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Shantiniketan Trip – Exploring the villages nearby

March 10, 2015March 13, 2015Posted in KolkataTagged Bolpur, Kolkata, rural Bengal, Shantiniketan, Villages in Shantiniketan, weekend getaway near Kolkata40 Comments

farmer going to field, bolpur, shantiniketan, rural life,

This is the concluding part of my travelogue on Shantiniketan trip in January, 2015. If you missed the earlier posts here are the links Weekend Trip to Shantiniketan: Day-1 and Day-2: Exploring Visva Bharati and Tagore’s abode in Shantiniketan.

Day 3 – Exploring the locality and the villages nearby

I got up early that morning and set out to explore the village nearby. I wandered along the village road to feel the essence of the place. It’s been a long time I have been to a village. Here are some moments of a morning spent in rural Bengal. Hope you like them.

When I started the sky was pale blue.

I passed the green rice fields

and followed the village road

to find haystacks on both sides, a common thing to see in rural areas.

The village was waking up slowly. Women were already at the pond, doing dishes and washing

while these ducklings kept vigil on them. 🙂

The stray dogs seemed tired and busy in resting after nightlong watch.

The farmer sets out for the fields.

The sun was already above the horizon and it reminded me that I had to go back to hotel.

While returning I stood by this fishpond to see nice reflections of palm trees in the water.

With the sun shining bright the rice fields looked greener and lovelier to me.

And I collected a souvenir from the groves beside it.

Beautiful! Isn’t it? 🙂

P.S: We boarded Howrah Express from Bolpur-Shantiniketan at 1:10 pm and reach Howrah comfortably at around 3:30 pm. Cost of the trip was Rs 2300 per head. It includes train fare, accommodation, food, sightseeing and pick and drop – all of which I mentioned in detail in my previous two posts – Weekend Trip to Shantiniketan: Day-1 and Day-2: Exploring Visva Bharati and Tagore’s abode in Shantiniketan.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Orange

March 8, 2015March 8, 2015Posted in Photo challengeTagged orange, Photo challenge, photography30 Comments

ORANGE is the happiest color. ~ Frank Sinatra

Orange is a warm color that exudes a lot of positive energy. I share some of my positive moments in orange in response to this week’s photo challenge. I find orange almost everywhere.

Orange in the garden.

Orange in the sky at Pushkar.

Orange in the robes of folk singers in Shantiniketan.

Orange in Pink City Jaipur.

Orange in the arches of Amer Fort Palace courtyard.

And finally, the orange fireball at sunset.

Explore The Elements – Travel Photoblogging Challenge 2015

March 3, 2015March 13, 2015Posted in Photo challengeTagged air, earth, explore the elements, fire, Photo challenge, photo contest, Thomas Cook, travel photography, water41 Comments

the himalayas, himalayan peaks, earth, explore the elements, photo contest

As I follow Voyager for life – Renuka’s Blog I received email notification of her new blog post yesterday. It was on Thomas Cook Explore the Elements Photo Contest. As soon as I saw her post on the same I felt the urge to take part in this wonderful travel photoblogging contest. The contest is about submitting at least one photograph representing each of the basic elements of the world – Earth, Water, Fire and Air. You can visit the link for more details of the contest – Explore The Elements.

Following are my entries for the contest:

Earth

Represents the hard, solid objects of the earth associated with stubbornness, collectiveness, physicality and gravity.

jaisalmer, cityscape, rajasthan, explore the elements, photo contest — Jaisalmer Cityscape – The houses built of yellow sandstone reminds me of collectiveness of human civilization.

Water

Represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.

water, dew drops, nature, travel photo contest, explore the elements — Dewdrops on the petals of the periwinkle in a resort in Almora, Uttarakhand. I can associate it with adaptability of water. It reminds me how water changes from one form to another and continues nature’s cycle.

Fire

Represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world Associated with security, motivation, desire, intention, and an outgoing spirit.

diwali, diya, fire, explore the elements, travel photo contest — The tapering flame of the ‘diya’ represents the festive spirit of Diwali, one of the most coveted festivals of India

Air

Represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement Associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom.

bird, Kausani, Uttarakhand, travel photo contest, explore the elements — **Official entry for Explore The Elements contest** – I found this red bird perched on the top most branch of a tree in Kausani, Uttarakhand. Birds are naturally blessed to enjoy freedom of movement.

bee, elements of air, travel photo contest, explore the elements — This little bee came to the poppy in search of nectar in Indian Botanic Garden, Calcutta.

Now I need to spread the word as per the rule of the contest.

I nominate five bloggers who are crazy travelers and wonderful photographers as well 🙂

Jithin of Photrablogger
Svetlana of Maverickbird
Suyash Chopra of Suyash Chopra – Drink Life to its Lees
Himanshu of Everything Candid
Archita of A Journey Called Life

I am happy to participate in the contest. Hope you like my entries. 🙂

Have a wonderful week!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Reward is finding joy in small things

February 28, 2015March 1, 2015Posted in Photo challengeTagged nature photography, Photo challenge, photography, reward48 Comments

For me reward is finding joy in small things.

It can be admiring the shiny droplets of water on giant taro leaves (colocasia) right after the rain.

It can be following tapping sound in a quiet afternoon to find a woodpecker on the palm tree in your backyard. (It’s rewarding because we don’t often see such birds except crow, pigeons and sparrows in the concrete jungle of urban life. 😦 )

It can be discovering beauty in wildflowers that bloom by the road and we never bother to look at. They may look ordinary but get closer and you’ll see beauty in them too.

It can be watching animals play in the wild.

It can be getting up early and rushing to the garden to discover the buds you saw yesterday turned to flowers.

It can be waking up to a beautiful morning after a terribly dark rainy night and see the rays of gentle morning sun tear apart the cloud and flood the valley.

It can be resting under the cool shades of a tree after a long walk in a summer morning and feel rejuvenated.

And finally, it is when I see my little niece happily playing, singing and smiling all by her.

My ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tour – Part III

February 27, 2015February 27, 2015Posted in ICC Cricket World CupTagged Adelaide, Auckland, Australia, Cricket, cricket world cup, Hamilton, Hobart, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, ICC Cricket World Cup Tour, Melbourne, Napier, New Zealand, Sydney6 Comments

CWC 2015, ICC Cricket World cup, Cricket, Australia, New Zealand

Hope you are enjoying the matches of this 2015 cricket world cup with your favorite teams winning. There were some exciting matches too between some not so popular teams. For example, the match between Ireland and UAE (match #16 on Feb 25) where Ireland beat UAE in the last over of the match. For me this was so far the most exciting match of the world cup. As the tournament is taking more exciting turns so is my tour (err…virtual tour 😛 ) of Australia and New Zealand. However, I don’t want to stretch it longer because I want to watch the final at home, completely relaxed. 😉 So, this is the last and the concluding part of my virtual tour of the Cricket World Cup 2015. If you have missed the first two here are the links – My ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tour – Part I and Part II.

Wellington – Match #22, #36, #46 (Quarterfinal)

While Wellington is going to host three more matches of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 we’ll have plenty of time to explore the region. Wellington is a beautiful city which ranked 4th in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities to Visit in 2011. So you can expect a lot from your tour of the city. A ride on Wellington’s historic cable car is a must-do to get the glimpses of the city’s main attractions in one go. The cable cars depart in every 10 minutes from Lambton Quay in the city center. Or you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Oriental Bay beach after the matches. Well, there is no dearth of beaches in the city though. But if you are a nature lover Zealandia Sanctuary awaits you with a treasure of exotic flora and fauna of the region. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from the city. Find out the secrets of some most fascinating Hollywood movie making such as Lord of The Rings on a guided tour of Weta Cave.

Match details:

Match #22 (March 1) – England Vs Sri Lanka
Match #36 (March 12) – South Africa vs UAE
Match #46 (March 21) – A4 vs B1 (4^th Quarterfinal)

Brisbane – Match #23

While Pakistan takes on Zimbabwe at The Gabba on 1^st March you can enjoy a river cruise in Brisbane. The Brisbane River connects most of the inner-city precincts and sets the stage for a whole range of outdoor adventures, riverside attractions and dining options. And don’t forget to pay a visit to cute koalas as they are waiting for you at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the suburbs of Brisbane.

Match details: Match #23 (March 1) – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe

Canberra – Match #24

Canberra has a lot to offer. If you want to know about Australia as a nation this is a great place to start with. From National Zoo and Aquarium to National Gallery and Museum of Australian Democracy – an extensive city tour can give you insights about the history, art and culture Down Under. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the city’s most iconic monument Australian War Memorial. Australian National Botanic Gardens offers a refreshing leisure escape from the city.

Match details: Match #24 (March 3) – South Africa vs Ireland

Napier – Match #25, #31, #41

With an eclectic mix of Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco architecture and the beautiful Hawke’s Bay to set the backdrop Napier is peaceful retreat. The downtown area was reconstructed in Art Deco style after the devastating earthquake of 1931. Art Deco tour in the city is one of the popular things to do in Napier. On the contrary, excursions by the bay will give you many of such pleasing views of the city of Napier to enjoy.

Match details:

Match #25 (March 4) – Pakistan vs UAE
Match #31 (March 8) – New Zealand vs Afghanistan
Match #41 (March 15) – West Indies vs UAE

Perth – Match #26, #28

The capital city of the state of Western Australia enjoys Mediterranean type climate, which is ideal for beachfront activities. Whether you want to watch beautiful sunsets by the Indian Ocean or visit the aquarium to witness Australia’s rich marine life or take cycling tour of the city choices are a plenty. If you have time after the world cup matches head to Swan Valley for a wine tour or take a day trip to Nambung National Park to witness the exotic landscape formation called The Pinnacles and get the taste of Australian Outback.

Match details:

Match #26 (March 4) – Australia vs Afghanistan
Match #28 (March 6) – India vs West Indies

Nelson – Match #27

Split Apple Rock in the Tasman Bay, is an interesting geological absurdity. It is located in shallow water where you can wade to it. As a popular tourist attraction in Abel Tasman National Park it is accessible from ‪Nelson, the venue of tomorrow’s ‪‎Cricket World Cup match #27 between Bangladesh and Scotland.

Match details: Match #27 (March 5) – Bangladesh vs Scotland

Auckland – Match #29, #39, #47 (semifinal)

Auckland, the venue of ICC cricket world cup matches, is a cosmopolitan city which is built in similar patterns as is Los Angeles. The city is home to plush shopping malls and international designer boutiques. If you want to get the vibe of Kiwiland check out the bustling city markets such as Victoria Park Market and Takapuna Market full of shops, cafes, eateries and crafts stores from where you can collect goodies and local made artifacts as souvenirs.

Match details:

Match #29 (March 7) – South Africa vs Pakistan
Match #39 (March 14) – India vs Zimbabwe
Match #47 (March 24) – 1^st Semifinal

Hobart – Match #30, #35, #40

Booming tourism in Australia’s southernmost town Hobart has plenty to offer starting from historic city tour (Salamanca Market, Battery Point) to unique Cadbury Chocolate Factory tour to conventional full-day sailing cruise. But the most exciting part of your Hobart travel could be Hobart City Flight which is a 30-minute scenic flight in a small plane over Mt Wellington and Derwent River. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of Hobart coastline

Match details:

Match #30 (March 7) – Zimbabwe vs Ireland
Match #35 (March 11) – Sri Lanka vs Scotland
Match #40 (March 14) – Australia Vs Scotland

Sydney – Match #32, #38, #43 (Quarterfinal), #48 (semifinal)

Sydney the famous Harbour City in Australia is the capital of the state of New South Wales. With its rich heritage, art and culture there is no dearth of options when it comes to entertainment and touristy activities in and around Sydney. After watching all those big matches at Sydney Cricket Ground you definitely need to chill out. And what can be a better place than Tamarama Beach which is only 7 kilometers from the bustling business precinct of Sydney.

Match details:

Match #32 (March 8) – Australia vs Sri Lanka
Match #38 (March 13) – England vs Afghanistan
Match #43 (March 18) – A1 vs B4 (1^st Quarterfinal)
Match #48 (March 26) – 2^nd Semifinal

Adelaide – Match #33, #42, #45 (Quarterfinal)

Adelaide Botanic Garden – A must see in Adelaide, ‪Australia. Do you know there are 275 more things to do in ‪‎Adelaide other than watching ‪Cricket World Cup? Here is a comprehensive list of things to do in Adelaide. Hope you don’t get carried away with all these touristy activities and forget to watch the match between – England and Bangladesh on 9^th March here in Adelaide. 😉

Match details:

Match #33 (March 9) – Australia vs Sri Lanka
Match #42 (March 15) – England vs Afghanistan
Match #45 (March 20) – A3 vs B2 (3rd Quarterfinal)

Hamilton – Match #34, #37

Initially an agricultural center Hamilton today is a booming city in Waikato, New Zealand. The city offers a plenty of things to do for tourists and locals alike. You can visit the zoo, or go shopping in the Downtown Plaza, or hit the gaming parlours in SKYCITY Hamilton for nonstop fun and excitement. Those who seek some quiet scenic escape can visit Hamilton Gardens or take a stroll along the Waikato River that splits the city in two halves. But the best way to see Hamilton is a hot air balloon ride.

Match details:

Match #34 (March 10) – India vs Ireland
Match #37 (March 13) – New Zealand vs Bangladesh

Melbourne – #44 (Quarterfinal), FINAL

The world is round and we have now reached where we started our 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Tour – Melbourne. 🙂 The city is said to be the cultural hub of Australia and offers plenty of Victorian style architecture to behold and photograph. For example, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trinity College, Scots Church, Flinders Street Station and so on.

Match details:

Match #44 (March 19) – A2 vs B3 (2^nd Quarterfinal)
FINAL (March 29)

P.S: My four semifinalists are Australia, NZL, India and South Africa. What are yours? And how did you enjoy the Cricket World Cup tour with me? Don’t forget to share your opinion in the comment box below. 🙂

Disclaimer: All Images in this post are taken from Internet.

My Sunset Moments #4 – Spellbound at Shantiniketan

February 25, 2015February 25, 2015Posted in PhotographyTagged sunset, sunset photography30 Comments

When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

It’s been one month since I made the trip to Shantiniketan still the charm of that peaceful retreat is vivid in my mind. And when I thought about a beautiful sunset I have enjoyed in recent times I could remember this one at Srijani Shilpagram, Shantiniketan.

The sun slid behind the leafy branches of eucalyptus setting the sky on fire. I stood speechless for some time and then slowly walked towards the main gate of the ground where my family was waiting for me.

P.S: In case you have missed the first three of my sunset moments here are the links for you.

My Sunset Moments #1

My Sunset Moments #2

My Sunset Moments #3

My ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tour – Part II

February 22, 2015February 27, 2015Posted in ICC Cricket World CupTagged 2015 Cricket World Cup, Australia, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, ICC Cricket World Cup Tour, New Zealand4 Comments

We have already seen some exciting matches like India Vs Pakistan, some upsets like WI Vs Ireland and some scintillating performances like Brendon McCullum’s against England. It’s time for me to take you to the next leg of my ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 tour. If you have missed the first part take a quick look My ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Tour – Part I.

Match #14 – Christchurch

The Brighton Beach Kite Festival is over for this year but while England takes on its neighbour Scotland on the 14th match of 2015 Cricket World Cup at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, you can still enjoy an array of activities by the beach including swimming, surfing, bird watching.

Brighton Beach Kite Festival , Christchurch, ICC cricket world cup match — Flying kites at New Brighton Beach

Match #15 – Canberra

The prime reason behind your visit to ‪‎Canberra on 24^th Feb might be ICC‪ Cricket World Cup match no. 15 – WI Vs Zimbabwe. But who says sports, food and walking tours cannot go hand in hand? While you visit the main attractions of Canberra don’t miss the Summerside Festival celebrating local and seasonal produce. It also offers an opportunity to taste the best of local wines and enjoy exciting events and exhibitions.

Canberra, ICC cricket world cup venue, WI Vs Zimbabwe — Canberra Parliament House -the brooding ground of Australian Democracy

Match #16 – Brisbane

Brisbane is said to be one of the world’s friendliest and liveliest cities. The best way to explore Brisbane is to go cycling. There are separate lanes for cycling along the riverside. Bicycles are available on rent at the centre of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. You can rent one for 24 hours or for a week. While Ireland takes on UAE on 25^th you can enjoy a cycling tour of the city. If cycling is not your forte book a river cruise or fix a meeting with the koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary as part of your visit to the city.

cycling in brisbane, Icc cricket world cup, 2015, cricket — Cycling is the best way to get around in Brisbane

Match #17 – Dunedin

Otago Peninsula at the eastern most part of Dunedin is the home to exotic flora and fauna. The region can rightly be termed as the ‘Wildlife Capital of New Zealand’. With picturesque walkways along the coast, breathtaking views from the steep cliffs, the beautiful Larnach Castle, Glenfalloch Gardens, the Marine Studies Centre Aquarium, and local Arts & Crafts center you have lot more waiting for you in Dunedin apart from the world cup match between Scotland and Afghanistan. I wonder which is more beautiful – Scottish Highlands or Dunedin’s Otago Peninsula?

Dunedin, icc cricket world cup, cricket match — Cape Saunders, Otago Peninsula , Dunedin

Match #18 – Melbourne

While Sri Lanka takes on Bangladesh in 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup on 26th February you have plenty of time to enjoy in Melbourne. Go off the beaten tracks in the city for some beach side adventure. Drive down to Mornington Peninsula, about 70 km from Melbourne, featuring rugged coastline with untamed waves ideal for surfing and wakeboarding.

melbourne, Icc Cricket world cup 2015, — It’s surfing time in Melbourne

Match #19 – Sydney

I am expecting an exciting cricket match between South Africa and West Indies on 27th February. But even if you are on a short trip to attend the ICC World Cup match you just cannot leave the city without a visit to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. It is needless to say the harbor and the opera both have a lot in store for visitors.

Sydney, icc cricket world cup, world cup 2015 — the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House

Match #20 – Auckland

Located on the North Island of New Zealand Auckland is the largest and most populous city in the country. The faceoff between the host and co-host of ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup is going to take place here in Auckland on 28^th. I believe this is going to be the most exciting match at the initial round of the world cup. So, it will be difficult to miss even a single over for cricket lovers but you’ll have plenty of time in the evening to witness the fascinating Auckland Lantern Festival 2015 which will take place from 26 February to 1 March 2015 from 5 – 10.30 pm every evening, at Albert Park.

Auckland, AUstralia vs NZL, ICC cricket world cup — Mesmerizing Chinese Lantern Festival in Auckland

Match #21 – Perth

On the same day India will be playing against UAE in Perth, the capital of the state of Western Australia. The metropolitan area of Perth offers many urban entertainment facilities including pubs, bars, and theaters you can find beauty of nature in the city parks such as Kings Park, Bold Park, and Lake Monger. Though I would like to see India win against UAE but I could skip the match for a sailing in the beautiful Swan River in Perth. What do you say?