Stock Pictures

Aerial view of Khopoli town in the western ghats of Maharashtra

2012-03-12T06:39:00.003+05:30

Here is a panoramic bird's eye view or aerial view of the small town of Khopoli in the mountains of the Deccan in West India. Khopoli is an industrial town in Maharashtra, India, and at the bottom of the Sahyadri mountains. it lies on the way from Mumbai to Pune.

Related Images: Urban Thane - bird's eye view or Lavasa hill city near Pune or Scenes from the Matheran Mountains or Ghat
Or try any of the labels below this post to get more photographs of your choice.

Man with camera silhouette and Sketch

2012-03-09T06:47:00.000+05:30

Here is a silhouette of the face and head of a man holding a camera. He is looking through the lens and foccusing.

This is a sketch or simple line drawing of a man looking through the lens of a digital camera.

Related Images: Silhouettes of Travelers or men with bags
or Silhouettes of Young Women Walking Silhouettes or try the label "Silhouettes" for silhouettes of people and places.

Or Sketches of Expressions of irritation, annoyance and anger or Sketches of hills, a lake and trees or try the label "Sketches" for sketches of people, places and things.

Colorful geometric backgrounds

2012-03-07T06:55:00.005+05:30

Here are some eclectic background colours for use on blogs and websites. The files are light, but the designs striking.

Luminous blue branches against a black background.

Thin strands of multi-coloured wires falling like rain on the earth. Browns, reds, oranges with a bit of green and yellow thrown in. All earthy colors almost like wiry colourful hair.

A colourful background with a woven effects with reflections and colors of red, green, blue and yellow.

Golden pillars of light with the blur effect.

Related Images: Sand backgrounds for blogs and designers or check out photographs which can be used for Backgrounds.

London Eye Sketches, Silhouettes and Illustrations

2012-03-05T06:46:00.000+05:30

These are sketches, silhouettes and illustrations of the modern monument in London in the United Kingdom - the London Eye. The landmark structure gives you a bird-eye view of London from all directions for around 40 kms and it's quite fun actually. This Ferris wheel is on the banks of the River Thames and almost 500 feet high. It's the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and gives a panoramic view of London as it spins in slow motion.

The large ferris wheel has many capsules which carry people and the first sketch is a close-up of one such capsule and each capsule weighs 10 tonnes and can accommodate at least 20 people. The total number of capsules are 32, elegantly designed.

This is the sketch of the actual giant wheel with the capsules perched on it. A hit with tourists.

A silhouette of the London Eye with a turbulent sky in the background and the dark buildings etched ominously against the cloudy sky. The London Eye monument looks quite interesting in silhouette.

A silhouette cum illustration of the modern London Eye monument in London.

A black silhouette of a famous London landmark: The London Eye from where you can see the whole of London as you go up the great wheel.

(These images are based on the photographs of London Eye)

More Sketches and Silhouettes of London Monuments and Landmarks: Westminster Silhouette and Sketch or Queen's Guard photo, sketch and silhouette or Tower of London Photograph, Sketch and Silhouette or

Britain's Royal Emblem and Sketch
Actual photos of Westminster Palace and Big Ben which is the British House of Parliament.
Pictures of London and the royals: Buckingham Palace Panoramic View or Victoria Memorial Fountain outside Buckingham Palace in London
London scenes: Free iconic scenes from London or London scenes from daily life: Musician in the London Metro or London streets with traffic, buses, crowds and people

Metallic Alien Monsters

2012-03-02T08:10:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of aliens and predator Art. These metallic pieces were on sale in a shop on the island of Koh Sumai in Thailand. There were a lot of metallic art inside the shop but photography was not allowed.

This metallic monster lookssomething like the alien from the movie "Predator"

Pastries Croissants and cheesecake

2012-02-29T06:35:00.037+05:30

These are images of pastries of different types. Chocolate and cream and also buns and croissant type pastries. This photo was shot at a breakfast buffet at a five star hotel.

More pastries, cup cakes, and chocolate topped sweet pastries. Also plain buns and cream filled pastries. Again, a picture from a breakfast buffet at a five star hotel.

This is a photograph of rich pastries of different types, with chocolate, coffee, vanilla and pinapple cream. Some of these thick cake slices have walnuts and some are cream-filled.

Cheesecakes of blueberry, strawberry, caramel and also oreo cheesecakes.

Here are flaky croissant type pastries with a ham filling.

More photographs of breakfast foods: Plate of golden brown Waffles or Chocolate Donuts photograph and illustration or Rice gruel or Congee from South-East Asia or Masala Dosa and Sambar or try the label "Processed Foods"

Bangkok Skyline Pictures

2012-02-27T07:17:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of the Bangkok skyline, the capital of Thailand. Here you can get a panoramic and breathtaking view of the skyscrapers of Bangkok far into the distance.

Here is a snapshot of Bangkok skyscrapers against a blue sky with palm trees in the foreground. Makes a pretty picture!

A photograph of the Bangkok skyline with the CPN (Central Pattana) building in the centre of the image. They are a real estate company own the Central World and some other malls and hotels in the city. On either side of the building you can see the tall buildings of Bangkok against a blue sky.

Another skyline of Bangkok with the CPM building to the left of the picture.

This is a vertical skyline of Bangkok. At the bottom of the image you can see the road and the traffic and at the top you can see the skyscrapers in the distance. Bangkok from the road to the sky.

(Higher resolution images are available with me).

Related Images: Hong Kong Skyscrapers or Shanghai Skyline in the daylight or Beijing Photographs and Skyline or Kuala Lumpur Skyline or try the label "Skylines" to check out more skylines from other cities of the world, including sketches and silhouettes of skylines.

Stray Cattle in India

2012-02-24T06:22:00.001+05:30

Stray cattle which seems to belong to nobody is a common sight in India, although not as common as stray dogs.

This photo is taken in Rajasthan, a cow is sunning itself on the road.

This photo was taken in Mumbai. Cows and stray dogs near garbage dumps is a common sight in Mumbai.

This cow appears to belong to someone, but is still sniffing around the garbage can.

Sketches of traditional Indian houses

2012-02-22T06:14:00.000+05:30

Here are a few sketches of the old type of houses of ancient India. The first one shows the paved courtyard in the centre of the house which was very common in ancient Indian architecture. Photographs of Goddesses are seen on the ceiling at the entrance to the courtyard. In those days Indians invariably lived in large joint families and a courtyard was ideal for the community living, particularly for the women of the house. It also provided sufficient light to all the rooms of the house, important when there was no electricity.

This shows the spacious porch outside of the house. The way the house is designed, it will keep cool in summer. This style of architecture was common in the olden times in India. This is a Chettinad type house, from Kerala in South India.

This is a sketch of an old ramshackle house on the outskirts of Nashik. It does not belong to the rich as can be seen from the looks of it. The construction in those days was usually stone and wood. This one has a tin roof, but this is probably new. The building is probably a hundred years old.

Pyramid Silhouettes and Sketches

2012-02-20T06:53:00.002+05:30

A simple pencil or line drawing of the three main pyramids of Giza. The pyramid on the extreme right is the Great Pyramid, the tallest of the three, the middle one is the Pyramid of Khafre or Chephren and the smallest Pyramid of Menkaure (or Mykerinos) is visible only partly, behind the Great Sphinx.

A sketch of the two main pyramids of Giza, the Great Pyramid and the Pyramid of of Khafre or Chephren. The outline of the Sphinx is also visible.

A silhouette of the three pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The Great Pyramid, Pyramid of of Khafre or Chephren and the Pyramid of Menkaure behing the Great Sphinx.

Another black on white silhouette of the two main pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

These drawings and silhouettes are based on this post: Three Pyramids of ancient Egypt
More photos of ancient monuments from Egypt: Temple and statues of Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt or Karnak Temple and Pillar Designs or The Great Sphinx of Egypt
For more related photos try the label "Egypt"

Road Construction in India

2012-02-17T16:37:00.000+05:30

These are pictures of road construction in India. This first one shows concretisation happening on a crowded crossing.

Machines to mix cement and break up stones can be seen in the photo here where road construction work is going on.

A tribal woman construction work is working on building a road. She is pouring water to cure the cement for the concrete road.

Vegetable Vendors

2012-02-16T07:04:00.000+05:30

Photos and close-ups of vegetable vendors. Here is a vendor fast asleep! He selling pumpkins and also the large brown skinned root vegetables commonly consumed in India. Not sure what they are called. Perhaps this shop doubles up as a home, because a level higher one can glimpse a woman sleeping. A picture of a god is also seen in the background.

A vegetable vendor selling pumpkins, raw bananas (eaten as a vegetable) and also root vegetables common in India and China.

A bored vegetable vendor with bright purple brinjals for sale. Beans and capsicum can be seen on the side.

Another bored vendor, waiting for customers. She is selling radish,

Related Images: Vegetable Markets in India or click any of the labels below this post.

Biscuit packs photos

2012-02-14T06:50:00.000+05:30

Photos of biscuits packs. These biscuits are of various kinds and from different companies. The first photograph is of some health biscuits like Britannia NutriChoice 5 grain biscuits, Sunfeats Marie Light, Britannia Hi Fibre Digestive and Horlicks biscuits. The packaging and colours used for the packs seems very similar.

This is a mix of different types of biscuit packs like Britannia Nutrichoice cream crackers and Pure Magic chocolate cream biscuits, Monaco salted biscuits, Parle G, Goodday and Hide & Seek biscuits. These multi-colored biscuits makes it difficult to distinguish between each! Monaco seems to have some unique packaging and the brand name stands out.

Another view of the packaging of the different brand of biscuits. All in all very colourful packaging, designed to attract children.

Related Pictures: Processed Juices in India or Instant Noodles Stock Photo or Processed foods in India
Or for more try the label "Processed Food" or "Snacks" for cooked snacks.

Westminster Silhouette and Sketch

2012-02-13T08:48:00.000+05:30

This is a black and white silhouette of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. This building houses the British Houses of Parliament.

A sketch or pencil drawing of Westminster Palace and Big Ben which is the British House of Parliament.

Related Images: Actual photos of Westminster Palace and Big Ben which is the British House of Parliament.

More Pictures of London and the royals: Buckingham Palace Panoramic View or Victoria Memorial Fountain outside Buckingham Palace in London or Britain's Royal Emblem and Sketch
Pictures of London landmarks: London Eye or Free iconic scenes from London
London scenes from daily life: Musician in the London Metro or London streets with traffic, buses, crowds and people

Wax statue of Hitler at Tussauds in London

2012-02-10T07:05:00.000+05:30

This is the half figure of Adolf Hitler, the head of the Nazis who was the Chancellor of Germany during the second world war. He was a dictator of Nazi Germany and was responsible for the Holocaust. This wax statue can be seen at Madame Tussauds in London, United Kingdom.

Cabbies or taxi drivers

2012-02-08T07:20:00.001+05:30

Taxi drivers or cabbies in Mumbai appear to be a disgruntled lot if one goes by these photos taken at different times in different parts of Mumbai!

Here are two cabbies chatting while waiting for a fare.

A worried taxi driver waiting at the red light.

Another cabbie at a junction.

An elderly cab driver in South Mumbai. He is wearing a white uniform. Some wear khaki, some wear white.

Taxi drivers waiting for a fare near a bus-stop in Bandra.

Related Photos: Rickshaws in Pune, India or Auto Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws in China or Taxis and auto rickshaws crammed with people or School Rickshaws with small children
Or Fire Station and Fire engine
Or more images filed under the label of Transport

Kuala Lumpur Skyline at Night photo and colored illustration

2012-02-07T06:53:00.001+05:30

The Kuala Lumpur Skyline looks spectacular mainly because of the Petronas Towers. At night specially these towers shine brightly and cast a glow over the city. They are very brightly lit. The images below capture this phenomena. The first looks like a photograph and indeed it is a photo, although tweaked slightly.

Another impression of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. This one is gives an effect of a painting or illustration.

Another impression of the Kuala Lumpur Skyline at night. The image has a dotted texture which brings out the outlines of the skyscrapers at night.

Related Images: Kuala Lumpur Skyline
Or if looking for pictures of skylines of different cities of the world click: Skylines

Lotus Beds in a water canal

2012-02-06T06:18:00.000+05:30

The Lotus plant grows in water, and the white and pink lotuses are the national flowers of India and Vietnam, respectively. Wonder if that is because its seeds can germinate even after a thousand years! These pictures can also be used as backgrounds.
This photograph is of a water canal with growing lotus plants floating on the surface of the water.

This is a closer look at the plant and one of the pink lotus flowers. However the flower is not a fresh one and is a little withered, its pink petals wilting. The dried seed head is visible though, which are much like the a lemon with pins! On some of the stems you can see the dried seed head only as the petals have withered and fallen off.

Related Images: Chapha the tropical flower, Plumeria in English or Bougainvillea Bonsai or check out the label "Flowers"

Woman selling hair outside temple in India

2012-02-03T06:28:00.000+05:30

A photograph of a woman outside a temple in Madurai selling actual hair. People often shave their heads at temples because of some religious ritual and these women take this hair and sell it, often to hair dressers or wig makers.

Plate of golden brown Waffles

2012-02-02T06:25:00.002+05:30

This is a cut-out photograph of a plate of waffles against a white background. Larger one is available.

More photographs of breakfast foods: Rice gruel or Congee from South-East Asia or Chocolate Donuts photograph and illustration or Masala Dosa and Sambar

Ancient Narsimha Temple in Pune

2012-02-01T07:05:00.002+05:30

These are photographs of an ancient temple in Sadashiv Peth, in the heart of Pune city. It celebrates the deity Narsimha, an avatar of Vishnu.
In the photograph below there is a the narrow road outside the temple. No one would guess that an old temple lies inside. The structure itself is derelict from the outside.

A closer look at the gate or entrance of the temple The date it was established is clearly given here: 1774. It's called the Laxmi Narsimha Mandir. The pillars and arches are made of stone and wood. Laxmi is Vishnu's wife and her idol is also present in this mandir.

The the heavy wooden door that gives you entry into the temple. The thick brass ring in the centre of the door is the door knocker. In the olden days such knockers were common as there was no electricty for bells.

This is a closer look at what is called "Umbartha" in Marathi and is called the "Threshold" or "Saddle" in English. It is a door part and makes up the door frame. It is the slightly raised platform underneath the door. This one is made of engraved brass.

This is a view from the left side of the temple from a gate that is usually shut. The steeple of the temple has been freshly painted. It also looks refurbished in some way.

This is the view that one gets as one steps into the temple from the main door. The stone tiles of the flooring are shiny from use.

This is the area where the main diety of the temple resides. Narsimha and his consort Laxmi.

This is a close-up of the marble turtle seen in the above photograph. The turtle is sacred and is a cultural symbol for many Eastern cultures.

This is the image of the main diety inside the temple. Narsimha. A closer look near his left hand will reveal the head of Laxmi, near the flower garland. A heap of coconuts can be seen in a corner of the sanctum. These are given by devotees as offerings.

Related Photographs: Shiva Pindi or Lingam or Hanuman Temple
Or Temple Silhouettes or a Hindu Priest performing a Pooja

Fortune Telling by a parrot!

2012-01-31T07:04:00.001+05:30

Ever heard of a green pet parrot telling your fortune? Well, it's not uncommon in certain parts of India where a bird picks a card that decides your fortune. These so-called fortune tells are found on the streets. It's a version of tarot card reading.

Here you can see the parrot (popat) trying to pick a card. Something it has been trained to do. It's sniffing around in the middle of the pack. The owner is sitting on a pavement on the streets with his wares spread out.

Here the parrot or popat has found the card for the girl customer and has lifted it from the top of the pack.

Related Pictures: A medicine man on the streets who claims to cure almost every ailment that afflicts mankind!: Herbs and Spices in boxes

Louvre Museum Exterior Silhouettes and Sketches

2012-01-30T06:32:00.035+05:30

A silhouette of the exterior structure of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. A fair amount of detail is visible in the silhouette.

This is a simple black against white silhouette of the Louvre Museum.

A simple line drawing or pencil sketch of the Louvre Museum in Paris.

A sketch of the exterior of the Louvre museum with more detail but less clean.

Black and Yellow Turtle

2012-01-27T07:01:00.000+05:30

Turtles are reptiles, but they are pretty and can be quite colourful! This one has a yellow and black shell and some streaks of orange or yellow on the face as well. It is swimming in a small pond.

In this photograph the head of the turtle as it stares at you looks almost green an effect of the water. If one considers the background of the dark green waters and yellow leaves floating in it, this is an excellent camouflage.

Related Images: Colourful Lizards or Striped Ground Squirrels

Cloth and Textile Market in Ahmedabad old city

2012-01-26T06:47:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of the famous cloth and textile market of Ahmedabad where you get cottons, dress material, linen or sarees at reasonable prices. The rates are low as many wholesalers and cloth merchants operate from here. Embroidery work is also available. The sights are quite colourful due to the wide variety of typical Gujarati cottons available here. Many small businesses pick up their material from here.

This is a small lane which winds it way through this old city market in Ahmedabad. Easy to get lost here. A worker at one of the stores is carrying bales of cloth on his shoulders to another storage place or perhaps another shop.

A salesman is folding the material after customers have left the shop. He has a lot of work to do as reams of dress material is lying on the floor, and some has spilled on to the road.

Here is another cloth merchant in his shop, folding dress material. The shop also sells sarees which are hanging on hangers to the right of the image. Some duppattas decorate the right side of the shop.

A cloth salesman hard at work folding material which the customers have just seen.

Related Images: Crowded market places in India or or check out the posts under the label "Markets"

or try this one: Inexpensive shopping in Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur Skyline Sketch and Silhouette

2012-01-25T06:58:00.000+05:30

These is a silhouette of the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. It shows the outline of the Petronas Towers which are the tallest twin buildings in the world and have now become symbolic with Malaysia. The silhouette is a wide angle view of a large number of buildings including the towers.

This is a sketch of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. It encompasses a smaller cluster of buildings as compared to the silhouette above.

Check out Urban Landscapes and Skylines from different parts of the world

Golkonda Fort Pictures

2012-01-24T06:26:00.000+05:30

Golkonda is an ancient ruin of a city in South India. These photographs are of the Fort at Golkonda which was built by the ruling kings of the Kakatiya dynasty which ruled this area in the twelfth century AD. The Qutub Shahi Dynasty contributed significantly to refurbishing and re-building the fort in the early sixteenth century. The Golkonda Fort itself is spread over a large area and has a 10 km long outer wall. The place is on the outskirts of where Hyderabad city stands today. Inside the fort you will find the ruins of bastions and cannons, gateways and drawbridges, royal apartments, temples and mosques.

The Fort looks like a lost city but these ruins can give you an idea of the massive built-up area of the fort. The outer wall is visible in the picture.

In this photo a part of the fort with its semi-circular bastions is visible.

The roof of the various structures is missing and all you can see is the deep blue sky over the ruins of the Golkonda Fort.

Another view of the walls of the Golkonda Fort

A broad passageway of some type inside the fort.

This appears to be the remnants of a hall of some kind or a religious place.

A gaggle of girl tourists at the Golkonda Fort.

Photos of some other ancient forts in India: Red Fort at Agra or the Agra Fort - Photographs or Daulatabad Fort near Aurangabad
Or try the label "Monuments" for ancient monuments from India and the world.

(Photo credits: Purp-ler)

Ayyappa Devotees in Madurai

2012-01-23T07:18:00.000+05:30

Ayyappan is a Hindu deity worshipped in the southern states of India, particularly Kerala and these are photographs of the devotees of this God. They usually wear black and in these photographed they are wearing black lungis mostly. The lungi is the ethnic male dress in South India.
Here are some Ayappa devotees lined up outside a temple in Madurai. Ayyappa worshippers are predominantly male or perhaps only male. I have not seen any female devotees.

A closer look at the Ayyappa devotees standing in line outside a temple. They are wearing black or dark lungis and are bare-chested except for strings of holy beads.

Related Viewing: Priest performing a Pooja or Holy man, Godman or religious baba or Pilgrims singing and playing the Manjira musical instrument
For religious symbols from Hinduism: Swastika graphics from India or Paduka or Guru's feet or Shiva Pindi or Lingam

Picture of a Frog

2012-01-20T07:03:00.000+05:30

This is a free stock photo of a brown frog with striped legs. This one was seen in Thailand. Frogs are Amphibians.

Related Images: Colourful Lizards or Striped Ground Squirrels .

Queen's Guard photo, sketch and silhouette

2012-01-19T07:07:00.000+05:30

This is a photograph of a Buckingham Palace guard or Queen's Guard, who is one of four at Buckingham Palace, the royal residence. At regular intervals there is a change of guard and this ceremony is a sight for tourists.

A silhouette of the Queen's Guard or the guard at the royal residences of Britain's monarchs.

A sketch of the Buckingham Palace guard or the Queen's guard.

Related Viewing: Buckingham Palace Panoramic View or Victoria Memorial Fountain outside Buckingham Palace in London or Britain's Royal Emblem and Sketch
For pictures of more London landmarks: Free iconic scenes from London or Westminster Palace and Big Ben or London Eye
For London scenes from daily life: or Musician in the London Metro or London streets with traffic, buses, crowds and people
Other Related Images from the U.K: Manchester aerial view or the city of Bangor in Wales

Fire Station and Fire engine

2012-01-18T06:25:00.001+05:30

These are photographs of a fire station in India and images of a fire truck and a fireman.

Here is a small fire station with some fire trucks and vehicles parked inside.

A close-up of a fire-truck with its equipment of a thick nylon rope and electronically operated water hoses.

The fire truck with the fireman.

The front of the fire-truck waiting on the road. It's a Tata truck and the word "FIRE" is emblazoned on the front of the truck.

Related Pictures: Pune Municipal Corporation Buses or Water Tankers
More Images of Transport or Occupations.

Ancient Doors in India

2012-01-17T07:00:00.001+05:30

A few photographs of ancient doors, some of them centuries old. Some are carved, some plain, some with heavy bolts.
This one is an ancient door at Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad in India. The door is made of brass. It is intricately carved and it is huge as it is to the entrance of the tomb.

This heavy wooden door with various decorations is from an old 18th century temple in Sadashiv Peth in Pune city. The thick brass ring in the centre of the door serves as a means to knock on the door as electricity was not available at the time at this temple was built.

This photo is of the bottom of a gigantic iron door at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, a Fort built by Hindu Kakatiya dynasty . The thick iron gate and the protrusions on the door were to keep invaders at bay.

The rest of the pictures are of plain wooden doors from ancient monuments. This one is from the many doors of the rooms inside the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Bolts were usually made of heavy iron or brass and the doors were wooden with brass decorations. Often these doors were tall and therefore some of them had the bolt fasterners at the bottom.

A simple wooden door at the Red Fort in Agra. The bolt or "kadi" is at the top of the door as the fastener.

Just a plain locked door at the Agra Fort with an iron bar to fortify it. Not sure whether this is indeed a centuries old door, or whether it is comparatively newer, but still old. A simple chained "kadi" or the typical ancient type of bolt (not seen in modern doors) is at the middle of the door. The metal bar appears to have been added later to stop people from accessing the door.

The Great Sphinx of Egypt

2012-01-16T06:35:00.001+05:30

This is a side-view of the Sphinx with the Great Pyramid in the background.

A front view of the Sphinx on a bright and hot day under the scorching desert sun. The figure is under repairs.

This is a frontal view of the Great Sphinx. The Pyramid of Khafre (or Chephren) is behind it.

The Sphinx is believed to have the head of Khafre. In this picture there is part of the Great Pyramid in the background, and it appears as if the Sphinx has a headdress!

A view of the Sphinx from the side, in the bright, almost blinding, desert sun. Tourists are milling about the Sphinx which is under repairs.

More photos of ancient monuments from Egypt: Three Pyramids of ancient Egypt or the Temple and statues of Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt or Karnak Temple and Pillar Designs or for more related photos try the label "Egypt"

Shah Rukh Khan wax sculpture at Madame Tussauds, London

2012-01-13T07:34:00.000+05:30

This is a wax statue of the Indian cinema superstar Shah Rukh Khan at the museum of Madame Tussauds in London.

Young Women Walking Silhouettes

2012-01-12T07:07:00.005+05:30

Here are silhouettes of women of all types walking along, some slowly, some briskly.

This silhouette shows a young woman dressed in shorts and a scarf around her neck and a bag casually slung over her shoulder. The silhouette is of her back as she walks in high heels or stilettos.

Here is a silhouette of an Asian teenager in shorts and T-shirt.

Another teenager silhouette. Young thin woman with dark goggles or glasses on her face and shoulder length hair. The girl is wearing casual clothes, a T-shirt and jeans.

The back silhouette of the figure of a young woman with short hair walking in casual clothes. She is wearing a sleeveless T-shirt and pants, with a scarf.

The silhouette of a young curvaceous or full bodied woman or well built woman walking. She has long hair and is dressed in casual clothes. She has a full figure.

The silhouette of a young walker wearing pants and shirt and keds or sports shoes.

The silhouette of a young African woman walking briskly with a small purse. She is dressed in trousers and a jacket, her hair in a pony-tail.

A silhouette of a woman dressed in a pant suit and her hair in a pony-tail. She is wearing formal shoes.

For silhouettes of a man walking: Travelers or men with bags
Or for silhouettes of old and elderly women from India: Old woman silhouettes

Cricket Stadium Silhouettes and Sketch

2012-01-11T07:00:00.001+05:30

This is a silhouette of a cricket stadium. The tall light towers can be seen silhouetted against a white background in this graphic representation.

A simple silhouette of a cricket or sports stadium. Black against a white background.

This is a sketch or line/pencil drawing of a cricket stadium, done on photoshop. The sketch is based on a photograph of the cricket ground at Sydney, Australia.

Actual photographs of sports stadiums: DY Patil Cricket Stadium at Nerul in India or International Cricket Stadium Pictures

Three Pyramids of ancient Egypt

2012-01-10T07:02:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of the three main pyramids on the Giza Plateau, which is called the the Giza Necropolis. This place lies on the outskirts of Cairo in Egypt. These ancient monuments comprise of three pyramid complexes (Great Pyramids) as well as the huge sculpture of the Great Sphinx. This complex also houses some cemeteries, a small village and an industrial complex. These pyramids were one of the ancient Wonders of the World.

The first photo is of all the pyramids together against a deep blue sky. The Great Pyramid (the Pyramid of Cheops or Khufu) is to the right of the photograph, the smaller Pyramid of Khafre (or Chephren, Cheop's son) is in the centre, and the smallest Pyramid of Menkaure (or Mykerinos) is at a distance to the left of the image. This is the smallest pyramid on the Giza Plateau. Menkaure's pyramid is a tomb of the fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure. The Pyramid was once 218 feet but is now just 204 ft tall. The Sphinx can be seen as well.

This photograph is of the Great Pyramid of Giza (or the Pyramid of Cheops or Khufu). This is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids and one of the wonders of the world. The pyramid was a tomb for the fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu (or Cheops in Greek). The pyramid was built over two decades and was finished around 2560 BC. It was built at a height of 146.5 metres or 480.6 ft and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for almost 4000 years! You can see tiny figures of people at the bottom of the pyramid which gives you an idea of the enormous height of this pyramid. The outer layer of casing stones has been eroded away.

This is a view of Khafre's Pyramid and the Great Pyramid alongwith the Sphinx at dusk. The Sphinx is said to have the head of Khafre. The chairs that have been laid out in front of the pyramids are for the Sound and Light show which is about to begin.

This is a worm's eye view of Khafre's Pyramid. It is possible to enter deep inside all the pyramids to see the tombs. The tunnel entrances are narrow and low

This is another view of the smaller Pyramid of Khafre (or Chephren). To the right of the image is the Great Sphinx.

In this photo you have a camel with its caretaker in local dress against a background of the Great Pyramid against a blue sky. An iconic Egyptian visual!

This is how the pyramids look like if one looks at them closely. Not surprising to see the erosion, considering how old they are! The smooth upper layer or stone casing is gone and the bricks are visible, many of them broken. Some of these broken upper layer large stones are visible at the bottom of some of the pyramids.

At the bottom of the pyramids there are large boulders which have fallen off. Some of them are possibly from the outer smooth layer of the pyramid.

More photos of ancient monuments from Egypt: Temple and statues of Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt or Karnak Temple and Pillar Designs or for more related photos try the label "Egypt"

VT or CST station sketch, illustration and silhouette

2012-01-09T06:26:00.001+05:30

This colored illustration of Victoria Terminus Station or VT has been done on Photoshop. (Stylize with the solarize layer and then invert).

This is a sketch of VT or CST station.

The black background of the blog is not the right place for this silhouette of CST station to stand out. It will look okay against another background.

Related Images: VT or CST railway station in Mumbai or try the label "Heritage Buildings" or any other label below this post for more similar images.

Chocolate Donuts photograph and illustration

2012-01-06T07:19:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of chocolate coated donuts. Donuts are a high calorie food. Calories in donuts can range from 200 Kcal to 400 Kcal, depending on whether they are cream filled and also their size. A plain medium sized donut (without a topping) can be about 200 calories while a cream-filled large donut can contain 400 calories. A 75 gm jam filled donut is around 250 calories.
Donuts are an unhealthy food. Junk Food. They have little fiber, but are high in sugar and salt. They are ofcourse high in fat content as they are deep fried. If cream filled, they contain even more fat. The flour used is white refined flour or "maida."

This is the same picture as above but it has been worked on in Photoshop and turned into a colored illustration.

More related food photos: Snacks from India or Instant Noodles Stock Photo

Kuala Lumpur Skyline

2012-01-05T06:39:00.004+05:30

These are photographs of the skyline of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. It shows the Petronas Towers amidst other high-rise buildings and skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur. These are the tallest twin buildings in the world and are now an iconic landmark of Malaysia.

A wide angle view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. A cluster of buildings and the Petronas Towers can be seen.

Related Images: Kuala Lumpur Skyline at Night photo and colored illustration or Hong Kong Skyscrapers or Shanghai Skyline in the daylight or Beijing Photographs and Skyline or for more pictures of skylines of different cities of the world, including silhouettes and sketches, click here: Skylines

Sketches of hills, a lake and trees

2012-01-04T06:34:00.001+05:30

These are sketches of nature scenes.

In this sketch you can see a lake and some vegetation in the foreground and gentle hills in the background.

In this sketch there is a panoramic view of thick vegetation and forested land in the foreground and the lake and rolling hills in the background.

This sketch shows grassy land in the foreground and a lake and hills in the background.

This sketch is of a cultivated field, a panoramic view of the field stretching out into the distance to meet with a tree and hills.

Related Photos: Nature headers of a lake-side or try the label "Scenery"

Tower of London Photograph, Sketch and Silhouette

2012-01-03T06:23:00.011+05:30

These are pictures of the Tower of London, an ancient Tudor castle on the River Thames. It is a tourist spot. This castle of the Tudors was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror. This castle is seen as something evil or bad and a place of death, because it was was an ancient prison. Originally however this was built as a grand palace, and was a residence of the royals. In the16th and 17th centuries certain prominent figures were imprisoned here. , when many figures who had fallen into disgrace, such as Elizabeth I before she became queen, were held within its walls. People have been executed here as well.

This is a photo of the Tudor castel or what is popularly called the "Tower of London."

This is a sketch of the Tower of London or the castle of the Tudors.

This is a silhouette of the Tower of London.

Related Viewing: Westminster Palace and Big Ben or Buckingham Palace Panoramic View or Victoria Memorial Fountain outside Buckingham Palace in London or Britain's Royal Emblem and Sketch
For more pictures of London landmarks: London Eye or Free iconic scenes from London
For London scenes from daily life: Musician in the London Metro or London streets with traffic, buses, crowds and people
Or click on any of the labels below this post for more related photos.

Cattle on city streets

2012-01-02T06:36:00.010+05:30

This is a photograph from a suburb of Mumbai. Cows being herded through city streets. A bus can be seen in the background.

These are pictures of buffaloes on one of the busiest streets of Pune.

Hindus deem cows sacred and often you find them outside temples. In this picture there is a cow tied to a lamp post outside a famous temple in Central Mumbai. The woman is pressing some vermilion on to the cow's forehead, a way of paying her respects to the cow. People often buy food for the cow and feed it. In the background is a man sellling peacock feathers which are often sold outside temples.

Wine barrels photo

2011-12-30T06:56:00.003+05:30

Wine barrels made of oak wood impart a particular color, flavor, and texture to wine. Certain types of wine are aged and/or fermented in oak barrels.

Related Images: Wine bottles and a wine bar or Winery Pictures
Or try the label Alcohol for more pictures of liquor.

Cooking on pavements in India

2011-12-29T06:45:00.000+05:30

Cooking spilling out onto pavements is common all over India.These are photographs of people cooking on the streets and pavements in India.

The first two pictures are shot in Rajasthan, a state in North India. In this first one there are people with open stoves on the pavements. The eatery or shop has encroached upon the pavement and hot oil is boiling out there as people pass by. A gas cylinder is casually attached to the gas stove.

Something is frying here in the hot oil, outdoors on the side of the road. The clutter around the stove is dangerous for passers-by.

Cooking outdoors is now banned in Mumbai, but continues nevertheless. The old man is stirring a small black kadhai or pot on a mini gas stove. This photo has been taken on Mumbai streets.

Not just commercial establishments, but also individuals cook on pavements. One is used to seeing slum-dwellers cook on pavements outside their huts, but this picture is of a homeless person family cooking in the middle of the day in a posh locality near Churchgate in South Mumbai. Slums are nowhere in sight. Wood is being used to light up a small makeshift stove made with bricks. The girls was (not surprisingly) upset that the photograph was being clicked as this area is regularly policed as it is a posh area.

Flower sellers in shops, markets and on the road-side in India

2011-12-28T06:18:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of people selling flowers in India. There are more women than men in this area of selling. You find flower-sellers in busy markets as well as at street corners and invariably outside temples.

This is a woman in a busy vegetable market in her small flower shop. She is selling flower garlands of marigold and also loose flowers to be used in poojas.

Indian women often weave small white and orange fragant and sweet smelling flowers into a "gajra" and decorate their hair with it. Flowers are used instead of perfume or fragrance. This woman is selling these small flowers loose as well as strung together in a garland.

This man is outside a temple, selling garlands to be used as an offering to God.

This is a small street corner shop selling flower bouquets. These type of shops are found very frequently nowadays as flowers have become popular gifts.

Another man in a vegetable market, selling garlands and betel nut leaves.

Another woman selling gajras for women to decorate their hair with.

Related Viewing: Unusual Hibiscus or for more images of flowers try the label "Flowers"

Temple Silhouettes

2011-12-27T06:03:00.000+05:30

These are silhouettes of temples. Temples usually have less distinctive features as compared to mosques and churches. The spires are usually smaller and there are no distinctive domes.

This one is a silhouette of a large temple with small spires. There is a large open area for devotees to sit and pray.

This is a silhouette of a Hanuman Temple. The silhouette of a statue of Hanuman can be seen in front of the temple. Hanuman, is a Hindu deity from the epic of Ramayana.

This is a small temple with one spire in the centre. A small flag flies at the top. Flags atop temples is common.

This is a tiny temple in a small village.

Silhouettes of other religious places: Church Silhouettes or Silhouettes of Mosques

Victoria Memorial Fountain outside Buckingham Palace in London

2011-12-26T06:05:00.004+05:30

The Victoria Memorial in London was built in 1911 is also called the Buckingham Palace Fountain but it is actually a memorial to Queen Victoria, an English queen. It is located in the centre of the Queen’s Gardens in front of Buckingham Palace. The area is a bustling tourist spot today. The memorial is built out of marble and is over 8o feet high.

This is a closer look at the Buckingham Fountain or Victoria Memorial.

Related Viewing: Buckingham Palace Panoramic View or Britain's Royal Emblem and Sketch
For pictures of more London landmarks: Free iconic scenes from London or Westminster Palace and Big Ben or London Eye
For London scenes from daily life: or Musician in the London Metro or London streets with traffic, buses, crowds and people
Other Related Images from the U.K: Manchester aerial view or the city of Bangor in Wales

Christmas Tree Silhouette

2011-12-23T13:13:00.001+05:30

This is a silhouette of a christmas tree with decorations and lights

(Silhouettes on this blog are all drawn by me and based on photos shot by me but this Xmas tree silhouette is drawn by me but based on a photograph from the web. )

Related Images or graphics: Church Silhouettes

Tomatoes in the market - closeups

2011-12-23T01:07:00.000+05:30

These are pictures of bright red ripe tomatoes in the market. Also a close-up of red ripe tomatoes.

These tomatoes are on sale at a vegetable market in India. Tomato vendors can be seen in the background. Manual weighing machines are used to weigh the tomatoes.

A close of ripe tomatoes on sale

Truck Art and Truck Painting

2011-12-22T06:39:00.002+05:30

These are photographs of paintings on trucks or truck art. Prettying up trucks and vehicles is very popular in the Indian sub-continent and these are photographs from India. Gods and goddesses are frequently used as motifs as well as plants and flowers. Truckers believe that religious symbols ward off evil and protect them from accidents.

This is a bank of a painted truck. These are paintings of women with pots on their heads and cows grazing in the background of hills, a lake and trees.

This is a close up of a brightly painted orange truck with motifs of goddesses and the lotus flower. At the front of the truck against a red background there is a small pot with a coconut inside it and this is a religious symbol.

That same truck has a picture of the Taj Mahal painted on the front of the truck.

The peacock is the Indian national bird and therefore this is a popular motif used for truck painting. The lotus is also seen in the centre of the two peacocks. The lotus has a religious significance in India.

Some simple geometric designs on a truck in India.

At the back of this tempo there are paintings which are entirely religious...the swastika with the pooja pot with sacred leaves and coconut as well as the pink lotus flowers on each side.

The painting on this truck is nothing spectacular but the decorations of spots of different colours and the hanging colourful decorations near the wheels brighten up a dull truck.

Related photos: Swastika graphics from India or or Graffiti in Rome and Athens or try the labels below this post.

View from Ajanta - scenery of rocks, caves and hills

2011-12-21T06:47:00.000+05:30

A beautiful scene which can make a good header for a blog of a view from the Ajanta rock cave temples. The Ajanta caves are hewn out of rock which is in the shape of a horse-shoe. This photograph is taken from the inner curve of the horse-shoe (shaped like a "C") and you can see the rock caves on both sides, curving around like the arms of a C. There is lush green vegetation, rocks, and a small stream.

More headers: Headers or Nature Headers
Or check out the actual Ajanta rock temple caves here with their intricate carvings and sculptures: AJANTA

Old woman silhouettes

2011-12-20T06:02:00.002+05:30

These are silhouettes of old women with walking sticks and in saris. All of them are wearing sarees in different ways but all of them have the sari pallu covering their heads in the traditional way.
In this one the poor old woman has a saree pallav around her head and is wearing the sari like a wrap-around. She is holding a walking stick in her right hand. The silhouette is of her back.

This woman is also holding a walking stick in her right hand and is wearing a nine-yard Maharashtrian sari. This is a silhouette of her back.

This is a silhouette of an old woman beggar holding an utensil in her hand as she begs for alms. She is holding a stick in her left hand as well. The woman is wearing a sari with the sari pallav around her head. This silhouette is from the front.

This silhouette is of a thin old man with a walking stick in her right hand. She is wearing a saree.

For silhouettes of women in western attireYoung Women Walking Silhouettes
Other related Images: Silhouettes of Couples or Village women from India - sketches and silhouettes or
try the label Silhouettes or the label Sketches for more silhouettes and sketches of people and buildings and monuments.

Mumbai Nashik Road Pictures

2011-12-19T06:50:00.003+05:30

These are photographs of the Mumbai-Nashik highway, a section of the NH 3 (National Highway). It's a good road and not very crowded although it is a busy route.

This is the Kasara ghat on the way from Mumbai to Nasik. It used to be famous for its many accidents but these have reduced as the ghat is now one-way.

Related Photos:Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway scenes
Pictures of accidents: Accidents scenes - overturned and smashed vehicles photos
If you want scenery: Nature or Nature Headers or Scenery.

Vineyard photos

2011-12-16T05:50:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of a Sula vineyard near Nashik in Maharashtra, India.

This is a panoramic view of the vineyard.

Related Photos: Sugarcane fields or Rice fields near Chennai or Palm Plantations of Malaysia
For a panoramic view of cultivated fields: Large images of open fields for headers

Reed Flute Cave at Guilin, China

2011-12-15T06:46:00.002+05:30

The Reed Flute Cave is a popular tourist attraction in Guilin, Guangxi, China. It is a natural limestone cave and the stalactites, stalagmites and interesting rock formations in all kinds of shapes have been decorated with multicolored lighting. This gives the cave its beauty and it is indeed quite a wondrous experience...a mixture of nature and art. This 180 million year old cave was popular more than a thousand years ago although it was re-discovered in the 1940's. (These pictures also make interesting desktop backgrounds.)
This is the main cave with the natural rock formations spread out like a miniature city, perhaps from a future fanstasy!

Reeds grow outside this cave (used to make flutes) and that is why this is known as the Reed Flute Cave. Inside the caves there are many inscriptions (in ink) and these date back to the first century AD (Tang Dynasty) and it is from these ancient inscriptions that we know that this cave was a popular tourist attraction even then.
Here you can see the stalactites and stalagmites curving upwards and downwards like spires and skyscrapers!

Imitation of some type of underwater garden but this is underground.

These stalactites and stalagmites look like carved figurines from a temple.

These rock formations have taken human form.

These rocks certainly look like mushrooms!

Images of tourist attractions in China: Tiananmen Square in China or Forbidden City in Beijing, China or the Xian Dance Opera or The Great Mosque of Xian, China or the Golden Buddha Statue
For photos of Chinese cities and people: Beijing Photographs and Skyline or the Streets of Beijing with people, traffic, cyclists, pavements and buildings or Or Shanghai Skyline by day and Shanghai Skyline by night or simply click the label CHINA to see more images of the Chinese people.

Wedding couple silhouette

2011-12-14T06:50:00.001+05:30

This is an image of a couple kissing on their wedding day. This is a typical scene from a Christian wedding.

Related Images: Silhouettes of Couples

Cell or mobile phone images and sketches of different types

2011-12-13T06:57:00.001+05:30

Here are more than a dozen images of cell phones including single cell phones, cell phones in groups, sketches and colored illustrations of mobile phones and cell phones with the banned sign or cell phones with a cross on them. There are visuals of signs which say that cell phones are banned. Brand names of the phones are not visible. All of these images are of mobile and cell phones with qwerty keypads.

Three cell phones against a white background. Two black ones and one pink cell phone in the middle.

Here is a graphic or colored illustration of the image above done on photoshop. Three cell phones in a simplified illustration with basic outlines but you can see the qwerty keypad.

Here is a graphic of a mobile phone against a black background with colored lines outlining the cell phone. Glowing edges.

A single pink colored cell phone in this image.

One black coloured metallic mobile phone with a blue screen can be seen in this photo. Qwerty keypad.

A sketch of a mobile phone at an angle.

This is a sketch of a cell phone directly from the front. Qwerty keypad.

This is a graphic representation of three cell phones with a simple outline and a huge red cross across the phones.

An image of a black cell phone with a ban sign on it.

A photograph of a mobile phone with a big black cross on it.

This is an image of a colored mobile phone with the "banned cell" sign.

A pink cell phone with a large white cross across it to show that mobile and cell phones are banned or not allowed or permitted.

A graphic of a pink cell phone with a large black cross showing that cell phones are not permitted.

A simple outline or sketch of a cell phone with a large black cross on it showing that cells are banned.

Visual showing that cell phones are banned. A sketch of a cell phone with the "banned" sign.

For photos of cell phone towers: Mobile phone towers in urban areas
For more electronic items: Apple Ipod stock photo

Stock images of empty or unused pipes

2011-12-12T06:54:00.001+05:30

A pipe carries fluids or gases as well as slightly viscous materials. Pipes are used in several industries. Here are some photographs of unused and large pipes lying on the side of the road or outside factories.

These pipes are lying on the side of the road, outside a construction site.

Large and small pipes lying outside a construction site. Either for carrying water or sewage.

Related Images: Water Pipeline in India

Bee Silhouettes and Sketch

2011-12-09T06:49:00.001+05:30

These are silhouettes of bees as well as a sketch.

A sketch or drawing of a bee.

Petrol or gas being filled at the petrol pump

2011-12-08T06:24:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of uniformed petrol attendants filling gas into cars in India at a modern petrol pump. The gas station belongs to HP (Hindustan Petroleum).

The next two photos are of cars filling petrol with uniformed petrol pump attendants. One of them is a woman. Women in Maharashtra, India, work at gas stations.

This is an uniformed gas station attendant filling petrol into a petrol tank of a car.

For images of of gas stations: Petrol Pump images or for two-wheelers like scooters and motor bikes filling petrol: Two-wheeler rush at petrol pump

Aircraft boarding staircase or Airstair with people boarding

2011-12-07T07:11:00.001+05:30

These are pictures of an Aircraft Boarding Staircase. The term airstairs is also used although strictly speaking an airstair is a smaller airplane passenger staircase built in to an airliner. Airstairs are however not usually present on larger airliners and the Aircraft Boarding Staircases is pictured below.

This is a passenger aircraft with an aircraft boarding staircase attached to it. Passengers and travellers are moving towards the staircase.

This is a closer view of the aeroplane boarding staircase. Passengers are entering the covered staircase which looks like tunnel. In the background is the airport and palm trees.

This is a view of the inside of the plane boarding staircase. Passengers are climbing the stairs leading directly into the plane. This staircase is not open unlike many others so as to protect the passengers from rainfall.

For images of the interior of an aircraft and aircraft passengers: Inside of an Aeroplane or inside of an airport: Airport Lounge with people waiting or silhouettes of Travelers or men with bags

Airport Photographs: Bangkok Airport - Pictures or Photos of Chennai Airport or Goa Airport pictures or Mumbai Airport (photos of the exterior of the airport building, from the outside).

For airport tarmac images: Airport tarmac and aircraft on runaway

Colorful synthetic drinks sold on the streets of India

2011-12-06T06:41:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of the common man's Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite. Colored sherbet made out of sugar syrup and chemical colours and flavours many of which are banned. These drinks are inexpensive, sold openly on the streets, and it is mostly the poor who buy them. Lemons are used to add taste.

A boy is behind the wheels of this cart selling synthetic drinks. When asked he tells me that it is nothing but sugar syrup and colors and flavours. A dash of lemon adds taste.

The same boy posing for a picture. Not the colourful decoration of the hand-cart. It attracts customers, particularly children.

These people appear as if they are in the middle of nowhere, but actually they are in a holiday spot called Matheran. Here the drinks sellers cater to a slightly well-off crowd, and people who don't mind spending while on a holiday. This one makes a masala mix of various bottled cold drinks like Sprite and Coke. Colors and favors are used in the masala too at times and so is lemon. Basically these drinks are a concoction of the various bottled drinks and some local flavours. Masala Thums Up is popular and so is Kala Khatta soda. Kala Khatta or Chuski is made from Jamun, a small purple fruit.

Another view of the same drinks vendor. In this frame her son is helping her out.

Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway scenes

2011-12-05T06:48:00.008+05:30

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway is part of National Highway No. 8 in India. It is part of the Golden Quadrilateral project and the highway is wide and well-made road. However it is accident-prone. These are some shots of the scenic road and the pretty country-side along the way from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.

This is a scenic view from the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. A small hill, some vegetation and small trees can be seen in the foreground against a background of a blue sky.

This is the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. To the left you can see a tree studded hill.

If you are looking for pictures of accidents try this post: Accidents scenes - overturned and smashed vehicles photos
Or if you want scenery: Nature or Nature Headers or Scenery.
Or try the label "Ahmedabad" if you are looking for more pictures of Ahmedabad.

Photos of frying in hot oil

2011-12-02T06:44:00.001+05:30

These are photographs of the process of frying in hot oil. In this first photograph the hot oil (placed in a kadhai or frying pan on a stove) is smoking. This is not healthy as smoking oil releases toxins.

This is a cut-out against a white background and you can see papad being fried in the hot smoking oil on a gas stove.

Another cut-out of food being fried, against a white background.

Related Photographs: High Calorie Food - Sausages and Fries or Fried and roasted insects
Or try the label "Food" for different types of cuisine, snacks and people cooking food.

Sketch and Silhouettes of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai

2011-12-01T07:15:00.001+05:30

Here is a sketch of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai, a hotel which has become a landmark of Mumbai. Both the old hotel and the new wing of the iconic Taj Hotel have been represented here. This hotel has become an icon of Mumbai because of the beauty of the old heritage structure. It is directly in front of the Gateway of India in South Mumbai which is a famous tourist spot.

Here is a silhouette of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, both the new hotel and wing and the old hotel. It is a black silhouette against a white background.

Another silhouette of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, both the old and the modern structure. In this silhouette there is a background of the sky.

Try the label Silhouettes or the label Sketches for more silhouettes and sketches of people and buildings and monuments from different parts of the world.
Photos on which these sketches and silhouettes are based can be found here: The Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai If you are looking for other hotels: Sketch of the Air India building and Oberoi Towers hotel

For photos of the Oberoi Hotel: Mumbai Skylines - Nariman Point and Malabar Hill

For more sketches and silhouettes of buildings try Skyscraper Sketches or Skyscraper silhouettes

Old and elderly women in India

2011-11-30T06:58:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of old and elderly women photographed on the streets of India. None of these women were seen begging. It is known that the poor elderly have a difficult time in India, often abandoned by their families because of poverty.

This portrait of an old woman was shot in the forest of Matheran. The picture was shot on a cell phone, a Sony Ericksson which has a decent camera function. The woman's eyes seem clouded, perhaps with cataract. She could barely see. Her skin was leathery, her hair uncombed and a piece of cloth over her head protected her from the sun on the hills of Matheran. She was wandering about alone, looking for firewood. She was not a beggar, nor a destitute, just poor.

This picture was taken in a town in North India. The woman seems partially dressed and poor, but she was not begging, but she was possibly a beggar or destitute.

This photograph was taken in Puducherry in South India. The woman was resting on the streets and was probably a poor saleswoman.

The photograph below is part of a larger photograph. The old woman villager is resting in the shade of a vegetable cart, to protect herself from the harsh sun of Rajasthan. She is wearing a large nose-ring. Her large and chunky jewellery is very much part of the traditional dress amongst tribals in that region.

This photograph juxtaposes women from two different backgrounds. Taken in a busy cloth market in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, it shows a middle-class woman looking at the wares in the cloth shop. A poor scraggly woman passes her by, shivering in the cold winter of Ahmedabad.

Hong Kong Skyscrapers

2011-11-29T06:44:00.004+05:30

These are photographs of the skyscrapers in Hong Kong.

This is a photograph taken at dusk and you can see Hong Kong buildings silhouetted against the dull sky.

In this picture you can see the tall skycrapers of Hong Kong in the foreground and in the distance too. There is a bay inbetween. These look like residential buildings mostly.

A photograph of the Hong Kong skyline.

Related Images: Hong Kong skyscrapers by night

Or Shanghai skyscraper sketches and silhouette or the Shanghai Skyline by night.
More: Beijing photographs and skyline.
For skylines of different cities of the world try the label: Skylines.

Small Retailers in India

2011-11-28T06:45:00.002+05:30

Small retailers or what can be called Mom and Pop Stores or Kirana stores are the life of retail in India. They dot the country, in small towns, villages and cities. They are of all shapes and sizes, catering to the rich, the middle class as well as the poor. They create entrepreneurship opportunities for the common man. They are to be found at every corner in most cities, walking distance from residential localities.

These are a row of shops in a crowded streets. They often call themselves "General Stores" and by that they mean that generally everything of daily use can be found here! This means goods ranging from food grains and processed foods to stationary items. These are not self-help shops but have several people behind the counter who offer immediate service.

This is what the inside of a general store can look like. It can be crowded inside, and impossible to step in. The shop-keeper is the only one who can find what you want! These are often called kirana shops.

This is a small store which calls itself a supermarket, catering to the middle-classes. In a way it is although it is cramped and crowded inside because it is a self-help store which stocks daily-use items.

Another small store calling itself a "convenience mart" for the better-off.

This shop is a general store or kirana shop. It sells the same thing but is located in a poorer locality. Goods may not be always genuine (adulterated?) but they are certainly cheap.

A small general store in a poor locality.

Pictures of supermarkets in India: Supermarket pictures - crockery, tomato puree, coconut milk, cheese and butter or Juices and Milk display at supermarkets in India

Other related photographs: Vegetable Markets in India or For Sale Signboards in India or Crowded market places in India or click on the label Retail

Pune Municipal Corporation Buses

2011-11-25T06:28:00.001+05:30

These are photographs of the old PMT buses (Pune Municipal Transport now known as the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd or PMPML). This is the public transport service provider for the city of Pune and Pune Metropolitan region. The service is inefficient and inadequate. These are the old models of the buses although you still see them many have been replaced by newer ones. However frequency of the buses is wanting.

These photos have been shot near at the Swargate crossing in Pune, which is a major bus hub. Commuters can be seen in the windows of the bus.

This is a new bus of the Pune Municipal Corporation, one with the new name as well. The driver of the government bus can be seen as well as a commuter at the window.

Related Images: Harried commuters waiting for a bus in Pune: Waiting at a bus stop in India or try this image of people lined up in queue in Mumbai for a bus: People waiting in queue for a bus in India

Women in Burkhas - Silhouettes

2011-11-24T06:09:00.002+05:30

These are silhouettes of Muslim women in burkhas.

This image is of three women walking briskly, clad in burkhas or burqas. The woman on the left is not in full burkha. Her face is left uncovered.

Here you can see two Burkha clad women with their husbands, all silhouettes. The men are sitting down and their wives are standing in front of them. One of my favourite pictures.

A half figure of a burkha-clad Muslim woman. Her full face and body is covered, except for her eyes.

This one is a slightly different version. The Muslim woman with the burkha but her full figure is shown here in the graceful dark robes.

Related Images: Silhouettes of Mosques or Women in burkhas or burqas - photos

Gandhian principles explained by the Wheel of Life

2011-11-23T06:01:00.005+05:30

The word "Wheel" is associated with Mahatma Gandhi as he used the spinning wheel as a symbol of freedom (from British Rule). A Wheel of Life exists in Buddhism as well, said to be made by Buddha himself. The Wheel of Life depicted here has nothing to do with any religion, whether Buddhism or Hinduism. It simply stands for Gandhian principles and the Gandhian way of life. It tells us about Gandhism in a nutshell.

The wheel explains what it means to be a Gandhian with Truth or Satya and Non-violence or Ahimsa at the core of existence. Love, Strength, Food and Knowledge are in the circle after that, next importance. Subjects which are important after these basic ones are Sociology, the Art of Teaching, Health, and Economics. After these basic values, one has to give importance to larger societal issues like Cleanliness and Hygeine, a Casteless Society, Mother Tongue, Upliftment of Women, Equality, Village Development, Service to Harijans, and Nai Talim which can loosely be translated as 'Basic Education for all.' However for a more holistic meaning try the wiki.

The use of Khadi is also given importance although it is not relevant today. It was more important during British Rule when Indians were forced to buy cloth made in England. Hindi propagation is also given importance, and this was considered important by Gandhi to unite the nation at that time. This is less relevant today as people have realised that adoption of Hindi can lead to giving less importance to one's own mother tongue, although not many Hindi speakers share this view.

Interestingly service to Harijans and other castes has been clubbed with upliftment of women. Women have been considered the lowest caste in India, unworthy of equal treatment to men.

This has been put up in Gandhidham, Ahmedabad, where the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram is. I have changed the colors of the background as the original framed picture was rusty and discoloured.

Please click on the picture to see a bigger image of the Wheel of Life.

Related photographs: Postcards written to Mahatma Gandhi without an address or Mahatma Gandhi and Gandhidham in Ahmedabad - Portraits and Paintings

For drawings and sketches of Mahatma Gandhi (with the spinning wheel): Mahatma Gandhi spinning wheel drawing and sketch or Sketches and drawings of Mahatma Gandhi or check out Mahatma Gandhi's wax figure at Tussauds: Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi together at Madame Tussauds London

Or read his famous sayings which have been framed and put up at Gandhidham: Mahatma Gandhi quotes

Travelers or men with bags

2011-11-22T06:59:00.002+05:30

These silhouettes of men travelers are based on photographs taken at an airport. All are silhouettes of a man with a bag or a back pack. Men or all ages and shapes with bags. Some of these travellers are in a hurry to reach their airplane, another man is sauntering around the airport, and still others have their suitcases already checked in.

This is a silhouette of young man sauntering along with a backpack at an airport.

A silhouette of another another young man, barely in his early twenties striding towards the aircraft. In this right hand he is carrying some leaflets or brochure and a bag is hanging loosely from his hands, its strap touching the floor.

A silhouette of an Asian middle-aged man walking at the airport.

A silhouette of a young man in casual clothes walking with a backpack at the airport.

A silhouette of an older man dressed in a jacket and tight pants and pointed shoes, carrying a backpack.

Silhouette of a man walking at the airport with a backpack and briefcase. He is wearing a jacket.

For silhouettes of a woman walking: Young Women Walking Silhouettes

Two-wheeler rush at petrol pump

2011-11-21T06:58:00.002+05:30

At times there are queues at petrol stations, specially when it is known that the petrol price is going up...or there is a strike by petrol pumps or delivery trucks. During rush hour petrol stations are usually crowded anyway, with several two-wheelers standing neck to neck.

Related Images: Petrol Pump

Dollar Notes - Free Images

2011-11-18T06:48:00.001+05:30

These are photographs of American dollar notes against a white background. The first photograph shows two hundred United States Dollars (100 USD) alongwith a fifty dollar note (50 USD). Cut-out against a white background.

This is the photograph of the hundred dollar notes and the fifty dollar note from the back.

This is a series of one dollar notes. One United States Dollars (1USD)

Inexpensive shopping in Bangkok

2011-11-17T06:27:00.003+05:30

Indra Market in Bangkok, Thailand, is a good place to buy goods at a reasonable rates. Value for money. Good garments at a cheap price and lots of variety and low prices. Stylish clothes, shoes and costume jewellery. If you are anywhere near Indra Square don't miss this market!

This is the exterior of Indra Square.

A peek inside the market. The shop-keepers are polite.

The MBK market or mall is talked about a lot, but we were disappointed. Not only is it full of fake goods, the goods are defective in many cases. Worse, the shopkeepers are rude. We were witness to several fights, started by the shop-keepers themselves. MBK, though conveniently located, is a market to avoid unless you are ready to ignore rude and indifferent behavior. But why do that when Bangkok has so many good markets! Mind you this behavior is not because of bargaining of otherwise interacting with the shop-keepers. They just yell at you if you touch any of their goods. Or sit on a stool outside their shop because your feet are killing you. Or if you are lucky, they just completely ignore you if you ask them the price of anything! We sure were glad to leave that place and never will we ever go their again!

This is the interior of the MBK market.

A corridor at the market. Go to this market if you are desperate for fakes but beware, the fakes are so badly tailored that they won't last long so its not value for money.

If you want to see malls and markets in India try the label "Markets"

Palm Plantations of Malaysia

2011-11-16T06:56:00.001+05:30

Malaysia the second largest producer of palm oil in the world and the world's second largest exporter of palm oil. More than 60 percent of the palm oil is exported. The Malaysian economy is heavily dependent on the palm oil production.

These photos were shot through the double glass window of an airplane.

Here you can see how widespread the palm plantations are. Almost every available land space is taken up by the palm trees.

The palm plantations are everywhere, stretching from end to end.

Another look into the distance, a binocular view. The palm plantations are enclosed in a circle against a black background.

This photograph was taken through the glass window of a moving car. A close-up of the palm trees.

(larger versions of all these photos are available with me)

Related Photos: Sugarcane fields in Maharashtra (India) or Rice fields near Chennai (India)

Cooked Pork Meat

2011-11-15T07:17:00.001+05:30

This is a photograph of a mouth-watering chunk of pork meat. It is a large piece of roasted pork, looking golden and richly flavoured. In the background the fires of the kitchen oven are burning adding to the warmth of the picture.

Photographs of brown and black bees

2011-11-14T06:42:00.002+05:30

Typically, bees are seen to be hairy and fuzzy with yellow and black stripes, but they can also be dark brown, black or even a metallic green and blue, with stripes of many colors. These photographs are of a black bee with brown wings on a spider lily flower seen in the rain forest of Malaysia.

This is the same photograph made into a coloured illustration, on photoshop.

Illustration of a black and brown bee on a white flower.

Related Pictures: Big black fly with red eyes or Cobwebs or Spiderwebs or Fried and roasted insects

Canopy Walk in the Tamen Nagera Rain Forest

2011-11-11T06:47:00.002+05:30

The 45 meters high and 510 meters long walkway is the longest canopy walk in the world. It is in a place called Tamen Negara in Malaysia's thick rain forest. As you walk across the forest canopy you are actually walking along the top of the trees, and can the rich and diverse flora and fauna. However as they do not encourage you to stop along the way, not even to take photos, stopping to view is not so easy. Besides stopping can also result in you losing your balance and if you do, the canopy swings or you can trip. It is quite safe though due to the high ropes.The canopy walk is closed in the rainy season which is in winter.

The canopy winds its way across the trees and one gets a feel of what monkeys feel like as they hop across from tree to tree! A distance of at least 10 metres has to be kept between each person walking along the canopy in case the canopy swings.

Here is part of the long canopy. There are several sections, some long, some short, some steep.

Here you can see how narrow the actual path is. A little to the left or the right and the canopy swings wildly. Most people are able to keep their balance though and it is a cakewalk for children!

This is where the canopy walk becomes a ladder! Its fun!

Flyover construction

2011-11-10T06:46:00.001+05:30

Everywhere one goes there is contruction going on in India. Flyovers, bridges, buildings and roads. It gets messy and difficult to move around. One hopes that this frantic construction activity of a nation being built ends soon and we get spanking new cities!

Here is a construction crane below a flyover bridge, picking up construction material.

This is an image of a flyover being built in Mumbai.

Related Pictures: Buildings under construction

Child Beggars

2011-11-09T05:09:00.001+05:30

These are a few poignant faces of poor little girls begging on the streets. There is something haunting about the expressions of these children. Once they look at you it is difficult to look away or forget them. A mixture of despair, anger and sadness is all too evident.

All these photographs are taken through the car window and there are reflections but they don't take away from the striking photographs. Each of these photographs tell a story...of poverty, helplessness and tragedy.

In this photograph the girl has been handed over a baby to hold as this gets them more alms. The baby is very likely to be her own sibling, although there is no guarantee of it.

In India it is not just abandoned children who beg. In each of these cases the mothers of the children were begging alongwith them. Sadly, the presence of parents do not guarantee that there will be no matted hair, a clean skin, or a bowl of food. The sad eyes of this little girl stared back at me as she pressed her face to the car window. Her mother was just a few steps behind.

This girl was looking sulky but she suddenly flashed a smile as I fished out my camera.

Sand backgrounds for blogs and designers

2011-11-08T07:09:00.019+05:30

These are close-up pictures taken on a beach and they can be used as backgrounds for different purposes. Larger versions are available with me. Closer up the grains of sand look like miniature pebbles. Each of the sand grains in the photograph below are very very tiny and from the height of a person each grain is not visible. This photo was taken barely a few inches from the ground.

This is a slightly rough sand and from your height the separate grains of sand will be visible although not clearly. This photograph is also a close-up and you can see the different colours clearly in this one. The sand pebbles are transluscent, and the colors range from black and different shades of gray to different shades of brown to white and even yellow.

This is another version of the same sandy beach.

A part of the beach where the finer grains and larger pebbles mix to form a kaleidoscopic of stony colors. Small pieces of broken shells also form a part of the sand.

Rice gruel or Congee from South-East Asia

2011-11-07T07:01:00.002+05:30

Rice gruel or rice porridge or Congee is a popular breakfast food in South-East Asia. Basically it is overcooked rice with plenty of liquid giving it a gooey and sticky consistency. It is flavoured with wide-ranging toppings like chopped spring onion, soya sauce and slivered ginger to fish and meat. In the photograph below you can see three different types of Congee (one is plain and the others cooked with shrimp and meat) alongwith the different toppings including sliced and fried pork sausage, egg and dried fish.

More photographs of breakfast foods: Plate of golden brown Waffles or Chocolate Donuts photograph and illustration

Elderly Indian men in ethnic clothes

2011-11-04T06:16:00.001+05:30

These photographs are of elderly men from the rural parts of the country. The photos are of poor men.

The first photograph is that of a man from Rajasthan. He dresses differently from his southern counterpart with a brightly coloured headgear or pagdi and a light coat to protect him from the cold. However his attire remains light and white, typical colours used by men in hot tropical countries. Here he is sunning himself as there is a chill in the air.

This is a farmer from Maharashtra and this photograph was taken in a village on the outskirts of Nasik. He holds a stick and rope to herd and manage cattle and umbrella to protect him from the rain.

Another Maharashtrian farmer. Stoic and expressionless.

A portrait of the Rajasthani man who is a little bemused at the camera.

This man smiles easily and does not seem conscious of the camera. You can see his wizened and lined face, years of hard physical labour etched on his face.

Rice fields near Chennai

2011-11-03T06:34:00.001+05:30

The East Coast Road (ECR) connecting Chennai to Cuddalore goes via Puducherry and these pictures were taken along the way. Some parts of the highway has dry vegetation, or palms and beaches where it runs next to the coast and some part of the land has lush green rice fields like those seen in these photographs.

Rice needs a lot of water and you can see that the crop has been flooded with water. In the background there are palm trees.

Related Images: Sugarcane fields in Maharashtra or Large images of open fields for headers

Fathers with their children

2011-11-02T06:45:00.000+05:30

These are photographs of fathers with their children. Indian men are mostly reluctant to participate in domestic chores but if these pictures taken on the streets are any indication they are able to take fatherhood seriously.

This photograph is taken in the narrow gullies of Ahmedabad and shows a father driving around his little son.

Here is a man taking his daughter to school.

A man with a baby girl clutching him for safety!

Another photograph of a family man with his daughter.

The following pictures are small images but I have posted them here because they reveal the special bond between father and child. In the first one you have the father holding his son in his arms.

Another photograph of a father holding his son in his arms.

Related Pictures: Mothers and children