In this noisy world, it is tough to find stillness. With so much of information (overload and noise), it is essential to find some peace and quiet – not just external silence, but also the inner quiet. It helps to be out by nature, in the wilderness, to connect with deep stillness. But many a times it might not be possible and what we don’t realize is that the stress have nothing to do with external influences, but rather how we filter the information and what we allow to come through.
Find stillness in this noisy world. Find stillness and energize.
music, like light permeates the space music, like breeze soothes the soul music, like fantasy captivates the mind music, like waves caress the body music, like thunder shatters the ego music, like magic opens portals to other dimensions
Nikon D810 : Nikon 14-24 mm : ISO 1000 : 20 mm : f2.8 : 39 sec (blub)
Dhani Nallah Beach Rangat, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Agaya Gangai is an enchanting waterfall located in Kolli Malai (Kolli Hills). River Aiyaru, a jungle stream, cascades down as the Agaya Gangai, near Arapaleeswarar temple. Agaya Gangai – as the name implies it indeed is the Ganges of the sky. When we went in December the water flow was quite heavy, but the breeze and saaral (drizzle) was amazing. It is best to visit at beginning of the monsoon just after a few showers of rain (Jun/Jul) or right after the monsoon (Sept-Dec). Please be advised if the flow is too high, the entry might be restricted. So it all depends on the rain and the water flow.
To reach the Agaya Gangai, one has to get down 1000+ steps (to be precise 1296 steps and a few rocks). Climbing down is much easier and probably takes 20-30 mins. Climbing up is quite strenuous owning to the steep incline and could take anywhere from 45–60 mins depending on one’s agility. There are a few shelters on the way to get a break.
The waterfall is enclosed within the dense forest which increases its charm and grandeur. The water in the falls is considered to contain medicinal properties due to all the herbs spread across the forest, thru which it traverses. Locals believe taking a bath here, cures many ailments. Agaya Ganga is probably one of the most beautiful and photogenic waterfalls in Tamilnadu. At a height of 300 feet, the waterfall is a feast for the eyes. It is also known as Peraruvi (Grand falls) or Pei aruvi (Devil falls) – by the people of Kolli hills because of its scary resemblance and heavy water flow.
Pixel 6 Pro : ISO 44 : 6 mm : f19.0 : 1/600 sec
Agaya Gangai, Kolli Malai Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
Morice Dera beach is a lovely rustic beach located adjacent to the Andaman Trunk Road – just after Rangat. The twin rock at Morice Dera is unique. The walkway in between these rocks leads toward an eye-catching horizon viewpoint. Both the beach and the viewpoint were ideal to sit, fall back and contemplate. It was a great place to just be and do nothing. Being bortle 1 skies, zillion of stars, viewpoints like this, and the stupendous views – Morice Dera topped our list from the Andaman trip, especially for chasing the stars. Venturing in the dark, stumbling by rocks, splashing in the water, beyond the viewpoint, definitely turned out to be worthwhile. The clouds were quickly closing in, but for a brief moment this scene of Venus ascending was indeed stunning!
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 4000: 16 mm : f2.8 : 20.0 sec
Venus ascending Morice Dera, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
A flight out, a bumpy drive, a quick ferry, a speed boat via hidden mangroves, then a hike thru a magical little village takes you to this mystic caves in Andaman. If you plan meticulously and await for all the stars to align – you could witness the mystical caves opening up the portal to an alternate dimension.
Or may be it was just a couple of crazy folks playing with the darks and lights – deep in the caves of Andaman :)
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 100: 16 mm : f2.8 : 30.0 sec
Orb in Limestone Caves Baratang, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
After landing in Andaman by late afternoon, realized the weather was not much different from Chennai. Very tropical, humid, and hot. Trying to get a feeling of the place, we decided to catch up the sunset. Andaman, by way of it’s location, and single time zone – have both the sunrise and sunset quite early.
Luckily, our partners in crime had already sorted out a location for potential sunset – Wandoor beach. With a bit of working out on the ride, we left around 4:30 PM. Given the time, we were sure to miss the sunset, but still decided to head out. After an uneventful drive through the town, the urban view gave way to some forests, the forests then opened up to some backwaters. After some lovely views by the side of the road, we headed to the beach. Some interesting conversations, some new connections, a leisurely stroll by the beach – and then things started to unfold.
The sun had just sunk by the horizon. The quarter moon, though small, was blanketing the entire landscape. Slowly, the twilight was starting to weave its golden magic. And just when ‘I’ was thinking that the scene could not be any more beautiful, the stars decided to adorn & twinkled – one by one by one.
Awestruck, the ‘I’ just dissolved into the abyss and became part of it. Here is a slice from that magical evening :)
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 200: 16 mm : f2.8 : 15.0 sec
Wandoor Beach Port Blair, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
tranquil night under a blanket of stars – sleep gone, again :)
This shot is from a lovely spot is nestled less than 100 kms away from the bustling Bangalore, by the forests of Kanakapura (or whatever is left of it). Stay late, it is great to spend time with the stars :)
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 3200: 16 mm : f2.8 : 20.0 sec
Sometimes the most scenic routes in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.
Door County, Wisconsin – is one of the premier spots for enjoying fall colors. Am glad we decided to take a detour and explore the back country, for it gifted us with this lovely palette of colors :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 50 mm : f/16 : 4.0 sec
while one with nature i find a tranquil ledge – above the waterfall of my thoughts
During a hike, deep in the forests of Kemmangundi – amidst the verdant greenery and tall indigenous trees harboring some amazing birds, stumbled across this gurgling stream. As if these weren’t enough, my flying friend helped get a view that is probably not seen by (m)any. Grateful to have witnessed the stream flow onto a graceful waterfalls.
p.s : yeah that is me by the ledge, trying to enjoy the view that was normally not visible otherwise :)
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 100 : 4.73 mm : f2.2 : 1/25 sec
Somewhere in the forests of Kemmangundi Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, India
Pattadakal – literally know as ‘coronation stone’ – is a small rustic town in the Bagalkot district of north Karnataka. This UNESCO world heritage site hosts 7th and 8th century collection of nine Hindu and one Jain temple built by the Chalukya dynasty. As we were exploring, witnessed the Galaganath Temple, adorned by the Malaprabha River, lit by moonlight & blanketed by the twinkle of stars.
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 1000 : 18 mm : f2.8 : 20 sec
By the banks of Malaprabha Bagalkot, Karnataka, India
Kolli Malai or Kolli Hills is one of the beautiful places, situated in Namakkal District of the state of Tamil Nadu. The hills are covered with evergreen forests and are actually the part of discontinuous Eastern Ghats. Furthermore it is comprised of three reserve forests namely Ariyur Solai, Kundur Nadu, Pulianjolai.
In recent times, increasing areas of forests are being cleared for farming black pepper, jackfruit, banana, pineapple, Oranges, Tapioca, and other spices. Still, the area is home to a wide variety of medicinal plants and herbs used in Ayurveda and Siddha and Unani. Here is a wonderful sunset from the treasured Kolli Malai.
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 100 : 16 mm : f4.0 : 1/20 sec
Forests of Kolli Malai Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
Alluring, exotic, immaculate … words don’t come close to describe this place. In the forests of deep interior Karnataka, by the district of Chikkamagaluru lies this pristine beauty. 13 kms of thrilling & bone rattling 4×4 ride, thru the secluded tiger reserve gets you here. They say – it’s not about the designation but about the journey. But in case of Hebbe – it is as much about the journey, as about the falls. The effort is totally worth it as you witness the waterfalls rumble thru the forest.
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 100 : 16 mm : f22.0 : 2.0 sec
What a year it had been – Covid, revival, promise of hope, again lock downs … Beginning of 2021 felt like a deja vu. Now it seems like the deja vu is repeating itself again. But still, a lots happened this past year as well. Let us drop the prejudice of 2021 (as we did for 2020 as well). Given the situation it indeed was a great year. Experienced some amazingnight skies, made some wonderful connections, got to capture views that only a few witness and some lovelyexperiencesalong theway.
Took an intentional hiatus from social media for the past 8 months, as I felt it was influencing a lot on the kind of shots I make and the experiences that I attracted. But I do see that it is for me to be aware of the influences. Sharing opens up conversations and connections that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. I knew it was not you (social media), but me. Nevertheless, it was a lesson that I have to pick up as my own.
On a different note, I had never been a birder, I did occasionally capture a few flyingbeauties from my travel. But as the year wrapped up, tried to play around in this new genre as well. Trying to capture the birdies, especially the tiny ones, calls for a different level of patience and perseverance. Keen to see how this unfolds and eager for the new learning opportunities that it brings.
Here is to 2022 – to more learning, more travel, more connections & enriched experiences. Focus, enjoy and equip for the journey forward :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 150-600 mm : ISO 5000 : 600 mm : f5.6 : 1/400 sec
Rough Ridge is one of the popular hikes with a road side parking in the beautiful Blue Ridge parkway (Milepost 302.8 in North Carolina). The boardwalk (to protect the fragile vegetation) to the top crosses several large boulders that enable one to fall back and relax. The walk up (480 ft elevation from parking) provides spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove Viaduct, with distant views into the Piedmont.
This is a great spot to be during fall – when the colors burst afar or in spring – when the rhododendrons bloom abound or just anytime of the year to laze around and soak in the view :)
Watercolor on Cold Pressed Paper
Rough Ridge Trail Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, USA
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal built (in 1636) by Thirumalai Nayakar at Madurai, intended this palace to be one of the grandest in South India. The design and architecture is a blend of Dravidian and Rajasthani styles. The interior is richly decorated whilst the exterior is treated in a more austere style. This palace is situated 2 km south east of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure.
The steps leading up to the central hall were formerly flanked by two equestrian statues of excellent workmanship. As you can witness, part of this is still standing the test of time and various historical events & wars. The throne in the center was incidentally lit by the ambient light from the stained glass windows by the dome. The palace constructed using foliated brickwork was finished in exquisite stucco called chunnam (shell lime) mixed with egg white to obtain a smooth and glossy texture. This probably inspired the Natukottai Chettiars, 200 years later in their own construction.
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 800 : 16 mm : f8.0 : 1/1000 sec
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Kere Basadi in a literal sense means the Lake Temple. Somewhere in the Udupi district is a small native village of Varanga. Located here and surrounded by lush nature, this is a place where the architecture imbibes the way of lifestyle and sustenance. Access to the temple takes one thru meandering roads thru serene nature. Once there (white vehicle parked :)), one needs to take a boat to the temple. Loved how the temple was architectured around the lake which in turn was supporting the local sustenance. The journey helps soothe the mind and creates an intent of travel, rather than being just a passing insta photo op :)
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 100 : 4.73 mm : f2.2 : 1/500 sec
Like the Ocean 