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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 - Phantom Rock, Wayanad

For Skywatch today is an interesting natural sight – the Phantom Rock near Ambalavayal town in Wayanad, Kerala.



This natural, metamorphic rock resembles a skull, which brings about its name.


It is visible from quite a distance, which only enhances its popularity.


Locally, it is called ‘Cheengeri Mala’ or ‘Thalappara’, which means ‘stone head’.


For more beautiful skies from around the world, visit the Skywatch Page. 

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Location: Phantom Rock, Kerala 673593, India

Comments

  1. R Niranjan DasJune 7, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    Have heard about this rock a lot. Yet to visit it. It looks so precariously placed there. Nice clicks!

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/06/alibaug-beyond-beach.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 7, 2013 at 3:33 PM

      Thanks Niranjan. It is really placed precariously and its amazing to see it still standing like this!

      Delete
  2. MridulaJune 7, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    And I had not heard of it at all before today. They look majestic. catch up with your blog once i am back on the other side of June.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 7, 2013 at 3:34 PM

      Thanks Mridula! it is really a majestic sight! and all the best for your trek! I look forward to your posts!

      Delete
  3. thomasJune 7, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    A majestic rock.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 7, 2013 at 4:57 PM

    What a wonderfully moody rock! Great pics.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnuJune 7, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    I've heard about Chengeri Mala / Thalapara, but never seen them. The picture of the rock against the sky is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 9, 2013 at 11:11 AM

      Thanks Anu!! you should go see it someday! really beautiful place!

      Delete
  6. IndraniJune 8, 2013 at 6:31 AM

    There is a spooky place in Wayanad, could you visit it?

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 9, 2013 at 11:12 AM

      No Indrani, we couldnt visit that. I did hear of it, but our time went off in other pursuits :D

      Delete
  7. KusumJune 14, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Very interesting! There are so many unheard of places.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 28, 2013 at 8:30 PM

      Thank you Kusum! there indeed are many such places across India!

      Delete
  8. UnknownJune 14, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. SudhageeJune 19, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    Never heard of this, Anu. But then I don't really know much of Wayand. Nice captures all.

    ReplyDelete

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