ripe-chilly and fresh pigeon pea

ripe chilly for red chatni

pigeon peas ~ toor ~ togari

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white and violet water lillies

Sept 26, 2015

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insect colony

This insect to my knowledge is known as "kamlee hula" or "koree hula" in Kannada. However, my brother says these might under metamorphosis and turn into butterflies or moths. This colony was found on drumstick tree stem. There were four more such colonies on the same tree,

They have white spiky hair. If human skins comes in contact with this hairy creature, the spot becomes terribly itchy, the sensation could take several hours to subside. It might give creeps to many people but they have formed a nice pattern.

 These pictures were shot in my Moto G2 around 5 PM, October 2.

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tall man of Hyderabad

The tall man of Hyderabad is a resident of Shilparamam the arts and handicrafts village.

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Kokapet rock formation

October 2, 2015

Kokapet hill is a good place for morning or evening walks. I'd been there few times and every time we drove up the road, the rock formation caught my attention. The rock is a natural shelter.. probably generations of goatherds must have spent under that rock, watching over their goats and sheep graze peacefully... Today I was determined to reach it, wanted to see the rock shelter close. From the road, it was a 5 mins climb. It looks like a eagle's beak, isn't it?

Like any other rock formation, this was one big mass of a rock originally. Over several millennia, the cycle of heating and cooling created cracks. The big mass broke down into smaller chunks. And all the while wind and rain water widened the cracks and eroded the surface into graceful curves.

 Look under the beak.. its hollow, like an open mouth. Amazing!

Yawning rock :)

It was dusk, light was fading fast. I walked up the hill, took the paths through the granite quarry towards the road.

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MADRAS CAFE & CO.

October 2, 2015
We planned to lunch out for a change. We had to choose between Nizam Club or Madras Cafe. Well, we chose the closer venue, 5 minute drive from our home. It's a recently opened restaurant in Madhapur on Hitech City main road.

The restaurant has a retro look, bright colored pictures evoke memories of bygone years. Pictures of a Premier Padmini, Mehmood and Sivaji Ganesan are attention seekers. Menu includes recipes from items from all five South Indian states. Bisibelebath Vangibath and Kosambari are from Karnataka. Ladies ordered a Rasam, Malabar Parotta, potato dish, channa curry, Appam and Coconut stew and Kosambri. Kosambri is a spicy salad consisting of soaked lentils and grated coconut, usually prepared for feasts ~ Habbada Otta in Kannada. Our first item arrived, the Rasam,. ladies tasting the piping hot spicy rasam.

 ..while we spooned rasam, three vibrant chutneys arrived.. beetroot, tamarind and ginger. We relished the Malabar Parotta and curries. The Kosambri was well presented and it tasted just like home-made. It had the perfect balance of chilly, salt and lemon. Waiters brought the coconut milk stew.. the steamy white liquid had a pleasant look. One spoon on my tongue.. aah! Never had tasted anything like it before. Finally the much awaited Appams arrived. I spread the stew over the Appams, with every passing bite the combination tasted better. I had no thoughts of desert but our host suggested to try coconut-jaggery icecream. Yes but s small portion, just for tasting..

Here it is.. the yummy sweet, a wonderful way to end a great lunch! Talking about service, it was little slow but the wait was worth. I believe the service will be quicker in the months to come..

Here's the Goli Soda Bandi ~ Soda cart. Appam are prepared on this cart. This place's ambience is unique, its retro from ceiling to floor. Check out the Athangudi floor tiles.. lovely pattern isn't it? A Indian Posts post box.. forget technology for some time, think of writing a letter to your loved ones..

Personally I prefer home food and avoid eating out but this is one restaurant I might want to eat for a special occasion.

For take away you can place your order at 040-69997222.
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Bumblebee in action

Sept 26, 2015

This little creature had just started boring a hole through this bamboo. It had selected the spot and started its work, just besides it you can see the exposed innards. The bumblebee took a break, flew around for a minute for a minute..

 ..and settled back on the site. Its plan is to bore a through hole and use the bamboo hollow as its home.

Here you can see tiny pieces of  bamboo shreds in the air.

Looks at its blue-green-gold wings and its helmet like head. Amazing little creature!

Bamboo shreds can be seen on its hairy legs. Notice its tiny claws?

These pictures were shot in Moto G2.
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Dragonfly

Shot in Moto G2 on Sept 12, 2015

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painted clouds at dawn

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sunburst at sunrise

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fruits

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Sunrise @ Leonia Resort

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peacock

March 28, 2015
This magnificent bird was seen on a boulder right next to the service-road off Nehru Outer Ring Road around 5 PM. He stood there couple of minutes before it descended and vanished from sight. These images are cropped and then ink sketch effect has been applied.

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water lilly blooming

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Veiled Rebecca of Salar Jung Museum

January 10, 2015. My first ever visit to Salar Jung Museum; I realized its not a museum to cover in one day; at least two visits is required to see the artefacts properly. Anyway, the museum has three star attractions- the Musical Clock, the Double Statue and the Veiled Rebecca.

The statue is Giovanni Benzoni's creation. It is believed that Giovanni had made four copies of which one is among the collections of Salar Jung museum.

Rebecca is Isaac's bride (in the Hebrew Bible); she is covered in a transparent veil during their wedding.

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Sunset at Hussain Sagar

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Charminar at Shilparamam

A beautiful mural of Charminar and the King Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah at Shilparamam's Night Bazar.
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Sand Garden, Shilparamam

One of the best spots to relax at Shilparamam is the sand garden.

The attraction is swings and everybody loves to sit and sway on swings. The gentle motion makes us forget our troubles, mind becomes free from burdens.. at least for those moments.

Evenings couples coming here go back with memories of sweet moments :) Wonder how the places is on full moon nights. Will check out some time.

One corner of the sand garden is for kids.

Also there's a small eatery offering packed stuff like crispies and soft drinks.
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reflection of evening sky

view from rock garden at Shilparamam.

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Buddha

The seated Buddha at Nature Park entrance. Artists who made this statue has got his work right, serenity rules Buddha's face.

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