Naina Peak Trek Snaps

Some picture of my trek to Naina Hills, Nainital on 12th april, 2014. Taken from my cell phone.

Starting Point

Nainital Lake

Midway

Lake at a distance

"Colorful Mountains"

Forest Flowers

Himalayas at a distance..Snow capped Mountains

Lake at a distance

Another view of the himalayas

Another view

Forest Office @Peak 

Woods at the top

Another View of the woods

View from the highest point

Mission Accomplished

Naina Peak as seen from the lake

Sitting Ducks

Nainital Library

Raunak-e-Ramazaan

Gate No.1 at Jama Masjid - The Trail Begins

Jama Masjid

On 17th August, we were invited by Itihaas, an NGO, to experience the celebration and festivities of Ramzan amongst the people of bustling Old Delhi. The walk conducted was very informative and was weaved around various stories of Mughal era. The rich insight offered by the stories highlighted the rich vision of our culture.

The Red Fort forming the Tip of the arrow

We started our tour at Jama Masjid where our walk directors described the city of Sahajahanabad (which is now known as Old Delhi). The city was built by visionary Shah Jahan, the mogul emperor – taking inspiration from the Hindu “shastra“and architected like a bow. The river Yamuna formed the string of the bow and the central Chandni Chowk was the road which formed the arrow.

Celebration Begins

It was quite fascinating to observe the fellow devotees breaking their daily fast. It was a celebration inside the Jama Masjid. The sight of ocean of People greeting, hugging and sharing food amongst each other was heartwarming. The most touching moment was when one of the families shared their food with us as if we were part of their family. These were some moments which has been permanently etched in my mind.

The Shops

After the exhilarating Jama Masjid experience, we were taken through the tour of crowded and buzzing alleys of the Old Delhi. It was an experience only to be felt. It was festivities all around. The smoke and scent of the delicacies of the street side food, the color filled decorated small shops, greeting people, smiling faces, running children in the narrow gullies are something to be experienced and not written.

Kala Masjid

Our next destination was Kala Masjid, Tuglaq era mosque (built around 14^th century) for more stories. We were told interesting facts around the historical events to depict the logical significance of rituals, design and festivities held during Mogul era and still continued in same vigor even today.

At Razia Sultan Grave

Our walk through the narrow lane continued where we were given briefings about the culture and societies as it existed three centuries ago. Our final stop was the Grave of Razia Sultan, one of the two female ruler in Islamic Era (Benazir Bhutto was the other one), situated at the interior parts of the city.

At Itihaas School

After the insightful journey, we were treated with a delicious dinner at the premises of the school run by Itihaas. The mouth watering succulent Kebabs, aroma filled Biryani and sweet dishes were prepared by one of renowned chef of Old Delhi.

As the evening came to an end, I was left with rich memories which I will be proudly carrying forward. Definitely , celebrating Ramzan in Old city of Delhi was an event in my life and I look forward to attending more of it going forward.

Team SAP - The Trail Ends

Trip to tripura

Visit to Tripura

A modest state with honest people. everyone seemed happy.

Times Square and Empire State

The Splendor of New York. Taken from Empire State Building.

Statue of Liberty. Ellis Island and World Trade Center

central park , American Museum of Natural History and Metropolitan Museum

Times Square and Empire State

Visit to Madame Tussads, New York

my recent visit to Madame Tussad - Good to see Amitabh being the sole representative from Asia .

Dhabeleshwar- the river island temple

Finally back to the hectic worklife at Gurgaon after a lazy holidaying at bbsr. This time i took the opportunity to visit the Shiva Temple at Dhabeleshwar, a small island in the Mahanadi River. It is about 50 km from Bhubaneswar. Alternate route can be taking a motor boat from mahanadi banks from cuttack. Of late, Orissa Govt is plying some interesting tours surrounding all key temples in the area.

Although the Shiva temple is relatively new, the place consists of relics from 11th century. Also, i would like to mention the organised ways the pujas are held in the temples. Apparently, there is segreatation of devotees based on the district they belong to. For example, as my ancestor belong to Kheojhar district, we had a specific priest catering to us who did all the pujas and arranged for lunch. The Temple visit was very pleasant to say the least. And , how can i leave out the only Hanging Bridge of Orissa. The walk through bridge over mahanadi river offered us picturesque views of the river banks, turtles swimming below and the idle boats waiting for the incessant drizzle to stop so that they can go fishing.I have to tried to capture these in pictures.

The Majestic mahanadi
The Suspension Bridge
Unemployed Boat
Another View
The Island Temple - Dhabeleswar

Me myself clicked by Priyanka

View from Temple

"Green Bank"

Cuttack the other end

Vastness