gardentropics

Weekend Reflections

2012-01-21T06:20:00.002+05:30

You can see reflections from all over the world at James' Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-20T06:38:00.001+05:30

The bougainvillea and the hot air balloon in the night sky.

A for anglers and arches

2012-01-18T11:12:00.003+05:30

Arches of the mosque .
The angler on the tyre is unafraid of the lurking alligator.

My thanks to the team of ABC Wednesday.

Makara Sankranti

2012-01-15T06:51:00.002+05:30

Today is Makara Sankranti, a festival connected with the sun, which is observed with gusto all over India. Here, in Karnataka, women and girls go from house to house destributing sesame seeds, jaggery and copra, and pieces of sugarcane, and wishing luck and prosperity for their friends. In the evening, a great bonfire is built around which people gather to great each other and have a good time. Nowadays, bonfires are built only in villages.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous year ahead.

I am linking this to Shadow shot Sunday and Today's Flowers.

Weekend Reflections

2012-01-14T06:26:00.004+05:30

The Jarokha is the trellis work stone window found in many palaces in India. The thick walls would keep the place cool, and prevent rain water from coming in.

You can see many beautiful reflections at James! Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-13T06:14:00.002+05:30

Warmer days are setting in now. This is the sun at 6 p.m.

You can see different aspects of the sky at Skywatch Friday.

The ZZ Plant

2012-01-11T21:55:00.003+05:30

Zamioculas zamifolia is a tropical ornamental plant which can stay without water for up to a fortnight. Its leaves are always shiny and bright.

This is my contribution to ABC Wednesday today.

Our World- Water

2012-01-10T05:55:00.003+05:30

It is said that the future wars will be fought over water. This ancient well is still in use in the water-scarce Kolar city.
The mighty river begins as a small spring....
and roars down the water falls after a long journey.

Let us hope that people learn to use water,the precious gift of nature, without wasting it.

This is my contribution this week to Our World, maintained by Sylvia, Gattina, Lady Fi, Arija and Sandy.

Shadow Shot Sunday- The Corridor

2012-01-08T06:10:00.002+05:30

This is a corridor in the 500 year old palace at Mandu. It is now absolutely silent, but in its heydays, it would have been teeming with soldiers, courtiers and diplomats.

My thanks to the hosts of Shadow Shot Sunday, in which I am participating for the first time.

The Old Bridge

2012-01-07T06:14:00.003+05:30

The old bridge across the Cauvery in Srirangapatnam is 250 years old. Made of bricks and mortar, it is still strong, and used by villagers to a walk across. But modern vehicular traffic is not allowed on it. In the 18th century, the army of the East India Company marched across it to capture Seringapatam.

My thanks to James for Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday

2012-01-06T06:36:00.002+05:30

The Baheda tree is highly prized by the practitioners of Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India. It is in full bloom now, and soon there will be the fruits which are used in combination with other herbs to treat all kinds of illnesses. The brilliant blue sky of the tropical winter contrasts with the yellow catkins.

My thanks to the team of Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday- Y

2012-01-04T06:01:00.003+05:30

Yellow flowers by the yard
Care for a ride in the yellow submarine?
Or a trip to yonder China in a yacht..
to see the Yucca in bloom.
The yogi's recipe for a youth : eat yams and yellow fruit!

My thanks to the team of ABC Wednesday , which yields fun year long.

Our World Tuesday- January 3, 2012

2012-01-02T22:24:00.003+05:30

Now that the winter vacation is over, the children are busy at school. It is the time for grandpas and grandmas to rest and socialize in the park. The scented flowers of the Cannon Ball Tree is an added attraction.

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday, which has taken up where My World left.

January1, 2012

2012-01-01T10:39:00.002+05:30

The Peace lily is for peace, the Water lily is for happiness, the rose is for love, bananas for health and Strelitzia is for prosperity. May this year bring you peace, happiness, love, health and prosperity!

Say it with Flowers

2011-12-31T07:08:00.003+05:30

Wish you a very happy and healthy 2012!
I thank James for hosting this wonderful meme Weekend Reflections, and giving me endless hours of entertainment and reflection throughout last year.

Last Flowers of 2011

2011-12-30T06:29:00.003+05:30

These are some of the flowers that are blooming now in my garden. There will be nothing left of the flowers on New Year's day, as the cyclone 'Thane' has reached the eastern coast. The Met office has issued warnings of severe storms in the next two days. The skies are overcast. Gloomy skies will not deter the young crowd from partying on New Year's Eve.
Wish you a very happy 2012!

ABC Wednesday- X

2011-12-28T05:47:00.005+05:30

Xanthosoma sagittifolium is similar to Colacasia. The plant has very large, dark leaves.It can be grown in dappled shade . Its leaves are used to make a delicious dish called Patrode. The tubers are dried and powdered, and used in the place of wheat flour by those who are allergic to wheat.The leaves and tubers should be used only after careful preparation, because they might cause severe allergic reactions.
I thank the team of ABC Wednesday for hosting this interesting meme.

Our World- Playing with Water

2011-12-27T06:49:00.002+05:30

The sea at Murdeshwar is always warm and inviting.
This is the last post for Our World Tuesday for 2011. Thank you Sylvia, Gattina, Arija, Lady Fi and Sandy for hosting this very enjoyable meme.

Flowers for Christmas

2011-12-25T06:43:00.000+05:30

Warm greetings to all my blogger friends and visitors! Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful and fulfilling New Year.I am linking this post to Today's Flowers and Floral Friday.

Skywatch Friday

2011-12-23T06:31:00.000+05:30

Greetings and Good wishes for the holiday season!You can see fabulous sky pictures from all over the world at Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday- W

2011-12-21T06:31:00.000+05:30

W is for waterfalls. This is the waterfalls at Courtallam. People take a shower undeneath these falls, as the waters of this falls is reputed to have medicinal properties.

This waterfall is at Agasthiamalai.

The Gagan chukki waterfalls on the Cauvery.

The Bhar Chukki Falls.

The Jog Falls in the Western Ghats is depleted of all its splendour by the dam upstream which stores the water .I thank the team of ABC Wednesday for hosting the meme.Merry Christmas to all !

Our World- Crawford Hall

2011-12-20T06:25:00.000+05:30

The University offices in Mysore are housed in this imposing edifice known as Crawford Hall. There is a frieze of Saraswati, the goddess of learning, on it.My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday.

Tropical Flowers for Winter

2011-12-18T06:39:00.003+05:30

These are some of the flowers blooming in my garden at present. You can see more flowers at Flowers for Today. The blogger is acting up- so I am unable to connect to the link.

Weekend Reflections

2011-12-17T06:48:00.003+05:30

The bus station in Kengeri, a suburb of Bangalore.
You can see more reflections at Weekend reflections.

ABC Wednesday V for Vanilla

2011-12-14T06:08:00.002+05:30

In my vanity, I grew the versatile vanilla. But all my efforts to vertilize the vlowers were in vain. The vanessas in my garden were not very helpful, either. Verily, it is a vile vine!

My thanks to the team of ABC Wednesday for hosting this wonderful meme.

Our World Tuesday

2011-12-13T05:56:00.002+05:30

These rice fields are cultivated by a farmer living in the edge of the jungle.
On the other side of this thick forest, he also has a spice garden where he grows cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, cloves and cardamom.
He lives with his extended family here in this 100 year old house. There is no other family living within 40 kilometres from his home. The children go to school by local bus.

For us city dwellers, life here seems so idyllic, with fresh air, greenery all round, and fresh, organic food every day, but they have their own problems.

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday, where you can glimpse life in different parts of our world.

Today's Flowers

2011-12-11T05:58:00.002+05:30

This year, the hibiscus has not stopped flowering at all. Usually, they take rest from flowering during one month of winter.
The tiny blue flowers of the Jacquemontia can be seen on many fences now. In January, it will be the turn of the flamboyant Bignonia venusta to adorn the fences.

I am thrilled to have my flowers displayed by Today's Flowers. I thank the team- Santilli, Pupo, Denise and Sandy Carlson.

Weekend Reflections- Fruit Market

2011-12-10T06:21:00.002+05:30

The fruit market in Mysore is at the beginning of the flower market. You first got through the colours and smells of the fruit before you are exposed to the bright hues and intoxicating scents of the tropical flowers and herbs.

For more reflection photos, click on James' Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday

2011-12-09T06:22:00.003+05:30

Candles to the sky- the Candle Cassia has occupied many vacant plots in my suburb. The bright yellow flowers bring cheer on gloomy days.

My thanks to the team of Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday-U

2011-12-07T06:01:00.002+05:30

I am in utter confusion about the Umbrella Plant.

Some call this ubiquitous, undercover weedthe umbrella plant.
Some others state unequivocally that this is the original one. Undoubtedly, one of them is a usurper. U decide for yourself. It is not urgent.

My thanks to the team of ABC Wednesday.

Our World Tuesday- Butterflies in December

2011-12-06T06:38:00.002+05:30

Butterflies are great mimics. The female of the Common Mormon in the picture below, mimics the Crimson Rose butterfly, which is detested by the birds .

But her partner, the male Common Mormon, has no such stratagems. He is an easy target for the birds.

The Giant Red Eye butterfly is named because of its eyes. These skipper butterflies love the coconut tree, and breed in the leaves. All butterflies seem to love the blossoms of the Himalayan Blue Sage, which is flowering profusely now.
This golden brown butterfly is a stranger in my garden, whose name I don't know. Do you know it? Hopefully, in a few days, the migrating butterflies- the Blue Tigers, will stop by my garden!

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday, where you can see wonderful images from all over the world.

Today's Flowers

2011-12-04T10:47:00.002+05:30

I am thankful that I live in an area on this planet, where there are flowers and butterflies throughout the year. The Butterfly ginger which usually rests during the winter months, is putting out fragrant, silky blossoms

Another silky flower is the pink Justicia carnea.
The highly scented, native creeper, Hoya carnosa is full of buds now. The opened flowers fill the airin the night with the scent reminiscent of Brylliantine, a men's hair cream which used to be imported from England.
The bright yellow flowers of Basant- Rainwardtia indica are appearing from surprising corners in my garden.

I am so proud of this queen of all flowers, the rose. It flowers more during winter.

My thanks to Santilli, Pupo, Denise and Sandy Carlson for their great meme Today's Flowers.

You can see more flowers at Nixblog too

Weekend Reflections- Beetle

2011-12-03T06:21:00.002+05:30

In a purely technical sense, each species of higher organism-beetle, moss, and so forth, is richer in information than a Caravaggio painting, Mozart symphony, or any other great work of art.

- Edward O. Wilson

To view more reflections, click here.

Skywatch Friday

2011-12-02T05:55:00.002+05:30

Early morning over Powai lake in Mumbai. Fishing in the lake on improvised tyre floats had been banned two years ago after a crocodile attack. But some youngsters still do it for a lark.

You can see some fantastic sky shots at Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday- The Train to Tuticorin

2011-11-30T06:04:00.002+05:30

The train to Tuticorin travers through Thunbergias...
and tangy yellow Tabebuias.
It tarries not in tiger territory, but rests near the travellers palm..
for a tad of toddy in a tidy leaf cup.
It terminates at high tide at the trading town of Tuticorin.

My thanks to the team of ABC Wednesday.

Our World Tuesday- Wandering Minstrels

2011-11-29T06:10:00.002+05:30

This man with the decorated bull stood at my gate a few days ago and went on playing lovely morning ragas on his pipe. He is a Kole Basava, a wandering minstrel. Music is his life. He ekes out his living by taking the bull from house to house and playing music. The bull sometimes answers questions in your mind by nodding or shaking his head. That is another income for the bull's owner.

Wandering minstrels were a common sight all over India 10 years ago. I saw this Baul with his stringed instrument at a temple in Assam last summer. He has become too old to wander. So he sits on the temple steps and sings .

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday for their wonderful meme.

Blue Mormon

2011-11-28T06:11:00.002+05:30

The Blue Mormon Papilio polymnestor, is the second largest butterfly in India, next to the Southern Birdwing. They seem to be proliferating this year- I see the huge sky- blue shapes flitting about everywhere. This fellow was taking rest in my garden. His wingspan was around 6 inches from tip to tip.

This is my contribution to Lisa's Macro Monday.

Today's Flowers #171

2011-11-27T11:24:00.003+05:30

The red mussaenda has very bright bracts, but does not flower profusely.
The Lobster claw heliconia has bright bracts concealing small flowers.
Ixora is a native of the rain forests of the Western Ghats. It never stints on flowers.
Ruttya has unusual black lips.
My Thunbergia mysorensis has started putting out long ropes of flowers.

We are having gloomy weather now due to a depression in the eastern sea. These flowers cheer me up with their bright and cheerful faces. Hope they bring cheer to you too.

My thanks to Santilli, Denise, Pupo and Sandy Carlson for their wonderful meme, Today's Flowers. I am also contributing to Floral Friday.

Weekend Reflections- The Lonely Cormorant

2011-11-26T06:14:00.002+05:30

Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better.

- Henry Rollins

My thanks to James at Weekend Reflections for his very special meme.

Skywatch Friday

2011-11-25T06:05:00.002+05:30

The rain bearing clouds have retreated now, and the wispy white clouds in the blue sky gives some shade occasionally, to the hard working farmer.

My thanks to the team of Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday- S

2011-11-23T06:15:00.002+05:30

Welcome to ABC Wednesday, to the world of S. Today, I am going to speak about the significance of some names. Strelitzia reginae was found suitable for the suzerain.....
who sustained herself by sampling syrops from a Golden Chalice, Solandra grandiflora.
Sanchezia , certainly is named for a scientist.
Sanseveria honours the Sans,the mother-in-law in Hindi.
The Sage is from the Himalayas, like the great sage Sakyamuni Buddha, who gave us the sutras for surmounting suffering.

To see and enjoy more S words, please click here.

Our World Today- Rice

2011-11-22T06:02:00.004+05:30

Rice, Oryza sativa, is the grass which supports more than half of the human population on this planet. It was domesticated more than 5000 years ago, in South Asia. Now it is the staple food of China, Thailand, Myenmar and most of India. Besides being the main food, rice is also associated with prosperity and fertility, and so is used by the Hindus at festivals. Rice is showered on the newly weds during the wedding ceremony.

Rice is also used in funerals to make the passage to heaven easy for the departed.

There are many varieties of rice, the most famous is the fragrant, long grained Basumati rice grown in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Sadly, the rice fields near cities are being gobbled up by the builders. Since rice is a labour intensive crop, farmers find it increasingly difficult to get farm labour.

This woman is a small cultivator of a special type of red rice grown only in the Western Ghats, in India. She and her husband do most of the work in their farm, and grow enough to sustain their family. They sell the surplus.

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday, where you can see interesting aspects of our wonderful world.

Today's Flowers

2011-11-20T11:44:00.002+05:30

The Blue Sage from the Himalayas adds a welcome blue tinge to my garden now.
The dwarf Canna indica is very popular in many gardens here.
The sky blue Plumbago blooms reflect the clear blue skies.
The red Powder Puff is blooming in many gardens here.
This Cassia is a short tree with double coloured blooms.

I feel so lucky that we have flowers to cheer us up all the year round!

My thanks to the team of Today's Flowers, where you can see what is blooming in other parts of the world.

Skywatch Friday- Blue

2011-11-18T06:52:00.002+05:30

The sea at Murdeshwar is a rather greenish blue, which contrasts with the bright blue of the tropical sky. My thanks to the team of Skywatch Friday. You can see fantastic skywatch pictures here.

Reinwardtia- Narrative of a Rare Flower

2011-11-16T05:38:00.002+05:30

She was the child of the rainforest, a dryad, and a ravishing beauty.
Reared by the raven and the rhinao, she refused to read the 3R's nd grew up to be a radiant beauty.
A rambling rajah fell in love with her and re-located her to his royal residence in Rangoon. Refusing all nourishment, she relinquished her mortal coils.
The regretful royal buried her by the rapids of the river Ramganga.
Came the rainy season, and a rare flower reared up from her resting place. The reincarnation was renamed Reinwardtia.

Reinwardtia indica , or Pyoli, as it is known locally, has many ballads and folk songs in her honour. The innocence and beauty of the maiden of the rainforest of the Himalayan foothills , who refused to live in a king's palace, has inspired many a folk songster.

This is my contribution to ABC Wednesday.You can see many interesting posts , and take part yourself, by clicking here.

Our World- Murdeshwar Beach

2011-11-15T06:06:00.003+05:30

The fishing village of Murdeshwar on the Arabian Sea, has now become a favoureded tourist spot. You can see the fishermen's boats docked here.
The white sands on the beach , and the warm sea water are great attractions to visitors.
For the fishermen in their tiny boats, the sea is their 'father', who provides sustenance.

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday, where you can see snippets of our beautiful world.

Wild Flowers of the Western Ghats

2011-11-13T06:35:00.005+05:30

I could capture some of the lovely wild flowers when I visited some places in the mountainous regions of the Western Ghats last weekend. The Gloriosa superba lily is the queen of the tropical wild flowers. It is called Agnishikha, fire flower- locally. Its tuber is used in Ayurveda medicine.
The intense blue of the Snake weed makes the flowers stand out in the undergrowth of the jungle clearing. The plant is used to treat snake bites. It resembles the Porterweed which is a familiar sight in the plains.
Beautiful white flowers of the Wild Tobacco Lobelia nicoteanefolia were dotting the jungle landscape . This is also a poisonous plant. The leaves are used for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis.
I could not find the names of these two wild flowers.
This is my contribution to Flowers for Today. You can see beautiful flowers from the far corners of the world here.

Weekend Reflections- Stairs

2011-11-12T07:10:00.002+05:30

Stairs are climbed step by step.

- Turkish proverb.

This picture was taken in Mandu at the small palace built by the Moghul emperor Babur in the 16th century. These stairs are typical of early Mughal architecture.

You can see wonderful reflections from all over the world at Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday

2011-11-11T06:19:00.002+05:30

Early morning at Horanad in the Western Ghats. The clouds cover the dense tropical forests, which are dwindling at an alarming rate.

My thanks to the team of Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday- Q

2011-11-09T06:27:00.002+05:30

"What is a quisqualis?" asked the quiz master.

"Queer question!" quipped the quack. "It isn't a quail or a quotation,

nor a quadrangle or a quadratic equation.......
Can it be a quadruped carrying a quintal?"

"Not quite correct!" was the answer.

Quisqualis is the flower in the first picture. It is called Madhumalati meaning honey jasmine in its native India. When it was to be given an official name in England, the bored botanist saw it and exclaimed"What on earth is this?" , which translates to Quis qualis in Latin.

A temple of Knowledge

2011-11-08T06:31:00.003+05:30

Sringeri , in the Western Ghats is famous for the temple to Sharada, the goddess of Knowledge. There is an ancient monastery here, established by Adi Shankaracharya 1800 years ago. It is a prominent seat of Hindu philosophy.
The monastery is on the banks of the river Tunga, which is full of fish. People do not fish here out of respect for the monks.

My thanks to the team of Our World, where you can see photos from all parts of the world.

Skywatch Friday

2011-11-04T06:10:00.002+05:30

The skies of Malwa were the same clear blue as the water last month. Our skies here are perpetually grey. I am looking forward to the trip to the Western Ghats this weekend organised by the Ladies Club. I hope the skies there are colourful.

Head over to Skywatch Friday to see fabulous skies from around the world.

ABC Wednesday- P

2011-11-02T06:33:00.004+05:30

The Peacock peeked into TiPu's Palace.
The pretty palace did not pander to his vanity. Off he went to Peking....
perchance, he saw a pretty picture in Hong Kong.
The pastel coloured palace in in Mysore piqued him.
The poor man's palm- thatched palace won the prize!

My thanks to the team of ABC Wednesday.

Our World- The Blue Mormon

2011-11-01T06:24:00.002+05:30

Mormons are butterflies as well as a sect of people. Of all the mormons who visit my garden, the Blue Mormon Papilio polymnestor is the largest.
Although it is the largest butterfly to visit my garden, it is usually chased away by the much smaller jays and tigers. I was thrilled when I could at last capture a Blue Mormon yesterday as she was flitting from flower to flower.
The pale blue colour of the wings is the same shade of blue as the plumbago blossoms.

The Blue Mormon is a native of south India and SriLanka. It is a pollinator of cardamom flowers.

You can see and participate in Our World if you click here.

Flowers for Halloween

2011-10-31T06:25:00.002+05:30

Aristolochia, the Dutchman's pipe, is a strange looking flower with an unpleasant smell. It is the food plant of many butterfly larvae.
Ruttya is another strange flower blooming in my garden.

Happy Halloween!

I am linking this to Macro Monday.

Today's Flowers- Heliconia

2011-10-30T06:32:00.002+05:30

Heliconias are some of the showiest tropical flowers, sorry, bracts. They seem to have taken over my garden. I am forever cutting and removing them.

My thanks to the team of Today's Flowers for hosting their wonderful meme.

Weekend Reflections- The Singer in the Night

2011-10-29T06:06:00.002+05:30

I finally discovered who sang every night in a monotonous shrill voice. The culprit was sitting on my folded garden chair in the veranda, trying hard to look like a leaf. His long antennae gave him away.
The Katydid is related to the grasshoppers and the crickets. Commonly found in the tropics, it gets its name from its repitative call which sounds like "Katydid katydidn't". But my visitor's call sounds more like "tizi tizi"! The sound is produced both by males and females by stridulation- rubbing the forewings together. Their wings are good for producing piercing sound, but not for flying long distances.

According to some scientific studies conducted in 2010, the Katydid PLabycleis affinis has the largest testes in proportion to body mass of any animal recorded!

My thanks to James at Weekend Reflections.

Blooming Friday

2011-10-28T06:14:00.003+05:30

The yellow cosmos is a volunteer in my freedom lawn.
Shocking pink ipomea on the fence.
Pink dahlia likes sunshine.
A beautiful ground orchid which has started to bloom now.
The tiny flowers of Plectranthus'Mona Lavender' are a pleasure to behold.

Have a happy weekend!

ABC Wednesday- O

2011-10-26T06:21:00.003+05:30

Owl oscillated between the Oval and..
the ocean, for the occasion was not ordinary.
Ordering an orange orchid ...
an Oldman cactus, off he went onwards...
to meet the object of his adOration.

This is my first contribution to ABC Wednesday, which I enjoy going through every Wednesday.

Our World Today- Real Freedom

2011-10-25T06:32:00.002+05:30

Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage.

-H.L.Mencken
Monkeys are superior to men in this: when a monkey looks into a mirror, he sees a monkey.

- Malcolm de Chazal
Happy Deepavali!

You can see loads of fab photos from all over the world here.

Flowers for Divali

2011-10-23T06:11:00.003+05:30

With Divali, the festival of lights, just round the corner, autumn flowers are lightening up my garden. The golden blooms of the cassia are cascading from the bush in a corner.
The azure flowers of the Himalyan Sage are also blooming in profusion now, attracting bees and butterflies.
Next to the Himalayan Sage are the tiny white blooms of the Snake Jasmine, trying to imitate snow flakes.
The pink Euphorbia flowers throughout the year, but now it is outdoing itself.
The delicate flowers of the Galangal have just started to bloom now.

My thanks to Santilli, Denise, Pupo and Sandy Carlson for hosting Today's Flowers.

Happy Divali to all my Indian friends!

Weekend Reflections- Jami Masjid

2011-10-22T06:08:00.002+05:30

The 16th century Jami Mosque in Mandu reflects the morning sunlight with a pink glow. The local pink sandstone is now greatly in demand to use as a cladding to buildings.

You can see photos from all over the world at James' Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday

2011-10-21T06:08:00.002+05:30

This 16th century cenotaph in Indore is a favourite perch for birds. The plants growing on the pagoda are evidence of the birds' presence. It would be a pity if this beautiful historic building goes into ruin.

Watery Wednesday

2011-10-19T06:26:00.004+05:30

This is another lake in Indore which has been given new lease of life by dredging and re-foresting the periphery. Now that the lake is full , the water table has gone up and the water woes of the people are at an end. My thanks to 2sweetnsaxy for hosting Watery Wednesday

Our World

2011-10-18T06:10:00.003+05:30

Driving 100 kilometres to Mandu from Indore took more than 3 hours because of the traffic jams. Sometimes it was the shorn sheep being herded ...
and sometimes it there were caravans of camels. There were also people moving in a carnival procession from one village to another, as it was the time of Navaratri- a nine day feast.
The peacocks along the way also seemed to be having the spirit of the carnival.

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday, where you can see vignettes from all over the world, and participate too.

Pink Beauty

2011-10-17T06:14:00.002+05:30

Hibiscus is the typical tropical flower. It is still blooming profusely, but when the weather gets a little chilly, it will go to sleep.

My thanks to Lisa of Lisa's Chaos for her meme Macro Monday.

Flowers for today- Gardens of Malwa

2011-10-16T06:26:00.002+05:30

The gardens in Indore has native plants like the Mussaenda and...
the purple Porter's weed.
The gardens at Mandu have the romantic ruins as their backdrop. Well maintained lawns and neat borders are maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.
This is the garden of the Jahaj Mahal or Ship Palace in Mandu.
The walled garden of Baz Bahadur's Palace has the geometric pattern of an Islamic garden. It is lined with hibiscus bushes.

Santilli, Denise, Pupo and Sandy Carlson have this wonderful meme where you can see flowers from all over the world. Please click on Today's Flowers.

Weekend Reflections

2011-10-15T05:56:00.002+05:30

The Piplia Pala lake in Indore is now a beautiful lake with an adjoining park. Four years ago, it was hardly more than a pond. By the efforts of some environmentalists, it has been dredged, cleaned up and given a new lease of life. The idols of Ganesha and Durga are no longer permitted to be immersed in it. The little temple on its banks has many people visiting it.

To see more images of reflections, please click on Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday

2011-10-14T06:17:00.002+05:30

Blue skies over the Jami mosque in Mandu.

Please click on Skywatch to see incredibly beautiful sky shots from different countries.

Our World- the Mystique of Mandu

2011-10-10T22:34:00.004+05:30

The Malwa plateau is in the heart of India, where the historic ruins of Mandu are situated. Although the ruins of ancient palaces and fortresses are replete with the stories of conquests and battles, it is the love story of the 16th century Muslim king Baz Bahadur and the beautiful Hindu girl Rupmati, which is the stuff of ballads.

King Baz Bahadur saw Rupmati dancing, and fell in love with her. Rupmati agreed to marry him on the condition that he would ensure that she would see her beloved Narmada river every day.

The pavilion below is reputed to have been built by Baz Bahadur in one night so that his beloved could gaze on the river Narmada, flowing a hundred kilometres away.
You can still see a glimmer of water of the Narmada, in the horizon on a clear day.
Besides being an accomplishe dancer, Rupmati was a singer too. It was here that she is believed to have sung the raga Megh Malhar , and also danced to bring rain to the region.
Rain water was collected in this pond for the queen's bath.

Rupmati's beauty and accomplishments were so well known that many people fell in love with her, even without seeing her. One such man was Adham Khan, a general in the army of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Adham Khan invaded Mandu and defeated Baz Bahadur. But befor he could capture Rupmati, she had committed suicide by consuming poison.

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday, where you can see and read about many places on earth.

Today's Flowers- Flowers of Malva

2011-10-09T06:20:00.002+05:30

Malva region in the heart of India is Known for its balmy climate and its flowers. These wild mallow flowers were a very common sight there.
The rejuvenated lake of Piplia Pala in Indore had a beautiful garden beside it.
Canna indica comes in a myriad colours.

The Geiger Tree, Scarlet Cordia has bunches of tubular scarlet flowers.

You can see pictures of what is flowering now from all over the world at Today's Flowers.

Weekend Reflections- Music of Mandu

2011-10-08T06:19:00.002+05:30

During the mid-term break, I visited the historic region of Malva, with its beautiful, ruined capital Mandu. In this pavilion, the great 14th century musician Tansen, is said to have given a concert, when the candles lighted by themselves. To alleviate the great heat, the queen Rupmati danced , which brought a huge storm, and everything cooled down.

You can see many wonderful photos at James' Weekend Reflections.

Flowers for Today

2011-09-25T06:15:00.003+05:30

The huge trumpets of the Golden Chalice vine never get pollinated here. I tried my hand with a brush, but didn't succeed.
This is an old-fashioned flower called Madras Jasmine. I think it is some kind of Clerodendrum.
The Zimbabwe Creeper has attractive flowers. I have kept it as a bush.
Pink flowers of the Powderpuff plant attract bees.
A Gloriosa superba lily, past its glory, but still attractive.

You can view lots of flowers from different climate zones at Today's Flowers

Weekend Reflections

2011-09-24T10:43:00.002+05:30

I took this photo of the old, disused bridge across the river Cauvery from a moving bus. Although the river seems placid now, its raging floods caused a lot of damage in the past.

My thanks to James for hosting Weekend Reflections, with wonderful weekly pictures.

Skywatch Friday -Retreating Monsoon

2011-09-23T05:49:00.002+05:30

The statue of Sir James Gordon, the guardian of the Maharaja a hunred years ago, looks on while the monsoon clouds move away, in Mysore.

My thanks to the team of Skywatch Friday . You can see fabulous sky pictures here.

Water!

2011-09-21T06:24:00.003+05:30

The wake, as we travelled in a motorboat.

You can see more pictures of Watery Wenesday here.

Wild Places in Mumbai

2011-09-20T06:26:00.006+05:30

I came across this board as I was walking along an unfrequented path in the campus of IIT Bombay, in Mumbai. This sign is to warn the students not to venture into the jungle beyond. But boys will be boys, and many do venture out there in the dark, just for a lark!

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday.

Flowers for Today- Flowers from Mysore

2011-09-18T06:37:00.003+05:30

Hot pink Ipomea flowers are blooming on many hedges this month.
Golden yellow Cassia has also started blooming now.
The fire-engine red ixora blooms throughout the year.
The sunshine yellow marigolds are fattening in their beds.

All the flowers will be at their best in ten days, when the festivities begin.

You can see loads of flowers from all oer the world in Today's Flowers.

Weekend Reflections- River Cauvery

2011-09-17T06:06:00.002+05:30

The Cauvery is flowing serenely near Mysore. She supports millions of wildlife as well as humans.

To see great images of reflections, click on Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Flowers- Colville's Glory

2011-09-16T06:11:00.003+05:30

The city of Mysore is gearing up for the coming festival season, and even the roadside trees seem to be participating in the festivities with enthusiasm. I found these beautiful trees on roadsides and parks beginning to bloom, attracting swarms of honeybees and small birds.
Colville's Glory Colvillea racemosa looks equally spectacular in the park. The bright red buds make a stiking contrast to the yellow flowers.
The feathery green leaves of the tree are an added attraction.
The Colvillea racemosa tree can reach a height of 40 feet. It is a native of Madagascar, and it has been named after a former governor of Mauritius.

This is my contribution to Weekend Flowers and Fertilizer Friday. You can see flowers from all over the world and participate by clicking on the logo below.

Surprise Under the Bridge

2011-09-13T06:19:00.002+05:30

This lush tropical growth under a busy bridge in Hong Kong took me by surprise. Going down the steep steps led me to a foot path, which led me to the Botanical Garden!

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday, where you can see pictures from all over the world.

Flower from the Barbados

2011-09-12T06:08:00.002+05:30

Barbados Bachelor's Button is a very pretty flower, but it has become invasive in my garden. The tiny seeds get dispersed by the wind, and you see a wee little plantlet coming up bravely from between the brickwork.

You can see loads of macro shots at Lisas Chaos.

Rhapsody in Orange

2011-09-11T06:24:00.003+05:30

Orange is an uplifting colour, especially when the days are grey. The Bird of Paradise flower Strelitzia reginae never fails to bring cheer to my heart.
Gloriosa superba is a climbing lily, native to India. Its tubers are poisonous, but are useful for treating certain diseases.
Sanchezia is a native of Brazil. Its tubular yellow flowers in orange bracts are as attractive as its striped leaves.
The French Marigold can be planted with the vegetables to ward off pests.
The Four o'Clock flower blooms in all vacant lots in my suburb. The same plant has three different coloured flowers here.

You can see more flower pictures here .

I am also linking up to Today's Flowers.

Weekend Reflections

2011-09-10T06:13:00.003+05:30

Urban splendour....
rural peace. Happy Weekend!

Skywatch Spider

2011-09-09T06:10:00.002+05:30

Spiders of all size are proliferating in my garden. This Tiger spider has woven its web to catch high flying insects. Our skies seem to be grey at all times:(

Happy Skywatch Friday!

Waters of the Cauvery

2011-09-07T06:00:00.003+05:30

The river Cauvery is the river of life for this part of the world. I took these pictures as we were driving by.
Most of the rivers , including Cauvery, are considered to be feminine. Many people name their daughters after this beautiful river.

You can view great pictures of water at Watery Wednesday

Our Life- Fights

2011-09-06T06:15:00.002+05:30

I don't know what the goats commented , but the oxen took exception to it .
Earlier, they were moving in harmony along the village path!

This is my contribution to Our World.

Pink Beauty

2011-09-05T06:08:00.002+05:30

Of all the hibiscus plants, this plant produces most flowers in my garden. This is my contribution to Macro Monday.

Flowers for Today- Hong Kong Flowers

2011-09-04T10:04:00.003+05:30

The botanical gardens in Hong Kong is a treat for the eyes. The Ylang-ylang bush at the entrance to the orchidarium was full of sweet scented , greenish Ylang-ylang flowers.It is called Canaga odorata by botanists. It is known as Manoranjani in India.
The amazing flowers of the Musical Notes do look like musical notes. It is a variety of Clerodendrum.
The Ocna kirkii has flowers of yellow as well as red in the same plant. The flower is yellow when it is fresh, and turns red after it has been pollinated.
This climbing Bauhinia was full of orange flowers.
The Purple Glory Bush Tabouchina belongs to the Melastoma family.

My thanks to the team of Today's Flowers.

Weekend Reflections

2011-09-03T06:08:00.002+05:30

'May you live all the days of your life.' - Jonathan Swift.

Thank you James, for Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday

2011-09-02T05:57:00.002+05:30

The bird is waiting for the rain.

You can see more pictures of the skies from all over the world here.

Watery Wednesday- Cauvery Falls

2011-08-31T06:14:00.002+05:30

The waterfalls on the river Cauvery is a favourite picnic spot.
The oldest hydro-electric power station in Asia is situated at Sivasamudram nearby, but it is now out of bounds for tourists .

This is my contribution to Watery Wednesday.

Solace

2011-08-30T06:24:00.003+05:30

While walking in Hong Kong, I came across this 150 year old church. The calm, cool interior was a perfect place to sit and meditate.
This little island of peace is surrounded by raging traffic.

I miss the meme "My World" started by Klaus. He left the world a better place.

Wild Beauty

2011-08-29T06:24:00.002+05:30

I found this beauty on a walk in the forested area near Powai lake. The Crepe Ginger Costus speciosus has white crepe growing from red cones.

This is my contribution to Macro Monday.

Today's Flowers

2011-08-28T06:02:00.003+05:30

The abundant rain this year has made the flowering plants in all gardens more floriferous. The oleander bushes are full of flowers everywhere.
The Gloriosa superba lily flowers in this season and retreats into the ground in winter, to emerge again in the next monsoon season.
The Chinese Hat Holmskioldia is a native of India. It comes on many colours like the yellow one above, and...
this orange one
The cream flowers of the Nerium Oleander are not so popular as the pink one, but I like it better.

My thanks to the team of Today's Flowers.

Weekend Reflections- Hong Kong

2011-08-27T06:20:00.002+05:30

I was away for some time due to a tragedy in my family.

I am resuming blogging with this image from Hong Kong.

My thanks to James at Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Reflections- Lalbagh Lake

2011-08-06T05:53:00.002+05:30

The Lalbagh lake in Bangalore is one of the few lakes that is still surviving in the district in spite of the hectic building activity all round.

My thanks to James for his wonderful meme Weekend Reflections.

Watery Wednesday

2011-08-03T06:21:00.002+05:30

The rain of yesterday left these drops on the Alocasia leaf.

To see more images of water, please click on Watery Wednesday hosted by 2sweetnsaxy.

My World - Street Vendors

2011-08-02T06:15:00.002+05:30

Flowers, notebooks and bananas are sold cheaply by street vendors. The flower vendor has fragrant , yellow Michaelia Champak flowers, White jasmine strung into malas , the orange Kanakambara flowers and red roses.
This vendor has a cart with wheels, on which he sells seasonal local fruit. Now it is the season of the purple Jamun Syzygium cumini, also called Malabar Plum and Portuguese plum. This is a fruit of high medicinal value. The stomach infections which are common during this season , vanish if you eat two or three Jamun fruit. The seeds are used in Ayurveda for controlling diabetes.

My thanks to Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Sylvia and the Fishing Guy for hosting My World every Tuesday.

Chalice of Gold

2011-08-01T06:15:00.002+05:30

The large flowers of the Chalice vine Solandra grandiflora are cream coloured when they open.
They turn an attractive gold colour the next day.

My thanks to Lisa for Macro Monday.