Map In My Pocket

Month: July 2016

Gandipet Lake. Where is it?!

20 Kilometers off the city, on the outskirts, is the Osman Sagar Lake/Reservoir. Generally referred to as Gandipet, this lake used to be the preferred haunt of youngsters. Though I am not sure if it still is the place where kids sneak off to from their school or college, it sure has turned out to be a popular spot for those same kids who have now grown up to hold software jobs in this IT Hub that is Hyderabad.

Well it isn’t so much ‘outskirts’ either now, with its connectivity to Gachibowli-Hitech City and all the urbanisation that is happening in and around it.

But, this makes it one of the most popular destination for cycling enthusiasts in the city today.

& that leaves us with “Where is The Lake?”

We get there and we see nothing. Yes, nothing but the heavy fencing, barricades and cops. So I walk up to the fence for a closer look hoping to find something that I can photograph, document.

and??

Well, inspite of there being only a trace of the lake that once was, the walk leading up to it is so beautiful and tranquil, specially so on a rainy morning that, that in itself makes for a pleasant way to slow things down right here in the city.

So, a curious case of Afforestation and Urbanisation then?!

Discover other Lakes in Hyderabad:

The Lost Pump House: Fox Sagar
The Flamingo Story: Ameenpur
A Lake in Resort Land: Shamirpet

July 31, 2016
Its a small, small world.

When a photographer friend invited me to a free Macro Photography lesson along with the chance to try a new camera, some lenses and extension tubes et al, I was not going to pass up the opportunity. But, to be honest the thought of getting myself out of bed early on a Sunday morning just to go to the Zoo wasn’t really that exciting a plan.

I had been to the Nehru Zoological Park when I was seven, and my dad was taking my cousins who were visiting Hyderabad and me. But from the happy little otter pair that greeted us to the photos that i got of the creepy crawlies, I came away happy and content and with yet another lens added to my wish list!

PS: This friend of mine is doing a Workshop for Kids on 14th Aug, for which this was a trial run. So, do check it out if you are interested and take my word for it that it was a super fun experience hunting for these fellows. :) & Macro Photography is surely one tough task master when it comes to patience.

Read Next: Into The Jungle: Ubbalamadugu

July 18, 2016
Bidar: The City of Whispering Tombs

Of the 61 listed Monuments of Bidar, 30 are tombs. Little wonder then that Bidar is known as The City of Whispering Tombs!

135 Kms from Hyderabad, just across the state border in Karnataka is Bidar. If you love visiting places of historic significance and can’t get enough of architecture, this is one road trip that you must make from the city.

The most prominent landmark of this city – which dates back to the third century BC – is the Bidar Fort. It was built by the first sultan of the Bahamani Dynasty, Ala Ud Din Bahaman Shah when he set up his capital and 4Kms from here is the final resting place of the Bahamani Sultans. No visit to Bidar is complete without a trip to these majestic structures located in Ashtur, The Bahamani Tombs. Some of them are in a state of disrepair today, but even these crumbling mausoleums stand a beautiful testament to the art of an era gone by.

En route to Ashtur just before you get to the Tombs, on to the left is yet another idyllic setting to rest for eternity, the expansive and peaceful resting place of Hazrat Khalil Ullah, a popular religious preceptor of the time. Known as the Chaukhandi, this octagonal structure is beautiful in its simplicity and clean lines.

July 15, 2016
I Heart Honey Bears: Le Pain Quotidien

They call themselves a ‘Bakery and Communal Table’ and you know they take it seriously.

The hum of conversation fills the air, jam is passed around the table and ever so gracefully, time slows.

& that it isn’t just something beautiful to say.

Besides, who doesn’t like being surrounded by Honey Bears?!

The Le Pain Quotidien at Mirdif City Centre is like a cosy corner, where you wrap your hands around a mug of hot chocolate and slip into a world of your own.

Mirdif City Centre is one of my favourite malls in Dubai. I know it is an odd choice, but it is relatively not crowded for a city centre and functions at its own pace of laid back and for me that is the perfect combination of a place where you can just hang out and do nothing!

& also the fact that almost all of the restaurant chains that I like to frequent have a home here.

Though often overlooked in favour of Paul or Tim Hortons, ‘the daily bread’ stands its own and is surely worth a go when one feels like pausing a while. Not only is the food delicious and the ambience warm, the staff too are friendly and nice. :)

& I totally loved their Praline Chocolate Cake, when I was there last.

Le Pain Quotidien

Level 1, Central Galleria
Mirdif City Centre, Dubai

+971 4 190 751

Open: 7:30 am -11 pm

Read Next: Eataly: To the Perfect Tiratisu!

Discover Cafes in Dubai: #InSearchofCoffee

24 Hours in Dubai
But, first Coffee.

July 13, 2016
Kitchen 6: A King’s Spread

For the good or for the bad, during my time in Dubai, I was not able to go on the two photowalks as planned. So, here I am substituting those with 2 Eatouts instead!

First off, Kitchen 6.

Six, open kitchens. The six live cooking stations in this restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai are what give it its name and also makes this the most popular destination for lazy weekend brunches and grand buffets.

You will be spoilt for choice – with a spread truly fit for a king – from European Breads to Indian, Asian Woks to Arabic Desserts. and, of course the Middle Eastern Grills, how can one miss out on these, when you are in this part of the world!

& the desserts? What about them??

:D

It definitely is one of the more enjoyable buffets in Dubai, not just because of how much there is to choose from, even for vegetarians but also because of the layout where every table feels like a snug little nook, say as against a buffet in Atlantis where you are too busy jostling with the crowds to really enjoy a relaxed meal.

Kitchen 6 sure is a must try if you are someone who can do justice to a spread like this!

Kitchen 6

Level 1, JW Marriot Marquis Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road
Business Bay, Dubai

+971 4 414 3000

Open: 6 am – 11 pm

Discover Dining Options in Dubai:

Eataly: To the Perfect Tiratisu!

July 3, 2016