The time for longer and more everlasting contentment is in the autumn of our lives – Albert Emerson
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Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f/16 : 8.0 sec
Jones Gap State Park
Marietta, South Carolina, USA
November 20, 2022
The autumn of our lives
November 7, 2022
Fishing hamlet by Maravanthe
This fishing hamlet is from one of the lovely roads by costal karnataka. Hedged in by ocean on one side and a river on the other – makes it one of the most beautiful roads in all of India. As the twilight broke, the rising sun kissed the land and made the crashing waves to glisten. The golden sand, swaying coconut trees, solitude of the ocean, laid back life and the endless shore makes Maravanthe a zen of a place.
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 100 : 4.73 mm : f2.2 : 1/640 sec
A Zen of a place
Maravanthe, Karnataka, India
October 27, 2022
The not so silent Sathodi Falls
Amazing, how a thundering waterfall can be so violent, yet so calming – all at once.
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Sathodi Falls – though just 15 meters high – is quite a picturesque waterfall located deep in the forests of the western ghats. The stream further flows down into the backwaters of the Kodasalli Dam.
Waking up at 5 AM and driving thru the unknown roads (and in few spots no roads at all) was quite an ordeal. The rustic, rugged drive and the bit of early morning trek made it only more adventurous. The thunderous waterfall, the jagged & craggy boulders, the solitude with nature, the magical mist – all this kissed by the morning twilight – made it an even more enriching experience :)
Sony A7III : Sony 24-105 mm : ISO 100: 25 mm : f16.0 : 1/3 sec
Sathodi falls
Balagar, Karnataka, India
July 21, 2022
Long time no sea
A visit to a pristine beach is the best escape anyone can have :)
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The northern side of Kapu beach in Udupi is no exception. Many visit here for the lighthouse, but a morning stroll, by the sand, waves crashing in, the cool breeze, by the dispersed fishing boats is something to experience. It has been a while and time to head back !
DJI Mavic Pro : ISO 100 : 4.73 mm : f2.2 : 1/60 sec
Kapu Beach
Kapu, Karnataka, India
July 4, 2022
Sunset by the roadside
A cup of chai
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kindled conversations
with likeminded friends
and a lovely sunset
can make even the mundane, magnificent !
As we were headed to deep interior forests of kemmangundi (for waterfall hopping), we came across a small town. Wanting to get a break from the long drive, stopped by a small bakery for some chai. As we started the journey back, there was a small puddle of water by the roadside and the twilight sunset made the mundane scene magnificent.
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 200 : 16 mm : f/2.8 : 1/4 sec
By the Roadside
Bokikere, Karnataka, India
June 27, 2022
Milky Way by twilight
This week’s capture is from one of the rugged and remote islands of the Andaman, which probably has one of the best night skies and even more amazing sunrises. Looking back, the 4 shot panorama was not enough to capture the grandeur as it unfolded. Anyway what is more magical than watching a milky way or a dramatic sunrise – it is of course watching a Milky Way rise during a dramatic twilight sunrise.
A still more glorious dawn awaits
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Not a sunrise, but a galaxy rise
A morning filled with 400 billion suns
The rising of the milky way – Carl Sagan, Cosmos
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 4000 : 16 mm : f2.8 : 10 sec (4 shot Pano)
Somewhere in Andaman
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
May 26, 2022
Twilight by the small fishing hamlet
This moment is from the wee hours of one morning by the southern most point of India – Kanyakumari (also known as Cape Comorin). As the sun was still leisurely strolling far below the horizon & the dazzling lights on Vivekananda rock / Thiruvalluvar statue were still on – the locals by this small fishing hamlet were still sleeping. It was a moment of calm, before all the tourists thronged by the bay and as the sun eventually burst into million shades !
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 400 : 20 mm : f4.5 : 10 sec
Small fishing hamlet
Kanyakumari, TamilNadu, India
May 4, 2022
Find stillness & energize
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.
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Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 250 : 16 mm : f2.8 : 1/90 sec
Veerabhadra Temple Tank
Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, India
April 24, 2022
Just another Andaman Sunset
Life may not come with instructions,
But they do come with trees, sunsets, beach and laughter –
So live life, enjoy your day :)
Sony A7III : Sony 24-105 mm : ISO 1000 : 24 mm : f6.7 : 1/350 sec
Enroute to Wandoor Beach
Port Blair, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
April 20, 2022
Agaya Gangai / Pei aruvi @ Kolli Malai
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
March 26, 2022
Fantas(y)tic twilight from Wandoor beach
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
February 24, 2022
Stars by a tranquil night
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
Stars by the lake
Kanakapura, Karnataka, India
February 10, 2022
Hike more, worry less
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
January 24, 2022
Pattadakal by Moonrise
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
January 20, 2022
Sun kissed misty morning
January 7, 2022
A pristine beauty – Hebbe Waterfalls
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
Hebbe Waterfalls
Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India
March 31, 2021
Magical Meghalaya
While nature leaves us spellbound each time, some places are so magical that even after a single visit it never leaves you. Meghalaya is one such place. It is one of the 7 sister states of North East India and is a mountainous region with many rivers, which keep flowing due to the constant rainfall. It is indeed the wettest place on earth. But if planned accordingly, one could witness terrain that is generally submerged by raging rivers.
This particular spot is from a hike to the mouth of Nohkalikai falls, from up the hill. This rugged terrain is carved day in and out by the forces of nature. Over the years the constant flow of water through the gaps on the river bed has created a number of pools and waterfalls which eventually plunge down the gorge to make the Nohkalikai falls. Walking by the same felt so alien and pristine at the same time.
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 100: 16 mm : f22 : 0.5 sec
Enroute to mount of Nohkalikai Falls
East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India
February 14, 2021
Startling night on Valentines day
Had planned to visit this particular area last year with a friend. That never materialized because of you know who :) Accounting to the same, 2020 had not been great, even more so for travel. Then what can be said for night travel ?!
Hence, when the Astro season started this year, was trying to hold my expectations low. This time of the year the Milky Way graces the night sky after 3 or 4 AM. It was only a small window, but the twilight even from the horizon behind graciously blanketed the lake with its warm light. The stars finally aligned, and I couldn’t be happier.
Feeling thankful that we still have pockets of the night sky in a short distance from busy cities where the stars can be appreciated. Here is to the love of stars. Happy Valentines Day !
Sony A7III : Sony 16-35 mm : ISO 5000: 16 mm : f2.8 : 8.0 sec
A Hillock by the lake
Kanakapura, Karnataka, India
November 21, 2020
Somewhere in Islamorada
Bright blue skies, crystal clear water, crispy cool breeze – a typical day in Florida
As we were driving to Keywest, decided to pull over a random turn – hoping to get a view by the water, without all the crowd (yeah this is from few years back before COVID and at the peak season). It did not disappoint. Though this lighthouse was small and all worn out, am sure it would have provided reprieve for sailors during the glorious days of past.
Curious on how this particular art was made ? check out the article – Artography : Digital Painting.
Watercolor
Lighthouse
Islamorada, Florida, USA
August 29, 2020
Gratitude enriches existence
Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. – John Milton
Have you ever thought – in life we receive a lot more than we ever give. Yet, it is easy for us to remember about things we wanted but haven’t got yet, plans that were planned but haven’t worked out yet etc. But you just reading this, shows you are among the gifted – who got to learn to read, have the will to read, probably have the basic needs met and among the the ones who have WiFi or mobile with a data plan. If nothing else, just the probability of you even existing now at all comes out to 1 in 102,685,000. Basically, the odds you even exist is zero. Yet you exist.
Realize the miracle you are and yet how wonderfully insignificant you are. Be thankful… live… live a life filled with Gratitude :)
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 1000 : 10 mm : f3.5 : 1/15 sec
Furman Bell Tower
Greenville, South Carolina, USA
Like the Ocean 