The Big Banyan tree-Outskirts of bangalore

Well, most of the times, I drive around over the weekend and find some different place, but this was a little out of routine. There was a client cum friend visiting india, and on a Sunday, i decided to take him around. We plan to head out to Mysore, and in between i decided to show him the ever famous 'Big banyan tree' on the outskirts of bangalore.
I remember,during my trip to florida too, while i was touring the Jupiter lighthouse, the guide did mention that the largest banyan trees were in india. Boy, i was proud of the mention. well, first some logistics and factual information. 1. The biggest banyan tree is not the one you have in bangalore. the biggest, is in fact in calcutta. the one in Bangalore comes #2. 

  Reaching there: 

1. Head out towards Mysore from bangalore. 

2. Watch for rajeshwari engineering college on the highway(NH-17). After the institute, watch for the 4 way crossing. the marking is clearly marked for big banyan tree directions, so, you would not miss it. 

3. Take right at the crossing. From the highway, if i am not wrong, its shouldnt be more than 10 kms from here. The straight road would take you directly to the big banyan tree.

The place:

The place used to be famous, but nothing much left here. the whole tree circumfrence has a park kind of enclosure. A guard is there, who is to ensure that people dont misuse this place. I definitely felt that the place was well kept, but could do with a little bit of help and upkeep. 

The tree is huge, but portions in the middle have died off, making it more look like collection of trees, though paying attention you can easily envision the complete expanse of it. There are benches around to sit, which are well done, and painted. A small temple in the middle, which whenever i have visited, is closed. may be opens in the morning during 'puja' times only. 

You can also get a view of ISROs facility, which is a little distance from there, from the park itself.

With kids, you would surely have some fun, since there are lot of monkeys here.

What to do:

1. Not much to do here, after the initial feel of such a tree seeps in. Earlier when i had visited this place, the tree was literally out in nowhere, but now, there is a full-fledged market here. There is a bus stand here and hence, a commercial surrounding of a village. Its more of a one time visit place, and better done while on the route to Mysore or returning from Mysore. Doesn't require more than 30 mins of your time, unless you are a person researching on old and huge trees.

2. The other option is to carry on to Manchinbelle dam. the same road continues further to the dam, which is one heck of a birding place. read my travelogue here.but , please remember, recently Manchinbelle dam has been declared closed for visitors coming for photography, visits etc. hence, please use your own thoughts as you plan to go further. The roads go through very peaceful and scenic field roads so i would still take a drive, if i am just driving to the big banyan tree.

Ok, here are some photos for you! enjoy. do share your thoughts. have you been there recently! did you like the place. any other places nearby, which i am not aware off.

(NOTE: All the images here, can be used on the internet, for any posts or illustrations( but without any retouching). The only condition is that you need to give credits and link back to this post)

Beach @ Ocean Drive, West Palm Beach-A photo Story

bogunvillia bloom

With rain playing hide and seek with Bangalore, i just put together some of the pictures from my Bogunvillia collection. Hope it brightens your day.

(NOTE: All the images on this post, can be used on the internet, for any posts or illustrations( but without any retouching). The only condition is that you need to give credits and link back to this post)

Pottery town- A monochrome presentation

I visited pottery town, in the last week of september, with expectation of clicking some durga puja idol making. There was no action happening around it, but i was happy clicking making of diyas and lamps for the diwali approaching. Here is a small presentation of those images. do share your comments. This time, i would let the images do the talking.

Ready to go pots waiting to be picked. I always love to shoot these, for to the play of light they offer.

Glimpses of Durga Puja

So, today, i get some time to put together the images which i clicked over 3 days during durga puja. Where in our punjabi culture, we celebrate navratras in different way, it has always been very special to be part of this cultural extravaganza, celebrated by bengali community.
Here is my view of some time which i spent seeing activities as part of the celebrations. Do tell me what you feel about these.

An idol of Maa durga, at pandal @ Bengali association, Palace grounds, bangalore.

The pandals had a great amount of seating arrangement, with a very comfortable setup. I loved the fact that no one was in hurry. There were some people, who were seated and waiting for the aarti, and there were few who were queued up for the darshans. I loved the arrangement of such a grand event.

The pandal, was not only well managed, but beautifully lit as well. The way the lightening arrangement was done, was adding to the feel of the place. extensive usage of chandeliers was really beautiful.

A family while darshans, snaps away the blessings.

Musicians beat drums as the aarti commenced.

One of the crew members, a musician on the stage, amidst the crowd.

there was no limit to the prasadam, and devotees.

The holy & divine light

aarti of the goddess

A bengali event, would not be complete if you didnt have a bengali -kolkatta pan. a vendor specializing in kolkatta and banarsi pans.

Aarti at its most beautiful point. A musician looks on, while beating the drums.

Devotees, taking the aarti.

The journey begins. at the association at Indiranagar, devotees load up the idols and get ready to take the idols for immersions.

The crew, who helps in immersions, with the police deployed, wait for the idols.

Idols being carried for their journey.

A bengali lady, looks on, while they arrive at ulsoor lake after sindoor khela.

Waving good bye

While the immersions are carried along, a lady looks at the process.

Another bengali lady, in typical dress and after the sindoor khela.

Durga maa arrives at the venue, among the devotees.

Another face, in the crowd,turned up for the immersions.

Durga maa looks on, while the divers crew, shares the money among themselves.

Happy for having celebrated the puja, and hoping to welcome the goddess the same way for years to come.

A happy set of bengali women, while immersions conclude.

Close up of the idol. do pay attention to the craftsmanship and especially, the way the eyes are done.

Bidding adieu.

NOTE: 
1. Please note, where i have clicked pictures of individuals posted here, those are to depict the personalities and the cultural celebrations.
2. None of the photos posted here should be copied, since all the photos are copyrighted, hence permission and written consent should be seeked before any of the photos here can be made use of.