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.
As the weekend approaches, with exams done, all I wish is that I could get away somewhere... anywhere! Of course, other matters call, and I know I can't, but meanwhile, I try to console myself with all the photos I have clicked on the recent trips....
These wide open spaces... the mountains, the rivers.... these are what I love to see.... the kind of place where I wish to be.... without a single other human in sight!
I clicked these photos somewhere on the way back from Goa. The Konkan railway offers views like none other, especially in the monsoon, which is why this is my entry for Skywatch today!
For more beautiful skies from around the world, visit the Skywatch Page!
Such gorgeous and peaceful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ladyfi!
DeleteBEautiful! gorgeous reflections!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura!
DeleteBrilliant landscapes! Nice shots.
ReplyDelete