Kambalathara

My visit to hometown is not complete without a day out with my close buddies. They always find some hidden gems where we can spend a day or two, unwind, and relive our college memories.

One such trip was to a scenic spot called Kambalathara, a catchment area of a dam in Palakkad. The view was calm and refreshing, with old palm trees partly submerged in water and coconut farms stretching along the waterline.

As we walked around, we noticed a lady passing by with her herd of goats. It’s not a common sight these days, and it added a rustic charm to the moment.

We reached the place by mid-day, carrying snacks and stories, and settled down by the water. The hours passed quickly, filled with laughter and quiet breaks in between. Before we knew it, the sun was setting. We couldn’t leave without capturing a few golden hour snaps to freeze the beauty of the evening.

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.