SASTHAMKOTTA

Sasthamkotta : Visited on January 2011

Sasthamkotta is in Kollam District, Kerala.  This place is famous for Sasthamkotta Lake & Sasthamkotta temple.

 The Lake here in Sasthamkotta is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala.  

The place gets its name from the ancient Sastha temple located near the banks of the lake.  The temple is one of the most prominent temples for Sabrimala Pilgrims.

The surroundings are calm, stress reliving & refreshing.

Sasthamkotta temple is dedicated to both both Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa. The temple is surrounded by hills and forests and huge number of monkeys are inhabitants to this place.  This is considered holy as the monkeys here are believed to be the faithful entourage of  dharmasastha. They are friendly & devotees find pleasure in feeding them.. 

Note : Pics does not justify the beauty of the place. The photos were captured on year 2011

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Photos above were taken by me and is intended for this blog alone. If you intend to use this for commercial OR editorial purposes, please email me at dove1984@gmail.com

       

Georgia 2018 (Day 3) - City of Love : Signagi or Sighnaghi- 27 Apr 2018

Georgia 2018 (Day 3) - City of Love :  Signagi or Sighnaghi- 27 Apr 2018 &  Mtatsminda Park

 A tiny town atop a hill in the easternmost region of Georgia called Kakheti.  It is an old city with cobblestone streets, charming houses, and a photographer's paradise.  

This city is wonderful taste of the Georgian countryside.

We stopped by the churches, city walls & souvenir stalls.

Sighnaghi’s location is in the Kakheti Region, in eastern Georgia, the weather is pleasant year-round, perfect for a trip at any time of the year.

This small Georgian town is known as  "City of Love"  with a wedding house where one can marry anytime of the day.

One can find restaurants selling home-made khinkali and boutique wine stores are a pleasure for  each passerby inside.

 The restaurant where we had lunch

Wine shops selling home made wines

Everything is slow, calm and beautiful in this city of love

 Architecture:

 Vintage Cars in the background

After a romantic walk through the cobbled stone pathway we went to Mtatsminda Park and a ride in Funicular

View of the city from the top :

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Photos above were taken and processed by me and is intended for this blog alone. If you intend to use this for commercial OR editorial purposes, please email me at dove1984@gmail.com

Georgia 2018 (Day 3) - on our way to Signagi or Sighnaghi- 27 Apr 2018

As per our itinerary , Kakheti region of Georgia was decided for today. On our research before the trip this was one which we were looking for.

At front of our hotel before we started our trip

Our first point of destination was the Bodbe Monastery, which was on our way to Signagi or Sighnaghi. On the way to monastery we halted at a bread making bakery.

Authentic Georgian breads are sold here for 1 Lari.  We had a chance to even bake those.  Pics while baking & around the bakery.

On the way to Bodbe Monastery:

The Monastery of St. Nino was originally built in the 9th century.  Bodbe monastery welcomes you with thick bushes, flowers which are well maintained. There is a cold spring which can be reached by hiking 657 steps and in order to take a dip in the spring there is a nominal fee. We can see a huge vegetable patch & wonderful views to the valley below.  A lovely little shope run by Nuns sells traditional Georgian Handicrafts & wines.  Bodde Monastery welcoming us:

Entrance to Bodbe Monastery

Entrance to Bodbe Monastery

Bodbe Monastery is quite touristic place.  It is beautiful & peaceful.  

Large  Cypress trees 

Well maintained Garden

St. George Cathedral, part of the monastery, holds the remains of St. Nino

Beautiful Flowers

Graveyard

657 Steps down to the Springs

Valley Behind

Me & my daughter, view of the city behind

Bodbe Monastery was a mesmerizing trip & we continued our trip to Signagi

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Photos above were taken and processed by me and is intended for this blog alone. If you intend to use this for commercial OR editorial purposes, please email me at dove1984@gmail.com