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The Elephanta Caves

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
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Skywatch Friday: Abbey Falls

Located in the heart of Coorg, the Abbey falls are on every tourist's itinerary. In the monsoon and the months following, the water cascades 21 m in a rush, drenching the surroundings with its spray, and rendering the whole area slippery and dangerous. In the summer, however, we see a far tamer version....




It is the local stream, called the Mutharmuttu, which cascades down this rocky gorge, forming this gorgeous waterfall. The name, however, comes from the Kodava word for waterfall - abbe. 



Interestingly, the British called these falls, Jessy Falls, in memory of the daughter of Madikeri's first chaplain, or so says the board here. The board also cautions visitors against trying to bathe in the falls, as the boulders are slippery, but a few deaths each year don't seem to keep enthusiasts at bay yet. 



A conveniently constructed bridge across the stream provides the perfect camera angle for eager visitors, and as far as I could see, even the searing summer sun and lack of water didn't seem to discourage tourists. 

For more beautiful images from across the world, visit the Skywatch Page. 
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Location: Abbi Falls, Hebbettageri, KA 571201, India

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 29, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    Its Nice. I too visted this place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarDecember 1, 2013 at 8:02 AM

      Thank you. I guess everyone who visits coorg visits the falls :D

      Delete
  2. Valladolid Daily PhotoNovember 29, 2013 at 5:01 PM

    Great contribution to the theme day. Enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. R Niranjan DasNovember 29, 2013 at 7:11 PM

    Nice captures of Abbey falls.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarDecember 1, 2013 at 8:03 AM

      Thank you, Niranjan! I am sure you would have seen the falls in better form than that!

      Delete
  4. UnknownNovember 30, 2013 at 12:51 AM

    Pictures are very beautiful,

    Please tell me more about this Skywatch and if we can link our blog there

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 30, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    Lovely shots of the falls.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pune DiariesNovember 30, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    Hey your blog is an interesting read! Check out our blog punediaries.com-for all the talking and listening taking place in the city of Pune! -

    ReplyDelete

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