September 2, 2008

Singing in the Rain

Following a little more travels and just having recovered from a bout of flu, I’m here. I wonder if the flu had anything to do with getting soaked in the rains in Lonavala? Oh, but the feeling of getting drenched in the showers was exhilarating and definitely worth it. Certainly so for one who is presently tolerating temperature in the range of 45 to 50 degrees Centigrade these days, but thankfully in the sanctuary of air-conditioned surroundings!

So..

I travelled this time to Mangalore, Mumbai (I still miss the byname Bombay) and a few places in the Sahyadhri range of the Western Ghats.

The range is home to hill stations like Matheran, Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Amboli Ghat within Maharashtra, some of which I've been to. It
brought back few memories of my last year’s summer trip to Matheran and earlier visits to Lonavala-Khandala but I find monsoon is a fine time to enjoy the Sahyadhris. More details in posts to follow.

Here’s a coup dóeil:


Mangalore serenity

Smooth sands at dusk

On the way to Karla caves


Bushi Dam

Ascending to Karla Caves

Rock-cut caves


20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, its so green green in the Sahyadris :) I hope you got drenched in rain too, whats a rainy season if you stay dry :) Beautiful pics Celine!

GMG said...

Hi Celine, glad to hear you're feeling better; but 45º to 50º isn't healthy anywhere... ;))
The caves are interesting, but I prefer the beach that looks great!
Have a nice day!
Blogtrotter

Sameera Ansari said...

Beautiful soothing pics!Have been to Mangalore as a kid but not explored it much.

Hope the flu is better dear.Take care.

Cuckoo said...

Celine,
I think we have something common. We always miss each other.
Very recently I had been to Bushi dam, yet to write abt it.
And yes, had been to Karla as well.

What say ? :)

How're you doing now ?

Cuckoo

Lakshmi said...

another great trail celine and some amazing pictures..there is something about the western ghats that fascinate me..awaiting your posts

alok said...

The images of Karla caves in your post reminded me about a similar place, i.e. Khandagiri near Bhubaneswar.

AJEYA RAO said...

Hope your trip to Mangalore was good. Did you take the Konkan to Bombay? I have been wanting to go to the Karla caves...Lonavala looks very green and fresh.

Ram Dhall said...

Can I say that the magician has done it again !!

Some amazing pictures, especially the "Smooth sands at dusk" and "Mangalore Serenity" are simply astounding. Please do share a write up on the caves.

Trust you have recovered fully. Take care.

San said...

Welcome back from the flu, Celine.

Those rock-cut caves, the rocks dusted in green, look like entrances to magical worlds.

All of these photos are gorgeous. As always.

Today is my birthday. There's a song dedication for you over at my place.

indicaspecies said...

Priyank,

Thank you. It is green, green, very green.;)

Did you 'hope' or did you mean something else?

indicaspecies said...

Gil,

Thank you for your kind words. The beach picture was shot in my native place and I'm pleased that you like it.:)

indicaspecies said...

Sameera,

Thank you. You've been to and lived in many places, ain't it?

Flu is history. I am fine now, thanks.:)

indicaspecies said...

Cuckoo,

I am in good health now, thanks.
I kept searching for you at Bushi Dam but did not find you..haha! Just kidding.

Seriously, it seems we often choose similar places at similar times to travel. It happened with Goa and once before too. Planned or otherwise, I hope we bump into each other someday!

indicaspecies said...

Lakshmi,

Thank you.:)
I am not surprised at all about your fascination for the Western Ghats. They do not fail to amaze me too. After all, it is one of the world's ten "Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots" for its unique beauty, flora and fauna!

indicaspecies said...

Alok,

That's an interesting link of Khanagiri and Udayagiri caves. Thank you for sharing.:)

Incidentally, I have been to (another place) Udaigiri caves, after my visit to Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh. I haven't written about it on my blog, and I think I must do that as I also have some photographs of that place.

indicaspecies said...

Ajeya,

Mangalore was for just a few days and it's always good over there as a part of my family lives there.
Since I was pressed for time, I took an Air Deccan flight, and that gave me an extra day to explore more of Sahyadris.

You should consider making a bike trip along the Konkan to reach up to the Karla caves, and Lonavala. What say?

indicaspecies said...

Ram,

Magician..Haha..thank you. Both those pictures are of Mangalore.

I shall write on the Karla and Bhaje caves. I know have to catch up on a lot of writing.

Yes, I've recovered fully and am going to office regularly. Thank you Ram.:)

indicaspecies said...

San,

Thank you very much for your sweet words, for sharing the good news and your song dedication. Truly appreciated.

I wish you a very Happy Birthday San. I shall be right over to your place.*hugs*

Indrani said...

This is very tempting, Celine. I must make a trip there.

indicaspecies said...

Indrani,

Thank you. I hope you get a chance to be there soon.:)