Mother sparrow feeding baby sparrow

Megha did wonders again! I returned from the office, and below are the photographs she gifted to me. These beautiful photographs of a mother sparrow feeding its young one swept off all the tensions of the day. I hope that your tensions and worries also get wiped off looking at these truly breathtaking photographs.

Baby sparrow fed by mother sparrow


Mother sparrow feeding baby sparrow


Sparrow filling beak to feed its baby


Sparrow ready to feed young one


Sparrow feeding young one


Baby sparrow demanding feed from mother sparrow

3 cheetahs and a young impala deer - Unusual photographs by Michel Denis-Huot

Note: I received the below unusual photos of 3 cheetahs and an impala deer in an email forward. These are not photographed by me. The copyright and credit of these photos remain with the original photographer[s]. It was mentioned in the email that these photographs have been taken by Michel Denis-Huot.

First shot of a coconut tree

Recalling the old times, I'm publishing the first photo of a coconut tree I took using my first digital camera. Recent conversations with another coconut tree are published by me at Leaf of a coconut tree and Flowers of coconut, and baby coconut.

How is the first coconut tree shot below?

5 of the Oldest Hotels in India

Some of India’s most popular hotels are not just lodging facilities, they’re historical landmarks! Often referred to as heritage hotels, many of these historical establishments opened their doors a century, or more, ago. Most have been renovated to include more modern accommodations than those original to the facilities.

Great care was taken to preserve the historical integrity of the hotels while updating them to cater to today’s travelers. India’s magnificent historical hotels are located all across the country so vacationers can enjoy a rich cultural experience, no matter where in the country they’re visiting!

1. The Oberoi Grand - Located in Kolkata, the City of Joy, the Oberoi Grand is one of India’s oldest and most renowned hotels. Over 125 years old, the Oberoi Grand features a stylistic mix of classical Victorian style and traditional Indian style, making for a beautiful representation of the Kolkata’s colonial history.

Located in Kolkata’s major business and shopping district, the hotel is within walking distance of most corporate and government offices and convention centers. The hotel is also within close proximity to banks, clubs and other offices and consulates making it an ideal destination for business or leisure travelers.

2. The Taj West End - Bangalore’s Taj West End first opened as a boarding house in 1887. Opened by Mrs. Bronson, an English lady, to meet the increasing need for lodging in the booming city, the hotel was eventually purchased in 1912 by the Spencer family. The Spencers updated the grounds and facilities to give the hotel a country club feeling that fosters rest and relaxation for guests, adding features such as a dining room, billiards room and stables. Outside the 91 rooms and 26 suites, the grounds offer 125 years old Banyan trees and a 20 acre garden for recreational guests, and, for the business travelers, there is a 24-hour business center equipped with modern amenities and conveniences.

3. Clarkes Hotel - A heritage hotel since 1889, the Clarkes Hotel is located in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Only 10 minutes from the Shimla station and 45 minutes from the Jubbarhatti Airport, the Clarkes hotel is conveniently located near the area’s major attractions and destinations. The grounds offer guests recreational activities such as badminton, basketball or ping-pong.

The city itself is world renowned for its building style, an imperial style architecture that dates from the Colonial Era. The Clarkes hotel is keeping in this style, making for a truly breathtaking escape. Many of the spacious rooms offer magnificent mountain views while others feature amazing city views.

4. Maidens Hotel - The Maidens Hotel is one of Delhi’s oldest hotels, opened in 1903. The hotel boasts colonial style architecture and several acres of lush gardens and trees. Guests at the Maidens may choose lodgings from a standard room to a full, luxury suite. There’s a restaurant, coffee shop and bar located on the grounds for convenience.

The Maidens Hotel is near the Civil Lines Metro Station as well as several of the Mughal monuments and the famous Chandni Chowk shopping center. Set in North Delhi’s residential area, the hotel is also close to the bank of the Yamuna River and the University of Delhi’s campus.

5. The Taj Mahal Palace - Located in Mumbai, the Taj Majal Palace is the creation of Mr. Jamshedji Tata. Opened in 1903, Mr. Tata built the hotel to rejuvenate Mumbai’s image and attract visitors. The hotel has undergone renovations and additions over the years and now offers 560 rooms, 44 of which are suites. The Taj Mahal Palace is built on the sea front and it overlooks the Gateway of India as well as the city’s historical and commercial hub.

The goal of the Taj Mahal Palace is to provide guests with modern amenities and to maintain the elegant old-world style it is so famous for. The hotel now offers a concierge service as well as business and fitness centers.

This guest post was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is a freelance writer and consultant for Expedia.

Ground Skimmer [Diplacodes Trivialis]

Can't tell you how much research had to be done to find out the name of this really cool dragonfly that we photographed near Bhuleshwar Temple. What a beauty, really! The Ground Skimmer, scientifically named Diplacodes Trivialis, must be a low flyer as the name suggests. That is the fact in fact! For the complete time of half an hour we applied to take these photographs, this Ground Skimmer was close to the surface of a small pond. The time we gave with patience was worth these photographs. Do you like these takes?

Ground Skimmer [Diplacodes Trivialis]


The next one is sort of a funny photograph. Look at the front two legs. It seems that the Ground Skimmer Dragonfly is calling for a fight. Remember those calling fighters who pose their forearms exactly the same way when they call for fights?

Ground Skimmer [Diplacodes Trivialis] - Calling for a fight


Isn't this dragonfly a perfect machine in itself?

Ground Skimmer [Diplacodes Trivialis] - Diagonal beauty


Ground Skimmer [Diplacodes Trivialis] - Flying forward


Ground Skimmer [Diplacodes Trivialis] - Taking high

Ganesh Utsav 2011 - Ganpati face made of hair strand

Today is a big day for many in India, especially for the residents of Maharashtra. Today is the first day of Ganesh Utsav [festival of Lord Ganesh/Ganpati], which starts from Ganesh Chaturthi [4th day of moon] that is Lord Ganpati's birthday, and lasts for 10 days.

Thinking about what to publish this season — Ganesh Utsav 2011, while having a cup of tea, a strand of hair automatically made a great shape of Lord Ganesh's face. I added another strand to make its eye. How's it? Indians will easily recognize the face of Lord Ganesh!

Ganpati face made of hair strand - Ganesh Utsav 2011


Oh yes, for those who want to see how Lord Ganesh looks, see my post from the past named Dagdusheth Ganpati. I had photographed it 2 years back.