Dhauli - The Peace Pagoda

As I said before my brother was making a short film. He and his crew had to capture a sunrise and had planned to go to Dhauli on Monday. Hardly slept for two hours the day before and joined them at 0300 hours. I also wanted to do some photography. Dhauli had been my favourite hangout place since I have got a bike. I have been there a numerous time, with friends or alone and at times ranging from early in the morning to late in the evening. I have watched three sunrises over there itself. The monastery near the stupa is also a nice place. Kind of silent and peaceful with the drums beating. Daya river flows below the hill and the area surrounding it is covered with bushes, shrubs and cashew trees. Once went through a dirt patch with Praveen and watched an angler for a long time. Its actually a nice getaway for an afternoon or evening when you run out of your options. I generally avoid the stupa area in the day time because of the huge number of tourists thronging the place. Commercialisation always takes away the tranquility of such places. One of the landmarks, it is situated 10 kms from from the city and is on the way to Puri. This stupa was built on the site where Emperor Ashoka is said to have renounced war and violence. Took some snaps there till dawn. Will upload after editing them. technorati tags: orissa india photography travel