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A couple's vacation to Nandi hills

Last week, a couple made an impromptu decision to spend two days at Bangalore's very own hill station - Nandi hills. Having packed the kids off to their grandparents, the couple had a great time bird watching, exploring nearby attractions and clicking each other's photos. Here's a photo tour... 


Starting leisurely on a Tuesday morning, we reached the foothills in less than an hour...


Our first halt was at Bhoga Nandishwara temple at the base of Nandi hills...


It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva...



The original temple in the complex, identified as one of the oldest temples of Karnataka, dates back to the early 9th century...



A perforated decorative stone window which contains figure of a dancing Shiva...





The entrance...



Kalyani or Pushkarni(temple tank)...








Ornate Pillar carvings of the Vasantha Mantapa made of soap stone...
















The stone umbrella...





Ornate pillar of the vasanta mantapa, made of soap stone...










Pillars in the large open mantapa...











The big wooden chariot...


Carvings on the wooden chariot...

































Fallen flowers of Gulmohar becomes her nail extension kit...





Wicked...





We continued our journey to Nandi hills. The road is very scenic...


We checked in to our hotel at Gandhi Nilaya located on top of Nandi hills. Quite a breathtaking view from the balcony...


In the evening, we ventured out for a spot of bird watching...


A Common tailor bird came hopping...








Red-whiskered bulbuls were in abundance...









Angel's trumpet...


Orange-headed Thrush...




Puff-throated Babbler...









 Birding engaged us for more than an hour...





White-cheeked barbet...






We visited Tippu Sultan's summer residence...


We walked along the periphery to view the dramatic evening sky...  








Darkness brought us back to the hotel. Lights in the valley...











In the morning, as I opened the balcony door, I realized that we were among the clouds...


Here's a video of the cloudy morning...





The morning walk was fun. This is near Gandhi Nilaya where we were staying...


Droplets from the dew and cloud...


Hitchhiking pose...


We visited this 1300-year-old Yoga Nandeeshwara temple dedicated to Hindu god, Shiva...


The unusual color of water in the temple tank was really interesting...








Ashy prinia...









Alstroemeria...


Overall, it was fun and allowed us to carry some unforgettable memories.
I hope you liked the post. Do let me know your feedback in the comments section below...




40 comments:

  1. Amazing places to visit and interesting photos. Imagine you returned home refreshed and invigorated.

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  2. Absolutely stunning. Have a good week

    much love...

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  3. Beautiful place. Awesome pics.

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  4. Thanks so much for joining in on Ruby Tuesday Too, Blue Monday, Macro Monday 2, and Shadow Shot Sunday 2!

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  5. Oh my! The workmanship is amazing. What a marvel!
    Loved the photos. Thanks for joining this week's linkup at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/05/international-delights.html

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  6. Wow, so much to see here! Soapstone has my interest, I bought a few pieces in Holland to sculpt "something", beautiful images of your wife and you. Love the one where she and you are in between the row of sculpted faces! Some of the captures you made from the birds are amazing, the tailor bird, the bulbul's hairdo is very striking, and the white cheeked barbet has a hint of a reptilian creature - in short an amazing post for All Seasons and can see your wife and you had a grand time togethet:)

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  7. OMG! Love the intricacy of the pillars. Your photos are astounding as always.

    Happy Tuesday!

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  8. Shiju, your photos are beautiful. My friend's daughter just returned from a five-month stay in Bangalore and loved it. I must ask her if she visited the Nandi Hills. This was her third or fourth long stay, and she wants to arrange to make shorter visits more frequently.

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  9. Your photos are so beautiful. The places you visited are amazing.

    Worth a Thousand Words

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  10. Impressive temple complex. Nice to have some couple time (remembering who you were)

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  11. Fabulous shots, Shiju. Enjoyed your wonderful post.

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  12. Wonderful shots! Have a nice day !

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  13. I love the intricacies of the art. I feels so timeless.

    The birds are amazing, too.

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  14. Wonderful photos, great palce! Like I heve been there! My best regards from Romania!
    Happy WW

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  15. Ab beautiful place and the shots are absolutely stunning.

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  16. Wooow! Thank you for sharring the wonderful pictures from your vacation! It was like a virtual trip for me and I have discovered so many interesting new (but old) places.
    Happy ww :)

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  17. I so enjoy the places you share as I'm sure I'll never see them for myself. The architecture and art work are amazing to see as are the beautiful birds.

    I appreciate your contribution to 'My Corner of the World' this week!
    My Corner of the World

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  18. Thank you for sharing this wonderful world of yours and it was so good to see you both enjoying the break.

    Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek Next week's optional prompt is "Self-Care share your story". Denyse

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  19. Fantastic temple and lovely birds!

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  20. Beautiful photos is a remarkable location. I am especially impressed with the bird shots.

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  21. Dear Shiju - an absolutely stunning photo tour! Your wife is so beautiful and together you make a handsome couple <3

    Now I have to look your photos again and again - thank you for linking! Wishing a nice weekend.

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  22. Amazing to me that each piece of that stone is carved. An incredible piece of art and talent. Thank you for linking up.

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  23. Your photos are always top notch

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  24. This is my first time to your site. Your photos are just stunning!

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  25. Hello. Amazing places and buildings. Fantastic bird photos. The birds looks so beautiful.

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  26. I really like the Tailor Bird, and your trip looks amazing

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  27. Hello, looks like a wonderful trip and a beautiful place. You and your wife are a beautiful couple. I enjoyed all the bird photos too. Wonderful post and photos. Thanks for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend.

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  28. Thanks for stopping by I'd Rather B Birding this weekend, and sharing your birds!

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  29. What a great place to visit. Your photos are just phenomenal!

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  30. So amazing. Such a great series. And all the carving.

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  31. There are so many treasures in the world - thank you for sharing yours <3

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  32. Awesome photos! That temple is spectacular!

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  33. Great photos. It looks like an amazing trip.

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