March 3, 2019
The Koviloor temple of "Sri Kotravaleeswarar" was initially built by the Pandiya King "Veerasekara Pandiyan" – approximately thousand years ago. Legend says that once when King Veerasekaran was on his hunting at this place, he lost his sword and later recovered it. The temple was raised for the lord who helped recover the same. And hence the name Kotrai vaal eeswaran Temple !
The temple tank right in front of the temple called Madhu Puskarani, is one magnificent structure. The pretty mandapam backed by the row of coconut trees, reflected in the sparkling waters is a sight to behold, especially during sunset.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/4 sec
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Madhu Puskarani, Kotravaleeswarar Temple
Koviloor, TamilNadu, India |
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February 18, 2019
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam (வண்டியூர் மாரியம்மன் தெப்பக்குளம்) is a temple tank located near to Vandiyur Mariamman Temple and situated at a distance of about 4 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. Teppakulam, literally translates to temple pond and is mainly used for devotional festivals. The tank is connected to Vaigai River through an ingenious system of underground channels. This was constructed by the King Thirumalai Nayak. One of the largest Ganesha, the Mukkuruni Vinayagar in Meenakshi Amman Temple is said to be found when this tank is dug in 1645.
As a kid, I had seen this pond often used as cricket playing field. But when filled with water, the artificial tank makes the temple within – an island and is a sight to behold. An walk around this would take 30 minutes and would be awesome during early morning or evening times. The place is filled up with lot of road side shops to eat and walk with. If the tank is filled with water and the climate is breezy, you definitely would enjoy this spot !
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 172 : 4.73 mm : f2.2 : 1/50 sec
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Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
Madurai, TamilNadu, India |
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January 30, 2019
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 :)
Canon 7D : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 10 sec
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Alone
Naples, Florida, USA |
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December 30, 2018
You are not at the center of The Universe, but you definitely are center of your universe :)
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 188 : 5 mm : f2.2 : 1/13 sec
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From Above
Sakleshpur, Karnataka, India |
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December 23, 2018
Just a short drive from Karaikudi is lraniyur, which hosts this lovely Aatkondanathar Swami temple. As the first rays of the sun hit, birds chirped all around, accompanied by the cool and pristine breeze – one is just teleported to a different world and time !
The history goes that Lord Narasimha incurred a dosha for killing demon Hiranya. He worshipped Lord Shiva for relief. Lord Shiv granted darshan to Lord Narashima and cleansed him of His dosha.
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 100 : 5 mm : f2.2 : 1/190 sec
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Iraniyur
Karaikudi, TamilNadu, India |
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December 11, 2018
In a conflict between the heart and the head, follow your heart. – Swami Vivekananda
Eight years back, when I visited Kanyakumari, I did not get to actually visit the Vivekananda Rock. Back then, I had to settle for the view from ashore. It brought back memories from my childhood visit – the grandeur mandap, the towering pillars, the roaring waves, the serene & the cool rock – were all etched in my memory.
So this time around, when the chance presented itself, I was more than eager to get out there. But, I was a bit taken aback, on how things had taken a turn. From the confusing ticketing queues (one for the ferry and one for the entry at the rock, makes one wonder why someone would take a ferry and avoid entering the rock) to the huge crowds this place draws, the experience is no longer pristine. It was really sad that sitting in silence or meditation was no longer allowed on the grand hall and the so called meditation hall, set up down below makes one claustrophobic.
Don’t get me wrong, the rock and the mandap is still an awe inspiring structure. Actually the design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. You definitely should visit if you are around in Kanyakumari. But at the same time, the experience is no longer as serene as it used to be. For now. given a choice, I’ll settle for the view from ashore and hold on to my memories :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 125 : 76 mm : f6.7 : 30 sec
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Vivekananda Rock
Kanyakumari, TamilNadu, India |
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November 8, 2018
Nature has its way of taking care of things, all we need to do is not interrupt :)
Bulls Island, is an undeveloped barrier island within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Its one of the most pristine spans of coastline on the eastern seaboard. Its seven miles of beaches include the famed Boneyard Beach, where the remains of surf-battered trees are littered across the sand. To add to that, after each high tide, every corner of the beach is restored to its immaculate state :)
To preserve the wildlife and its habitat, Cape Romain is closed from dawn to dusk, and no camping is allowed on the refuge islands. Hence not many get to witness sunrise on the pristine Boneyard Beach.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/125 sec
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Boneyard Beach
Bulls Island, South Carolina, USA |
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June 6, 2017
Not everyone is lucky to have a lovely waterfall in their backyard (literally),
And only some are magnanimous to open their home and lawns (again literally) to allow strangers to come in and enjoy the same.
As for myself, am just grateful to be able to visit / capture such spots and share with u all :)
This beautiful waterfalls – Eastatoe – is from the backyard of a lovely neighborhood, by the border of South & North Carolina. Although there are no signs along the road, the owners do welcome visitors, to share their treasure. The drizzling rain and floating fog, added a magical mood to the scene.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f8.0 : 20 sec
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Eastatoe Falls
Eastatoe, North Carolina, USA |
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May 24, 2017
You can make all the plans, but you never know what is in store.
After a lot of deliberate planning, decided to head out to the Jumping Off Rock. Starting off with delayed rental, to the not so dynamic sunset after the long and bumpy drive, the day just fizzled out. The next day when trying to chase waterfalls, the rain decided to chase us. But luckily along with rain – the mist, rolling fog and views like this – just by the road saved the day. Here it is – a view just by the roadside, from Carolina Mountains :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 160 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/90 sec
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By Hwy NC-28
Highlands, North Carolina, USA |
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April 24, 2017
“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
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Fort Zachary Taylor Park Beach
Key West, Florida, USA |
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April 12, 2017
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
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Sunset by Pier60
Clearwater, Florida, USA |
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December 13, 2016
For most people, we often marvel at the beauty of a sunrise or the magnificence of a full moon, but it is impossible to fathom the magnitude of the universe that surrounds us :)
– Richard H. Baker
The last quarter of 2016 had been treating us with Super Moons. To the casual watcher it does not make much of a difference in size, but it does give an excuse to go out, shoot and enjoy.
All the planning did not come together during Oct and Nov, as the weather Gods had other plans. The third and final installment of this supermoon trifecta adored the sky earlier this evening (Dec. 13, 2016). And Oh boy, was it awesome !
This is not a composite (not that there is anything wrong with composites). But it was much more fun and challenging to plan and get it all together, restricting to a single focal length.
As I came to the spot shortly before the moon rise, was worried the anchored boat would be a hindrance. But once I walked around, the composition fell in place – and in this case, I feel it adds to the scale of the shot :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 320: 270 mm : f5.6 : 1/8 sec
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Moon Rise 12.13.2016
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA |
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October 19, 2016
Just because you
didn’t see me
Doesn’t mean that
I wasn’t there
Did u know that on average there are 25 Million cloud-to-ground lighting hits per year or ~48 strikes per second … and that is only counting continental US. Still I had managed to capture only a very few till date, this being the first strike ;-)
Being one of the most unpredictable forces of nature, lightning storms present unique challenges in photographing them. Lightning is probably happening all thru the day, but is more rewarding to photograph them once it is dark or during twilight, when the foreground accentuates the composition. I had been trying to capture lighting for a while now, but it all came together only this particular evening at Everglades National Park. How do u like it !
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 15 mm : f5.6 : 4 sec
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Pine Glades Lake
Everglades Wilderness, Florida, USA
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September 11, 2016
Deep in the forest of Karnataka there are some pristine spots, largely untouched (yet). Jogi Gundi is one such lovely waterfall tucked in the wilderness of Agumbe. The Jogigundi Falls is located around 3 km from Agumbe. Situated on the way to the Barkana Falls, it can be reached by a small trek of around ~500 mts. When the conditions are right, you can also enjoy swimming in the turquoise green water. Even during the monsoon time, water was inviting and pretty refreshing from the afternoon heat.
I was lucky to visit the place, at the right time, when the water was just right to highlight the beautiful structure of the waterfall, while the entire surrounding was still lush green from the rains. Heavier rains would definitely make it more majestic, but also would increase the challenge of accessing the falls. Also heard that the leeches might decide to join the trek, if the rains are continuous :)
Be advised and cautious. This is a rain forest. You are entering the habitat of the wild. Respect their place & space. Leave only foot prints and carry back all that u carry in, along with some lovely pictures & memories!
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f22 : 1.0 sec
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Jogi Gungi Waterfalls
Agumbe, Karnataka, India |
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September 5, 2016
Generally urban cities each boasts an iconic skyline. But Dubai – it boasts a skyline where ever u look ! From being a dry desert in early 80’s to being the world’s biggest shopping & transient travel hub now – these skyscrapers play a vital role in making Dubai.
The effort to capture the iconic buildings started much before I landed here. Thanks to Google maps & street views, most of the planning was done even before I boarded the plane. After reaching out to couple of friends and scouting the location on street view, it was a matter of getting to the spot at the right time and pray that the visibility was good !
When I got in the cab and asked to dropped on the side of the road @ Palm Jumeirah, the cabbie might have thought I was crazy. He asked several times if there is an restaurant or an hotel I would need to get dropped … Eventually he joined me in enjoying this lovely skyline view and did drop me back at the next stop :)
The Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) is the world’s only 7 star hotel and designed to resemble a billowing sail . At 1053 feet (321 meters), it dominates the Dubai skyline making it the fourth tallest hotel in the world. Tried getting in, but looks like one cannot even enter without a reservation ! Though the visibility was reduced , Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower) adorns the distant skyline. At 2722 feet (837 meters) and being the worlds tallest structure, it houses a combination of residential, commercial & business entities. With both Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa this view definitely makes one iconic Dubai skyline.
Dubai was totally the opposite of what I prefer in travel – simplicity, native, one with nature – but somehow it made me intrigued. Was surprised with how much you can see and do in Dubai even in a short time.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100: 59 mm : f5.6 : 30 sec
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Dubai Skyline
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE |
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July 17, 2016
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
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Pine Glades Lake
Everglades Wilderness, Florida, USA |
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June 13, 2016
For two weeks, each year, the secluded forests of Elkmont is converted into a magical wonderland.
Words can’t describe the experience, but let me try. As we venture into the forests, a light drizzle along with the cool breeze accompanies. Smokies as the name has it, brings in a rolling fog as the dusk sets in. After finding a remote spot by the trees and set the camera for a composition I liked, it was time to wait. Not long before the horizon begins to darken and the first of the fireflies beings to twinkle. Here a twinkle, there a twinkle and before you know it – everywhere a twinkle twinkle. The entire forest begins to glow, and then as if all lights are off, becomes pitch dark. After couple of seconds, the entire place is lit up once again. There fireflies surround you in its mythical glow. The thousands of lightning bugs gather in swarms and flash in harmony as the entire forest alternates between light and darkness. It truly becomes a magical wonderland.
The show is all made possible – thanks to Photinus carolinus – or more commonly known as Synchronous fireflies. Unlike other fireflies, this species uses the synchronicity of the flashing, probably to attract it’s mate. Synchronous species of fireflies are very special—and they exist only in a handful of places throughout the world. Elkmont @ Smokies is one such place. Fireflies combine the chemical luciferin and oxygen with the enzyme luciferase in their lanterns (part of their abdomens) to make light. The light produced is referred to as a “cold” light, with nearly 100% of the energy given off as light. In contrast, the energy produced by an incandescent light bulb is approximately 10% light and 90% heat. So much for our human invention !
No one is sure why the fireflies flash synchronously. Competition between males might be one reason: they all want to be the first to flash. Or perhaps if the males all flash together so they have a better chance of being noticed. What ever be the reason – it indeed is magical & Here is my take on that magical experience. Hope you like the same as much as I enjoyed capturing it.
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 640 -5000: 10 mm : f3.5 : 15-30 sec ; 100 shots
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Elkmont
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA |
Tips to get your way to Elkmont
- Elkmont is Part of the Smoky National Park.
- Lottery : Starting this year (2016), NPS has introduces Lottery. You need to be on the look out @ the NPS Website and apply during registration period. If you are lucky and get selected, you would need to drive up to Sugarlands Visiter Center on the allocated date. Around 6:30 PM local time the trolley takes to the viewing area. The Trolley / shuttle runs thru 11:30 PM so you will have ample time to experience the fireflies. You can read more about the lottery here.
- Campground : Don’t lose heart , if you do not get the lottery. The next best thing (or actually an even better option) is to get a camp site at the Elkmont Campground. This gets you within a mile of the Elkmont Viewing area. Additionaly learnt, one more huge advantage is the you could hike up the entire trail to avoid the crowds, much beyond the set area for lottery viewing. Just make sure to carry the campground reservation.
- But you are warned, Elkmont campground is one of the most famous ones, though it has only the basic facilities. You need to book a spot months ahead, or need to keep checking every other day for a cancellation to pop up, like I did :)
- Be sure to follow the Fireflies Etiquette.
- Do remember you are visiting them in their natural habitat, not the other way around. Take every step need to ensure they are not disturbed.
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June 8, 2016
This past weekend, got a chance to drive by Smokies. As with last minute plans, needed a few creative ideas to make it happen. One of them was to just drive around and sleep in the car as needed. One of the huge advantage of car camping, is that you are always just a door away from a night full of stars or floating in a mystic fog or waking up to lovely view like this.
After trying out some fun light experiments at the Clingmans dome, we decided to head out to NewFound Gap to catch some sleep. The intent was to be able to crash till twilight and be able to enjoy the sunrise from near a view point. But as it is aptly called – Smokies – the view was pretty covered with fog and overcast.
After some quick gamble, decided to see if we would have a better luck driving around. As we pulled out of the parking lot and within the next turns, we were greeted with this scene. The sun was just rising behind the mountains lighting up the horizon :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 250: 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/30 sec
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NewFound Gap Road
Bryson City, North Carolina, USA |
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May 22, 2016
Hampi, a village in northern Karnataka, India, was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during its prime. It is located within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A trip to Hampi is incomplete without the trek to Matanga hills. Matunga Hill, being at the center of Hampi, and also the highest point, is the best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi and it’s surroundings. One can experience the true essence of any new place much deeper – in the first few moments leading to the sunrise and a few moments after, when the world around us is waking up from a slumber. And the rooftop of the Veerabhadra Temple at the summit is the ideal place to experience it. Apart from the Veerabhadra temple, there are lovely views sprinkled around, like these.
Canon XSi : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100: 18 mm : f3.5 : 1/90 sec
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Matunga Hill
Hampi, Karnataka, India |
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January 3, 2016
If you have read the “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon”, you would known about Minli who sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.
Here is a magical shot from valley of Sandy River, as the full moon dances with the majestic Mount Hood. A big cheers for all the adventures and answers you seek for in the coming new year. A Very Happy New Year – 2016 to my Friends out here. May this new year be beautiful, sweet, creative, and happy one for you.
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 270 mm : f11 : 1/20 sec
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Jonsrud View Point
Sandy, Oregon, USA |
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