Temple Visits in Palakkad

During my holidays over the past couple of years, I visited several temples in Palakkad. Many of them are quite old and have a lot of history behind them.

What I liked most was seeing the traditional Kerala-style architecture – sloping roofs, wooden carvings, and spacious courtyards. Some temples were small and quiet, while others were larger and busier, especially during festival times.

Each visit was a nice break in the day. The peaceful surroundings, temple ponds, river flowing by and shaded walkways made the experience very calming. 

We stopped for tea outside one of the temples. It was a small shop, simple but welcoming. As we sat there, we noticed a bird sitting right next to the shop owner. He smiled and told us that this bird comes every day for its morning snack.

Back to the Little Things: A Fresh Set of Macro Flower Photos

It’s been a while since I shared any macro shots, especially of flowers—something I’ve always loved capturing. While I’ve still been posting photos here and there, getting back into macro feels a bit like catching up with an old friend.

There’s something truly captivating about focusing on the small details—the textures of a petal, the way light hits tiny stamens, or the colors hidden in the heart of a bloom. Taking these photos reminded me why I started macro photography in the first place. 

I'm excited to finally share a new set of macro flower images here.

Cambodia Day-6 Khor Ker

As my time in Cambodia came to a close, we decided to spend our final day exploring the lesser-known temples around Koh Ker—a fascinating and somewhat off-the-beaten-path archaeological site in northern Cambodia.

Unlike the bustling crowds you might find at Angkor Wat, the temples here were refreshingly quiet and serene. Most of them stood in silence, surrounded by dense greenery. There were hardly any other visitors, which made the experience feel even more personal and immersive.

One exception was Prasat Thom, the main temple in the Koh Ker complex and the one spot where we encountered a few other travelers. It stands out not just for its size but also for its unique design—a stepped pyramid structure, quite different from the more commonly seen flat temple layouts in Cambodia.

Climbing to the top was no easy feat. The stairs are steep, and in the heat, it definitely takes some effort. But once you reach the summit, you're rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and ruins. It was a moment of quiet reflection and awe—a perfect way to cap off the journey.

Koh Ker may not get as much attention as some of Cambodia’s more famous sites, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It's raw, peaceful, and still carries the sense of mystery that first drew me to this beautiful country

 

On the way, saw this tree branch across the road and thought this will be a good pic. 

Cambodia Day-5 Temples around Siam Reap

On Day 5 of my trip, I decided to walk around Siam Reap alone. I wanted to explore some pagodas and temples. It was a quiet day, with clouds in the sky and a bit of drizzle now and then. But that didn’t stop me.

I walked slowly, enjoying the peaceful streets . Siam Reap has many beautiful temples, and each one feels special in its own way. Some were quiet, with no one around. Others had a few visitors or monks walking by.

Even though the sky was grey, the colors of the temples still stood out. 

The pictures I took during my walk are below.

As I reached one of the temples, I saw two monks sitting at the entrance. They were dressed in bright orange robes and looked peaceful and kind. I smiled at them and asked if I could take their picture. They nodded and said yes.