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The Vaishnodevi Experience 2023

My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
3 comments

Skywatch Friday - Mountains and Monuments



The best thing about Shimla is its colonial architecture, and the beautiful views of the surrounding Shivalik ranges and Himalayan peaks. Having just returned from a visit to the erstwhile summer capital of the country, I can't stop thinking of the beautiful views we woke up to, for a whole week. So, for Skywatch today is one such view... from the Mall at Shimla.

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Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Comments

  1. AartiJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    Beautiful breathtaking view indeed

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  2. MridulaJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    And I can only imagine how this will look once it catches golden light! Lovely capture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:42 PM

      It was so beautiful, Mridula! I spent early mornings and late evenings just by the window in our room watching the play of light on the snow clad hills. unfortunately, i couldnt capture the beauty satisfactorily with my camera. need to learn how to :D

      Delete
  3. PoornaJanuary 4, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful picture of Shimla. In spite of horrendous development, Shimla is still a charming place.

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:43 PM

      Yes, Poorna. In spite of all the horrendous development, as you put it so well, Shimla is still charming! wonder how long it will last though if such 'development' continues..

      Delete
  4. UnknownJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    Fantastic ! - I REALLY want to travel through India one day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:43 PM

      Thanks!! I hope you can come and travel all through India soon!

      Delete
  5. eileeninmdJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    What a beautiful scene, I love the mountains! Thanks for sharing your skies! Happy Skywatching!

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  6. Vishal RathodJanuary 4, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    Beautiful Picture

    ReplyDelete
  7. LorriJanuary 4, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    Lovely capture of nature and architecture...the red really stands out.

    ReplyDelete
  8. R Niranjan DasJanuary 7, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    Lovely photo. Frame it!

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  9. ArunJanuary 8, 2013 at 3:05 PM

    Nice. Never saw snow peaks from the mall. Winter effect?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 8, 2013 at 3:26 PM

      Thanks so much, Arun! yes, certainly it is the winter effect! plus unusually clear skies for the weather!

      Delete

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