Indrakeeladri - Summer '15 :)

Vijayawada.

Popularly known for it's heat, it's the heart of Andhra. (Andhra Pradesh is a state in South India) Since the telangana agitation, it's been topping the list of nominations as the capital of the new state of divided Andhra Pradesh. And also, it's home to the famous Kanaka Durga Temple situated atop the Indrakeeladri Hill on the banks of river Krishna.

Heading towards the temple post noon, all I could feel was the glaring sun- striking sharply in my eyes, blinding me for brief moments. Hoping I'd hit nobody on my way, I continued to sarcastically appreciate my mom's choice of a post noon visit to the temple. Slowly, yet steadily, the sky adorned a dramatic look. I was looking to my left, with my mouth agape, as the sun danced on Krishna's water. And then as the view got blocked by a high wall, my mom breathed in relief, thanking god for sparing the lives of a newly wed couple who were crossing the road right in front of our car. Okay wait, I didn't hit them. I time my sightseeing and break at the 'right' time, always. :D

Sadly, I didn't carry my camera as the temple prohibits photography in the interiors. Here are a couple of shots I could pull off with my phone.

The sky was SO dramatic. It was as if the clouds came completely prepared to tease me if I could capture the way they danced on the skies, changing every now and then, presenting one dramatic frame after another.

Solar lighting.

The new Gopuram.

A view of the city from the Shiva's temple.

Yes, it's all gold!