Once upon a time in Bhopal

A morning shot taken in Bhopal, as the fisherman prepares his boat to go out into the water. Bhopal is also known as the city of lakes, with 14 main bodies of water resting within its perimeters. Some of the prominent lakes in Bhopal are Upper Lake (Bada Talaab), Lower Lake (Chotta Talaab), Motiya Lake, Shahpura Lake and Sarang Pani Lake. 

This photograph was taken at "Bada Talaab" or the upper lake, which apart from the magnificent natural beauty is also known for it's water sports activities.  Legend says that King Bhoj constructed this gigantic lake, which is believed to have cured his skin disease. One famous saying related to it goes "Taalon me Taal Bada Taal, Baki sab Talaiya". 

I do not know the reason I decided to go with a black and white photograph, but I feel that it gives an all new depth and meaning to this image. For me it seems much more beautiful and serene to see this image without colors.  Maybe life is not that hard too, you might not find the right colors to make you happy at that moment, yet sometimes happiness lies in stop searching for what you don't have and embrace what's there around you. 

The Scottish Bagpiper

Photographed at The Kings College Chapel, Aberdeen, a Scottish Bagpiper playing bagpipe at a wedding ceremony. Also known as the Great Highland Bagpipe, it is a type of bagpipe native to Scotland and achieved widespread recognition through its usage in the British military and in pipe bands throughout the world.

"... In a Scottish wedding there are several options for using a solo bagpiper, at the Church, or the marriage ceremony, piping the bride in at the beginning of the ceremony and bride and groom out at the completion of the service. Also playing as the bridal party leaves the ceremony is customary..."

[source - scotlandsmusic.com; Also visit - http://www.scotlandsmusic.com/scottish-wedding-music.htm for more information on Scottish wedding Music]

A Scottish Bagpiper playing the traditional Scottish music during a wedding ceremony in Aberdeen [above]. Also noticeable in the photograph is the traditional Scottish dress known as "KILT" worn by the Bagpiper. 

Skiing at Cairngorm Mountain

This time on my blog, I intend to take you all along with me on an exciting road trip across the Scottish highlands to Cairngorm mountain ski resort. Located on the beautiful peaks of Cairngorm Mountain, the resort attracts tourists throughout the year.

It has 30km of ski runs and snow sports take place typically during the winter months, i.e. From December to April.

If you do not know how to ski, do not worry, as there are peaks for beginners where you can put your ski skills to test.

Moreover, if you wish to view the resort from the top, the mountain railway is there to fulfill your desire, at it takes you to the highest point of the resort 1097m above sea level. From here, you can breathe in the breath-taking beauty of the snow-capped mountains.  

However, Cairngorm Mountain is not a winter only destination. The area thrives under a foot of snow, but there is plenty to keep you entertained during the rest of the year too. Therefore, if you are planning to take a trip to the highlands, it should be an essential on your map of Scotland.

A picture from the weather watching terrace at the Ski Resort. One can see the skiers preparing to ski downhill, a definite boost to their adrenalin levels.

Other activities at Cairngorms involve -

... A guided Walk at the Top from the top station to the summit and back

... A “Guided Northern Corries” Walk any Wednesday between May and October

... “Bike Cairngorm” guided mountain bike descent of nearly 3000ft from the Top Station

... Take the mountain railway to get a spectacular view of the mountain ranges

... Settle in at the Ptarmigan Restaurant, the highest restaurant in the UK at 1,097m above sea level

... Get a view from the weather watching terrace

... ‘Shop at the Top’ at the Top Station and the Mountain Shop, located at car park level

... Visit the Cas Bar open throughout the year featuring a real log fire burning

... Enjoy the exhibitions on display from a range of local artists and photographers

 [SOURCE - http://www.cairngormmountain.org/]

Drenched in the Rain

Aberdeen city is known to have two main weathers - rain and snow. For the majority of the year, either it is raining or it snows here in the city. The summers are short, and they rather pass by unnoticed. When it rains, it probably is the best time for me to be in the cosy little room of mine enjoying a cup of tea and looking out at the sky.

Shot through my room window with a digital camera on one such rainy day. The water droplets on the window glass provided the perfect foreground for the granite city. Looks like an artist’s painting, with water spilled on the canvas, washing out the creation, and making the colours flow and blend in each other.

Earthen Life

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
                                                                                                          Confucius 

Photographed at Ken River Resort, Panna. I loved the way the pots were arranged symmetrically in a linear manner, over a wooden stand, giving them a natural and ethnic look. 

Ken River Resort includes 6 Deluxe Huts and 10 Cottage Rooms which are spread out in 30 acres of mixed jungle in undulating terrain, giving a forest experience to the tourists. 

The Lodge also boasts of a 1500 sq.ft. Machaan where the meals are served. The Machaan popularly know as the Tree House overlooks the Ken river.

Langur Monkey at Bandhavgarh

The picture was taken last year in February at Bandhavgarh National Park which covers an area of approximately 446 sqkm. It was the very first day of our Jungle Safari and the picture was shot during the late evening hours when we were on our way back to the Tiger Den Resort after an exhausting adventure inside the forest area. 

Bandhavgarh National Park is a home to more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaque represent the primate group. 

There are two main ways of getting about in the park- in a motor vehicle or on elephant back. Jeep safaris are best undertaken from dawn until about 10am and from about 4pm until dusk, as the animals are most active during these periods.