If Ooty is the “Queen of the hills”, Kodaikanal goes with “Princess of the hills”. Folks also refer to kodaikanal as “Switzerland of the East”, “Set of Southern Emeralds”, “Chilled paradise among the Hills”, “Summer Heaven”.
In Tamil – Kodaikanal has several meanings depending on how you break it up – “A place to see in Summer (kodai kanal)”, “The End of the forest (kO Di kanal)”, “The forest of the Creepers (kodi kanal)”, ” The Gift of the Forest (kOdai kanal)” – (oh the beauty of Tamil)
But what is there in the name … Irrespective of how you call, it is beautiful. The view points, lake and everything else is well developed but the beauty is still kept, atleast in pockets. The floating mist as it sails thru the valley, adds magic to the already beautiful place :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 125 : 35 mm : f5.6 : 1/60 sec
The sun doesn’t care … it sets just the same way – be it majestic mountains, lovely valleys or man made concrete jungles. It continues with it’s magic.
But may be we should care. Or is it already too late to fix the mess we are creating, in the name of development ?
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f4.0 : 1/90 sec
Our society thrives on the concept of being busy all the time. The entire system is built around to keep you busy, on the edge, always being bothered, forcing to carry the mountains that aren’t yours to carry.
Photography for me, helps to go within and contemplate what is it I am here to do. Sometimes our life is full of chaos, sometimes the mind is full of chaos. It is all about Calming the Chaos …
Hidden in the chaos, are the treasures of life … Would you agree :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 160: 14 mm : f4.0 : 1/30 sec
Lake Hartwell State Park Fair Play, South Carolina, USA
It was almost new year’s eve and we were in the process of moving out of Florida. As much as I was excited about the move to the new place, I knew I would miss those lovely florida sunsets.
That particular Friday was pretty darn cloudy. Looking up the forecast via Clear Outside, realized the evening was going to be 99% cloudy. Was debating if it was worth taking the chance. Since there were not many more evenings left in Florida, decided to just drive out.
It was pretty overcast all along and the sun was nowhere to be seen. But the walk by the lake was pretty soothing with the evening breeze. Then the 1% clear sky happened by the horizon. And that was enough for the sun to put up a show …
Sometime, all you got to do is just show up :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm: ISO 200 : 10 mm : f6.7 : 1/350 sec
It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.
As the summer temperatures were soaring up pretty much everywhere, we decided to head to Ooty – Queen of the Hills – for a short break. Being a impromptu travel, there was not much time for planning or scouting locations.
Being our first trip to Ooty, we made the mistake of booking the last of the rooms by Ooty downtown. Thought it would be good to enjoy a walk by the lake or get to the shops. But, oh boy the traffic was similar to that of Bangalore SilkBoard, if not worse :)
The serene drive to Emerald & Avalanche Lake, next day, balanced it all out. Some spots were indeed blocked or restricted, since it is owned by Electric Board and used for electricity generation. These spots need prior planning and securing permits beforehand. Still the drive is very picturesque and worth even if you were not able to secure the permits.
This weeks shot is a view is from a quick curve by the road side, as we were driving back from Emerald lake to Ooty.
I love this shot – it distills the essence of all that Ooty has to offer – Queen of hills, land of lakes, rolling coffee plantations, distant fog and a bit of human settlement. The sunset colors were a pleasant addition and the afternoon thunderstorms accentuated it. Ooty being cloudy / foggy most of the time, we did not expect this scene. But we gladly enjoyed as it unfolded in all its glory !
Surprises like these and more are what make the impromptu travel so additive :)
This is from few years back. Photographically not a great shot. But this brings back candid memories from the sole road trip, chasing some light and lightning !
The twilight Sun, wears the veil of the rainfall Thunder, though distant, rumbles across the Clouds The rolling waves, gently crash across the feet The gentle breeze with its tropical warmth, caresses the face And I realize – I am no longer alone :)
It’s possible to travel thousands of miles to the other side of the world, to take a plane, three trains, two ferries and a bicycle, in order to stand completely still. – TED Talks
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 30 sec
“See you at Sunset !” – This iconic phrase has embodied the spirit and history of Key West since the event took off in the late 1960s ! The “Key West Sunset Celebration” is a nightly festival @ Mallory Square. It hosts visitors from all over the world, to take part along side with local magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists and food vendors, that combine for an incredible cultural experience.
But for me the sunset itself was iconic enough. I preferred the nearby Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (which probably is the true south most point in continental US, as opposed to the one commercialized at Whitehead street ). It too was a bit crowded, but much less touristy than Mallory Square.
There is something magical about Key West Sunsets, wouldn’t you agree :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 22 mm : f4.5 : 1/10 sec
Fort Zachary Taylor Park Beach Key West, Florida, USA
A trip to Clearwater, FL would not be complete without a visit to Pier 60, especially during sunset. It is as if the pier was put here, just for the sunsets! It was a bit touristy for my liking. But still, it was one of the best spots to enjoy a sunset by the Gulf Coast.
In addition to being a great place to relax during the day on Clearwater Beach, Pier 60 turns into a daily festival of sorts two hours before sunset and two hours after.
It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean.
Canon 7D : Canon 10 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f8.0 : 1/10 sec
Once, while driving to Atlanta, the evening sky was so dramatic, that it would have been a sin not to stop. Luckily, Maps showed a blue patch near by, indicating a water body. But only in a crunch, you realize how much time it takes to drive up, even a few miles, when it is not the highway :) Shot this literally scrambling to find a spot, from where I had parked …
The light was fading down quickly and there was not enough time, but was real glad I had pulled over !!!
In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. – Deepak Chopra
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 160: 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/60 sec
Lake Hartwell State Park Fair Play, South Carolina, USA
Starting from the political scenario currently here in the US, to that back home in Tamilnadu,India there seems to be lot of uncertainty.
Added to this, on the personal front, it has been one unexpected start of the year, with change in work and locations. Though it was unplanned, I realized that anchoring ourselves with an abundance of security can actually become a dangerous habit :) Agreed, Uncertainty is scary, but may be that is what keeps us alive … Uncertainty and life go hand in hand. So if you want to make the most of your life it is critical to embrace uncertainty.
I sure would miss the lovely colors of Florida Sunset, but am sure the sun does set every day, where ever you are :) So here is to life, embracing uncertainty & back to sharing my shots from my travels ! Happy Living !
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f22 : 2 sec
Fall colors do happen in Florida, it just happens in the sky and all around the year :)
The name Sunshine State might bring in memories of crisp & sunny days at beach, but Florida also is the home of some amazing & best sunsets. This was shot at a secluded spot, from a not very well know local beach. The low tide enabled the kids (look close, there are two of them) to play and venture out for shell combing. As the sun was fading behind the horizon, the entire sky burst in million shades of twilight colors. It was just magical :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f22 : 6.0 sec
Almost always, things happen for a reason.
For the remaining times, it still happens for a reason, but we just don’t know it :)
This particular evening, planning for a full moon shoot, I headed to Fort de Soto Park. But since it turned out to be pretty overcast by the horizon, decided to head to the other side of the island for the sunset. Turned out to be a great evening.
It was a nice walk by the waves, enjoying the sunset. As the sun was going down the horizon, there were these two White Ibis playing by the coast. Watching these guys was fun and in the end, it was just a matter of waiting for things to align. Glad it all came together !
Was surprised to learn that Palm Jumeirahisn’t the only artificial island out there in the coast of Dubai. When I was in the area, learnt there were quiet a few more – The World, The Universe and may be they will even come up with a Multiverse sometime in future :) Standing on the world’s tallest man made structure (Burj Khalifa), watching ones of the largest man made islands (the world) & the Sun going down the gulf – it was quiet a tranquil.
Though there was definitely an awe on all the man made structures (and islands & its eco systems), in the back of my mind, one thought did linger – how would we justify the energy required to desecrate natural, aquatic ecosystems in an effort to fabricate a habitable environment that is in no way sustainable merely, for the sake of being able to say that it was done.
Only time will tell …
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100: 70 mm : f5.6 : 1/90 sec
Driving this past weekend was like a theme park ride. During thru the afternoon thunderstorms, the rain was lashing quiet heavily. All that was visible were the blinkers from the car ahead. Even with that visibility the traffic was flowing at 70 mph & there was no way to slow down. Once in a while, the lighting would remind and highlight miles of everglade wilderness on the right. Listening to beats of the AR Rehman , interrupted by the far thunders – it all was like a adventure theme park ride :)
Was planning for the sunset, but driving for hours with out knowing, if the clouds would indeed open up, in quiet daunting :) Racing with time, arrived at the pristine lake just in time. But the horizon was still cloudy.
As the sun started going down, the sky towards southwest cleared & the colors started to bleed. Then something peculiar happened, the break of clouds, around the horizon added the much needed depth and the clouds were backlit with subtle shades of the pink. It was interesting to watch the sun set in a veil of clouds.
Finally, as I was trying out a time-lapse, the lightning from the distant storm made it for one Striking Sunset, with some pristine reflections :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 15 mm : f22 : 1.5 sec
Pine Glades Lake Everglades Wilderness, Florida, USA
The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright shells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echoes on in sweet and soulful refrains. For every moment that passes, something beautiful remains.
– Unknown
Met this guy during the stroll by the beach. He too was taking the time to enjoy the sunset and strolling even more leisurely to get a dip in the warm waters. If you look close, you could see his legs as he is dragging lazily towards the sea :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 500 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/20 sec
Now that is a reason to call Florida – the sunshine state ! And Tampa, FL seems to be one of heck of a place to enjoy sunsets. This particular evening, as I was strolling on the beach of Sand Key Park, just off of Clearwater, was treated with a lovely sunset. The pop corn clouds were making their journey across the sky, the sun was about to hide behind the ocean, the Caribbean blue waters were frolicking the shore and a distant pirate ship was heading back with the loot.
As I later found, the pirate turned out to be Captain Memo, jaunting across the horizon. But nevertheless, it did not take away any of the magic from the evening … After all not all treasures are Silver and Gold , right :)
Not all treasure is Silver and Gold.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/125 sec
Japanese Garden also called as The Garden of Three Islands is one of the many gardens within the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Here it is indeed easy to overlook how the Japanese respect for nature and age are revealed. If you look closely, though, the effect is evocative, as seamless as a traditional haiku. The larger rocks are partially buried, as if they have been in place forever. Flowering plants have a short bloom time, reflecting the yin-yang balance between the ephemeral existence of human life and the timelessness of nature. Many of the trees are pruned and trained to give the illusion of age.
This 17-acre lakeside garden includes three islands. Only two (Island of Clear, Pure Breezes & Island of the Auspicious Cloud) are open to the public. Across the lake, the inaccessible island (Island of Everlasting Happiness) is symbolic of paradise—in sight yet elusive.
Sunset is particularly an awesome time to take a walk by the lake around these islands :)
Deep within each one of us lies a garden – Julie Moir Messervy
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 8.0 sec
Buy Print
