Scenic Deviation!

We witnessed beautiful thunderstorm clouds just before Salem with hilly background. Never knew that the deviation would cut through the hills and join the main highway bypassing the pillar construction area. Even though we were skeptical, we decided drive through the route recommended by maps. The roads were good but the joyful part of nature florourished by thunderstorms. The cloud scenes were great, the nature was benign and greenery was all round. There was temptation to capture more but the twilight hours coupoled with urge to reach home early prompted us to drive non stop. My bestie captured many pictures in transit. Some of them came good but mostly blurred out due to motion and dull light. This lake was primary attraction and beautiful of all scenes. The dense forest was intimidating and attractive too! This stretch was worth from nature watching perspective but anxious also due to unknown stretch. Finally, we reached the main highway and yes it bypassed construction area.

Zooming through vibrant landscapes!

The cloud sparkled during twilight hours and worth capturing. The speed of car forbid us from capturing stable image. Hope to explore the stretch some day for sure!

Live From Above - Kunagallu Betta summit views

These pictures almost an year old but nature looks fresh in mind even today. We hiked Kunagallu betta last summer post thunderstorm season. This was perfect moment to hike with fresh green everywhere. After reaching the summit, the vastness of nature enthralled us. The flowing arkavati, the never ending mountains, the expansive greenery was ineffable. Although I am planning for detailed blog, just realized that pictures were overwhelming. Hence splitting few for this post. Hope you enjoy!

Quick errand to native

The blog belongs to first half of 2026 written at the beginning of harsh winter days. I had to visit native to foresee arrangement and complete pending tasks for twin boys ceremony scheduled this February. Had some free time to wander around village and here is picture sequence of the stroll!

As soon as I landed in native,  I was greeted by warm weather which I was eagerly waiting for.

Once done with daily routine, I went for short walk. Not much interesting vegetation due to protracted dry season. Amidst the aridity, there are gems!

Aesthetically stacked wood for firing the winter :-D. They serve multiple purposes like ceremonies, boiling water during cold season. People dry and stack for future use. These are available in house and no cost involved. Even though available indigenously, household still relies on LPG due to high calorific value. Also woodfires cause breathing issues to few cooks.

En-route to home after concluding invitation card distribution, I encountered this black and why guy. His tones make him look mysterious. His other eye looks mysterious thanks to matching tones! It apparently looks like he is single eye.

Despite the vocal cue to lure him for photoshoot, he didn't heed to my signal. He knows it was just for my personal gains and nothing advantageous for him 😁.

Reluctant to pose, swaying his face, finally posed to get rid of pestering guy 😂. He ignored everything I didd. Later he walked towards his house due to my torture. I grabbed couple at that time.

Yet another Black and white guy from different family!

The traditional home of coastal karnataka!

ಬಲ ತೂಕ ಕೋಲ! This year's Bhoota kola celebration is in full swing. Due to major celebration at Udupi, the kola concluded quicker than usual. Here is glimpse of nature along the trail to reach the temple.

The protagonist and his assistant in portraits

I like the portrait in monochrome

Sun though still wakes up late until fag end of February. So the notion of winter doesn't fade until then

The mid day stroll on Sunday wasn't that bad either. In fact, it was fascinating to capture the palm trees bottom up. The Sun was mild and weather was cool.  

The last part of the scribble. The one straight oscillating road which is always my favourite. This looks dry now but during monsoon, this place is one of my favourite to capture the road till horizon flanked by greenery!