Attibele's Marble Temples

With no agenda beyond spending time together, Manju and I set out to visit two magnificent temples. We wandered through gleaming marble corridors, admired the exquisite craftsmanship of every pillar and dome, and paused to soak in the serenity that surrounded us. On our drive back, a quiet stop by a nearby lake turned into an unexpected birding session, rewarding me with a handful of satisfying bird photographs.

Here are a few moments from our memorable weekend getaway.

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After an hour's drive, we arrived at this elegant marble gateway.

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Beyond the grand entrance stood Shree Parshwa Susheel Dham, a masterpiece carved entirely from white marble.

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The intricately carved marble elephant guarding the temple entrance was impossible to miss. Its graceful dancing stance, richly detailed ornaments, and elegantly draped tassels reflected the exceptional craftsmanship found throughout the temple.

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Since photography isn't allowed inside the sanctum, this became our first photo after completing our prayers. Manju kept her head covered, following the temple's customs during the worship.

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Every pillar and arch seemed to tell its own story. Delicate carvings of celestial figures, ornate brackets, and floral motifs transformed cold marble into timeless works of art.

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Every corridor offered another beautiful frame.

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We continued exploring the temple grounds.

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With every few steps, another finely carved pillar or elegant arch invited us to stop and capture the moment.

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Every glance upward revealed another masterpiece.

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We requested a kind fellow visitor to take this photo.

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The temple's marble spires rose gracefully into the sky.

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Our temple trail continued just 300 meters away, where the ornate entrance of Sri Suswani Mataji Dham welcomed us with its intricate carvings and peaceful surroundings.

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In contrast to the pristine white marble of Shree Parshwa Susheel Dham, Sri Suswani Mataji Dham is crafted from beautiful pink marble.

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Tucked within the complex is a charming Shiva temple.

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This beautifully carved projecting balcony, with its lotus-inspired base and graceful columns, was one of the many architectural details that made us pause and admire.

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Beyond the finished grandeur of the temple, we were fortunate to witness an artisan meticulously shaping marble into the intricate carvings that will one day adorn the sacred complex.

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Here's a video.

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Before heading back, we captured a quick selfie with the temple's beautifully carved pillars in the background.

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On our way back, we stopped by a nearby lake, where a Pied Kingfisher stole the show with its spectacular dives.

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A brilliantly colored male Purple Sunbird also made an appearance.

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A pair of Tricoloured Munias perched quietly on a thorny acacia branch.

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Hidden among the reeds was a tiny Zitting Cisticola, perfectly camouflaged in its grassy surroundings.

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Hunger eventually got the better of us, so we headed to a nearby restaurant. In a delightful twist of fate, we bumped into our old neighbors there. It's a small world indeed, especially when you're looking for lunch!

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As the day came to an end, we paused for a couple of final photos, grateful for a wonderful outing. We returned home with the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent.

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When Hoskote Calls

Weekend mornings have become a little ritual.

Wake up early, pack the camera, skip the overthinking, and head to the place that feels right. This weekend, Hoskote Lake was an easy choice.

I was happy to find the Greater Flamingos still there. I'd seen them during my last visit nearly a month ago, and I was convinced they would have moved on by now. They don't usually stay this long, so it was a pleasant surprise to see them still wading through the lake.

Alongside the flamingos were plenty of familiar birds and a few exciting sightings that made for a wonderful morning in the field.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the morning.

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The erratic monsoon has begun to breathe life back into Hoskote Lake. Pockets of water have returned, while the exposed lakebed has turned into a lush green grassland.

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A group of Great Cormorants made a low pass across the lake.

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My first stop was the Greater Flamingos. Three of the five juveniles from my previous visit were still there, methodically sweeping their upside-down bills from side to side through the shallow water as they filter-fed. It's a mesmerizing routine that looks more like a choreographed dance than a search for food.

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Every now and then, one would pause to preen, stretch its wings, or simply stand still before returning to its rhythmic feeding routine.

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After feeding for a while, the trio became far more interactive. They stood close together, gently crossing bills, stretching their necks, and occasionally striking elegant poses. Whether it was social bonding or the beginnings of courtship, it was fascinating to watch.

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The breeding season was evident everywhere. After watching the juvenile flamingos, I came across a juvenile Pied Bushchat. Still wearing its mottled juvenile plumage, it made short flights into the grass in search of insects.

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The transformed lakebed has created ideal hunting grounds for a Tawny Eagle. A species that favors open grasslands and scrub, it patiently watched from a dead tree before taking off.

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It seemed to be a morning for young birds. Not long after the juvenile Pied Bushchat, I came across a juvenile White-browed Wagtail. Unlike the striking black-and-white plumage of the adults, this youngster was dressed in soft shades of grey with a subdued white eyebrow.

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One of the more intriguing sightings of the morning was a pair of Red Avadavats collecting nesting material from a recently burned patch. Interestingly, the pair seemed to prefer burnt twigs. Some birds are known to select nesting materials with antimicrobial properties, although it isn't known whether Red Avadavats do this or whether the charred twigs simply happened to be the most accessible choice.

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Breeding activity continued elsewhere as well. A Red-whiskered Bulbul repeatedly visited a fruiting shrub, plucking berries before disappearing into the foliage. It may have been feeding itself, or perhaps delivering food to hungry chicks hidden nearby.

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My focus shifted back to the water, where a pair of Black-winged Stilts caught my eye. They flew low over the surface in perfect synchrony.

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Another welcome sight was a pair of Fulvous Whistling Ducks. Named for their distinctive high-pitched whistling calls rather than the usual quacks, they glided peacefully across the lake, never straying far from one another.

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Before heading back, a White-throated Kingfisher perched quietly among the branches. Despite its name, this adaptable hunter is just as likely to be found away from water, feeding on insects, lizards, frogs, and even small rodents.

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My last sighting of the morning was a male Purple Sunbird in eclipse plumage. Unlike its glossy breeding attire, the eclipse plumage replaces the iridescent purple with olive-brown tones while retaining a bright yellow underside and subtle metallic blue on the wings. The eclipse plumage is a transitional stage between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

As always, Hoskote Lake delivered more than I expected. With the monsoon reshaping the landscape and birds making the most of the season, it was another memorable morning.

Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.