek into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Rajasthan. A toast to the good times we* had during our visit to Jaipur in the peak of summer!


* Priyank, Sharath, Diya, Raegan, Yatesh n me


The Indian Railways has among its ranks an unique type of locomotive which is a hybrid between a train and a bus! Christened as 'Rail Bus', these can be found at Bangarpet, Shimoga, Shimla, Gwalior, Naupada, Mathura and Ahmadpur.


** Fr Cyriac n me


We* were quick to get on our feet during the transit at Hong Kong. An exciting ride aboard the 'Peak Tram' took us atop a hill called 'The Peak' which offers several beautiful vistas of the city.


* Hari, Ajay, Sanjeev n me

Trains have always fascinated me. That is the reason why this picture scored over the rest in an absolutely fun filled trip to Hyderabad. While on the train, we* spent most of our waking hours at the door.


* Bhanu, Hari, Nagesh, Krupa n me

It was a day's stop over at Bangkok en route to Bangalore from San Fransisco. Cruising along the one of the numerous waterways in the city, we* alighted at a traditional Thai house while on our way to the 'Great Palace'.


* Hari, Ajay, Sanjeev, Pavan n me


A beautiful Saturday afternoon, the chilly ocean breeze, in the company of new friends and good old, a touch nostalgic, reliving times bygone, a day etched in memory.... The Pebble Beach, California.


** Rupak, Hari, Antony, SOAPY n me


Sivanasamudra which has the majestic Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls is a popular haunt for those Bangaloreans who yearn for a respite from the ever growing din and pollution of the city.


** Jaishri, Ashish, Shammi, Param n me