St. Bartholomä - Königssee

The lake Königssee is a long mountain lake in the Berchtesgaden National Park in the southeastern Bavaria.

The lake is noted for its clear water and is advertised as the cleanest lake in Germany! For this reason only electric driven boats, rowboats and pedal boats have been permitted on the lake.

Lake Königssee's landmark is the chapel of St. Bartholomä that can only be reached by boat or on foot after a long hike. On the day we reached, it was pretty chill and we decided to stick to only the boat ride.

On the boat ride, at about half the journey to St. Bartholomew's, it is traditional to stop and play the trumpet to demonstrate the echo.
It was amazing to hear this. Highly recommend the boat ride to anyone visiting this place.

St. Bartholomew's Church is a pilgrimage chapel and is considered the oldest mountain pilgrimage in Europe.

St. Bartholomew is said to be the protector of alpine farmers and of milkmaids.
Since 16th century it has been in the baroque style. It has two onion domes and a red domed roof.

The easter celebrations in the church.

Apart from the church, this small island has a fish tavern, a hunting lodge which is now turned into an inn, a souvenir shop and few other small buildings.

Once the last boat leaves this island in the afternoon, St Bartholomä turns into complete silence !

(All Images by Anupama Puneeth. Information courtesy http://de.wikipedia.org/)

Happy Easter !

Wishing an Eggs-tra special easter :-)

.... all the way from Austria and Germany !!!

Spring Blossoms ...

The season of spring

weather seems to sing

lovely lovely days

are coming our ways

The season of spring

blooming blossoming

of nature of all kind

let roots unbind

Listen to my words

the season of spring is near

now a look into your lovely eyes

and one can see spring is already here !

~Mencita (Carmen) Monoi Angel

Spring my favourite season...is finally here :)

(Photos shot in and around Limassol)

Cyprus Winter on Troodos

The winter in Cyprus is never complete without a trip to Cyprus' very own "ski" mountain - Troodos.

Troodos always has something in store for the tourists and locals for every season of the year. The mountain-scape, beautiful valleys, the medieval bridges, waterfalls, the scent of pine trees and breathtaking view of the horizon...its an experience in itself.
This whole picture transforms to an even higher level when this region is dusted with white snow during the peak winter months.

Mount Olympus is the highest peak in Cyprus and the ski resort.

Locals enjoying the skiing

A few having fun on the ski-bikes :)

I enjoyed some fun photography as much as playing in the snow.

After all the hardwork of playing, it was time to feast the tummy :)

Some candies, pop-corns....

But nothing to beat the hot buttered corn on a cold winter afternoon ... yumm :)

After a sumptuous pot-luck lunch, no one could say no to garam garam masala chai :)

The "Avatar" II :-)

The natives of Pandora have arrived on the planet earth.

They are extremely thrilled after drinking the Heineken beer that they dont want to leave planet earth ;)

PS: This was shot during the Grand Carnival. I think this was the best carnival dress I saw that day.
They were not participants in the parade. Had they been, I am sure they would have delighted the crowd !

Weekend Fun !

On a sunny winter weekend, this is how I love to spend my afternoons - 'Bird Watching' and 'Cycling' ! :-)

Cyprus is home for migratory birds like sea gulls and flamingos during the winter months.

In the past we used to go near Salt Lake to watch the flamingos. But I guess it would be quite an adventure to do this now with Aditi !!!

So we stick to watching just the sea gulls which are usually around the beach area.

Combining this with cycling was indeed double fun...

On his turn, Puneeth enjoying the ride along with the birds :-)

 Aditi was amused with our excitement and loved running behind us !

A few others having fun in their own different way.

Hope you too have loads of fun this weekend.

so get ready, steady, go ........

Rang Barse ....

Wishing you all a colourful, bright and joyful Holi !

This year we celebrated Holi with friends on our house terrace !
Owing to the cold weather, we decided not to have a splashy Holi which of course is more fun ;-)

Except for the kids , no one being spared :-) 

Few dramatic poses ;-)

On the whole it was such a great fun ..perhaps one of our memorable celebrations outside of India !
PS: You wont spot me in any of the pics. I was busy clicking ;)