My pictures with their little stories

Wrinkled beauty from Sangla, Himachal Came across this remarkable lady at the temple at Batseri in Sangla valley , Himachal . She was among the group of village women watching the ceremony of the Devata being taken out from the temple which happens on very select occasions during the year. Her sharp features along with the lines on her fair Himachali face with those deep eyes made a compelling visual. (2010)

X class steam locomotive of Nilgiri Mountain Railway The X class steam locomotives which are Swiss make, are a looker and they look as beautiful from whichever angle one views them from. The golden star on the black circular area right in front gives the loco a character and an imposing presence of its own. (2007)                      Here is my blog post on Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Black Beauty up close The X class steam locomotives that power trains between the stretch of Coonoor to Mettupalayam of Nilgiri Mountain Railway are wonderful machines which are kept running by equally wonderful technicians of Indian Railways who work diligently at the steam loco workshop at Coonoor. Unlike the Light and Sound shows at various archaeological sites, watching these beauties is a Sight and Sound show. Mechanical engineering at its best ! Any youngster who watches these Swiss origin machines up close is bound to be inspired to be a fine mechanical engineer or a technician. (2007)                        Here is my blog post on Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Nilgiri Passenger at Katti railway station Nilgiri Passenger at Ketti railway station on the Ooty - Mettupalayam line. This station like others on this line are beautiful little structures and retain the old world charm. Life is easy and slow here and the only semblance of any hustle bustle is when a train arrives. Here the engine driver is ready to exchange his token and the green flag of the guard will go up soon. (2007) Here is my blog post on Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The Man and The Machine It is the love, care and dedication of the technicians at the steam loco workshop at Coonoor that has kept these beautiful X class vintage steam locomotives running on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway . Whoever I spoke to at this workshop - the technicians as well as the engine drivers, they were all proud of the fact nowhere in the world you can find such relics from the past up and running. (2007) Here is my blog post on Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Makke ki roti, Sarson ka saag at Amritsar Relished the desi ghee preparations at several restaurants in the alleys of the old city. These were certainly not places with new world ambience, but then the food they served was authentic.  (2010) 

Buddhist monks at a monastery, Bhutan The red robes of the young monks in this Buddhist monastery in Bhutan created a stunning contrast against the backdrop of predominantly white majestic walls and steps.  Another sharp contrast was the age - the monastery which is few hundred years old providing a solid foundation to the young energetic monks who are still learning. Interesting to note this contrast operating at two different planes.