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Old 2nd October 2015, 22:22   #1
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Photologue: Journey through my lens

In kannada there is a saying “Desha nodu, Kosha odu”. This means one can gain enough knowledge about a place or a country through travelling which is equivalent/better than reading literature about places.

Last year I completed 15 years at work, most of those being in IT industry. Journey so far has been challenging, learning curve, tedious at times. Experience gained each day is priceless! To manage work life and personal life, also to get a break from monotonous work whenever time permitted I planned trip and preferred staying away from busy Bangalore. Exploring places either with family or friends, sometime alone. Travelling comes with it’s own set of joys.

This is my first thread. Following Team-BHP since 2007, recently became member too. Motivation, inspiration, info pertained in planning a trip through Team-BHP threads is precious all these years.

As other enthusiasts my bucket list of travelling destination is lengthy too. These are just the beginning. Even my photography experiment/knowledge is limited without much editing. Again it is learning curve.

I will try to pen down my travel experience here with less content and more photos. So please bear with me and share your suggestion.

Camera Used:

Canon Powershot 710 IS (Point and shoot, now not working)

Canon 600 D with 18-135 mm and Tamaron 70-300 VC lens


01. Sunrise as seen from Assi Ghat, Varanasi

Photologue: Journey through my lens-01.jpg

~o~

02. Fully lit up Amba Vilas Palace, Mysore

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~o~

03. “Shila Baalike” Belur, Near Hasan (Karnataka)

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~o~

04. Kattale Basadi (Dark Jain Shrine), Barkur, Udupi, Karnataka

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~o~

05. "Joga Gundi" Base of famous Jog Falls, Sagar, Karnataka

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~o~

06. Stone Chariot, Hampi

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~o~

07. Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur

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~o~

08. Sahasralinga shrine, Bank of Shalmala river (near Sondha, Shirsi, Karnataka)

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~o~

09. Murdeshwara beach

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~o~

10. Temple arch, Madurai

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~o~

11. Badami Cave sculpture

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~o~

12. Ghats of Kashi

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~o~

13. Mahabodhi temple, Gaya, Bihar

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~o~

14. Syntheri rock and falls, Anashi sanctuary, Dandeli

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~o~

15. Curvy road to Rohtang pass from Manali

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~o~

16. Scenic road, Munnar

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~o~

17. Soliga tribe hut, BR Hills forest range

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~o~

18. Off roading experience in those rugged Maxi-cabs, Dhanushkodi

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~o~

19. Brihadeshwara Temple, Tanjavur

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~o~

20. British era engineering marvel Pamban Bridge, Rameshwaram

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~o~


Contd.
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Old 2nd October 2015, 22:35   #2
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

21. Upper Bhavani dam, Nilgiris

Photologue: Journey through my lens-22.jpg

~o~

22. Indian Guar (Bison) giving pose to camera at Tekkady

Photologue: Journey through my lens-23.jpg

~o~

23. Beautiful landscape of Coonoor

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~o~

24. Overflowing Kumaradhara river, Subrahmanya

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~o~

25. Those 3500 steps to Tirumala shrine

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~o~

26. Ooty city night view

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~o~

27. Somanathapura temple - Hoysala architecture (near Mysore)

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~o~

28. Dragonfly giving pose

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~o~

29. Tiger at Bannerghatta national park

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~o~

30. Is it Civet Cat (Musang)? Captured this in Mysore zoo.

Photologue: Journey through my lens-31.jpg

~o~

31. Captured this silky, beautiful bird at Rangantittu Sanctuary, near Mysore

Photologue: Journey through my lens-32.jpg

~o~

32. Unknown artist’s Bharatanatyam arangetram at Guruvayoor temple premises

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~o~

33. Kathakali dancer all set to perform

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~o~

34. Himachali lady knitting

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~o~

35. Masala for south Indian dish “Bisi Bele Bath”

Photologue: Journey through my lens-36.jpg

~o~
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Old 2nd October 2015, 22:42   #3
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

Lovely fotographs. Shows the journey in a way. Love the pamban bridge.

WOuld like a night shot at that bridge with a train and also get to the bridge.
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Old 2nd October 2015, 23:17   #4
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

Striking photography. You are quite the artist with the lens.
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Old 3rd October 2015, 09:52   #5
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

Good. Keep trying. You can be even better. Good colour composition too.
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Old 3rd October 2015, 18:50   #6
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

Quote:
Originally Posted by V.Narayan View Post
Striking photography. You are quite the artist with the lens.
Thank you Sir for your encouraging words.

Quote:
Originally Posted by skdking View Post
Good. Keep trying. You can be even better. Good colour composition too.
Thank you. Experiment through lens is never ending. Will try more and more and post here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by VW2010 View Post
Lovely fotographs. Shows the journey in a way. Love the pamban bridge.

WOuld like a night shot at that bridge with a train and also get to the bridge.
Thanks so much. Will plan boat and train journey there some day. East coast has some lovely places, hidden gem to explore.
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Old 4th October 2015, 21:50   #7
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens. EDIT: added "birds of Ranganatittu"

Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary

Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary is one of the famous bird sanctuary in Karnataka. This place is situated on the banks of Kaveri river, near historic town Srirangapatna and Mysore.

One can reach this place very easily from Bangalore by planning a early morning drive/ride. Perfect weekend getaway place for photography enthusiasts, certainly not during long weekends or Dussehra holidays.

About Birds

Painted Storks, mud swallows, pelicans, common spoonbill, stork-billed kingfisher, heron, white ibis, Indian shag etc. (Wiki info says roughly about 170 birds).

November to June is the right season to visit this place, November-December being the best season as many migratory birds prefer Ranganatittu as their nesting site.

Many fresh water crocodiles can also be spotted here.

Some photos of birds taken during my recent trip:

Photologue: Journey through my lens-01.jpg

~o~

Painted Stork

Photologue: Journey through my lens-02.jpg

~o~

Photologue: Journey through my lens-03.jpg

~o~

Mud Swallows. When we visited last time there were thousands of these preparing themselves for nesting.

Photologue: Journey through my lens-04.jpg

~o~

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~o~

White Ibis

Photologue: Journey through my lens-15.jpg

~o~
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Old 5th October 2015, 07:43   #8
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

wonderful photos Nempuguru; We are so much to see in our own country but we travel all over the world for 'vacations'.

The people by sharing such wonderful photos and information should help spread the word. and be the agent of change.

Thanks for doing your bit; and the photos are amazing as well.
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Old 6th October 2015, 10:12   #9
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

Quote:
Originally Posted by nivatakavacha View Post
wonderful photos Nempuguru; We are so much to see in our own country but we travel all over the world for 'vacations'.

The people by sharing such wonderful photos and information should help spread the word. and be the agent of change.

Thanks for doing your bit; and the photos are amazing as well.
Thank you nivatakavacha for your kind words.

Yes, our country has many gem of a places with so much diversity and rich culture. Many are unknown to general public like us. My passion is to explore as much as possible, not just touristy ones even the little known historic places.
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Old 11th October 2015, 17:49   #10
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KA: Exploring green route Edakumeri railway track - 30 kms trek in a day!

Exploring green route Edakumeri railway track - 30 kms trek in a day.

Bangalore - Mangalore railway track, between Sakaleshpura and Subrahmanya

~o~

Photologue: Journey through my lens-01.jpg

Photologue: Journey through my lens-02.jpg

Above photos are from my recent trip in that route.

~o~

This particular trek is one of my favourite, even though we did this almost 10 years back the experience is evergreen. Bike ride of around 500 kms (both ways) plus 30 kms trek on incomplete railway track from morning till evening.

Those days I was having LML Freedom bike (my first possession) efficient, trustworthy but one of the highly underrated product. I have done many tours / trek around Udupi even on non-existent road, inside jungles in that bike completing 80K+ kms before bid adieu to that.

Let me share the Edakumeri trek experience here. I was not having camera at that moment. Photos I am sharing here are from my friends who had film camera at that time.

* One Friday evening we 8 friends, colleagues started from Udupi on 4 bikes to a small village called Udane which is the starting point of Shiradi ghat near Gundya (Mangalore-Bangalore highway, NH 48). Reached Udane around 10 PM. Night stay was at our friend’s house. On the way we picked up snacks/water/juice/first aid kit etc required for our trek from Mangalore.

* Friend’s house was very near to NH, so the sound of fast moving vehicle was irritating a bit. Had nice dinner, slept early to take some much needed rest for the morning trek. Couple of friends who had night shift reached Udane next day early morning.

* Got up early, me and my friend went for a mini venture near by. There is a river adda hole, tributary of Kempu Hole next to the highway, hanging bridge too to cross the river. We explored a bit, took bath and returned.

Photologue: Journey through my lens-edakumeri001.jpg

* By 6.30 all of us were ready and reached Gundya check post by bike. Had breakfast and strong black tea (kind of Kalladka tea). It was refreshing. Parked our bike near to the checkpost. Friend already had booked a Jeep to take us to the starting point of trek which is approx 8 kms. Our guide who is localite joined us too. He had already taken permission from forest department for our trek.

* Started from checkpost in a rugged Jeep, continued on Shiradi ghat stretch for 2 kms. Suddenly jeep stopped due to technical snag and couldn’t even start. Driver tried all possible options, mobile network was also not available. As time was running out, we quickly decided to start our trek from Shiradi ghat itself, 6 kms extra to reach the railway track. Took diversion from highway, where a makeshift mud path was leading to the railway track. As the railway gauge conversion work was going on, there were few routes like this for supply vehicles.

Photologue: Journey through my lens-edakumeri006.jpg

* Route was steep incline mud road suitable for 4x4 vehicles. Started from base of the ghat and reached railway track which is almost mid point of hilly region. Enjoyed the beauty of nature to the fullest.

* We had only 2 point and shoot film cameras without extra film reel. So through out the tour took only 60+ photographs.

* Reached trek starting point by 8.30 AM. Now the actual trek begun, which was of 24 kms, covering Edakumeri station ending at Sirivagilu. We even thought of staying over night at Sirivagilu, and continue next morning by jeep to Gundya where we parked our bike. As everyone was not willing, we dropped this idea and planned return to our base before nightfall.

Photologue: Journey through my lens-edakumeri002.jpg

* Bangalore-Mangalore gauge conversion work was going on during that time. So no train movement. We met many railway engineers, workers, daily labourers during our trek. Incidentally many daily wage workers were from Bihar, Orissa region. One of the engineers whom we interacted was sadly quoting no locals will join hands for these challenging work!

* They were staying inside thick forest, hilly region with intermittent rain hampering their life and work. This place is totally cut out from main stream, nearest city being Sakaleshpura or Subrahmany which is quite far. Really salute to those engineers, workers who are behind successful completion of gauge conversion work. One must visit this place to believe how tough it is to build/repair countless tunnels, bridges and lay the track.

* Other than workers no people or vehicle movement here. Sceneries throughout the trek was amazing, mind blowing, no words to explain. Greenery everywhere! We crossed almost 15 tunnels, as many bridges, seeing numerous waterfalls. It was during August end/September I guess. Weather was chill, with slight drizzle to intermittent rain throughout the day. Walking on wet sleepers was challenging.

* After crossing deserted Edakumeri station, we stopped near a waterfalls to recharge our battery and fill our stomach with snacks/juice which we were carrying in our backpack. We took almost 1 hour rest here. Rich, clean, icy mineral water from that waterfalls was very refreshing.

* Continued our trek, reached a deadly looking not yet repaired bridge. We were the only one’s here inside dense forest. Bridge had wooden sleepers, some miscreants damaged those by liting fire. Wondering how to cross this bridge? We could see the gushy water flowing deeply below the bridge. Guide guided us properly and helped all of us to cross this hurdle successfully, even though we were bit hesitant to do so.

Photologue: Journey through my lens-edakumeri005.jpg

* Tunnels were totally dark with hundreds of bats, one was almost 1 km length. In many tunnels work was not yet started. We had sufficient torch, which helped us to a great extent in dealing with these tunnels as well as bats.

* Around 5.30 we reached a place called “Sirivagilu” successfully completing 24+6 kms trek. Here many engineers, workers had their makeshift tent or stay options. We exchanged pleasantries, discussed with them the challenges they are facing, their lifestyle here etc. They congratulated us for completing the trek, also offered drinking water/tea. They even arranged a Jeep to reach Gundya checkpost, avoiding another 4+ km walk.

Photologue: Journey through my lens-edakumeri007.jpg

* Reached Gundya checkpost by 6.30, said bye to our guide, took our bike and reached Udane. Quickly had a discussion, what to do next? Overall opinion was to continue the journey, reach Udupi before mid night by riding sedately and then take much needed rest. Raincoat + helmet ON, engine start, here we go! Our return journey started. Even though we were bit tired, it was good decision to ride back home and take long rest rather than short nap. Even we were sure body pain will start once we wake up next morning because of the trek.

* On the way had dinner at BC Road, reached Udupi by 11 PM, dropped my best buddy and co-raider at his house, reached my sweet home, took shower and hit the bed for a much needed rest.

Overall it was amazing trek. Journey through the green route was energy booster for mind, heart, soul and eyes. Still cherishing the experience even today.

Some pointers:

* Now the route is closed for trek due to frequent train movement. Venturing on that track is offence.

* We took permission before this trek, also expert guide was with us throughout the trek.

* Didn’t do any offensive activities during our trek. Also never tried to deviate from trek path and venture into the forest which is very very risky.

* Never tried to harm any animal or trees. Carried only healthy snacks/juice or food items without littering anywhere. Strictly no alcohol, camp fire etc activities.

* Our intention was to to enjoy the beauty of mother nature, experience the green route before train movement, also to see the workers how they are succeeding in laying the tracks with so many odds. And we realised sitting infront of a computer, designing software, writing code is least challenging.

* Last part! Why penning down a trek which materialised almost 10 years back? I really wanted to write it down this evergreen trek experience before it fades out from my memory lane. Where else? Team-BHP is the right platform.

Thanks for reading.

Photo credit: My best buddies.
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Old 11th October 2015, 18:29   #11
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Re: KA: Exploring green route Edakumeri railway track - 30 kms trek in a day!

Quote:
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Exploring green route Edakumeri railway track - 30 kms trek in a day.
You reminded me of an old log. Here is the link:

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post1840629


some really fond memories about reading old stories!

Beautiful snaps all along. We have a lot to see in our own backyard.
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Old 12th October 2015, 09:50   #12
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Re: KA: Exploring green route Edakumeri railway track - 30 kms trek in a day!

Quote:
Originally Posted by ampere View Post
You reminded me of an old log. Here is the link:

some really fond memories about reading old stories!

Beautiful snaps all along. We have a lot to see in our own backyard.
Thanks Ampere for sharing the link as well as encouraging words.

Indeed an epic thread with extensive coverage of places. Good to see photos of green route . I preserved only few photos of our trek.
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Old 12th October 2015, 16:21   #13
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

very beautiful photos @nempuguru. Thanks for sharing these. There are so many places to visit in our backyard which cannot be done in one lifetime. Like you said, travelling definitely broadens ones wisdom and knowledge. Not sure but did not see any captures from the west (Punjab/rajasthan). those are very beautiful places as well. Am sure you must have already visited, but if not, worth planning a week that side.
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Old 12th October 2015, 16:48   #14
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

Beautiful pics nempuguru. You could have been a professional photographer instead of being in the IT field
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Old 13th October 2015, 21:55   #15
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Re: Photologue: Journey through my lens

Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackPearl View Post
Beautiful pics nempuguru. You could have been a professional photographer instead of being in the IT field
Thanks so much BlackPearl. Photography just an hobby, never considered as a profession. You mean to say retirement is safe?

Quote:
Originally Posted by FuelInjector View Post
very beautiful photos @nempuguru. Thanks for sharing these. There are so many places to visit in our backyard which cannot be done in one lifetime. Like you said, travelling definitely broadens ones wisdom and knowledge. Not sure but did not see any captures from the west (Punjab/rajasthan). those are very beautiful places as well. Am sure you must have already visited, but if not, worth planning a week that side.
Thanks so much FuelInjector. As I said these are just the beginning in terms of travelling and photography, still long way to go, many miles to cross . That's also one of the reason joining like minded T-BHP family.
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