Showing posts with label Incredible India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Incredible India. Show all posts

24 September, 2009

Delhi Walla Life - discovery of India

NOTE: Click on the photographs and view the better and the tiny details of the moment in Enlarged Photographs.
Gone with the Wind:-

IndiaGate @ Rohan DevesarSweet memories remind us about the road we have traveled and the people we have loved in the journey of life. The things are so wonderful that I just don’t want to lose the imprints I have in my mind. Those moments and feelings get stronger with fleeting time.

I recall the moments when I had this very habit of picking up the small pebbles from the lane while walking, thinking to store them and treasure forever. There has been one pebble which is so special and close to heart. The pebble recollects the magical moments of the City of hearts, the alluring thought-provoking Delhi/Delli.

Gurudwara @ RahulSharmaI’m grounding settling and breathing those memories. The heat, the dust, the busy roads, those traffic jams and a whiff on the lanes of mouth-watering snacks prepared on streets, all reminds me Delhi-6.

I still cannot forget the best Nescafe coffee from the vending machine of NewDelhi Railway Station. And to fill up the tummy with the nutritious Rajma-Chawal plate sold along the streets was the best low-priced delicious option. The big glass of Special Lassi covered with dry fruits is lip-smacking treat indeed.

Living Life to the fullest:-

Delhi @ RahulSharmaMemories of Delhi bring back the music and the latest updates of the traffic jam on roads from the FM radio which is like forever-yours friend, while driving. The most beautiful but time consuming journeys that ever happened to me were while traveling over heavy-loaded DTC buses and green color EMU trains.

Delhi people draw chatting with strangers anywhere and everywhere. Making the best of the moment the delhi-wallas soon babble on discussing the family issues, asking solutions and ideas from you.
Very weird! But dilli people magnetism pulls one and all into the dialogue dissolving the boundaries.

Survival Skills:-


CP @RahulSharmaWhen I was doing my college training in Delhi, there many hits and tricks to survive in the city were taught by my friends. Learnt about the short-cuts ways to the destination through the by lanes and other smart ways of getting the seat to sit in the trains : P

And one more weird but wonderful thumb rule to follow was to choose either standing for hours to see vehicles stopping by or just non-stop run and cross 3-5 roads around the circle to be on the other side saving time. Of coarse life was endangered but one has to practice it till expertise as vehicles literally does not stop for you.
So prepare to be active :P

Slow the dance and Enjoy the Music:-

CP @RahulSharmaDo you run through each day,
On the fly?
When you ask, "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

As the lines of the "Slow dance" poem (By: David L. Weatherford) goes, I felt we need to stop chasing the fast life and enjoy the moment.

Other friend of mine (Vicky) helped me to halt and salute the music. He introduced me to the Sweet-Pan sold near CP, Regal Cinema Hall, *Nizam’s Kathi kabab sold at CP(Connaught Place) and the authentic North Indian cuisine restaurant *Ek Boti Do Roti at CP have been the most appealing delicacies in Delhi. And lovely Mother dairy ice-cream cannot be forgotten or ignored.

* Address at the end of the post.

Ahh! I feel like lifting myself and dropping right to those places and relishing there at the fullest...

Ambience Tone:-

Humayun Tomb @Rahul SharmaMy beloved city Delhi brings alive the summers the terrible heat but with sweet lime sold on street.

The fog and mist of winters when hardly any driver could see through while driving on the road came with the warmth of heavy woolen clothes and jackets.

And the splendid Delhi rain or dribble-drizzle drenches the body with joy.
Call it any season; Delhi has its own very unique and radiant grace that touches heart and soul instantly without expectation.
Bits of Bliss:-

ITO @Rahul SharmaEvery day this capital of India which is full of connections, confusion, heat, dust, dirt, and hassle-bustle at Yamuna Bridge, (one that connects Lakshmi Nagar to ITO crossing) gets Still in traffic jam.

But the beauty in that Still tick is captured by the elephants tied along the banks of river Yamuna. Those huge elephants are delights halts of the hassle moment, perhaps the reason I love Delhi.


Shopping Street Shine:-

Red Fort @ RahulSharmaThose colorful Janpath shopping lanes and those little pleasant joys of being able to buy from the minimum money is significant experience.

My first tiger print stole/scarf was bought from there many years back costs just 2 dollars.

The bits of pleasure through shopping unique and inexpensive goods can be well attained from several shops/ bazaars like Dilli Haat, Janpath and Tibetan Market, Khan Market, Paharganj, Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar (Central Market)Karol bagh, Sarojini Market, Delhi-NCR.

The choices are countless but the markets are crumbling and chaotic. But sure worth for certain shopping adventures.
I remember, those long walks through the underground crowed tiny lanes of PalikaBazar and in the corridors of the CP covered with enormous branded shops was incredible and still cherished.


There's always a First Time:-

Jama Mosque @RahulSharmaWearing patiala suits with the unfurl dupatta and walks by side of the road which leads to the endless moments of history, portions of Forts, Mosques, monuments, Guru Dwara and local Bazaars in all the city confides its miraculous mysteries.

Statesman Building @RahulSharmaDelhi have been the place where I had my first cappuccino at CCD (Café Coffee Day), my first ever McDonald burger,
my coffee at Mocha with my friends.

Of coarse, latter having discovered the Cha Bar, Delhi's most happening tea lounge at Connaught Place's Statesman Tower (Barakhamba Road), which is as part of the Oxford Bookstore, was my key destination. What tempted me about this place was that the place is full of life.
A comfortable couch, reading novels while sipping the coffee/tea or glazing out the windows, the unique city life keeps occupied.

Old is Gold:-

Qutab Minar @Rahul SharmaLooking back the oldest and first memories of Delhi are when I was a little child. My paa whenever went on the tour to Delhi from Mathura, made sure to bring those lovely bird shaped balloons which were sold at IndiaGate.
And a very strange plastic toy frog shaped, attached with the thin pipe, jumped when being pumped was much loved. It was sold at IndiaGate.
One can still find those playthings sold there.

Still when I see the bubbles in air, it’s the IndiaGate thoughts that infuse my mind instantly. The first amusement park of India, Appu Ghar with its exquisite roller coasters still strikes a chord in heart.



My each day is like assorted toss in Delhi, full of charm and charisma.

 In the recent times, watching the movies like Lakshya, Rang de Basanti and Delhi-6 mesmerized glimpse of the city simply added on the admiration I have for the city spirit and experience. I still like to get hooked to the TV screen to see the celebration of the Republic Day and Independence Day to peep into Delhi’s colourful spectrum.

Brief moments but the memories last a life-time.


Lasting Moments:-

Rain @ RahulSharmaI wonder sometimes memories are so fascinating that they never fade with time rather gets stronger with each regard. But I like to remember the quote, “We must always have old memories and young hopes”.

My aesthetic static moment is Delhi! Déjà vu!!
Indeed! Delhi is full of je ne sais quoi (stylishness, sophistication)!

Perhaps one can never forget the Enduring Legend Born in New Delhi, the “Monkey Man”, the Kala Bander.

Its like what I say, desi dilli ishstyle mein kahani Sunaiyoo..oo..!!
NOTE:

  • A tini-mini thanks to Vicky for introducing me to some aesthetic sides of Delhi.
  • Heartily thanks to Rohan Devesar for the above inspiring picture of IndiaGate contribution. You have a long way to go:)  I’m glad that he instantly agreed to share the picture. Cheers Buddy!
  • I’m truly proud to have friends like Amit Semwal aka Omit d Photographer, Vinit Saini aka SRK and Rakhi for enormously support and affection.
  • And last but not least Thanks to Rahul Sharma aka Pietersen Rahul, a very aspiring passionate photographer who have his own stimulating and energizing angled pictures.
  • I also owe a million ton thanks reach out to all my friends out in Delhi, the Dell'IET/ Delhiwallas for their motivation.

Monkey-Man@ RahulSharma* Nizam's Kathi Kabab
H-Five & Six, Plaza Building,
Connaught Place,
New Delhi,
Tel. : +91-11-2332 1953
site: http://www.nizams.com/

* Ek boti Do roti
P-22/90, Connaught Place,
National Capital Territory of Delhi 110001
Tel: 011 23343935

NOTE : Request not to void the copyrights of the photographers. These pictures cannot be used anywhere eles without permission.
Hope You liked my way of Discovering Delhi Walla Life, revert your :)thoughts !!



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24 June, 2008

The Train - Jab We Missed


" The blog of Munnar was very much appreciated by my friends for the beautiful pics and sharing the bountiful information about the place Munnar. But hardly anybody know that this trip started with the Big-Bang Story making it more memorable experience ! "


~ a Brief Beginning :

We had the Train from Bangalore to Kochi, which reaches there early morning. From Kochi we had our Taxi booked to reach for our trip the destination MUNNAR, which was 4 Hrs journey again from Kochi. Everything was booked and planned in advance. Because the distance between Kochi and Bangalore is nearly 500Kms, for comfort we thought of going half way by train. Hence, there was no scope to make mistake. Everything was there according to the way we planned.
Bangalore Railway Station:
We began from home on Time to reach the Bangalore Railway Station. It took almost an hour to reach through the terrific evening traffic-jam of Bangalore. Reached before time to catch the train.
Platform No. 5 Story:
The enquiry gave information that the train Ernakulam Express is supposed to come on the Platform No.5 .We crossed the bridge, checked the hoarding Platform No. 5 & 6, arrow mark towards right side.
There was a good crowd waiting for the Ernakulam Express on the platform.
...Strange but there were no signs of the train arriving.
Reached the Platform No. 6, troubled to see nothing was written as Platform No. 5. Expected to reach Platform no. 5 getting down from the bridge...but reached Platform No. 6. Watching many people waiting on Platform No. 6, we thought there might be a mistake in the announcement. Its Platform No. 6. where the train is cumming. Yes!
Well the train was 10 minutes late. We waited, and there was no clear announcement made. We thought the train is late. We waited for next 20 minutes. Then got panicked, why the hell the train was not coming, and soon asked the shopkeeper on the Platform. He said the train came 10 minutes prior and went. Completely shattered to hear...wait what did I hear....?
Please don't get shocked to see the strange signs of P.F.No. 5 in red.

What..!!!?........Hey are you jocking...??!!!.....
No ..No...the train came at the Platform No. 5 and went away.
PLATFORM No.5.....................!
Where is Platform No 5....???
..Its way is through the lean and thin way from Platform No. 6.....
Completely pissed off..........come on rush to Station Master, He can help........! Really.......No way...
Sir, we got A.C. Tickets and all planned trip...if not reached Kochi on time...the trip will have to be dropped...............No way........!!
The Station Master replied.............."The train is on time and is non-stop"
Sir can we catch the train at next station..? Desperately we asked..
............You can't catch it to the next Platform, even if you try with your own road vehicle...Station Master said...!
  • Almost shivered..........and wondered.......how to catch the train................!!

  • It was so puzzling to think by that moment.

  • One, I could not come out of the shock of missing train.

  • Second, What next shall we do now....?


Will we now go or not...will we cancel the trip and all other arrangements made...! A sudden rush of infinite hypothetical questions hammering the brains..!
Well its not the Jab We Meet (Hindi film starting Shahid Kareena), case here.........!


You see Real and Reel life are indeed different......!
It was Jab We Missed situation for us.
So what to do.............Hey we cant drop our trip....we planned to hard for a month to make it happen....................!

  • Fine, lets have a taxi to Kochi..............Right now.................!

  • We came outside the station, took an auto rickshaw for office.

  • Sir, 30 rupees....

  • Fine...Move on............jaldi..!

  • Reached KTDC Office...

  • Hey we missed our train to Kochi....want to reach Kochi by next morning.

  • Well...we can get you the car, which one would you like.....?

  • AC (air conditioned) car..!

  • Innova Car will do ...sir ji..?

  • Fine! Arrange it as early as possible......!!

Waiting...waiting.......after an hour, the car came and we stared out journey with God's name towards Kochi, The God's Own Country...
Target to reach Kochi early morning........but the road for 25-30Kms is bad, so shall reach little late. On the way saw beautiful Mysore Palace sparkling in the moon-light which we would have definitely missed to watch if we were on train. It was then what realised that realised the fate of the journey was beautiful.
Finally reached not early morning as the train would have done...but reached nearly by 12 noon. We were about 5-6 hours late, anyway...at least the journey for the trip was there. So, we thought of getting fresh-n-up. Gave a break for 2 hours in some hotel. The real journey towards MUNNAR started, which would again take upto 4-5 Hours. We were very tired, but the scenery towards the way to Munnar was so beautiful that all our stress went away. Finally, when we reached Munnar, the place was full of greenery, tea gardens
etc. which gave an instant kick to feel active and above all

Happy.................The happy trip to Munnar took over the grief of missing the Train................!Spending more bugs, really was worth after we saw Munnar..........! And the pictures speaks more than anything.
Indeed Munnar is Must to Visit.....
...and definitely not to be Missed in any case!
"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."
..Blog Author
Hope you liked our article. Don't forget to share your view or link to us. Thanks!
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03 June, 2008

Kerala - Munnar is Must to visit

My mini trip to Munnar was more of a learning experience than just the leisure. I went there with empty hands and came back with empty purse, but the memory card full of beauty captured. My moments at Munnar are indeed one of the best time I had in travelling. The Magnificent Munnar is a Must to visit in a lifetime! And I am so glad that I did it at the silver jubilee of my life. Here is my mixed details on my mini trip to Munnar.
The Miracle started 510 years since Vasco da Gama's opened the first sea route to India. This sea voyage to India(1497-1499), is one of the defining moments in the history of exploration. It was southwest coast of India at Kerala,Calicut completely changed the Indian industrial history. Indeed, this tiny state of India , Kerala ones again making a difference in the Tourism industry with its remarkable reputation of being one of the most beautiful states. For long been known all around the world as the land of spices, today it has been nicknamed as God's Own Country. A land of lovely palm- fringed wide sandy beaches and lush green vegetation all over is a heavenly experience to visit. In 2006, Kerala attracted 8.5 million tourist arrivals, an increase of 23.68% over the previous year, making the state one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world.
  • Kerala - One of the 50 must see destinations of a lifetime - " National Geographic Travel "
    Kerela - One of the 10 paradises of the World - " National Geographic Travel "
  • Nominated as one among the three finalists at the World Travel and Tourism Council's ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ awards in the destination category - Yr.2005.

Kerala offers one of the best beaches, backwater experiences and hill stations of the country. Hill station Munnar is situated at an altitude of 5000 to 8000 Ft above sea level. Munnar have a magnificent climate and view with the sheets of tender green paddy fields, cardamom groves, pepper climber, rubber plantation, slopping plantations of tea and many more. Munnar is blessed to have the cool climate attracting many tourists from domestic and around the world all season round.

The history of tea plantation in Munnar started in the 1895 by an European A.H. Sharp, at the A.H. Sharp Parvathy estate (Present Silent Valley Estate). Since than, tea plantation have come a long way making itself as one of the biggest exporter in the world. Today, most of the tea estates are owed by Tata Group, an Indian corporate giant , generating employment to most of the local people and protecting the ecology of the environment.

Tea production, consumption and export, India has emerged to be the world leader, mainly because it accounts for 31% of global production. Tea production is perhaps the only industry where India has retained its leadership over the last 150 years. And being the tea lover its an absolute delight to see the all around green slopes of tea. I was so much carried away by the salient beauty of the green slopes of tea plantation. One can also buy the fresh Tea from the outlets and shops in the market. And believe me there are varied collection of different tastes simply opening up the senses. Buy them for yourself and also gift them to your friends.

" Munnar is a land of waterfalls and species. We also had spice-tour, visiting the farms where the we could see the rubber tree plantation and whole production process of how the rubber was extracted from the tree and made. Pepper climbers, cardamom nurtured, cocoa bushes was indeed a lifetime experience to see. Land of species , also invites people to buy cardamom, pepper, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg etc on best price with excellent quality. Homemade chocolates, honey and other oils for massage are some of the condiments to keep for sure in the buying basket. "

On the way to Munnar, there are glistening brooks and the hills finally roll down to the coastal plains of Munnar through paddy fields and coconut trees. One of the main attraction of Munnar is the Mattupetty which is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the ultimate view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Horse riding and elephant ride is also available there. It is believed that Munnar have the climate as similar to Switzerland, hence there is the Indo-Swisss Live Stock project which is well known for its highly specialized dairy. Echo gaze is another distinct picturesque beauty to visit.

Munnar way stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and magnificent monuments of churches and others statues. A wildlife lover shall love to go Eravikulam National Park, a sanctuary popular for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious). We were definitely lucky to see six such goats at the hill top. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. And the panoramic view from this place of the Munnar is simply great..where clouds touches one's head, leaving the feeling of fairy land or call it Heaven " God's own country".

Kerala is Worth a Thousand Words..Its like it's Tea, have a Sip and Experience...the Pleasure."

Somebody very well quoted saying, " If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you..." Munnar is a place revealing about peace, calmness, serenity and a blooming beauty prevails. The Miracle of Munnar is still blessing the world with its balanced eco-nature, hope the Man respects and cares for it..!

Enjoy Travelling..


"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

Hope you liked our article. Don't forget to share your view or link to us. Thanks!

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27 May, 2008

Incredible India - creative collection

The photographer (amit semwal) is ones again captured by me.....capturing the minds and the memory lane with pictures... take a ride and swing with him....
I loved all of it...but some inspires me is the Tree full of colorful kites...pigeon's feathers, street kids whom you wont feel pity but you'll love them with pride... flags at Ladak and so on..!
Its not about only the beautiful pictures but about those few seconds frozen in time for an eternity of emotions.
CHECK this link Collections by simply clicking, for clarity watch with original size..!



His captured pictures have the power to remind us of our intrinsic humanity. Compassion and kindness are the true lables for each clicks...
Its hard to express but indeed I feel blessed to be aspired through such amazing angles..



"I write the blog
not because
I need to but because
I want to."

..Blog Author

Hope you liked our article. Don't forget to share your view or link to us. Thanks!

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02 January, 2008

Mission Kashmir - redirect to Paradise.

Kashmir have always out shined as the jewel crown of India studded like diamonds on the Great Himalayan Ranges inspiring many poets, photographers, artists and above all the Bollywoodwith its enchanting natural beauty.

Very well said in Kashmiriproverb,that means "The world is a theatre of love", and surely it gets reflected in the twinkling eyes of Kashmir People

India being a place where each state have its own unique language and distinct warm culture, Kashmir in its own simple way poses all the best cards to support the tourism. People from all over the world come India only to visit and feel the magic of Kashmir despite the hassle of terrorism. When you move in the valley on the zig-zag roads, with serene smell of flowers , almost for that moment one forget the pain and anguish suffered by the people. The composed voice of locals often gets translated through the art and craft which is so beautiful and colourful.

The tranquil passes in the breeze, felt sitting in the shikarain the Dal Lake and watching Himalayas covered with white snow. The beauty is simply incomparable to any place in the world.One feels God's presence in the nature which is indeed the strength of the region. Hence we call it "Kashmir-Paradise on Earth".



I believe that the road to a tourist-filled Kashmir goes through "Gulmarg". A mountains famous for Snow Skiing, accelerating with the best quality of snow, with the competitors like Switzerland and France. My Friends made a trip to Gulmarg for the adventurous skiing, and the brought the beauty capturing it in their cameras, its aura. Even though I have not visited J&K, I got very much moved by just watching the pics..and wished to visit the place soon..

The colour and culture of Kashmir some how really fascinates me but at the same time to visit the region..I have to every time rethink of the decision keeping in view of the consequences and past history that still follows in the day to day of there life. Call it as the security status, which often peeps into the first few pages of the newspaper..or say it the mercury this New Year 2008, dipped to deepest minus degrees in last two decades.

I might be having many excuses to not to visit J&K but , interestingly I have got one very big reason to visit it, is that its pleasing food. Authentic Kashmiri cuisine, traditionally known as "Wazwan" really fascinates me. I learnt about this cuisine a long back during my IHM days. The traditional number of courses for the wazwan is thirty-six. Which includes some of the rich variety of dishes like, seekh kababs, methi korma, tabak maaz, Zafrani murg,Rogan Josh served along with heap or rice and Yakhni Pulao(rice preparation). Robust flavours of the spices like–cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron makes the food so lavishing and delicious.

"Kahwah", the green tea prepared with saffron, spices and almonds, is my favorite drink, as its washes all the oil from the throat leaves with the soothing warmth of flavoured tea. Indeed the moment, the first gulp, goes in... all I wonder is this is simply Heaven.

We often find many loops and uncertainty in the system while traveling J&K, forcing us to every time rethink t0 travel there. There have been many studies on this major issue, the tourism of J&K, and resulting into a vacuum situation every time. Hence, here we made a SWOT analysis, of the region Gulmarg. A simple analysis yet with strong strategies and thoughts to ponder on, Identifying the Strenghts , Weakness, Opportunities and Threats. Keeping SWOT in mind, we can improve on our strenghts, rectify our weakness, work on the opportunities ahead and take firm major steps for the threats. (plz download the ppt file of Gulmarg-SWOT analysis, given below.)


I shall start my journey "MISSION KASHMIR" in the valley of flowers, breeze and warmth soon because being an artist I dont want to miss the beautiful, coloureful picture made by God, to be unseen and unexplored



Enjoy Travelling..!

 


click here
PRESENTATION. Download (click here)

...redirect to PARADISE..
download PARADISE
(PPT file) Incredible India..





Check the ppt Below:

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16 December, 2007

Wah Taj..!


Taj Mahal the symbol of love..which gets propogated through its cool & calm colour of the marble..most brighter than the Moon-light. The world sees the purity & peace in the architechture and beautiful mosaic carved in the monument. A monument which peeps into a deep history of art, culture and Love.

Location: Yamuna River banks in Agra,Uttar Pradesh, India.
Construction time: 1631-1653
Spread Over: 42 acres
Built By: Mughal Emperor "Shah Jahan"
Built For: In memory of the Emperor’s dead wife "Mumtaj Mahal"
Significance: One of the Seven Wonders of the World


The Taj got listed as ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ in 1983 as a universally admired master piece of world heritage.
Taj Mahal is now part of the elite list of New Seven Wonders of The World. According to initial reports received, the Indian monument of love received one of the highest shares of votes in the poll, which was conducted through Internet, SMS and on the phone. About 100 million people had voted in the campaign through SMS and email. The campaign was begun in 1999 by Bernard Weber. And finally on the 07.07.2007, the TAj Mahal was declared the a clear winner.

Above all, the Taj Mahal was a monument to a woman...very well reflecting the beauty and honour of the soul.


Awesome pics been taken by the PHOTOGRAPHER Amit, on his Agra trip.. reflecting the vibes of Indian people and incredible marble monument with the moments captured in the camera...with the mesmerizing things.
Please take time to check out some of the most classic looks of India and its identity...the Incredible Taj Mahal..
Indeed, Taj Mahal is the pride of India, and we need to save, conserve and not to pollute it..
All I can now simple say Wah TAj..!..Wah Omit..!




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