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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.

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. 

Comments

  1. 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

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

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  2. 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.

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

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  3. What a wonderfully moody rock! Great pics.

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

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

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

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

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  6. Very interesting! There are so many unheard of places.

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

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  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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

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