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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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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THE NAMO GRAND CENTRAL PARK, KOLSHET ROAD, THANE, MAHARASHTRA

Photo Travelogue :


Its been a year since The Grand Central Park was innaugurated. Its built on similar lines of the famous Central Park ( of F.R.I.E.N.D.S series fame ) in New York city. It is located in Kolshet area of Thane. I was planning to visit it because of its mega-hype, but, somehow kept missing it. One Monday, I finally reached it only to be informed that it remains closed on Mondays. @Duh! Anyways, another day while returning from some place else, I decided to drop in as it was on the way. It was a Sunday and I was aware that being a holiday, it'd be crowded, but I took my chances. It was almost evening and there was barely any sun light left, I tried to make the most of it. However, the ticket queue was so long, I almost gave up and returned. But something told me, since I came so long...lets just hang on a bit longer. Finally, I got my ticket and went quickly in. There's heavy security in place and no eatables or plastic bottles are allowed. One can buy water inside ( get half refund if you return the bottle ) and there's also a restaurant coming up. The area is big and divided into different sections - Kids play zone that was the busiest and noisiest, themed gardens, artificial water falls, lake with a bridge and beautiful fountains, plenty of open spaces to sit and well manicured landscapes. I loved the place but hated the crowds. People everywhere...touching everything with guards whistling and trying to stop them from touching things. Phew! And yea, the place had lots of interesting selfie points, but one could hardly click a selfie without someone coming into the frame. I guess early morning visit would be best to avoid crowds and also not on holidays. Anyways, I just went from one spot to another taking it all in. The park is surrounded on all sides by tall residential towers. I think park view from the top would be WOW!


thats the ticket line...all waiting to get in...


welcome to namo grand central park...different ticket rates for different people and on holidays it costs extra...


walking in...


the park has lots of greeney and cozy corners...


also, has proper directions to each attraction...


childrens play area...all types of games imaginable...





come, lets sit...shall we?


loved the artificial waterfall...


the famous two way bridge...


the beautiful lake with fountains...


lovely area to chill and relax...


and then, comes the themed gardens...




mughal gardens...






moroccan gardens...






chinese and japanese gardens...


random fountain...sowwy for the grainy pics...it was getting dark :| my phone goes blind after dark :s


pretty luminated flora trellis ...there are two of these...







and it had gotten dark...


evening lights make the place even more beautiful...

After spending almost an hour, I decided to head back home as it finally got really dark. Would I visit again? Well, no...its pretty no doubt and currently, a novelty, but, I guess its more meant for the locals to enjoy. The entrance road to the park is also good and serene with plenty of benches to sit and a nice fountain greeting you. Its quite far from the Railway station so unless you have your own vehicle, its not worth the trouble to get there. There's however the Iskcon temple nearby, so, one can make a duo-trip and cover both. As it was late, I skipped it. I wished it was closer to my home then I'd have definately made it a point to visit regularly. It has special monthly passes for locals.


Namo Grand Central Park is an urban public park located on Kolshet Road in Thane, India. The 20.5-acre project includes themed parks, a three-acre lake with landscaped promenade, bridge for selfies and various other facilities like a 400m jogging track, amphitheater and an open gymnasium among others ( wiki ). Linking to Skywatch & MyWorldThruMyCameraLens
Address : Kalptaru Parkcity Grand Central Park, Kolshet Rd, Kolshet Industrial Area, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra 400607
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