Hershy's galleries- powered by SmugMug

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Welcome to my photo galleries!

Spend some time here, browse through different places and events. Some are recent while others are from the past bringing back memories.

A special request:
If you like a picture, take your mouse on the right hand corner of it and a small window will pop-up with a green thumbs-up sign. Click on it and it will be registered as a 'Popular Photo'. Thanks!

I will be happy to hear your comments which can be put up for a gallery or a particular photo.

The photographs are taken on Nikon DSLR (currently D700 & earlier D100 to D300). Point-n-shoot cameras used are Sony, Canon & now Leica. Old pictures are shot on various Nikon SLRs and either the negatives or photos are scanned. All the pano (panoramic) images are single frames and shot on Hasselblad XPan, a dual-format 35mm film camera offering 24x35 and 24x65 (panorama) sizes so one gets 21 frames in a 36 exposure film. These pictures are best viewed at Original size.

ALL photos are Copyright and may not be used in any form without prior permission.

NOSTALGIA galleries: If anyone has more info about the pictures please write to me.

You can contact me at harsh@javeri.net My site http://www.javeri.net

Featured Galleries

View from Ambassdor Hotel : Brunch at the Pearl of the Orient, a revolving rooftop restaurant in Ambassador Hotel with Nihar, Sunil, Bunny & Swarup.
Pictures taken with Nikon D700 & Leica Digilux 4

http://www.ambassadorindia.com/mumbai.asp

www.javeri.net

View from Ambassdor Hotel

Brunch at the Pearl of the Orient, a revolving rooftop restaurant in A ...

Updated: Oct 30, 2009 12:58am PST

Bengaluru (Bangalore) : Hard Rock Cafe, a couple of restaurants, the place where we stayed and some more places.

www.javeri.net

Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Hard Rock Cafe, a couple of restaurants, the place where we stayed and ...

Updated: Oct 26, 2009 1:10am PST

Daily Photos 2009 : At the Daily Gallery one picture, preferably taken that day; is shared with others. While that is difficult to follow (shooting everyday) I have been putting up a picture everyday and this is my second year. It's been a good learning experience and along the way I have made some good friends too!

Last year's pictures

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/4836391_ACj8A/1/445949804_uB7Z7

www.javeri.net

Daily Photos 2009

At the Daily Gallery one picture, preferably taken that day; is shared ...

Updated: Nov 19, 2009 8:41pm PST

Abad- October 2009 : Shot on 2nd October (Gandhi Jayanti - Mahatma Gandhi birth anniversary) at ATMA (Ahmedabad Textiles Mill's Association) and cousin's house.

ATMA building was designed by world renowned architect Le Corbusier.
http://agram.saariste.nl/scripts/fcard.asp?lookforthis=65&dir=corbu&pics=cb

There was an exhibition at ATMA of paintings on furniture by Manish Joshi and the theme was Mahatma Gandhi. Very interesting work!

Shot with Leica Digilux 4

www.javeri.net

Abad- October 2009

Shot on 2nd October (Gandhi Jayanti - Mahatma Gandhi birth anniversary ...

Updated: Oct 18, 2009 6:07am PST

Most Popular Photos

Soaking it in.
Sunflower shot at my cousin's garden in Ahmedabad.

www.javeri.net

Paradise Beach
Pondicherry, India

ADDED IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS:
These are stray dogs and not wild as they grow up amongst people. A few of them could be 'ferocious' but most co-exist very peacefully with street people.
Majority of the stray dogs in India adapt to their neighbourhood very easily, in most cases thanks to the friendly people in the locality. While there is a system in place to keep a check on strays, often their extended families (read people) jump to the defense of their friendly, harmless four legged pals.

more pics: http://Hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/3951305_mw7Dp/1/289184725_zpLUc

travel and other info on Pondicherry http://tourism.pondicherry.gov.in/

Passiflora (139 - 2009)
D300 with Tamron 90mm macro ISO400 f9 at 1/200

This was shot at cousin's garden at Ahmedabad. No crop or PP except for a bit of colour correction.

Thanks again to Bill (Pador) for recommending this lens!

==== ONE YEAR COMPLETE! ====
Today's picture is special. It not just marks my 365th contribution to the Daily gallery, it reminds me that its been a year here. A year-long experience of understanding and learning about new cultures, places and people; a year-long association with like-minded people and a year-long friendship with so many of you. The encouragement and support I've got from all of you in this duration, is something I cherish and respect. Looking forward to many many more such interactions to come.

www.javeri.net

Mehendi hands (Best seen in Large or Original size)

Beside geometrical figures & flowers, the design includes an Elephant and two human faces. At times the name of the groom is also written (hidden) which he has to find out later on!

This kind of detailed design would take 3-5 hours (hands & legs)!

for reference check the earlier two photos:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/4836391_ACj8A/1/271804178_q2CWc/Medium

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/4836391_ACj8A/1/270314185_g8p5k/Medium

for more info on Mehendi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehndi

www.javeri.net

Petronas Towers (180 24th Oct)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Shot hand held with D200 & 18-70mm. No PP.

The Petronas Twin Towers (also known as the Petronas Towers or Twin Towers), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were the world's tallest buildings, before being surpassed by the Taipei 101. However, the towers are still the tallest twin buildings and office building in the world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petronas_Twin_Towers

www.javeri.net

courtyard of Hotel Le Dupleix where we stayed
Pondicherry, India

more pics: http://Hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/3951305_mw7Dp/1/289184725_zpLUc

travel and other info on Pondicherry http://tourism.pondicherry.gov.in/

Going home with his catch (029 - Jan 30)
D300 70-200mm ISO 200 f11 1/200

more pics:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7035963_RG9it/1/456783652_BHMxG

more info:

http://www.thefortress.lk/index.html

http://www.javeri.net

D700 SP (Pic 26 2nd year)

Shot this SP to announce my new camera - D700! Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro at ISO 3200 f5 at 1/125.
Shot in jpg under incandescent light - no modifications except for colour correction and reversing the mirror image.

Sold off D300 & 18-105 DX lens for a very good price and got a bargain for the new body. D700 handles FX & DX lenses differently, FX get full frame at 12MP and with DX it crops down the frame and shoots at approx 5.1MP. Despite the attractive price, it was a difficult decision but as I shoot more on the wider side and would get wider full frame digitals with am FX lens, I took the plunge.

Now I have 17-55 f2.8 DX & 70-200 f2.8 FX Nikkor lenses plus the Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro. The 90mm works as FX shooting at 90mm. I had planned to sell the 17-55 DX and go in for a 24-85 -or something in that range - but after a few tests with 17-55 have decided to stick with it till I come across a good bargain. I did some comparative shots with the D300 12 MP & D700's 5.1 and was SURPRISED at the results. If anyone wants to know more about it may send me an email.

www.javeri.net

Water Lily
Shot at Ahmedabad while testing a Nikorr 105 macro lens.

Roll it on! (085 - Mar 27)
D300 17-55mm f7.1 1/250

OK, I am going to leave it to you to guess what this is!

Date: 31 March

THE ANSWER!!

Thanks to all who attempted a guess at what this is. Many of you thought it was some type of a sweet and that's close but not enough! :-)

Alistair gets full marks as he thought: "A big ice cream thing? Looks tasty :p"
JSL (Jayshree) was bang on with: "Roller ice cream???? Never see a striped one before though!!!!" but then she's had it before! In fact it was she who introduced me to it a few years back!

Here's how it's made.

The barrel is stuffed with ice, I know that's a lot of ice! Then fresh sweetened milk is slowly poured over it which gets frozen over the barrel. Most of the time the flavours (varieties) offered are fresh fruit type but also include the regular vanilla & chocolate. Freshly cut fruit is then placed (pushed) against the barrel while it's being rotated. The fruit gets stuck to the frozen milk and that's how you get the stripes. The fruit depends on the season but the common ones are mango, chikoo, strawberry, orange etc. When a person selects the flavour(s), a knife is kept against the barrel while it is rotating and thin slivers of ice cream come off which are collected in a plate. Voila! You have fresh home-made ice cream!!

more Mehendi pics:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7495562_7yorg/1/483832310_py3Di

http://www.javeri.net

Monkey with baby (Pic 41 2nd year)
D300 17-55 2.8 at ISO400 f9 1/100

There were quite a few monkeys at Dambulla (Sri Lanka) rock temple. This mother was eating from a mango peel. In between she would feed the baby too. It's always a risk to go close to any animal who has a younger one nearby so I had to keep a bit of a distance and grab a few shots in a rush.

www.javeri.net

Poppy
This one is for Bill Pador. (Poppies help with his pain problem)

shot at Cousin's garden in Ahmedabad.

www.javeri.net

Lost in thought - BW (Pic 53 2nd year)

This is the B&W version of the colour shot posted today.
The old lady selling strawberries & berries at the market in Mahabaleshwar.
What would be your choice - colour or B&W?

Best seen in XLarge size.

http://www.javeri.net

Swimming pool (020 - Jan 21)
D300 17-55mm ISO 200 f13 1/250

I was struck with the shades of blues & greens. No PP except for a bit of crop.
This was shot before 8 AM so I had the place all empty!

Our first stop in Sri Lanka was Galle, the southern beach town. We stayed at the Fortress, an exquisite hotel with a fortress type of a facade. The architecture inside had Dutch and Portuguese styles. Situated next to the blue waters of the Indian Ocean it had a lot of open space and the rooms were also very spacious. A gym, a spa, a swimming pool over looking the sea and lush greenery made this a perfect place to relax after a day around the city.

more pics:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7035963_RG9it/1/456783652_BHMxG

more info:

http://www.thefortress.lk/index.html

=============

Yesterday I was (pleasantly) shocked to see a whole lot of my pictures in the Daily section! Seems someone went thru my Most Popular Photos giving them Thumbs-Up. Would have liked a comment or two but thanks all the same!

www.javeri.net

Toot! Clear the way! (161 5th Oct)
Shot during Ganpati Visarjan. D300 with 17-55mm

Don't worry! Most times the processions go at a snail pace. The ropes are not for towing, they are to keep the group of people of that procession together.

more pictures:
http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/5984659_dw7W9/1/373760312_MDrnd#373760312_MDrnd

http://www.javeri.net

The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh is a luxury resort on the Red Sea coast in Hurghadha, Egypt. Spread over 48 acres, it's THE place to have a holiday! One can relax in the suite, enjoy the sun, the water... and forget all worries. The warm hospitality and delicious food adds to the experience.

http://www.oberoisahlhasheesh.com

http://www.touregypt.net/

my site: http://www.javeri.net

Flowers (Pic 35 2nd year)

This was shot in February and processed recently! Shot at cousin's garden with 90mm Tamron & D300. Best seen in XLarge size.

www.javeri.net

Diva
African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
Diva was a surprise birthday gift to my cousin from his sons. Diva is adorable! She takes time to 'know' you but once she is comfortable, she is fine. When you say 'Kissy kissy' she'll put her head down so you can pet her.

This is another picture selected by an internal jury at Leica Fotografie Int'l. in "Master Shots" gallery of Leica Digilux section.
http://www.lfi-online.de/gallery/index.php?home〈=english

The African Grey Parrot is popular as a pet or companion parrot, especially the Congo African Grey Parrot, partly because of its ability to imitate speech.
for details
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_grey#Mimicry_and_intelligence

http://www.javeri.net

Smile... (100 - Apr-08)
D300 17-55mm f5.6 1/125

Noticed this gentleman at the mehendi function in Jaipur.

more Mehendi pics:
http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7495562_7yorg/1/483832310_py3Di

http://www.javeri.net

Sweet Sultan (169 13th Oct)
Shot at cousin's garden with D300 - 70-200 f2.8
No PP except for a slight crop and light adjustments.

Gail has asked about the weather there in Ahmedabad:
In summers (from March to June) the weather is very hot and dry with the average temperature ranging between 23°C to 43°C (73.4°F to 109.4°F). During November to February, the climate is quite pleasant with the temperature ranging from 15°C to 35°C (59°F 95°F). The highest temperature ever recorded in Ahemdabad is 47°C (116.6°F) and lowest 5°C (41°F).

www.javeri.net

WATER LILIES
Shot at Ahmedabad while testing a Nikon 105 macro lens.

On 17th April the photo was voted #1 in the Flowers category of Smugmug and was
#42 in the most popular photos gallery the same day. This prompted me to start my dailt gallery and submit one pic a day.

Waiting... (Pic 79 2nd year - 01 Sep 2009)

This girl was waiting for her parents to come out of the temple at Mahabaleshwar.

www.javeri.net

A flower for Amy (Wilburn)
Seeing Amy's stunning image of Jesse I tried the technique on a sun flower pic.
Thanks Amy!

Would love to hear your comments and ideas on how to improve on it.

Amy's pic: http://amywilburn.smugmug.com/popular/1/291882496_FgD7Y/Medium

Pawna Valley (Pic 019 2nd year)
D300 with 18-105 ISO 400 f13 1/320

This is the view of the Pawna lake and valley from the place where we had stayed. This will give you a better idea of the terrain as compared to last two shots.

To see the different areas of this lovely place check out the pictures in the gallery:
http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/8569385_hM9V3/1/565649588_Cdve7

www.javeri.net

Family (001 Jan 01)

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

I thought it will be a good idea to start this year with an introduction to my family. This was shot early December at my nephew Sanjay's son Kulin's engagement at Ahmedabad. We were all looking at the professional photographer when his assistant shot this on my camera!

From left: Swarup my loving & lovely wife, Jaina (Kulin's fiancé), Kulin, Vinati (daughter, my Princess!), and Janit (family friend).

The last is son Jay and the lady in blue saree is his fiancé Lakshmi. The wedding is in April 2009 but she is already a part of our family!

www.javeri.net

Lucky Me! (165 9th Oct)

YES! That's me with Zubin Mehta (the world famous orchestra conductor ) & Placido Domingo (of the three tenors & famous for his own achievements). Zubin Mehta is here with The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for 5 performances in Mumbai. Daniel Barenboim (Pianist), Pinchas Zukerman (Violininst) & Barbara Frittoli (Soprano) are the other stars.

The photographs were taken at a press conference this morning. Son Jay's friend Lakshmi is Arts & Culture Editor of a national daily and she managed to get me there. I will soon put up pictures shot there but thought of sharing this (two pics actually) shot by Lakshmi.

Thanks for making my day Lakshmi!

www.javeri.net

Trigger & Trump (Pic 37 2nd year)

While organising my photos came across this taken in 2007 with D200 & 18-70 lens. The two lovely dogs belong to my cousin and sadly Trigger (with the red eye) passed away last year.

www.javeri.net

Back in action (213 22 Dec)
Shot last Sunday - D300 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 ISO 400, f8 1/250

The Taj Mahal hotel was one of the main targets in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai which ended on 29th November after three horrifying days. This old icon of our city has 6 floors while the connecting new wing, The Tower is 22 story high. Work is going on to restore it to its old glory and heavy security keeps people away from the site. The picture shows the side with the damaged upper floors. At the back one can see the top floors of the new wing which had also sustained fires.

Trident and the twin Oberoi hotels were also targeted and many people were shot dead in these hotels and they also sustained damage due to grenades and fires.

Yesterday, in less than a month; The Taj Tower (new wing) and the Trident opened its gates to the public. There were emotional scenes and the mood was summed up by Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata when he said, "She has stood for more than a 100 years and will stand for a 100 more. It was a challenge to have the hotel reopen in some form within a month of the attack. We may have been knocked down but will never be knocked out."

More pictures of the Taj:
http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/6410100_x8urE/1/440808583_txmYu

For full story:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3872067.cms

http://www.javeri.net

Turtle (Pic 101 2nd year - 24 Sep 2009)
(D300 17-55 2.8 lens) No crop or PP except light adjustments.

Shot at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery near Galle, Sri Lanka.

Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatchery operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1981 to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. The hatcheries pay fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy beach. Visitors are shown the huge tanks filled with new born but lively hatchlings. After being fed the hatchlings are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old

www.javeri.net

Swimming pool (019 - Jan 20)
D300 17-55mm ISO 200 f14 1/160

Our first stop in Sri Lanka was Galle, the southern beach town. We stayed at the Fortress, an exquisite hotel with a fortress type of a facade. The architecture inside had Dutch and Portuguese styles. Situated next to the blue waters of the Indian Ocean it had a lot of open space and the rooms were also very spacious. A gym, a spa, a swimming pool over looking the sea and lush greenery made this a perfect place to relax after a day around the city.

more pics:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7035963_RG9it/1/456783652_BHMxG

more info:

http://www.thefortress.lk/index.html

==== Answer to John UK ====
You are absolutely correct John! This was shot from the opposite side, near the two palms in that picture.

---- Sparky & Sam -----
This was shot around 8 AM - when most of the people were still in their beds! :)

http://www.javeri.net

Buzzing in (012 - Jan 12)
D300 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 ISO 200 f9 1/250

Water lily at Ahmedabad.

www.javeri.net

Momo Botan (Nelumbo nucifera) (Lotus from Thailand) (178 22nd Oct)

Shot at cousin's garden with D300 & 70-200 f2.8
NO PP except a bit of a crop and light adjustment.

The Lotus is about to blossom, will post a fully opened one tomorrow.

http://www.javeri.net

Popping UP!
Poppies at cousin's garden in Ahmedabad.

www.javeri.net

Reflection -2 (187 31st Oct)
D300 70-200 2.8 ISO 400 at f4.5 1/100 sec

Water Lily at cousin's garden

http://www.javeri.net

Giza Pyramids. One of the wonders of the world.
Cairo, Egypt.

We had arrived late evening the day before and this was my first sight of the magnificent structure from our hotel Mena House, Oberoi.

More pictures in gallery

http://Hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/2474371_PzaCC/1/129657266_BiaLK

Egypt info: http://www.touregypt.net/

http://www.javeri.net

Barber shop (Pic 153 2nd year - 17 Nov 2009)

Shot at Dhobi ghat.

Off to Ahmedabad this (Tuesday) evening for work and a wedding! Return on Saturday and hope to catch up on the great shots I must have missed!

www.javeri.net

Jaina (005 Jan 05)
D300 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 ISO 400 f5.6 1/60

Shot a day before her engagement.
Jaina is always ready & willing to pose - at least for me! :)

======= To answer Lady Kates ======
The designs on hands is from mehendi which is made from henna paste and applied (drawn - painted) by hand. The paste is left to dry and then washed off. The colours & tone depend on the person's body heat and wear off after a few days. Last year I had put up a picture of mehendi hands, have a look at it.

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/4836391_ACj8A/1/308722553_Ecqtx/Large

http://www.javeri.net

Door (Pic 127 2nd year - 12 Oct 2009)

no PP except for light adjustments.
ATMA (Ahmedabad Textiles Mill's Association) building was designed by world renowned architect Le Corbusier.
The door looks heavy - which it was - but was very easy to operate.
more pics
http://hershy.smugmug.com/Travel/Ahmedabad/October-2009/9859810_e7xxy/1/669546611_MS3Ph

http://agram.saariste.nl/scripts/fcard.asp?lookforthis=65&dir=corbu&pics=cb

http://www.javeri.net

Rooster (033 - Feb 03)
D300 18-105mm ISO 800 f6.3 1/50

This one is for Lady Kates! :)
At Orange County, a little behind my cottage this fellow used to start crowing at 630 AM!

Read more about it at
http://www.orangecounty.in/coorg/home.php

More pictures of Orange County at
http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7153235_Xgchf/1/459017606_kfsK9

http://www.javeri.net

Reflection (186 30th Oct)
D300 70-200 2.8 ISO 400 at f8. 1/80 sec

Water Lily at cousin's garden

www.javeri.net

Bhagira! (002 Jan 02)
D300 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 ISO 400 f5.6 1/100

Bhagira is a loving dog as most Labradors are. He belongs to a friend who also has a Beagle! You'll get to meet her soon.

www.javeri.net

Sea link (Pic 27 2nd year)

Shot by son Jay with D700 at ISO 2500 with 24-85 f2.8 -4 lens f3.5 1/60 sec
It was a cloudy evening and light was poor. I tried to go as slow as possible without disrupting the traffic!

We were going to the airport and Jay took some pictures as I was driving on the newly opened Bandra-Worli Sea link at Mumbai. The 5.6 kms (3 miles) long bridge with a 600 mts. long cable-stayed bridge connects the western suburbs to central Mumbai and should ease the congestion of traffic.

Thanks to all for the comments/wishes on yesterday's SP with D700

EDIT JULY 07
The bridge is not totally completed. The parallel four-lanes is not finished yet and that's the reason for the crane.

The car on the right is the famous Yellow-Black taxi of Mumbai. It's basically a Fiat model made decades back! They are now phasing them out - thankfully! :)

PP colour correction due to mixed light sources & a bit of a crop and sharpening. No noise reduction.
www.javeri.net

Power nap! (Pic 149 2nd year - 3 Nov 2009)

Another milestone today - 35th wedding anniversary! :)
Another piece of good news! My shot was selected in Masters category at Leica forum!
http://gallery.lfi-online.de/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-2776

Before going to deliver the washed /ironed clothes (tied in the bundle), this man was taking a short break.

Last Sunday (25th October), I went to a Dhobi Ghat with friends Sharookh & Nrupen. As it was evening the activity was minimal but still, we got some shots of the people who stay in these areas.

Dhobi Ghat is washers' area in Mumbai. The washers known locally as Dhobis work in open to wash the cloths from Mumbai's homes, hotels and hospitals. There are row upon row of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. There are quite a few Dhobi Ghats in Mumbai, prominent amongst them are Mahalakshmi & Cuffe Parade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhobi_Ghat

http://www.javeri.net

Mines Resort mall (183 27th Oct)

Kuala Lumpur is a city of malls! Situated between the city and the airport is Mines City with resort hotels and a mall that can be reached by waterway!

www.javeri.net

Gazenias

Shot at my cousin's garden in Ahmedabad.

http://www.javeri.net

Multi-level pool with sea in background at The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh a luxury resort on the Red Sea coast in Hurghadha, Egypt.

The blues are natural and not done up in PS! ;-)

Spread over 48 acres, it's THE place to have a holiday! One can relax in the suite, enjoy the sun, the water... and forget all worries. The warm hospitality and delicious food adds to the experience.

http://www.oberoisahlhasheesh.com

http://www.touregypt.net/

my site: http://www.javeri.net

Dining hall corridor
Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, a luxury resort on the Red Sea coast in Hurghadha, Egypt.

Spread over 48 acres, it's THE place to have a holiday! One can relax in the suite, enjoy the sun, the water... and forget all worries. The warm hospitality and delicious food adds to the experience.

http://www.oberoisahlhasheesh.com

http://www.touregypt.net/

http://www.javeri.net

Pink Poppy

Shot at my cousin's garden in Ahmedabad.

http://www.javeri.net

Momo Botan (Nelumbo nucifera) (Lotus from Thailand) (179 23rd Oct)

Shot at cousin's garden with D300 & 70-200 f2.8
NO PP except light adjustment.

Momo Botan is one of the best blooming lotuses. The flowers are double pink and can be between 5 to 6" (although I think the ones I saw were much bigger!) and leaves are about 12" and stand about 2' high. The centre green part has seeds which are used for cooking.

the unopened flower was put up yesterday

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/4836391_ACj8A/1/399063512_BmzAA/Large

Two more pictures:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/5708489_3Uoij/1/400582859_o8dsF/Large

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/5708489_3Uoij/1/371519137_5VJJH/Large

more details:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=767+775+779&pcatid=779

http://www.javeri.net

A Sadhu (an ascetic)at Babulnath
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadhu

He has hair reaching the knees, unfortunately, it was tied up in a bun then!

More Babulnath pictures
http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/5471259_eV2Qv

The temple was originally built in 1780 and a tall spire was added in 1900. It's in the heart of the city on a small hill at about 1000 ft. above sea level.

http://www.babulnath.com/

http://www.javeri.net

Hi there! (Pic 148 2nd year - 2 Nov 2009)

Last Sunday (25th October), I went to a Dhobi Ghat with friends Sharookh & Nrupen. As it was evening the activity was minimal but still, we got some shots of the people who stay in these areas.

Dhobi Ghat is washers' area in Mumbai. The washers known locally as Dhobis work in open to wash the cloths from Mumbai's homes, hotels and hospitals. There are row upon row of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. There are quite a few Dhobi Ghats in Mumbai, prominent amongst them are Mahalakshmi & Cuffe Parade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhobi_Ghat

http://www.javeri.net

Carnation (170 14th Oct)
Shot at my cousin's garden in Ahmedabad with D300 & 17-55 f2.8
No PP except for a slight crop and light adjustments.

http://www.javeri.net

Folk dance (084 - Mar 26)
D300 17-55mm f7.1 1/320

During the mehendi function at the wedding in Jaipur there were a few folk dances performed by local artists. In this dance they move around in a circle and also go around individually, all the time balancing a pot on their heads!

more Mehendi pics:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7495562_7yorg/1/483832310_py3Di

http://www.javeri.net

Avocado stall (015 - Jan 14)
D300 17-55mm ISO 400 f8 1/100

We spotted this vendor outside Botanical gardens as we entered Kandy city. They were ridiculously cheap, about 10-12 US Cents a piece! We bought a few and got the hotel chef to make a delicious Avocado dip to eat with crackers and potato chips!

More Kandy pictures at

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/6950360_Soc9F/1/444816807_ygkxM

www.javeri.net

Season's Greetings! (214 23 Dec)
D300 ISO 200 f8 1/640
Shot at Ahmedabad.

Wishing all the friends here!
May I introduce my family?
Swarup my wife, Jay the son and Vinati the daughter.
Dash the mini Dachshund!
AND Lakshmi, the new addition to our family, Jay's finance!!

View from room
Taj Rebak Island Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia.

www.javeri.net

Swimming Pool (220 29 Dec)
Tintagel Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
D300 17-55 lens ISO 400 f16 1/320

Suchit, thanks for commenting on this pic in Colombo gallery!

Although a small hotel, Tintagel has a lovely swimming pool with interesting surroundings.

Do have a look at the rooms and the courtyard at

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/6837782_hL4K3/1/437113249_NLbCH

http://www.javeri.net

Lakshman Jhula (Bridge) - Rishikesh

Himalayas, Ganges, Pilgrimage, Spa, Rafting, Ayurvedic Treatment, Yoga, Meditation, Nature, Camping.... if there is one word for all these, it's "Rishikesh"!

About Rishikesh
Rishikesh - known as the "City of the Divine"- is a spiritual center to which sages, rishis, saints and pilgrims have flocked for millennia. The roads of the city are lined with bustling market places of ethnic arts and handicrafts, fresh produce markets, holy shrines and orange -robed sadhus (priests). Then, the road narrows, the markets become more sparse and you come upon a foot bridge, suspended high over the sacred Ganga (Ganges) river. As you cross this bridge, the sun streaming through the Himalayas to warm your being, you will feel as if you have truly come home. It is no surprise that pilgrims are drawn here from all over the world. The awe-inspiring beauty of the place, the clear, flowing Ganga, the majestic mountains, and the lush green forests will embrace and rejuvenate your entire being.

Glass House on Ganges
http://www.neemranahotels.com/glasshouse/index.html.htm

Rishikesh, Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rishikesh

Rishikesh, the land of Gods
http://www.rishikesh.in/

World renowned Ganga aarti at sunset
http://parmarth.com/

Thanks to Roopal for the commentary & details

Groom's arrival (005 2nd year)
D300 with 18-105mm - no PP except for a bit of crop & colour correction.

In (most) Indian weddings the groom arrives in a procession with his family and friends to the bride's house or the venue of the wedding. Pre automobile days the groom used to arrive on a horse or an elephant. Even today, many people have horses, elephants or buggies to carry the groom. There is music and dancing in front of the procession which gets louder as they near the venue!

This is from the wedding in Kerala with the groom atop an elephant with a man sitting behind him holding a red umbrella. The men in white are dressed in a typical Kerala style and the one in the middle is playing a drum. Another person on the right has a different type of a drum while the person in front of him is holding a wind instrument.

The coloured paper is confetti from a firecracker burst a few seconds before.

www.javeri.net

Indoor Jacuzzi & swimming pool (Pic 014 2nd year)

The villa at Pawna where we spent a weekend had this beautiful swimming pool with a Jacuzzi next to it. What caught my eye was the reflection in the water...

www,javeri.net

Off to Rebak island - Langkawi, Malaysia. (190 3rdNov)
D200 18-70mm

Friends, I am taking the liberty of a second post for today to inform you that Swarup my wife and I leave for Sri Lanka tomorrow and will return on 13th evening. Unfortunately it's not a family vacation as Jay & Vinati cannot take that many days off from work!

Tomorrow we will also finish 34 years being together - don't know how we have (mainly, she has) survived! ;-)
And no it's not our second/third/ honeymoon as we are going with friends, not that they are not romantic!

Please excuse me as I may not be able to comment today and till I return as I don't carry a notebook with me.

Cheers till then!!

www.javeri.net

Rose
Shot at my cousin's garden in Ahmedabad. No PP except for contrast and a bit of light adjustment.

Hello all! Got back last evening (Wed). Have a lot of catching up to do at work and here plus go through the pictures taken on the trip! Whew!

Missed you lovely people and thought of you when shooting in some spare time. Could manage to look up the Daily gallery only for a few minutes the last three days, can anyone guide me how to go through the daily pictures missed during last week? Do write to me at harsh@javeri.net
Thanks!

http://www.javeri.net

Ganges
(153 27 Sept)
Spotted this quiet and beautiful corner while river rafting on the Ganges.
[Thanks to dear friend Becky for spotting this in the original gallery.]

Glass House on Ganges:http://www.neemranahotels.com/glasshouse/index.html.htm
Shot with D200 18-70mm
NO PP except for a slight crop.

more pictures
http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/3725534_2Hasx

http://www.javeri.net

Splatter (Pic 31 2nd year)
Shot by son Jay with D700, 24-85 f2.8-4 lens at ISO 6400 f3.5 & 1/500 sec

While waiting at the tollgate I switched off the wipers and Jay managed to catch this effect.
No PP except for a bit of a crop. See this in large size to see how D700 has handled the noise at high ISO!

http://www.javeri.net

Frangipani (Pic 016 2nd year)
D300 with 105 macro ISO 400 f8 1/125

No crop or PP except for slight light adjustment.
This was shot in December (processed now!) at my cousin's garden.

javeri.net

Carpenter Bee (052 - Feb 22)
70-200mm 2.8 ISO 400 f8 1/160

Shot at cousin's house in Ahmedabad. I wished to keep a fair distance from it as was not sure how badly it can sting! Shot this with the 70-200mm 2.8 - not a perfect lens for this but think it did the job.

http://www.javeri.net

Diva (014 - Jan 13)
D300 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 ISO 400 f5.6 1/25

Took this in December - earlier shot is at

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/4836391_ACj8A/1/384284688_oejvJ/Large

http://www.javeri.net

Rufous Treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda)
They are quite bold and this one came and sat on our Gypsy's (Jeep like vehicle) windshield looking for any food stuff in the car.

www.javeri.net

Fisherman (027 - Jan 28)
D300 17-55mm ISO 200 f9 1/500

In Sri Lanka the fishermen used to sit on this bamboo contraption which looked rather fragile but it seemed to work!

more pics:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7035963_RG9it/1/456783652_BHMxG

more info:

http://www.thefortress.lk/index.html

http://www.javeri.net

Sign (031 - Feb 01)
D300 18-105mm ISO 400 f6.3 1/50

Last month I had gone for a business conference at Orange County in Coorg, South India. Situated at a height of 800m this 300 acre working plantation resort is a beautiful place to unwind from the hustle & bustle of the daily life.

They had put up such sayings on several trees making the walks more interesting.

Read more about it at

http://www.orangecounty.in/coorg/home.php

www.javeri.net

Jay & Lakshmi (041 - Feb 11)
D300 17-55mm 2.8. ISO 400 f5.6 1/200

Son Jay and Laksmi on their engagement day (8th February).

More pictures of the ceremony
http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7333165_5imBP/1/471883969_tP285

http://www.javeri.net

Rafting on Ganges (154 28 Sept)
Check the difference in the waters... tranquil in foreground and frothy white at the beginning of the rapids.
[Thanks to Lady K for spotting this in the original gallery.]

To answer Lady K's comment: Despite warnings from the rafting team I took my D200 Hassleblad XPan with one lens each; wrapped in towels in a waterproof duffel bag. Taking pictures was difficult as we were totally drenched and holding the cameras in wet hands! Not to mention the manual focusing of the XPan!

Glass House pictures gallery:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/3725534_2Hasx

Xpan Pictures:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/3036309_tdhoV

Glass House on Ganges:

http://www.neemranahotels.com/glasshouse/index.html.htm

www.javeri.net

Hibiscus (106 - 2009)

Shot at Mahabaleshwar Club with a 60MM macro lens.

http://www.javeri.net

Will you... (045 - Feb 15)
D300 18-200mm ISO 400 f5.6 1/100

This is shot by my nephew Punit at Jay's engagement and shows Jay putting the ring on Lakshmi's finger.

More of Punit's pics:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7340702_8tASo/1/472436383_hMswD

http://www.javeri.net

Cycus (136 - 2009)

This was shot at Zuri resort hotel in Kerala. The contrast between white new leaves of the Cycus with the green ones caught my eye.

www.javeri.net

Abu Simbel, Egypt

Besides the Pyramids, a must-see in Egypt are the temples of Abu Simbel, situated 280 km from Aswan. The two temples built by Ramesses II are dedicated to Re-Harakhte, and that of his wife, Nefertari dedicated to Hathor. Built 3000 years ago, they were discovered by J. L. Burckhardt in 1813.

The statues rise to 67 feet and are a majestic sight but the site is also famous for another reason. The original temples were built in a valley that was going to be submerged in Lake Naser with the waters from the new High Dam. In 1964 the Egyptian Govt., with the support of UNSECO shifted the temples, stone by stone; to the present site and took four years to complete.

NO PP except for level adjustments.

More pictures in Abu Simble gallery:

http://Hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/5455834_TMkdR/1/334512218_zscvq

More details can be found at

http://www.touregypt.net/abusimbel.htm

http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/abusimbel.htm

http://www.javeri.net

Sunrise (Pic 78 2nd year - 30 Aug 2009)

This another shot of the sky as we were going back home from Mahabaleshwar.
Shot from the car and no, I wasn't driving! :)
http://www.javeri.net

Joss Restaurant stall (206 15 Dec)
Times Food Awards 2008

D300 - ISO 500 No PP except for colour correction.

Shot at Times Food Awards 2008

Every year India's leading newspaper The Times of India, (Mumbai edition) publishes books on the best restaurants and night spots of the city. A gala event was organized on 16th November and the selected restaurants were presented awards. There was a big turnout rubbing shoulders with the society's best.

more pics at gallery:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/6594238_4tdWy#420090079_p45Lu

WE CARE POSTERS PROJECT

To help raise money for St. Jude Hospital, I have joined this project with some other fellow SmugMuggers. Proceeds from the sales go to this charity and we do NOT make any money from the sales.
Do support us and help a good cause

http://www.freethoughtphoto.com/stjude/

www.javeri.net

Cheetal - spotted deer
Ranthambhore National Park.

Ranthambhore near Sawaimadhopur is the only dry deciduous tiger habitat in the world. This natural habitat covering an 282 sq. km area is also home to many other animals like sambar & cheetal (deers), langur monkeys, leopards, sloth bears, hares, porcupines, jungle cats, civets and hyenas plus a variety of birds. Entry is restricted to certain hours of the day and in authorised Gypsys (Jeep like cars) only.

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/2512797_UjDgv/1/131958555_Uqtuo/Medium

more pics: http://hershy.smugmug.com/Travel/290255

I am associated with Tiger Watch, an NGO; since some years.
for details: http://www.tigerwatch.net/index.htm

for pics: http://hershy.smugmug.com/Conservation

http://www.ranthambhore.com/

http://www.javeri.net

Nice to meet you!
Sunflowers at cousin's garden in Ahmedabad.

www.javeri.net

Drying 2 (Pic 147 2nd year - 1 Nov 2009)

Last Sunday (25th October), I went to a Dhobi Ghat with friends Sharookh & Nrupen. As it was evening the activity was minimal but still, we got some shots of the people who stay in these areas.

Dhobi Ghat is washers' area in Mumbai. The washers known locally as Dhobis work in open to wash the cloths from Mumbai's homes, hotels and hospitals. There are row upon row of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. There are quite a few Dhobi Ghats in Mumbai, prominent amongst them are Mahalakshmi & Cuffe Parade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhobi_Ghat

http://www.javeri.net

Coracle (057 - Feb 27)
18-105mm ISO 800 f8 at 1/60

Shot at Orange County, Coorg, South India. The Coracle is a round lightweight boat used in South India.

Read more about Coracle at

http://www.orangecounty.in/coorg/act-coracleride.php

and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coracle

This particular boat had some water in it, but otherwise they are waterproof in the sense the water does not come in at all. I did not take a ride here but have done so earlier elsewhere and it's quite fun. Of course we had life jackets on at that time!

More pictures of Orange County at

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7153235_Xgchf/1/459017606_kfsK9

http://www.javeri.net

Indian bride (003 2nd year)

This beautiful lady is my friends' daughter who got married last Monday. Two days ago I had put up a shot of her foot with Mehendi:
http://hershy.smugmug.com/photos/559107962_zckEs-L.jpg

To answer Curious Camel:
The bridegroom is holding her hand. Beetle leaf and nut are put in the hands of the bride and then the groom covers her hand with his, making it a 'union' of two people.

www.javeri.net

View of Kandy city (006 Jan 06)
D300 17-55mm ISO 400 f14 1/200

In Sri Lanka, we made a short stop at Kandy en route from Galle to Tea Trails. Visited the Temple of Tooth and after a brief stroll had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the city.

Kandy - a major tourist destination - is also known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Nestled in the hills at an altitude of 488 m, it is located at a distance of 115 km from Colombo. A bustling commercial city, Kandy has a rich history. It was originally known as Senkadagala pura after a hermit named Senkada who lived there. Many of Sinhalese people call it Mahanuwara meaning the Great City. The name Kandy was derived by the colonial rulers from the word Kanda in Sinhala, meaning a hill.

Today , Kandy is famous for the Kandy Perahara-a huge cultural pageant that takes place in the month of July or August. It is one of the most colorful processions of the world. Thousands of drummers and dancers accompanying a parade of ornamented elephants perform in the streets. The leading tusker carries the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, while the spectators pay homage to it. The procession moves along the streets for seven consecutive nights and concludes on the day of the August full moon.

The Temple of Tooth, also known as Dalda Maligawa, is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Here, one of the Buddha's teeth is kept. The temple was built in the 17th century. A golden canopy has been added recently.

There are many Buddhist temples surrounding Kandy and four Hindu shrines dedicated to Gods Vishnu and Natha and Goddess Patthini.

More Kandy pictures at

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/6950360_Soc9F/1/444816807_ygkxM

www.javeri.net

Jay with Mom & Dad (104 - 2009)
D300 ISO 400 f4 1/60

This is obviously not taken by me but am sharing it with all the friends here. It was shot by my (grand) nephew Punit just before we proceeded to the wedding venue in the morning.

Swarup is wearing a silk saree and we are wearing colourful Kurtas. Jay is wearing a silk dhoti and I am wearing a churidar. We have 'khes' draped around our necks.
more info on Kurta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurta

The flying kurtas reminds one of Marilyn Monroe flying skirt scene!! :)

http://www.javeri.net

Makak Monkey at Uluwatu temple (136 - 2009)
Bali

This was shot during my Bali trip. Tourists are asked to take off sunglasses before entering the premises as the monkeys are known to snatch them off! One lady tourist did not and within minutes this big fellow jumped onto her back, snatched the glasses and ran off! When the guide offered him a banana he threw the glasses down and went on top of this stone pillar to enjoy the 'offerings'!! :)

>>>> EDIT 3rd June

Lobby of Hotel Cinnamon Bay (209 18 Dec)
Shot at different times of day - D300 17-55 f2.8.
ISO 1250 f5.6 1/20 sec - handheld
NO PP except for light & colour adjustments.

more pictures of the lobby & Colombo at

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/6837782_hL4K3/1/437113249_NLbCH

www.javeri.net

Leaves (Pic 20 2nd year)
D300 Tamron 90mm macro - ISO 400 f8 1/50

Shot in Feb this year but processed now!

www.javeri.net

Marble Fountain (086 - Mar 28)
D300 ISO 1250 - f4.5 1/8 sec

At Jaipur wedding, one function was a dance recital followed by dinner & dance held at Raj Palace. Unfortunately we reached few minutes before the event and I did not have much time to 'explore & shoot' the place. This beautiful marble fountain was near the entrance. It was a difficult situation as people were arriving in groups and the light was very low & I wasn't sure if flash was allowed or not. I shot it hand-held, almost on-the-run and there is no PP except for a crop and light & colour adjustments.

Raj Palace is the oldest 'haveli' in Jaipur, now converted into a beautiful and Grand heritage hotel. It was chosen as "World's Leading heritage hotel" by The World Travel awards 2007.

DO have a look at their site, at the rooms / suites AND the prices. Am not mentioning them here cause you wouldn't believe me! :)

http://www.rajpalace.com/hotel-raj-palace.html

www.javeri.net

Dahlia (078 - Mar 20)

Mahabaleshwar Club where we stayed had a garden with many flowers.

I was trying out a 60mm macro lens which was good but was second-hand and a bit pricey. I finally settled for a Tamron 90mm f2.8 - thanks to Bill's recommendation! Shot some pictures with it later on and will soon put them up.

==== update on wedding ====

The wedding & the reception are on 9th April. Mehendi & another small function are a day earlier.
Cards are on their way ... now arrangements for guests coming from various places, including USA, UK & Germany! Whew!

http://www.javeri.net

"Mobile" vegetables market

Spotted this vegetable vendor while returning from an excursion. The vegetables were fresh from the farm nearby.
Cairo, Egypt.

More pictures in gallery

http://Hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/2474371_PzaCC/1/129657266_BiaLK

Egypt info: http://www.touregypt.net/

http://www.javeri.net

Dambulla rock temple (Pic 42 2nd year)

Perched on a hill, the temple was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave temples plus a World Heritage Site.

The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. metres of painted walls and ceilings, is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 metres.Hindu statues are believed to be of the 12 century AD and the latest paintings are of the late 18-century.

Dambulla is a small town located at a distance of 19 km from Sigriya on the Sigriya-Kandy road. Dambulla has over 80 caves in the surrounding and some of them have been used by the monks as meditation locations.

www.javeri.net

At night (022 - Jan 23)

D300 17-55mm ISO 800 f5.6 2 sconds

The Fortress used to be lit up at night and the reflections added to its beauty. This was shot after a dinner on the deck and the camera was rested on the dinning table. I used the Live View to frame the shot. The angle was a bit crooked so had to straighten it and bring out details in a few dark areas. There is another shot in the gallery but I selected this as it has less of foreground and the people are bit more visible.

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7035963_RG9it/1/450644816_wsqRR/Large

more pics:

http://hershy.smugmug.com/gallery/7035963_RG9it/1/456783652_BHMxG

more info:

http://www.thefortress.lk/index.html

http://www.javeri.net

Kahanda Kanda (120 - 2009)
D300 ISO 400 f9 1/125 17-55 2.8 lens

This is another view of the beautiful hotel Kahanda Kanda. Situated amidst lush greenery it has five suites and offers gourmet food. It's run by George Cooper from UK and offers a tranquil holiday.

more details
http://www.kahandakanda.com/

http://www.javeri.net

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