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
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.
Beautiful breathtaking view indeed
ReplyDeleteThanks Aarti!
DeleteAnd I can only imagine how this will look once it catches golden light! Lovely capture.
ReplyDeleteIt 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
DeleteThanks for sharing the beautiful picture of Shimla. In spite of horrendous development, Shimla is still a charming place.
ReplyDeleteYes, 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..
DeleteFantastic ! - I REALLY want to travel through India one day!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! I hope you can come and travel all through India soon!
DeleteWhat a beautiful scene, I love the mountains! Thanks for sharing your skies! Happy Skywatching!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eileen!!
DeleteBeautiful Picture
ReplyDeleteThanks Vishal!
DeleteLovely capture of nature and architecture...the red really stands out.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lorri!!
DeleteLovely photo. Frame it!
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Thanks Niranjan!
DeleteNice. Never saw snow peaks from the mall. Winter effect?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Arun! yes, certainly it is the winter effect! plus unusually clear skies for the weather!
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