The Elephanta Caves , located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, about 11 Km off the coast of the Gateway of India, Mumbai, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to these caves, excavated probably in the 6 th century CE, is awe-inspiring, and also thought-provoking. Over the years, I have visited the caves a number of times, and also attended a number of talks by experts in the fields of art, history and archaeology on the caves. Together, they help me understand these caves, their art, and the people they were created for, just a little bit better. Every new visit, every new talk, every new article I read about the caves, fleshes out the image of what the island and the caves would have been like, at their peak. I last wrote about the caves on this blog, in 2011, almost exactly 11 years ago. Since then, my understanding of the caves has, I would like to think, marginally improved. Hence this attempt to write a new and updated post, trying to bring to life, the caves of Elephan
For Skywatch Friday today is a place I havent been able to get out of my mind since I returned from my Diwali trip... the Lonar Crater....
This photo was taken from the banks of the crater lake... the reflection of the mountains surrounding it and the sky, in the green waters of the lake was just too beautiful for words... the temple in the middle just added to the beauty... Look out for more detailed posts on Lonar in the next few days!
This photo was taken from the banks of the crater lake... the reflection of the mountains surrounding it and the sky, in the green waters of the lake was just too beautiful for words... the temple in the middle just added to the beauty... Look out for more detailed posts on Lonar in the next few days!
Lonar crater
The crater at Lonar is the
third largest crater in the world, formed when a meteorite fell on earth about
50,000 years ago.
Location: The crater is
located on the outskirts of the village Lonar in the Buldana District of
Maharashtra.
- The nearest airport is at Aurangabad, 122 Km away.
- The nearest railway station is Jalna, 90 Km away.
- The nearest bus stand is at Lonar, which is well connected to Jalna as well as Aurangabad.
Where to stay: There are
a few hotels and lodges in Lonar, but the best option is to stay at the MTDC
resort which overlooks the crater.
Beautiful capture! Happy sky watching.
ReplyDeleteMoon
THanks so much, Liz! Happy skywatching to you too
DeleteNice capture.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Thanks Niranjan!
DeleteNever been there! Lovely capture Anu :)
ReplyDeleteYOu should go there, Arti! Its beautiful and so serene!
DeleteHello: I discovered your blog when I was looking for information on Hampi. I loved ur posts on Hampi which I intend to visit soon. I have now started to follow ur other posts too. This one for Lonar Crater was eye opening. I had no idea we had a crater lake in India.
ReplyDeleteCan you put more details about your journey to Lonar? For example, what activities are available and how many days were you able to spend there etc. I would greatly appreciate it.
I have recently moved to Pune and hence have been looking to explore Maharashtra. Thanks for all your posts.
Shekhar
Thanks so much, Shekhar! Hope you keep coming back and find more interesting things to read about and visit. About Lonar, a detailed post is coming up soon!
DeleteWe also visited Lonar during a Diwali holiday. Guess you had a nice and quiet Diwali :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Bindhu, we certainly did!!! and your blog was a great help.. been wanting to visit ever since i read about it there... and finally did! Yaaay!!
DeleteI have heard of this place from Vinni, but this picture completed the imagery.
ReplyDeleteThanks Zephyr!! hope you like the pics which are yet to come too.. and its a beautiful place! the next time u are here, make some time for Lonar... get the L&M to get away for a while... and both of u will have a memorable trip :D
DeleteLovely photo. I had no idea about the Crater Lake. Sometimes such amazing things of nature come that make us really spellbound. Wated to read the detailed post on the Lake
ReplyDeleteFor a once-upon-a-time geologist, I have yet to visit Lonar. :-( Looking forward to reading all about Lonar in one of your forthcoming posts.
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