A daily treat! - The wholesale flower market starts its day at 3:30am everyday of the year. Bought 125 roses for $4. Flowers play a very important role in Hindu worship. Garlands of flower blossoms are used daily as part of the puja (worship ceremony).
Greeting you at the main entrance is a typical image of an Indian woman (all done in rose buds) and on the opposite side is the Kutub Minar, again all done in rose buds. Additionally, this year, they also had displays depicting all of the different festivals celebrated in India - some samples are shown in the pictures here.
Typically coordinated around Republic Day (Jan 26, Bengaluru hosts a beautiful flower show with some wonderful displays.
First two pictures are of Chandragiri Fort/Palace. Second two photos are of baby Krishna's in a cradle hanging from a tree. This is typically done at temples when couples desire a child. The final picture is of St Thomas Church in Chennai
Considered Chennai's most attractive temple, its dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style, its most striking feature are the external gopras. Images depict stories from Hindu mythology.
Tsunami hit the Marina beach on Dec 26, 2004, Boxer Day. Water reached the foot of the lighthouse (picture 5).
Paradise on earth! Took a speed boat (50 minutes) to arrive at this island resort. Like many resort islands in the Maldives, this was an uninhabited island that the government leases to a resort. The entire island, 6 acres, is the resort of Makunudu. Only 36 bungalows on the island, honeymooners come and plant banana saplings with a plaque that shows the date that they were there and their names. Lot of wild life and beautiful fish- a great place to snorkel, and lay on the beach and soak in the sun. Evenings, you can go sit and watch the sunset and get a drink. No TVs, no radios, no newspapers. Arpana is wearing a traditional patterned sarong of the Maldives.
