PhotoBlog: Unexpected visitor in Goa

We met him outside Fort Aguada. He was small, beautiful and was only interested in getting away from the public eye. I did some research on him. He's know to a select few as "Ahaetulla nasuta", but most commonly known as "The green vine snake". More details about the snake can be found here.

PhotoBlog: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

Outside View - 

Description of the Church - 

Interiors - 

Body of St. Francis Xavier - 

PhotoBlog: One pic that captured almost everything!

This pic was taken in Goa during the early morning jog session at Calangute beach. Thankfully, I took my camera with me. Yeah, jogging was just a smoke-screen, photography was what I was really interested in.

If you think about it, this pic captures 4 of the 5 'Pancha Bhootas' namely - Akash, Vayu, Jal and Bhumi. Akash is visible just above the waves on the top of the pic. The only element missing is Agni. I wish, at least for that day, the Sun had risen from the west. I would have captured the entire Pancha Bhootas in single shot! Now you will ask, why didn't I try in the evening. Good idea, but in that case, the pic would also include men and women playing!

Anyways, there's always next time.

PhotoBlog: Fort Aguada in Goa

Remember Dil Chahta hai? Remember that epic scene with following dialogue- "Hum Dost the, Dost hai aur hamesha rahenge"? For a Bollywood fan, that's what this fort is popular for!

Remember the metaphor described by Akash (Akshay Khanna's character) about a ship in that same scene?

PS: Am a huge fan of Dil Chahta hai. No wonder I am co-relating everything here!

PhotoBlog: Calangute Beach in Goa

There's something about Goa. Really. I have been to Goa 4 times, including my honeymoon. My love for the place increases with every visit. Mystery indeed. Maybe it's the ambiance. Maybe the beaches. Maybe the culture. Maybe the food.  Maybe the feeling of freedom - running away from daily chores. Maybe everything that I described!

For me, beaches in Goa are second to none! Honestly. I feel I am in a totally different place with the sea trying to push me towards itself and the sand protecting me by covering itself all over my feet. This push and pull mechanism is so perfectly done that you are forced to believe God's presence. I think this is how God wanted us to live on his Earth. We made living a struggle.

Some beach pics I took in Goa - 

Meanwhile, someone above was watching us - 

PhotoBlog: Picturesque Konkan..

Konkan is known for its greenery. It's still one of the area not fully 'exploited' by mankind. Such is the state of affairs that now-a-days, anything green is considered beautiful! I suggest we enjoy it while it lasts.

Following are some of the pics I took en route to Goa from Mumbai via train - 

Oh, and by the way, some Goa pics are on the way too!

PhotoBlog: Random pics at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

After publishing pics of Crocodiles, Deers, Turtles and Snake in my blog, I started having nightmares especially from other animals in the park. They voiced their displeasure and warned me of dire consequences if I don't post anything about them. You know how it is, don't you?

So, based on popular animal request, here are some random pics I took at Bannerghatta Biological Park -

Here's a monkey doing what it does best -

Talk of owning the place! -

Not really. I guess he's searching for food. I just found his missus resting on top of a hill -

There's a cunning guy -

Life with full of thorns all around. And yet, he's so composed - 

A small guy I befriended -  

Here's me signing off with my newfound buddy. Ciao - 

For the entire Bannerghatta Biological Park series, click here.

PhotoBlog: Snakes at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

This is what I was craving for, when I decided to go to Bannerghatta Biological Park - Snakes. I feel snakes are the most under-rated and under-estimated animals. By the way, I like them on TV and not actually in front of me - for reasons best known to mankind.

And who better than capturing the King himself!

Skin has been shed. But where's the king? Guess he's acting pricey - 

There he is, but where's his head - 

And I have my answer (enlarge the pic to view clearly). Isn't he looking directly at me? - 

OK. He's coming down. He means business - 

Coming down - 

Guess its time to show the hood - 

And he happily went inside his 'home'. No more show guys. King Cobra needs to rest. Ciao! Am very happy to have captured King Cobra (on my camera, that is)..

For more Bannerghatta Biological pics, click here.

PhotoBlog: Turtles at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

Clicking pics of Turtles was fun indeed. And this is why - 

Look at their attitude - Head held high!

Ohh, that's all of them together! 

Close-up -

Climbing the ladder of success the human way (by crushing others) - 

Some know how to have fun (enlarge the pic and check the smile of the turtle)

For more Bannerghatta Biological Park pics, click here.

PhotoBlog: Deers at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

Deers at Bannerghatta were always together - and is always the case otherwise too. It was not easy for me to take a close-up till one of them actually came near me and posed!

Maybe this guy came to know that I was focusing on him!

One of them had an health issue. So the park authorities came and took him away. Guess how everyone reacted - 

Finally a closeup - 

For more Bannerghatta Biological pics, click here.

PhotoBlog: Crocodiles at Bannerghatta (Bangalore)

Crocodiles are known to be lazy when their tummy is full. Their full tummy coincided with my decision to visit the park. Throughout the day, they remained at the same place with eyes open with nothing to do at all. 

Oh, what an awesome feeling if you are inherently lazy too!

That's the pose he had throughout the day - 

By the way, it was difficult to take the pic with my camera held high. You can see my shoes in the pic! Talk of amateur photography!

Another view - 

Finally I realized I can take a side view pic. Look at the big guy, all smiles - 

For more Bannerghatta Biological pics, click here.

PhotoBlog: Praying Mantis captured in Kerala..

It took me sometime to recognize that I am taking pictures of a "Praying Mantis". This is what I believe even now. Do let me know if its some other species.. Always good to learn new things!

Praying Mantis on the candle - 

Praying Mantis actually praying - 

Praying Mantis front view -