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God's Own Country
Kerala Panorama |
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Backwater cruise - Cruising gently over the many canal networks in the backwaters stretches of Kerala is indeed a pleasurable experience that many love to do again and again. The picture above unravels one of the many picturesque settings for a canal boat ride, where the boat moves amidst lush green surroundings with majestic coconut tress on the sides. |
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There are times when serenity becomes a much wanted thing in life. The picture on the left invites you to have a tryst with tranquility where the land, water and the swaying palm trees beckon you. |
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Backwaters against the sunset - The melting sun has painted the horizons in orange and crimson hues. Clad in the soft warmth of the golden yellow rays, the placid backwaters reveal the effervescent nature in all its true glory. At a distance, the dark silhouettes of the coconut palms are seen dancing to the rhythms of the gentle breeze. |
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Leela Kempinski Hotel
Kovalam Beach, Kerala |
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What would you like to call this shot? Charming? Bewitching? Some facets of nature have been casting their spell on human beings for years and so does this breathtaking view from Nelliyampathy.
Nelliyampathy, the famous picnic spot in Palakkad district, derives its name from the clumps of Nelli (gooseberry) trees that grow in abundance around the region. Waterfalls, small streams and mist-clad hillocks make Nelliyampathy a favorite spot for holiday makers. |
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Transport - Ferry services in the waterlogged midlands is a major means of transport in Kerala. |
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Backwaters - The picture depicts one of the common, early morning sights on the backwater stretches of Kerala. A boatman is on the move, gently paddling in the warmth of the early morning sun, brightening up his spirits for a rewarding day's work on the backwaters. |
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Fishing - Fishing on the rough seas. |
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This is life ahead my child..... all of a sudden one gets confused, just like the blanket of mist in front of us; but the journey has to continue, till bright light clears the mist. This seems to be the message that the mother wants to convey to her child, as they walk, hands joined, down the mist-laden path. |
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Homeward bound from the fields at sunset. |
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Houseboat cruise - One of the most preferred ways to get close to the backwater life in Kerala is the houseboat. The houseboats come in different sizes and comforts, and some are wonderful works of art. It is like sliding on a waterbed, while you relax in the cool breeze and witness the many forms of backwater life around you. |
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When you are in Kerala, serene, pristine and tranquil are not mere words. Come to Cherai, where you can feast your eyes on the exquisite stretch of backwaters and the sea. Unwind yourself and set your soul free. Feel every part of you getting merged with the placidity of the surroundings. The picture on the left of the Cherai backwaters compares with a beautiful painting, with the anglers busy fishing from their country boats. |
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This picture shows a character type called Pacha meaning the colour Green and is identified by the unique facial make up. This character type belongs to Kathakali, the popular dance-drama of Kerala. The character type Pacha usually represents pious, gentle and noble characters in the story. |
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Kathakali - The classical art form of Kerala stark for its facial expressions or mudras and elaborate costumes. |
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Kutiyattam - Like other Indian classical dance dramas, Kutiyattam, the 2000-year-old classical dance drama from Kerala too employs 'Navarasas' or the nine facial expressions to convey the mood or the emotional state of being of a character.
The picture on the left depicts a character in Kutiyattam expressing 'Veera,' one of the 'Navarasas' or the nine facial expressions used to express the mood for valour or bravery. |
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Kerala – God’s own country.
A picture post card backwater scene at sunset. |
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Kovalam...This bewitching destination in God's Own Country has been beckoning travellers from far and wide for decades. A splendid beach location, Kovalam caters to all kinds of travelers. Kovalam is one destination that can satisfy your instinct for adventure and your need to unwind.
This palm-fringed beach is unique in that it is composed of three adjacent crescent shaped beaches – the Eve's beach, the Samudra beach and the Lighthouse beach. |
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Legend has it that Kerala rose from the sea at the spot where the axe thrown by Parasurama, one of the incarnations of Vishnu, fell. The Keralite, is an instinctive lover of her streams, lakes, rivers and seas. It is the spirit of this beautiful relationship that shines through in this picture. |
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Kalarippayattu or Kalaripayattu is a martial art with origins in Kerala and practised in Kerala and contiguous parts of neighbouring Tamil Nadu. It incorporates strikes, kicks, grappling, choreographed martial art sequences, and weaponry, as well as healing techniques. Regional variants of the art are classified into Northern, Southern and Central Kerala styles. |
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March past on a bed of green - A herd of elephants is an awesome sight. Luxuriant grass filled terrain soon after the southwest monsoon is a feast for the elephants. Such herds can be spotted in and around Gavi, 28kms from Vandiperiyar, near Thekkady, where visitors have the option for trekking, camping and bird watching.
Gavi is rich in flora and fauna. Tropical forests fill the valleys here along with sprawling grasslands, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. |
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Mist laden dawn, Western Ghats - Kerala's varied faces of physical beauty are evident every where. The picture here depicts the ethereal beauty and tranquil charm of a typical mist laden dawn, a common phenomenon witnessed throughout the entire Western Ghat stretch, which forms the state's eastern boundary. |
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Munnar in full bloom - This picture shows a shot of the exquisite flora of Munnar, Idukki. With its picture post card looks, Munnar endears itself to every traveller who comes here.
Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, Munnar is Kerala’s premium hill station. Munnar is known for the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in twelve years. Anamudi, South India’s highest peak is also located near Munnar. |
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Murals of Kerala - These visual wonders came into vogue as early as the 8th century. |
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Monsoon rains in Kerala - Perched on top of a stump, a man goes angling, unperturbed by the monsoon rains. Fishing is a major vocation on the backwaters of Kerala. People employ different types of fishing techniques, according to the nature of the fish and the condition of the water. The picture on the left captures one such moment during the monsoon rains in Kerala. |
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Performing art - Chenda.
The photograph captures a fine moment during a 'chenda' performance by the much-felicitated Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, the leading exponent of this performing art, accompanied by others. |
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The backwater stretches of Kerala - While the placid backwaters wake up to the gentle and glistening warmth of the morning sun, a fisherman casts his net with a hope, that is as promising as that of the rising sun. |
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The world’s biggest team sport - Snake boats at the Champakulam Boat Race in Alappuzha. |
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Thrissur Pooram - A line of elephants in full splendour of festival adornments. The picture was taken during the most famous festivals of Kerala – the Thrissur Pooram. The elephants shown in the picture are returning after paying their respects before the statue of Sakthan Thampuran, who as per local belief was the architect behind the origins of Pooram. This event can be seen on the final day of the Pooram festivities, just before the spectacular changing of colorful parasols or Kudamatam in local parlance. |
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Kerala Monsoon - Sometimes it takes water to kindle a fire. |
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The ship of the desert against the backdrop of a setting sun in the Jaisalmer desert in Rajasthan. |
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Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, is a palace in Jaipur, India. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Sing. It forms part of the City Palace and extends the Zenana or women's chambers, the chambers of the harem.
It has five stories and is constructed of red and pink sandstone. The side facing the street outside the palace complex has 953 small windows, and the breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in the hot summer months. |
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Amber Fort is located in Amber, 11 km from Jaipur. It was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Mughal elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery. The fort borders the Maota Lake, and is a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan. |
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Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest residences in the world. Today, the palace offers guests a taste of royal living, once only available to kings and queens. The palace, which served as the principal residence of Jodhpur’s royal family, was named after Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji, the grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji. |
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The majestic Mehrangarh Fort is one of India's largest forts and is located in the picturesque city of Jodhpur. The work of building the fort originally commenced in 1459 by the founder of Jodhpur - Rao Jodha but much of the fort as it stands today was built in the era of Jaswant Singh. This magnificent fort is spread over 5 kms. and is located on top of a hill which is all of 125 meters high. There is also the majestic Umaid Villas that showcases some remarkable Rajasthani miniature art work. |
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The Nahargarh Fort was built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh in 1734. Since Jaipur was his capital, the Nahargarh Fort was strategically important and was built as a means of bolstering the defense of Amer. New additions were made to the fort in the 19th century by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II. The older parts of the fort are being hard hit by the ravages of times but the newer additions are quite captivating. |
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City Palace Udaipur towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated the construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex retaining a surprising uniformity to the design. The entry to the Palace is from the Hathi Pol, the Elephant gate. The Bari Pol or the Big gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate. It was once a custom that the Maharana was weighed under this gate in gold and silver, which was distributed to the populace. |
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The Lake Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, rising out of the turquoise waters of the Pichola Lake. The Lake Palace was built in the 17th century on a natural foundation of 4 acres of rock.
The Maharana, of Jaipur from 1628 to 1654, was very friendly with Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and encouraged his craftsmen to copy some of the glorious and incomparable buildings at Agra. |
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Jaimahal Palace Hotel, Jaipur is set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this incomparable palace dates back to 1745 A.D. A masterpiece in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, it blends spotlight-grabbing opulence with tantalizing comforts that transport guests to a world of Rajasthani magnificence.
An experience of royalty combined with the luxury of a palace in a hotel that is filled with heritage. |
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Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest of the desert forts of the world. It is situated in Jaisalmer city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from where it derives it name. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets and camouflages the fort making it appear a part of the picturesque yellow desert. Thus, it is also known as the "Golden Fort". |
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Jaisalmer's royal chattris, several miles outside the fort. The chattris mark the locations where the city's royal family embers were cremated over the centuries. |
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The beautiful sandstone mansions of Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis'. Their elaborate homes are a poem etched out in sandstone with infinite details and pains, carved and pieced together in different patterns. Though they are lavish and loud in nature, there is a perfect harmony that characterizes them which is a treat for the eyes of the beholder.
Nathmal ki Haveli of the late 19th century was also a prime minister's house. It's highlight is the intricately carved front door. It seems that jewelers instead of the stone-carvers made minute carvings in the building.
Patwon ki Haveli is the most convoluted and outstanding of all the Jaisalmer havelis. Built by the renowned dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery of their time Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, there are five suites in the building dating between 1800 and 1860.
Salim Singh ki Haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of this is still being used as residence. It was owned by Salim Singh, a former prime minister of the state of Jaisalmer and has an arched roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. |
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Parsavnath Temple is a very famous temple in Jaisalmer and is dedicated to Nakoda Parshavanath. This is one of the biggest Jain temples in and around Jaisalmer. Built in 1459 by Mandlik, this is a highly respected temple.
The temple is renowned for its architectural beauty. The carvings on the marble walls are quite enchanting. The temple attracts a large number of devotees all through the year. The temple is credited with a status equal to that of Konark and Khajuraho temples for beauty and religious reverence. |
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Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains. Located in the village of Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan, Ranakpur temple lies 95kms to the north of Udaipur. The temple is easily accessible from Udaipur as regular buses are easily available. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are known for being the largest and most important temples of the Jains. |
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Once an ancient Rajput state, formerly known as Mewar, Alwar was nearest to Imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external interference and daringly resisted foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally Sultan Balban suppressed them, bringing the area under Muslim rule.
In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to a clan of Jaipur's rulers, won back Alwar and founded a principality of his own. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and a picturesque valley with thickly wooded areas.
Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan - Sariska, which is an excellent tiger country. |
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The Pushkar Lake, is believed to have been created by the falling of a lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma. It is considered to be as old as creation and is considered to be one of the most sacred spots by Hindus.
The lake has fifty-two bathing ghats, built around it. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers. The Naga Kund is belived to give fertility, Roop Tirth gives beauty and charm, waters of the Kapil Vyapi Kund helps in curing leprosy and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund confers wisdom. |
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Dargah Shariff of Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti is indeed an ornament to the city of Ajmer. It is one of the holiest places of worship in India not only for the Muslims but also for the people of other faiths who hold the saint in high esteem and reverence.
The Dargah lies at the foot of the northern extremity of Taragarh Hill. Its main attraction is the mausoleum containing the tomb of the saint which is the sanctum sanctorum of the Dargah.
The festival of Urs Ajmer Shariff is an annual event that celebrates and honors the memory of this great Sufi saint. |
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The small and beautiful town of Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual Religious and Cattle Fair which is globally famous and attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world. |
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Camel Safari is one of the unique ways to explore small villages in Rajasthan. Camel Safaris atop this ship of the desert is a most exciting adventure. Riding a camel is not easy as people consider. It is a test for endurance. It is a great experience to explore The Thar Desert - is a vibrant, living, desert, colourful and hospitable.
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Goa Beaches
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Benaulim Beach Goa |
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Beach Scene Goa |
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Benaulim Beach Goa |
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Calangute Beach Goa |
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Taking in the sun on the beach - Goa |
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Beach Chairs - Taj Exotica Hotel Beach |
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Goa sunset |
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Another beach scene - Goa |
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One of many beaches in Goa
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Goa Churches
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Tomb of St Francis Xavier, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. Goa |
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interior of the Church of St Francis of Assisi, Old Goa. Goa. |
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Church of St Francis of Assisi,
Old Goa. Goa - Detail of gilded and carved woodwork |
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Church of St Francis of Assisi,
Old Goa. Goa - Murals and altars |
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Church of St Francis of Assisi,
Old Goa. Goa - Old mural paintings |
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Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. Goa |
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Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. Goa
Three-tiered marble tomb of St Francis |
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Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. Goa - Facade detail |
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Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. Goa - Richly guilded main altar |
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Se Cathedral, Old Goa, Goa -
Facade in Tuscani style |
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Nave of Se Cathedral, Old Goa. Goa |
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Se Cathedral, Old Goa. Goa - Nave and altar |
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Se Cathedral, Old Goa. Goa
- Side chapel |
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Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Panaji. Goa - Facade |
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Church of St Cajetan, Old Goa. Goa |
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Church of St Cajetan, Old Goa. Goa
- Inside dome |
Goa Hotels
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Cidade de Goa has been awarded the "Marque of Excellence 2007-08” by Thomas Cook (UK & Ireland). The award has been presented to the resort for “customer recognition of exceedingly high standards of service and quality of accommodation”.
This luxury resort is built on 40 acres of lush greenery, created to resemble a self-contained Portuguese hill hamlet.
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A resort hotel in Goa |
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Hotel Taj Exotica
Located on the southwest coast of Goa, overlooking the Arabian sea, this Mediterranean style 5-star resort is one of the best five star hotels in Goa and has a way of slowing down time to a tranquil tempo. Set amidst fifty-six acres of lush gardens, Taj Exotica is a showcase for relaxation with tropical-inspired design, grand architecture, a sun-drenched atrium, wide shady corridors and flower lined patios for a memorable stay. |
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Colonial style hotel, Goa |
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Resort hotel at sunset, Goa |
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Resort Hotel, Goa |
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Situated in close proximity to the beach, Fort Aguada Beach Resort offers a range of spacious villas and cottages. With its exotic tropical beauty, pristine beaches, nine restaurants, Jiva Spa, and vibrant local culture, guests can discover many opportunities for fun. It offers many activities for sports enthusiasts from adventure mountaineering to tennis and squash.
Built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress, this resort is part of a sprawling 73-acre complex overlooking the Arabian Sea. |
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Achealogical Museum - The museum has been functioning since 1964 in the abandoned convent of St. Francis of Assisi and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI. The collection consists of Brahmanical sculptures hero-stones and sati-stones of the early and late medieval periods, portraits, coins and currency, revenue and court fee stamps, wooden and bronze sculptures and an armoury of the Portuguese period. |
