beach vacation for the summer

Who would not love to have a beach vacation for the summer? You know that summer is all about tanning and enjoying the summer heat. With all the beaches all over the world, you might be thinking of where you are going to go. Here are the best beaches yet to be discovered by tourists all over.

Seychelles

 The beauty of its name is definitely the beauty of the place. Considered as paradise for many, Seychelles is definitely the dreamiest beach where you can be. Away from the busy city, this isolated island in the Indian Ocea is definitely the place to go. Enjoy serene and peaceful tanning while the sun hits you in the perfect places. Feel like Adam and Eve in this place as you enjoy nature at its best.

Grenada

Let the Spice Island give spice to your life! The liveliest beaches can be seen here! Your summer vacation will not be complete with the thousands of activities that will get you going for the day. Enjoy coral reefs, clear waters and the best life at the beach. There are hiking trips which are definitely worth it and vast rain forests for you. Get a hold and taste your own exotic fruits and nuts! You will definitely see how beautiful nature can combine in Grenada.

Hawaii

Who could ever forget Hawaii? Poipu beach in Hawaii is one of the top beaches that people are visiting. With the friendliest people that you will meet, they will give you the best accommodations in Hawaii ever. The beach is one beauty which you cannot deny. Enjoy the most romantic sunset here. You will definitely be craving for a luau party when you get back.

Thailand

Nothing can ever match the beaches of Asia. The Phi Phi beach in Thailand offers you the real beach life. With water so beautiful, shading to turquoise, this is definitely a beauty for your eyes. Get to see all the exotic fishes when you scuba dive. After a long day, relax and drink, and live life to the fullest in Thailand.

The Caribbean is a very exotic place to be in

The Caribbean is a very exotic place to be in. It is most enjoyable when the whole family is together. A particular place in the Caribbean that’s beautiful is the St. Lucia. St. Lucia is known for its beautiful scenery and the twin peaks of Pitons. The St. Lucia’s seas are full of coral reefs and the whole island has several plantations and jungle.

If you are wondering where to stay in St. Lucia then the Coconut Bay Resort & Spa is perfect. The resort is known for its affordable prices and wonderful amenities. Five minutes away from the Hewanorra International Airport, the Coconut Bay Resort & Spa is 85 acres of beauty with guests units that are in 4 story buildings.

The beach is that not big on the Coconut Bay Resort but they have a small stretch that is seaweed free and extremely beautiful. Since this is the case, the resort makes it up for its lovely swimming pools and waterpark. The waterpark includes two body slides which really pump up the adrenaline. For those who want to experience something more relaxing, the lazy river is a must try. The resort has a large main pool that is popular with families staying in the resort. It has shallow water and even a shoreline entry that is perfect for toddlers. There is a swim-up bar and an adults only pool for parents who need a bit of peace and quiet.

At the Coconut Bay Resort and Spa is a standout. It may not be at par with the kids programs in other expensive resorts but it is fun nevertheless. The Cocoland Kids Club has specified activities for kids up to 14 years old. There are mascots that greet and mingle with the kids everyday. The resort also has a large playground, nap area, and a waterplay zone with squirters. Kids get a Cocopack gear upon registration too.

Lalbagh Flower Show - January 2011

Every year in the month of January and August, the Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore hosts Flower Show. If in Bangalore around this time one should not miss the event. (Click on the image for bigger picture)

In the month of January, it is usually organized for 10 days from January 17th to 26th. The theme for this year is metro transport system. To ease the traffic in city the metro train project is currently in progress.

This year another attraction at the event is one of the original city gate towers. It is beautifully made from colorful roses.

On display were lot of varieties of Anthuriam, Orchids, Celosia and Dianthus among others.

Every day thousands people enjoy the beauty of these flowers on display. It is mostly crowded in the evening on the weekdays. Best time to be in this place is the early afternoon. I had been here on the weekend afternoon. Even though it was crowded I had enough space to take some snaps.

Very minimal entrance fee is charged for the show. No charges for camera.

For more visit My World Tuesday

and Mosaic Monday

Lalbagh Flower Show - Yellow Dahlia

At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on August 2010 there were exclusive collection of lot flower plants. Lot of Dahlias were planted as part of the show. The colors were amazing. (Click on the image for bigger picture)

The flowers were seen with lot of bees hovering over them.

For more visit Camera Critters

Today's Flowers and Mellow Yellow Monday

Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum

The magnificent Golden Fort of Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan) is constructed by the renowned Rajput ruler Jaisal in 1156 on the Trikuta hills. The fort contains both ancient and modern structures. There are majestic palaces and Jain temples inside the fort. (Click on the images for bigger view)

Royal Palace of 19the century, also known as Raj Mahal inside the fort is a grand structure. Constructed in lime stone, this is a imposing seven-storied palace. It is also used as museum as well as heritage center. The lattice work on the windows show cases the excellent craftsmanship of the people.

One can enjoy the marvelous beauty of the Royal Palace from all angles from the big courtyard enclosed in the fort. This place might have been used for the ceremonies and celebrations of the Dussehra festivals in those days.

For more visit Shadow Shot Sunday

and SkyWatch

Elephants in Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo is the most popular zoo at Mysore (State: Karnataka) in India. There are various animals and birds at the zoo. One among them is Elephants.

They have been provides lot of space to move around. There are both Indian as well as African elephants here.

This is a nice place for the kids to get know about the various wild species. The trip through the zoo consumes more than half a day.

Lalbagh Flower Show - Orchids - 4

At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on August 2010 there were exclusive collection of Orchids on display. The colors were amazing. Below are some of the orchids on display (Click on the image for bigger picture)

There were stalls selling the Orchids plants outside the flower show. The price ranged from Rupees 600 to 1200 depending on the variety.

For more visit Mellow Yellow Monday

and Today's Flowers

Touring in Maharashtra

As you all know I love traveling. After touring Madhya Pradesh in Dec, 2008, I did not travel for next two years due to severe backache. In Dec 2010, I planned a family vacation to Maharashtra after 2 years of no travel. It served the dual purpose of testing my back as well as family outing. The entire journey was done by train in the night to maximize site seeing as well as to avoid travel by road. (Click on the image for bigger view)

We boarded the train at Bangalore in the afternoon and reached our first destination Pune on the next day morning. We traveled extensively across Pune for two days. One of the place we visited is Shinde Chatri, the Samadhi of Shrimant Mahadji Shinde. The architecture of this is marvelous and remains unaffected by the passage of years. On the two days we stayed here, we also visited the Sinhghad, the fort captured by brave warrior Tanaji. The mountain fort is a beautiful place where one can spot various fauna and birds.

On the second day at Pune we boarded the evening train to Shirdi. We reached the the place late in the night. Next day (3rd day) after offering prayers at Sai Mandir, we reached Aurangabad in the night. Next day (4th day) was exciting as we covered two more important places. In the morning session we conquered the powerful Daulatabad Fort. It was a adventurous as we had to climb around 600 steps to reach top most point in the fort.

In the afternoon we headed to Ellora caves. The World Heritage Site is the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 caves excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. Again here we had to climb walk a lot to see these marvels in the rock. Below is the image of Ellora Caves.

On 5th day we headed to Ajanta which is 120 kms from Aurangabad. The World Heritage Site has 31 rock-cut cave monuments dating back to 2nd century BC. The caves include paintings and sculptures considered that are masterpieces. Below is the image of Ajanta Caves.

On the same night we boarded the train to Mumbai, our final destination. Next three days (day 6 - 8) we rested, toured, rested here as I had my relatives here. The rest was very much essential for my back by now. Here we mainly visited Kanehri an Elephanta caves apart from local site seeing. Below is "Gateway of India" with Taj Hotel in the background.

On the ninth day we headed back to Bangalore, very much content and happy.

Dhuandhar Falls, Bhedaghat

From Jabalpur at a distance of 25 kms is Bhedaghat (State: Madhya Pradesh). (Click on the image for bigger view)

Here the Narmada river, while making its way through the marble rocks narrows down and plunges over the rocks making a powerful roar and smoking cascade. Water falling from a height of 150 ft generates great noise with water sprinkles. It looks like a white smoke or fog. Hence the name Dhuandhar (Smoky) Falls.

The impact of the natural splendor while reaching the ground, the affinity of the falling river is a charming cascade. This place remains closed during monsoon season for general public i.e. from July to end of September month.

Lalbagh Flower Show - Orchids - 3

At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on August 2010 there were exclusive collection of Orchids on display. The colors were amazing. Below are some of the orchids on display (Click on the image for bigger picture)

There were stalls selling the Orchids plants outside the flower show. The price ranged from Rupees 600 to 1200 depending on the variety.

Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore

The historical Chamundeshwari Temple of Goddess Durga is located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from Mysore (State: Karnataka). (Click on the image for bigger view)

The original shrine was built sometime in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers and its tower was probably built in the 17th century by the Vijayanagar rulers. The temple tower is seven story tall and is decorated with intricate carvings.

On top of the sanctum is a small tower that can be seen from outside the temple. Around the temple are small beautiful carvings of Goddess in black stone. They are present both on inner courtyard as well as outer walls of the temple.

When in Mysore, even though outside city the visit to the temple is really worth.

For more visit SkyWatch
Mellow Yellow Monday
and Mosaic Monday

Chamundi Hills, Mysore

The Chamundi Hills with an elevation of 1000 meters is located close to Mysore (State: Karnataka) as many interesting sites. The temple top cab reached either by vehicle or by climbing around 1500 steps. From the top you can get a panoramic view of the Mysore and surroundings. At the top of the the hill are few temples. most prominent among them is the temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari. (Click on images for bigger view)

En route to the top, one can see

• the large monolithic statue of Nandi the Bull.
• the statue of Demon Mahishasura.

At the top temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari

We started from Mysore to the Hills at around 7:00 a.m in the morning. It was drizzling on the the way. And at the top the temple tower was covered by mist. On the way we saw group of horse riders.

For more visit My World Tuesday
ABC Wednesday and Camera Critters

Lalbagh Flower Show - Petunia Flowers

At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on August 2010 there were exclusive collection of various flowers on display. (Click on the image for bigger picture)

One of the flower on display are Petunia Flowers.

The colors and designs were amazing.

Golden Fort, Jaisalmer

Golden Fort in Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan) is the most magnificent site. Built in 1156 by the Bahtti Rajput ruler Jaisala, and reinforced by later rulers, the fort crowns the 80 m - high Trikuta Hill. This is one of the oldest living fort, where one quarter of the old city's population is still residing in it. (Click on the images for bigger view)

The fort has 99 bastions around its circumference and is protected by three walls. The lower wall is of solid stone blocks which reinforce the loose rubble of which Trikuta hill is composed. The second wall snakes around the fort. Above is the view of the fort from one of the havelis located outside the fort at a quite good distance.


The fort is entered from first Fort Gate and a series of massive gates via an enormous stone paved ramp, leads one to a large courtyard. In the courtyard one can see the former Maharaja's seven story Palace, Rajmahal. This square was formerly used to review troops, hear petitions and present extravagant entertainment for important visitors.


Within the fort walls, there are seven beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries.

The fort looks especially magical when it is lit up at night.

Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park (Karnataka) is at a distance of 22 kms from Bangalore. Total area of park is approximately 104 sq.kms and is covered by mostly dense forest and scrub land. It is home for various wild animals such as tiger, lion, bison, leopard, wild boar. (Click on the image for bigger picture)

Other attractions include a zoo, crocodile farm, butterfly park. In addition, a portion of the park is used as a sanctuary for rescued wild animals, mainly from circuses. Below are set of images from the zoo.

On Tuesdays, the Park remains closed.

Lalbagh Flower Show - Brain Celosia

At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on August 2010 there were exclusive collection of various flowers on display. The colors were amazing. Below is the Brain Celosia Flower on display: (Click on the image for bigger picture)

Barah Kaman, Bijapur

Barah Kaman constructed in 1672, is an another interesting monument in Bijapur (State: Karnataka). It is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

It is an elegant structure with 12 interleaving graceful arches. It was previously named as Ali Roza, but later ruler of Bijapur changed its name to its current name of Barah Kaman as this was the 12th monument during his reign.

It has the tombs containing the graves of Bijapur ruler Ali, and his queens.

For more visit Shadow Shot Sunday

ASI Museum, Shimoga

In Shimoga (State: Karnataka) in the fort area is the 16th century Shivappa Nayak Palace of Keladi Dynasty. Today, this palace also serves as a museum for Archeological Survey of India (ASI). (Click on the images for bigger view)

Like any other museum on display are here various sculptures belonging to various periods. Apart from the sculptures there are also manuscripts on display. The sculptures are not only inside the palace, but also out in the garden. Here we will see some of the sculptures that are inside the palace.

Above is the idol of Jain Thirtankara Adinath belonging to the 12th century A.D. Every detail is carved beautifully.

Above is the idol of Gajalaksmi belonging to 11th century A.D. Here Goddess Lakshmi can be seen flanked by elephants on either side.

Above is the idol of Mahisusaramardini belonging to 12th century A.D. Every detail is carved beautifully.

Lalbagh Flower Show - Orchids - 2

At flower show in Lalbagh Gardens at Bangalore on August 2010 there were exclusive collection of Orchids on display. The colors were amazing. Below are some of the orchids on display: (Click on the image for bigger picture)

There were stalls selling the Orchids plants outside the flower show. The price ranged from Rupees 600 to 1200 depending on the variety.

St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangalore

The St. Aloysius Chapel in Mangalore (State: Karnataka) is located in the campus of St. Aloysius College. In 1184, it was built by the Italian Jesuit Antonio Moscheni (Click on the image for bigger view).

The chapel which looks simple externally is an architectural gem. People who have seen chapels outside India say that it can be compared with any other chapels in Rome.

The uniqueness of the chapel is in the paintings inside the chapel that cover every inch of the walls. The paintings are still in good shape. A glimpse of painting can be seen in the above image.

Mysore Zoo

Mysore (State: Karnataka) the heritage city is located at a distance of 145 kms from Bangalore. Here there are various tourist attractions. One among them is Mysore Zoo. Established in 1892, it is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India. It is home to a wide range of wild species. Officially the zoo is named as Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, named after the founder of the zoo.

This is one of the well maintained place, where animals are well taken care of. This is a nice place for the kids to get know about the various wild species. The trip through the zoo consumes more than half a day.