Around sunset is the best time to visit Bibi ka Maqbara. The colours and the crowd are at their vivid best. Considered the Taj of Dakkhan, this relatively humble monument was built by Azam Shah (Aurangzeb’s son) in memory of his mother between 1651 and 1661 A.D.  The mausoleum draws its inspiration from the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra.
There is an unmistakable energy about night markets of Charminar.
While I was strolling around the streets to capture night shots my nose made me feel like i was in carnivores heaven, but ears quickly brought me back on earth. Street fashion, glitter, friendly people, noisy auto rickshaws… they are all in abundance here.
This frame captures the distant Charminar pumping out the life into the streets.
Local street markets offer great subjects for photography. I will be posting photographs shot at Laad bazaar in old Hyderabad. Known for its famous bangle shops, the market had many things waiting to be captured; from street antiques shops to ittarwalas, from fresh fruits to fashion accessories , this market has it all.
While strolling around the Mecca Masjid I found my frame – a glum faced Chudiwala (Bangle salesman) amongst his glittering, colourful bangles!
Human expressions are so powerful. These fellows were sitting at the base of the Charminar. There was something similar between them and the strong but timeworn walls of the structure. The crispy white kurta-pajamas provided the perfect tonal contrast; an interesting subject & frame to my photographer’s eye. I walked around them pretending to be disinterested & setting up my camera. I wanted to capture them as well as the textured walls and the flooring. I set my 50mm prime for a deep depth of field. Just as I was about to click the photo, the bearded fellow noticed me and gave this powerful stare. Powerful enough for me to start exploring a new subject for my photographic urges!
Indian street markets have an indomitable energy. I went for a photowalk on Diwali day and came back with my head buzzing with Diwali spirit! While Mumbai is the capital of Mall culture in India, every middle class locality has it’s own street market which is the epicenter of action.
These markets are filled with emotions… Â innocence & happiness… Â gloom & greed.
Rather early in the morning, this young chap decided to stay close to the visitors.
Marine Drive is a 4.3-kilometre-long boulevard in South Mumbai in the city of Mumbai. It is the best place to watch best of the Diwali fireworks in Mumbai. This was my first attempt at night photography with my Canon 6D.
Some where between Mumbai & Chennai. Shot with my Galaxy S4.
Ganesha Chaturthi is the Hindu festival celebrated on the birthday (rebirth) of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. We have a simple ceremony at home, where we worship the god by decorating his altar and offering him his favourite food “Modak” as Prasad
Prasad (food offering to deity) is presented on a Banana leaf. Prasad consists of Modaks, rice dumplings filled with coconut, jaggery and dry fruits. Kheer and Puri is also important part of prasad. Potato subji and Lentils served on rice with dollop of butter and basil leaf completes the menu.
At Kalaghoda
Never ending line of Prayer wheels on the way to Enchey Monastery, Gangtok.
2-30 PM… 45 Degrees…
Local markets around Indian temples have always fascinated me. You never know what might spring up in front of you.
We saw these bunch of boys carrying Dholaks while strolling around the markets of Alandi. I converted this photo into black and white as it brought life in the gaze of the little boy looking straight into the Camera.
Shot this Enchey Monastery, Gangtok.
I could not help but click this guy enjoying his siesta at the Cross Maidan, Mumbai. This maidan is at the heart of Mumbai’s business district and is always bustling with activity.
Early morning drive to Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.
Shot this at an early morning stroll Pelling, Sikkim (India).
Shot at the beautiful light room at Khecheopalri Lake, Sikkim.
This was shot from a small jetty near the famous Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai. The dargah contains the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mumbai.
Captured through the prayer wheels
A smoggy Mumbai skyline from Bandra Worli Sealink.
Look what I found in Jaisalmer fort, amidst all things touristy 🙂
Magnificent sunset from the Uttan Beach
Shot at a Jetty @ Uttan. A quaint little fishing village near Mumbai.
Little Santa
Tadoba has wonderful bird life… Here is the proof!
We went for small monsoon trek at Bhivpuri, a small town on the outskirts of Mumbai. Bhivpuri is near by the much famed “Matheran” . The main attraction of Bhivpuri is the fantastic waterfall situated in the hills.
The trek was nice and light. My son really enjoyed the outing. Sharing some photographs of the lush green beauty of Indian monsoon. I shot these with my HTC Desire Mobile phone. Hope you feel as refreshed.
Thoughtful…
A mood sketch while experimenting with fountain pen and ink…
Some early morning monkey business… by the photographer 🙂
The Serpent Eagle at Kolsa range. Though we did not get to see any tigers here at Kolsa range… My day was when we observed this Majestic Serpent Eagle sitting over a tree top observing his territory. What a lucky shot.
Orange headed thrush can be observed in abundance here at Tadoba National Park.Â
This post is one of the first in the series photographs I will be publishing from my recent visit to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. These are the photographs of female Paradise Fly Catcher. This amazingly beautiful and chirpy bird was spotted in Kolsa range, home of Shivaji… the largest Tiger in Tadoba Reserve.
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. It is situated in Jaisalmer city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from where it derives its name. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the “Golden Fort”.
Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high; it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. Wells within the fort still provide a regular source of water. Even today, you will find that nearly one fourth of the old city’s population resides within the fort. If you are a student of cross-cultural merging, the subtle fusion of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles, visible in this fort, will catch your fancy. Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol are a must see.
Conservationists feel that the Jaisalmer Fort requires major interventions by the government authorities to save it from irrevocable damages. Carrying out restoration works in an ancient structure like the Jaisalmer Fort is in itself a challenge, but doing so while addressing the needs of almost 3,000 people who reside inside it and depend upon it for their livelihood poses a complex range of issues.
Mehrangarh Fort, located in Jodhpur city in Rajasthan state, is one of the largest forts in India.
Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the most popular edifices of the Jodhpur city of Rajasthan. The Palace is by far the best example of Art Deco Architecture I have seen.
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Mahesh Patil 