SUNSET AT LACHIT GHAT, GUWAHATI

It is the busy ferry point at Fancy Bazar side bank of River Brahmaputra in Assam. Its always bustling with activity - either with people coming from the northern banks via ferry; or the various fairs, melas and carnivals set up in this place specially in the winter months thronged by locals. In winters, with scarce rain the sands of the banks become the perfect 'beach' for locals. Its the most relaxing place where one can enjoy time with friends and family. Either sip piping hot tea or treat oneself to the yummy street foods, this is the most go-to place ( amongst others ) in guwahati city. I go there almost always whenever I'm in the city and I'm never disappointed. I went there this time too to watch the sun set over river Brahmaputra :-)
behind those branches sun is getting ready to retire for the day giving off bluish-pink hues in the skies...


busy river port with the ferries delivering people non-stop from both the banks to their destinations...


there's the sun behind the new bridge thats being constructed...


sun now gone behind that hill distracting me with something new thats coming up on the right...


thats none other than bir.lachit borphukan who defeated mughats 17 times at this place with his guerrila war tactics...


bright lights indicating the giant wheel, merry go arounds, roller coaster and other fun stuff people enjoy late into the evening...




Address : MG Road, Lachit Ghat, Fancy Bazar, Guwahati, Assam
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GATEWAY OF INDIA, BOMBAY

Photo Travelogue :


Nobody can forget 26/11/2008 - the mumbai terror attacks that shook not just the country but the world. The iconic taj Mahal Palace hotel near the historical Gateway of India was one of its main targets where it had become a battle ground of sorts on that particular night lasting till 29th. 175 people had lost their lives ( at the various places including the taj ), and over 300 injured. Seeing the crowd and security arrangements on my recent visit to this place ( on Republic Day ) instantly reminded me how vulnerable this place was that day. Even when I strolled about, the crowd made me uneasy. And, even though there are currently heavy security arrangements in place; a certain 'what if' constantly buzzed in my head till the time I exited the place. The crowd - oh well, everybody comes to see the place and its well err...crowded! I made a quick entry and exit because I simply hate it when its so crowded.


pretty rangoli design... specially created for Republic Day...


indian tri-colour... and there, thats the GOI!


GOI - gateway of india...


SWAMI vivekand statue near GOI...


omg, the crowd!
the place being both tourist attraction as well as ferry point to elephanta caves and alibag makes it insanely crowded...


the iconic taj mahal palace hotel ( both old and new )...






In the past I have visited this place as a tourist when I was a school girl during my vacations, when I had visited Bombay. Also, during my college years, I visited once or twice...as my college was in its vicinity and we had gone to Elephanta Caves via the GOI. But after I became a permanent resident of the city, I hardly came this side. So, visiting this time did ignite those school vacation and college outing memories. It was so less crowded then compared to present times. Phew!


The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder area at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The monument has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is the city's top tourist attraction. It was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V of the United Kingdom for his coronation as the Emperor of India in December 1911 ( wiki ).
Address : Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder, Bombay.
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HERITAGE TREE TRAIL THRIVING BAOBAB OF MADAGASCAR

Photo Travelogue :


I feel so happy when I see efforts made to preserve trees. I pass by this unique Madagascar origin Baobab tree often and a closer look revealed that it is included as a 'heritage tree trail' by the local administrative body. The tree stands out because it is so uncommon. I've seen such a tree only at 1-2 other places in so many of my travels in India. So, it seems someone brought this specie specially ( perhaps the portugese? ) and planted them in our soil. The tree looks as if its kept upside down. The branches looks like roots spread in the air. The trunk is as thick as it gets. Since it is included in heritage 'tag', the tree is protected and cannot be cut. And it is a part of heritage walks conducted in the city. Lets admire this lone beauty, shall we? :-)


some pretty bougainvilleas giving it company...


lets have a closer look...


there's a plaque too that says 'heritage tree trail'...


trying to look at the skies through its branches that weirdly looks like roots...







The city I live in has identified about 909 or so such heritage trees out of which 180 are of exotic species, like this one. For a tree to be included as heritage it needs to be over 5 decades and rare. It also needs to have cultural, religious or some type of significance. Some of the other trees included are over century old as well. Have you seen this tree where you live?






typical baobab of madagascar - an african icon...

Address : Maharashtra, India
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