Charming Mangalore

In February we visited the coastal town of Mangalore. There was so much to see, and we braved it through despite the heat and humidity. Perhaps all the ice cream helped.

 

First on was the Aloysius Chapel with its many baroque paintings 

 

 

Next on was a temple that we visited after lunch one day. The temple had many blocks of water reservoirs - the fish in them attracted cormorants.

 

The old colonial homes were charming to look at

 

We took a bus along the coast, passing by Mangalore port, to go to Penambur beach.

The beach was lovely, time flew as we sat and admired the many views.

The next morning was the mangalore marathon.. a fun event going through the streets of the city

 

As I ran through, I was delighted to see the building that housed the very first Canara bank -- now a museum.

 

 

After the marathon, we headed to the temple city of Udupi.

 

At the place we stayed we could see several cashew trees, native to this area.

 

The festivities started in the evening at the temple.. first on very the celebrations by the temple pond and then the procession along the street around the temple. It was full of pomp and gaity with many people out on the streets, partaking in pulling the chariot or walking and dancing along.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next on we took a boat and headed to St. Mary's Island.

 

 

The two key unique aspects of the island were the rock formations all around and the beach which was full of sea shells - I dug my hand into the shell hoping to reach the sand below but never did.. so deep was the layer.

 

 

 

 

Bowring's Institute, St. Marks Road

A sunday afternoon birthday party

A wedding amidst nature

At Lakeview farms, Whitefield bangalore, 3rd February 2013

I need to identify this tree that i saw in the grounds ... not the canonball flower tree is it??

Lalbagh flower show & this year's first flowers

The flower show to celebrate Republic day was on once again at Lalbagh, the center piece this time being a flower decorated Eiffel tower, along with the statue of a lady and of Vivekananda.

I did not visit, hence do not have pictures to share, but I do have some of the first flowers of the year from around me. Surprisingly the gulmohar tree in front of our building flowered in January - not a whole lot of flowers but a few here and there. It was rather surprising as the flowering usually begins only in April - has it been so much hotter?

 This is the one from the pot we have in our balcony.

Nizhal tree walk

Article in the Hindu: Taking a Stroll under green friends

Nizhal, a trust to promote concern for trees in the city, conducted its Margazhi Tree Walk on Gandhi Nagar, Fourth Main Road, Adyar, on Saturday (December 29). The walk was guided by T. D. Babu, core member, Nizhal.

The educational programme aimed to engage the people, doing their bit for care and conservation of trees in their neighbourhood began with Bodhi Tree, which produces the most oxygen.

"The tree can grow without soil, and can absorb water from atmosphere. The tree is not advisable for home gardening, " Babu said.

Next on the walk was 'Gulmohar Tree', called as May Flower. The flowers blooms during the month of May. The tree is an exotic and even a weak species. Even a small strong wind can uproot this tree. The tree is cultivated because of its beauty and the shade it provides, he explained.

When I come across the Mast tree, Babu points out at me and says most people mistake this tree, for the Ashoka tree. "In olden days, there was a myth that planting an Ashoka tree at home would bring sorrow, because shokam meant sorrow. The tree was used to build masts in ships."

The 'Vilvam' Tree, he said, is used in the worship of Lord Shiva. The leaves and fruits are used for medicinal purposes. It is a good natural hair conditioner.

"When you are stressed or tired, stand under the Magizham Tree when it is in full bloom. The aroma from the flower acts as a stress-buster. The tree flowers are used to make perfumes, " Babu says.

"Nailing advertisement boards on the trees will cause bacterial and viral infections. Cementing around the trees is illegal. The roots start deteriorating, and disrupts the flow of water and absorption of minerals to the branches. Hanging lights on the trees kill millions of microbes and exposes the bird's nests. The birds are unable to take rest in the night. Most people do not know about these things, “ he said.

Exhibition at Chitra Kala Parishad

A newspaper advertisement spurred me on to set off one Saturday morning to an exhibition at the Chitra Kala Parishad - the art college and museum in central Bangalore. It was really nice to see all that was on display - silk and cotton sarees and dress materials, regional jewellery, ceramic houseware and some paintings. It was colorful and very interesting.

I also spent some time in the grounds of the CPK - not very big but home to a banyan tree.

Additional trees from WA: western hemlock, maple, tree in front lawn

Alaska flowers