Exploring Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Recently on a lazy Sunday morning, we went on exploring Yeoor, in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

The national park has a great treasure of flora and fauna. The up hill climb encounters you with lined up trees, with botanical names on them.

 Few warning boards here and there about the wild encounters in the forest

A Crater lake

Artifical nesting places for birds during hot summer

Yeoor is known for its panthers and wildlife. There are many villages inhabited by Varli tribes. There is also Indian Air Force station located here. What a journey it was amidst the wilds and greens!!!
This is an entry for the contest 'I Am Explorer', sponsored by Tata Safari Strome.

Creek Park

Creek park, one of the oldest parks in Dubai, is full of greenery along with mazes and nature trail. Located on the shore of Dubai Creek, this attracts great crowd during weekends.

Paved walk along the shore of the creek and a stone ampitheatre is great for roller skating.

The park also has a planetarium, a golf course, miniature train, rent bikes and cable car. The cable car ride gives beautiful ariel view of the city.

And Children City Center and Dolphinarium attract the kids out here.

Separate post on Dolphin Show..

Global Village Dubai - A photo essay, Part 2

Continued from Part 1
More pics of Global Village from 2009



India Pavillion





Performance at China Pavillion



Global Village Dubai - A photo essay, Part 1

Global Village in Dubai, is the seasonal extravaganza, which offers visitors shopping and entertainment in open air theme park. It hosts participating countries in different pavillions, fun rides and restaurants offering food from around the world. This season Global village is open from 5th October to 1st March 2014. Don't miss a visit, if you are planning a trip to Dubai during this time.

Here are few of the pics of Global village, 2008





Performance at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavillion





Fruit stall at Thailand Pavillion





Syrian tea seller



India Pavillion



Part 2

Bastakiah

Years back when I clicked these photographs, driving through the lanes of Dubai, I never expected them to turn online some day. Now am glad I really clicked them.
Dubai is a city of contrasts, offering a distinct blend of old and new. Away from its glamorous world is the Bastakiah Quarter.   

The old Bastakiah district is a step back in time to the days before electricity and air-conditioning, where traditional courtyard houses were cooled by wind towers. Now a bustling market and cultural center of Dubai. The original, old city of Dubai is just one per cent of the modern city we see today. Bastakiah is filled with traditional courtyard houses and classic wind towers, which offer a glimpse of how Dubai once looked.

This was established in the end of the 19th century by well-to-do textile and pearl traders from Bastak, Iran. Its labyrinthine lanes are lined with restored merchant’s houses, art galleries, cafes  and boutique hotels.

Bastakiah Map on Al Fahidi Street...

Sorry for the not so clear photographs,  as they have been clicked with me mobile.

Ganpati Bappa Morya

I was back from a week long vacation to my native on Sunday, and had been busy visiting friends for Ganpati for last two days. Better late than never, here is my post on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated on the 4th day of Bhaadrapada maas(month) of Hindu calendar, commemorates the birthday of Lord Ganesha. The fesitival lasts for 10 days and ends on Anant chaturdashi. It is believed that Lord Ganesha bestows his presence on earth for all his devotees during this festival.

During the festival, artistic clay models of Lord Ganesha, beautifully decorated and depicting his vivid poses are installed at houses or at temporarily erected structure(mandap) in any locality. Special pooja(worship) is performed everyday and cultural activites are organised at mandaps. The festival ends by immersing the idol in lake or sea. Devotees immerse the idol chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Yaa, asking him to come back next year.

Today is Anant Chaturdashi, end of Ganesha festival. Here are few pics of the Ganpatis we visited in last 10days...

Replica of Konark Temple, Orissa at one of my friend's house



  

Traditional Ganpathi rituals at neighbour's house