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Odisha Part 7: The Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneshwar

The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneshwar gets its name from the stone used to build it - the red and yellow sandstone used here is locally called Rajarani. This temple was once known as the Indreshwara temple, which is mentioned in the Ekamra Purana, which tells us about the temples of Bhubaneshwar, which was then known as Ekamra Kshetra. Today, the temple stands in a well-maintained lawn, and is the only ticketed monument within the city. The temple is built in the typical Kalinga style, with the tall curvilinear shikara over the garbagruha , and a jagamohana connected to it. The temple is believed to date back to the 11 th century, and is most well known for its sculptures. The entrance to the temple has two pillars with a Naga couple protecting the sanctum, holding garlands in their hands. The base of the pillar shows 3 lions standing over 3 elephants, a typical motif in temples of this region during this period. On the other side of the pillar is a horse and rider, and the two mo...

Viceregal Lodge, Shimla

This Independence day , let me take you to Shimla, where the Indian Flag flutters over the erstwhile Viceregal Lodge.

Merry Christmas!!!! X Mas Memories of Shimla

Since the last few days, I have been reminiscing on the blog about the year gone by. Today, for the special occasion of Christmas, I am taking the reminiscing a bit further, going back to the wonderful X mas we spent last year, at Shimla! 

Skywatch Friday ; Church at Mashobra

This little church sits atop a small hillock at Mashobra, surrounded by trees. It is easily reached by a short climb, but we found it almost deserted. From what I have been able to learn, this is the St. Crispin's Church, and it has been converted into a dormitory by the YMCA. Every time we went for a walk at Mashobra, this church was what loomed over us, beckoning us to visit. Which is why, this is today's post for Skywatch Friday ! For more beautiful skies from around the world, go to the Skywatch Page . 

Post Offices of Shimla

The bright red pyramidal roof stands out, marking it clearly against the rest of the buildings. The red and yellow symbol of India Post painted over the entrance is equally visible, indicating that it is the GPO – the General Post Office, at Shimla.

Faces in the Crowd - Young Entrepreneur

Sitting by the window, the full glare of the sun falling on me, my thoughts can't but help return to the wonderful winter vacation we had at Shimla. No wonder then, that my choice for today's Faces in the Crowd is a kid we met at Narkanda. 

Skywatch Friday - Annadale, Shimla

Sometime around the year 1830 , a young British officer exploring the area around the still developing hill town of Shimla, came upon a beautiful sight. Amidst the towering mountains, was a small stretch of plain land, a natural tableland, dwarfed by the mountain and forests, but presenting such a lovely view that he was reminded at once of the girl he had once loved, back in England. The man was Captain Charles Pratt Kennedy, the then Political Agent of Shimla, and he named the place ‘Annadale’ after his lost love.

In Conversation?

What do you think these junglefowl are saying to each other? Are they even saying anything? They stayed this way for quite a while allowing me to capture them with ease!   Nice of them, don't you think? So, any idea what they are up to?

Skywatch Friday - Mountains... and more mountains

Stuck at home with loads of work, I am repeatedly heading to my comp to see the photos of my Shimla trip and sigh over all the beautiful sights.....

Skywatch Friday - A Fiery Sunrise

The day after the spectacular moonrise  at Mashobra, the sun seemed to have decided that it needed to put up just as spectacular a display.....so, it was a fiery sunrise that greeted us... For more beautiful skies from around the world, visit the Skywatch page.

5 things to do in winter in Shimla - when it doesn't snow!

When you plan your winter vacation in Shimla, you expect snow, even though you know very well that there hasn't been a white Christmas at Shimla in years!

Skywatch Friday - Sunset and Moonrise

During our recent trip to Shimla, we had a wonderful view of the hills from our room at the resort at Mashobra. We enjoyed watching the shadows lengthen over the hills and valleys, day after day, and on one of these days, were treated to this spectacular sunset... and moonrise!

Skywatch Friday - Sun and Snow

When we arrived at Narkanda, the sun was high in the sky, and really bright. I cursed it at first, because I could hardly click a decent photo with the sun in my eyes....

Skywatch Friday - Mountains and Monuments

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.

The last days of 2012

Over the last week , while I enjoyed one last vacation before the year came to a close, I wrote posts reminiscing about the year gone by... the places we visited, the events we attended. It is now time to move on into the new year and enjoy whatever it brings. I do not usually make New Year resolutions, but have one in mind this year.... to write more often. Last year, I travelled a lot.... almost every month! and sometimes more than once a month!!! I hope I get more opportunities for travel this year, but I also hope I can catch up with writing about all the places I have been to!!  However , before I move on to writing detailed travelogues,  there is one more post to add to "Memories of 2012" - Our Winter Vacation!