Sep 30, 2013

Off the beaten track- Bishnoi and Pali villages in Rajasthan



From Jodhpur, just 25KM away is Guda Bishnoi village in the middle of the desert with sparse vegetation. The village is known for the migratory birds and endangered Black Bucks (an Indian antelope). The place became popular when a celebrity was beaten up by the poor villagers for shooting and killing two black bucks. The villagers then filed a police complaint for the same. And so it is not a place for anybody to get caught while hunting!

Sep 27, 2013

Colorful Skies- Clouds over Joshua Tree National Park



Joshua Tree National Park is one of its kind. Though not so popular like other national parks in California it has a beautiful desert landscape. The blue sky and the cotton-y clouds in the afternoon make make the place spectacular.

Sep 25, 2013

Birds- Flamingoes from SeaWorld San Diego



SeaWorld in San Diego is one popular amusement park with some breathtakingly amazing shows and intense rides. It also has a large collection of marine creatures and aquatic birds on display. One beautiful sight was a flock of American Flamingoes.

Sep 23, 2013

Heritage- Jodhpur, the Capital of Kingdom Marwar



During my road-trip to Rajasthan, from Jaipur I made my way to Jodhpur which is popularly known as Blue City. Because, most of the houses are painted in blue. This second largest city in Rajasthan is also called Sun City because of the bright sunlight! Yes, quite bright to wear sunglasses! The main attraction in the city is the seven storied Mehrangarh Fort majestically standing on a hilltop.

Sep 20, 2013

Colorful Skies- Sunrise seen from my home!


I have posted a couple of pictures earlier on the sunrise and sunsets seen from my terrace. Here is one more! I woke up early in the morning for a brisk walk and I see this from my balcony. Without any delay I took a picture. The sun looks like molten gold behind the silhouette of the trees. A delight to watch.  

This year has been very unlucky for me in terms of travel. Early this year my mother had a knee replacement surgery. By the time she recovered I was sick- I had some problem with my bones. They hurt very bad. Doctors complained on my veggie diet. I do not have enough nutrition. Now I am perfectly okay eating the same food :) I was all ready to rock and Himalayas started flooding enough to scare my parents and they forced me to abort the plans to visit Himalayas. I thought of going on foreign trips this fall and value of rupee hits rock bottom! No wonder I am enjoying sunrises and sunsets from my terrace :) 

Sep 18, 2013

Birds- Wing-drying Anhinga at Everglades



As I have mentioned in my earlier post on Everglades National Park one can sight many alligators and anhingas on Anhinga trail. Anhingas nest on the lower branches and so one could sight the chicks in the nest too! It is a sight to behold ... a wing-drying anhinga stretching its long neck out with its wings spread. 

Sep 16, 2013

Heritage- Udaipur, The City of Lakes



Paradise for architecture lovers vibrant Rajasthan is an incredible destination popular for its formidable monuments, colorful culture, golden sand dunes and the desert! Magnificent monuments silently tell the tales of prosperity, gallantry and tragedies of the bygone era. I have been to Rajasthan few times. Early this year too I went on a road trip to those popular cities of Rajasthan just to rejuvenate myself with  the unique experience with desert and tradition, some color and spicy food! 

Sep 13, 2013

Colorful Skies- Clouds over Mt Denali Range, Alaska



Alaska is one mysterious place and Denali National Park in Alaska is a wonderful place. Vast tundras, green rolling hills and behind all this hiding are the snow capped mountains. The thick clouds in the sky add to the beauty of the place. 

Sep 11, 2013

Interesting India- Holy Mice!



Traditions are part of our lives. They have special significance in the local life usually associated with a legend. India is rich in such traditions and beliefs, sometimes they are too very interesting. One of them I know is veneration of mice/rats. I first came across this temple a couple of years ago in Udaipur.

Sep 9, 2013

Amusement Parks- Universal Studios, Hollywood



The same way I love National Parks I have a craze for Amusement Parks! Especially the ones with those craziest rides! It was my third trip the Universal Studios and I wasn't bored of those noisy rides. I watch movies and I was really interested in knowing the tricks and the setups used to make those action filled movies.

Sep 6, 2013

Colorful Skies- Blue sky over Charley Young beach, Maui



Hawaii is synonymous with beaches. If you go by guidebooks, finding a beach with no crowd is a challenge :) There are places which are beautiful and not crowded. The key is- avoid the beaches that are mentioned in the guidebooks or recommended on internet. 

Sep 4, 2013

Birds- White Ibis at Everglades National Park



I have posted so much about Everglades National Park and I have so much more to share! It doesn't seem to end very soon! Here is one picture of back-lit white ibis. I took this picture from the boat in Gulf Coast area of Everglades.

Sep 2, 2013

Amusement Parks- The Shamu show at SeaWorld, San Diego



Well, one of the most popular attraction in Southern California, The SeaWorld in San Diego is definitely a must see. I am not a big fan of confining and training wild animals for human entertainment. Still I am amazed by the power of humans to tame and teach these massive creatures to perform to the perfection.