ramki | leica photography: Recently Added Galleries and Collections

Colombo, Nov 2009

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:16:49 GMT

I spent 48-hours in Colombo last weekend on an unplanned trip and hardly stepped out of the Galle Face Hotel -- one of Asia’s oldest and most famed landmarks. The hote, founded in 1864, is the oldest hotel east of Suez. It is located off Galle Road, the main highway in Colombo, by the side of the panoramic Indian Ocean. The hotel is now managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation.

Guests of the Galle Face Hotel have included Richard Nixon, Indira Gandhi, Javaharlal Neru, Emperor Hirohito, Roger Moore and Yuri Gagarin, the first man to travel in space!

I couldn't resist one quick visit to the Gallery cafe designed by Sri Lankan Architect Geoffrey Bawa -- regarded as one of the most important and influential Asian architects of the 20th century.

Rishikesh -- Holy City on the Ganges

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:47:37 GMT

Rishikesh (Hindi: ऋषिकेश) is a city in the Northern Indian state of Uttarakhand in the foothills of the Himalaya. It is holy city for Hindus and a famous pilgrimage centre. It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is located around 25 kilometres away from another holy city, Haridwar.

The sacred river Ganga (Ganges) flows through Rishikesh. In fact, it is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. It is believed that meditation in Hrishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. It is also becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of river Ganges.

We had just finished, in Oct 2008, a 2-day rafting trip (Shivpuri to Kaudiyala to Rishkesh) that ended in Rishikesh and these images are from a few hours spent that evening before we left for Delhi.

Kolkata & Sundarbans

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:02:16 GMT

These are images from my frequent trips to Kolkata and my Dec 08 trip to Bali island, Sundarbans.

Kolkata formerly Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. When referred to as Calcutta, it usually includes the suburbs, and thus its population exceeds 15 million, making it India's third-largest metropolitan area and urban agglomeration as well as the world's 8th largest agglomeration. Kolkata served as the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911. Once the centre of modern education, industry, science, culture and politics in India, Kolkata has witnessed intense political violence, clashes and economic stagnation since 1954. Like other metropolitan cities in India, Kolkata continues to struggle with the problems of urbanisation: poverty, pollution and traffic congestion. Kolkata is noted for its revolutionary history, ranging from the Indian struggle for independence to the leftist and trade union movements.

The Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal mangrove forest in the world. The name Sundarban can be literally translated as "beautiful jungle" or "beautiful forest" in the Bengali language. But the generally accepted view is the one associated with Sundari trees. The forest lies at the feet of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, forming the seaward fringe of the delta.

People

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:53:21 GMT

Friends, relatives, desis, new yorkers, romans, chinese...

Dibru & crossing the Bramhaputra, March 2009

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:57:10 GMT

In March, as part of a month-long North East India birding trip, we visited the eastern most part of Assam before proceeding to Mishmi Hills in Arunchal Pradesh. In Assam, we explored the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park spectacularly located on the floodplains of the Debang, Lohit, Dibru and the Brahmaputra Rivers. This habitat is very unique and water is a very significant part of daily life. Therefore, river crossings are inevitable to reach any place and are either done on foot (especially during birding) or by boat.

The only way to Arunachal Pradesh from Dibru-Saikhowa is to cross the mighty Brahmaputra River at Saikhowa Ghat (near Tinsukhia town) in a ferry (unless you charter a chopper). Buses, cars, cargo, cattle, everything is loaded on ferries for the crossing which can take upto a couple of hours and this offers a a great opportunity for people-watching. The take-off and landing spots vary by the week because of the shifting banks of the Bramhaputra and the whole infrastructure (hotels, ferry companies, etc.) moves on both sides to keep the crossing short. It was fun to do the journey both ways (not that we had an option!)

I have also included some pictures of Roing town at the base of Mishmi Hills in Arunachal Pradesh. Kept these images in color for obvious reasons!

On the way back from Mishmi Hills (after re-crossing the Bramhaputra), we stopped at the Dihing River Resort near Dibrugarh and the community-run resort had very kindly and thoughtfully arranged an elaborate Bihu folk dance.

Bharatpur & Kumaon Himalaya

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:57:43 GMT

In February 2009, I made a long birding trip to Bharatpur (in Rajasthan) and parts of the Kumaon Himalaya (Corbett, Sat Tal and Pangot). These are some images from the trip.

Altaghat July 2009

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:28:36 GMT

Altaghat is coffee estate high-up in the mountains of Anamalais. It is set amidst rainforest and other estates and it is our pilot site for a rainforest restoration program. We keep visiting this place every month and these are some images during the monsoon...

Cauvery river, Karnataka, May 2009

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:45:00 GMT

The Kaveri River also spelled Cauvery in English, is one of the major rivers of India, which is considered sacred by Hindus. The origin of the river is traditionally placed at Talakaveri, Kodagu district in the Western Ghats in the state of Karnataka, flows generally south and east through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and across the southern Deccan plateau through the southeastern lowlands, emptying into the Bay of Bengal through two principal mouths.

The river is considered to rise at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills in Kodagu, though there is not a flow at this point all year round. The river Kaveri – one of the seven sacred rivers (sapta sindhu) of India – is one of the most important rivers in south India.

Just as the monsoon was breaking, we visited Anandadhama Retreat near Sangama on the banks of river Cauvery, amidst virgin Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and in the vicinity of renowned Shantidhama -- a unique gurukul (an ancient way to schooling).

The monsoon skies and the moods of the river are to be seen to be believed!

Alapuzha (Alleppey), Kerala, Jan 2009

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:06:18 GMT

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a town in central Kerala. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as Venice of the East by Lord Curzon.

In Jan 2009, our family made a 4-day trip to Alappuzha. We stayed at the delightful homestay Keraleeyam right on the world famous backwaters. We made several boat trips along the backwaters and also land trips to the local markets and Ambalappuzha town.

Alappuzha is the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. House boats locally called "Kettuvallam" can be hired for short to long trips in the backwaters. These house boats typically have 2 bed rooms and attached bath rooms. A routine trip includes food cooked on board in traditional style. The leisurely cruises show a slice of life on the backwaters.

Near Alappuzha is Ambalappuzha a small town known for its Sri Krishna Temple which was built in the year 790 AD. This temple is directly associated to the Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple.

Mysore, Tipu's Palace & Kabini, May 2009

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:56:17 GMT

A trip to Jungle Lodges at Karapura on the banks of the Kabini backwaters in May 2009. We went via Srirangapatna the capital of Tipu Sultan -- the 18th century ruler of Mysore. On the way back we stopped for lunch at the Jayamahal Palace in Mysore.

A major Mini wedding!

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sun, 03 May 2009 05:46:16 GMT

Mini & Todd's wedding in Mumbai, March 2009 -- mallu ishtyle, punjabi ishtyle and everything else in-between. Here is a behind-the-scenes look!

Marketics farewell offsite July 2008

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:12:48 GMT

My last few days at Marketics. This was a farewell offsite of sorts that was held in Coorg. It was a great offsite ... the images tell the story. Just one color image for effect...

Kutch

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:25:40 GMT

Kutch (also referred to as Kachchh) is a mystery land, not easy to comprehend. Its area cannot easily be covered, and it is greater in area than some Indian states of India. Spread over an area of over 45,000 km², it is the second largest district of the country (next to Ladakh) and the largest in Gujarat. More than half of its area consists of saline marsh of the Great and Little Ranns (pronounced run) of Kutch which bound the district on the north and east which virtually makes Kutch an island -- the other sides bounded by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Kutch. The border with Pakistan lies along the northern edge of the Great Rann.

Here are some images from my September birding trip. I sincerely appreciate Jugal Tiwari (who runs CEDO) for showing me around the spectacular Kutch countryside.

Elephant camps

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:07:00 GMT

I love elephants and elephant camps! These are images from elephant camps which are in remote jungle locations. The community that takes care of these elephants are typically tribal and are completely committed to the elephants. These images are from Kozhikamuthi (Anamalais, Tamil Nadu), Sunkadakatte (Nagarhole, Karnataka) and Dubare (Coorg, Karnataka).

Bangalore

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:54:00 GMT

Finally a gallery of my very own city. A city that has put India on the world map and is today the global IT capital. Getting 'Bangalored' is a verb today! Once a sleepy cantonment town meant for retirement, Bangalore today is wrestling between the old and the modern like most Indian metros.

Indian Countryside

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:45:00 GMT

Tales from the Indian countryside....includes animals, roadside, food, general timepass, etc.

Naturescapes

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:10:00 GMT

Landscapes from wild India....gives a flavor of the diverse topography / habitat that exists in India.

Mumbai

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:26:00 GMT

Mumbai is the place in India for street photography. It's got serious life, character, contrasts, depth and variety. It's a pity that I never owned a camera in the 8-long years I lived in Mumbai! I recently spent a weekend (summer '08) there and made these images.

King's Canyon & Sequoia, South East California

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:00:00 GMT

New York, New York, New York

ramki@wildventures.com (ramki | leica photography) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:52:00 GMT