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Three women off for prayer on Shivratri in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Red Masked Dancer with Mask Lifted on Shivratri in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Nepal
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This is the only ‘quality’ hotel located in Mahendranagar, located near the Indian border. Unless you have a business interest or need a night halt, you usually visit this town to go to the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. [continue reading…]
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Ceiling at entrance of Buddha Temple in Patan, Kathmandu, Nepal
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A Sadhu smoking Marijuana on Shivratri at Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
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I was lucky to be at the famous Shivaratri at the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal. I wrote a post on it too, click here to read it.
As is the case with every Hindu festival, one gets hordes of ‘holy men’ to attend these. It was no different this time too. Including the one above, smoking marijuana. Here is an extract from the above mentioned post:
Adding colour to all this, as is common at all major Hindu congregations, was the presence of ‘holy men and women.’ They come from all over to offer their own brand of homage to the Gods. While some truly come for the faith they believe in, many seem to be just ‘frauds.’ Their job seems to be entertain the crowd with their antics, often dressing in revealing outfits, indulging in vulgar acts, spewing abusive language, drinking, getting high on drugs and collecting money from passers-by. Including from photographers like me. They even sell marijuana sticks for Rs. 10 each as a ‘prasad’ or offering to Lord Shiva.
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A Monkey looking into a Halogen Light at Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
Limited edition prints of this image are for sale. Ordering info is given at the end of the post. Click on the image for a larger view.
I was at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu in Nepal on the occasion of Shivaratri, one of the most important festivals for Hindus. The temple is also regarded as one of the most revered ones globally for followers of Lord Shiva. Cameras are not allowed inside the temple – and I was left with no choice but to perch myself on a neighbouring wall to get some shots. It was scary as the area is infested with monkeys and one joker in the pack could have startled me – and sent me in a free fall down. As night fell, most of them dispersed. But this one decided to stay under the spotlights, probably in the hope a photographer will get him his two minutes of fame. His wish has been granted.
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Prayer Bells in Manakamana, Nepal
Limited edition prints of this image are for sale. Ordering info is given at the end of the post. Click on the image for a larger view.
I was driving from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park in Nepal when I came upon the cable car service going to the Manakamana temple. Thousands of Hindus had queued up to take this ride, but I managed to get permission to jump ahead as I was a on ‘journalistic mission.’ (every job has some perks). The sights were simply breathtaking as we ascended; the image will give you some idea. Will post more later. And these bells were a part of the temple.
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Blue Walls and Green Windows in Tansen, Nepal
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I took this image when driving around the beautiful town of Tansen in Nepal. The village I took this in had just a few houses on the main highway itself – and this wall stood out for its colours. When I enquired what these wooden logs were for, some teenage girls tried to explain their use for storing or processing honey. But due to language barriers, I could not really understand.
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Why don’t they make more properties like the Old Inn at Bandipur?
It is a charming property, with some of the best interiors I have ever seen. Each nook and corner seems to be a labour of love and great taste. It is like an aesthetic exposition of Nepali / Tibetan handicrafts. And the place has character with wooden steps going all over, walls beautifully painted and decorated and furniture to match. You can see albums of actual photographs of those who have been adventurous in Nepal and want to follow their footsteps. With the property overlooking the village and the valley and peaks around, you have the perfect recipe for not wanting to leave. [continue reading…]
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As a part of the Great Himalayan Drive, I reached Banbassa on the Nepal border – my first international crossing by car. So what if it’s Nepal – Indians never regard Nepal as a ‘foreign’ country. Anyway, this is how I went over the line (Note: These rules are applicable only for Indian Nationals driving cars registered in India): [continue reading…]
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Brown Wall of House in Village near Tansen in Nepal
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I took this image while driving around the town of Tansen in Nepal in 2010. This house was in one of the many unmarked villages in the region, and stood out for its colours and absolutely clean surroundings. With the light falling almost perfectly on it, and the way the utensils were out to dry with a broom lying nearby, this shot was waiting to be taken. Continue reading if you want to order this print
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Few properties in the world can match the setting of Fish Tail Lodge in Pokhara in Nepal. With the Fewa Tal (lake) on one side, and a forest cover on the other, it is an island of delight. Accentuated with the imposing Machhapuchre (meaning Fish Tail) peak almost at touching distance towering over it. [continue reading…]
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Bhaktapur in Kathmandu
Ever since Nepal made front page news for its political troubles, it has been struck off as a holiday destination by most Indians. But surely Nepal’s charms must still be holding good? Ajay Jain hit the road in his SUV to re-discover Nepal he last visited in the 1980s as a school boy. And came back giving a thumbs up to the country. [continue reading…]
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Pythons in a pit in Bardia National Park in Nepal
That’s it. Time to head back to Delhi to mark the end of the first phase of The Great Himalayan Drive. I started from Thimphu, spent the following night in Siliguri in West Bengal and then another two at the Chitwan National Park. The last night was spent at Bardia National Park where I did another afternoon safari. [continue reading…]
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Flying Foxes, one of the largest species of bats, at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Nepal
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When my guide at the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve promised to show me the Flying Foxes, I had no idea what to expect. He did not even give me a chance to ask what species they were. Unlike other birds and wildlife, he guaranteed I will spot them.
And spot them I did. By the hundreds and thousands. All flying around or roosting upside down from trees. After all, they are bats. They are so called because their heads look like foxes with reddish-brown fur. One of the largest of bats, their wing spans from 4-5 feet. They may have a vampirish look, but they are completely harmless. They are also called Fruit Bats sometimes. [continue reading…]
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Children using the train in Janakpur in Nepal as their 'playground.' Check out the state of the roof.
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There are few trains in the world to match this. It starts in Janakpur in Nepal and goes across the border to the Indian town of Jaynagar, 28 km (17 miles) away. Each leg is a over three hours long; in fact, there are tow trains that simultaneously run in either direction. Cutting across agricultural landscapes in the Terai region along the foothills of the Himalayas.
I stopped by briefly in Janakpur, the birthplace of Hindu God Ram’s wife Sita, to have a look at this train as a part of the Great Himalayan Drive. Wish I had more time to explore this town and take a train ride, but had to move on. But not before I got a chance to look at the train (or what is left of it – the photos will show what I mean) and interacting with some kids who use the train as a playground. And a modeling studio when photographers like me pop by.
So go ahead and enjoy these images – I have promised myself a return to this city to do the ride.
This trip was sponsored by TripAdvisor.in and Yatra.com.
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A wild male tusker comes looking for a 'female friend' at the Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
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Valentine’s Day can be a lonely affair for many. When it is for a wild male elephant on heat during its mating season, it could spell bad news.
The morning of day 18 of the Great Himalayan Drive started with animated excitement all around Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, the property inside Chitwan National Park I was staying in. A wild male elephant had sauntered in, walking around the camp. It made its way through the driveway, around the dining area, the front lawns before making his way to the elephant stables. [continue reading…]
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A vulture flying around at the Jatayu (Vulture) Restaurant near Chitwan National Park in Nepal
This is one restaurant you may visit but not order anything for yourself. And if you want to see the patrons having a meal, do so discreetly lest you disturb them.
Welcome to the Jatayu Restaurant meant exclusively for vultures located at the Nawalparasi district adjacent to the buffer zone of the Chitwan National Park in Nepal. Run by the NGO ‘Bird Conservation Nepal’ (BCN). Curious what this is all about? Read on. [continue reading…]
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Valentine’s Day is a day of hugs and kisses from those who love you. Not one to be told there is no love lost between you and a rhinoceros.
Out for a jungle walk in Chitwan National Park, I was hoping to see some exotic animals and birds up close and personal. Even a tiger if I am lucky – not giving much thought to what happens when you see a tiger in the wild without being on a jeep or an elephant.
After some tame sightings, we came across a rhino lurking in the tall grasses about 20 feet from the track we were on. As I fiddled to get my camera settings right, I failed to hear some snorts from the big animal. I realized something was amiss when my guide started beating a stick on the ground, making some incoherent noises and gesticulating in the direction of the rhino. In what seemed a long time, the beast must have chosen to play it safe and walked away. [continue reading…]
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