Where was this photo taken?

Tomi

I know, because I took it. It's a puzzle.

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-m2-

I'm stumped, but will make some observations which may, or may not help.

It's probably south India, as that's where Tomi was last winter and the temple shape seems to confirm.

this appears to be a well-maintained sports field, so would assume it's in or near a prosperous city/town

is that water in background? if so, that narrows things a bit. Also, no hills or mountains in the direction we're looking.

the grasshopper/locust might give a clue if it is associated with any particular crop (e.g. where grown)


any other ideas?

maree

My guess is the Shore Temple, Mamallapuram. If I'm right, do I get a prize?

indiamike

The temple in the back does look like the shore temple, but I don't remember that much green grass, it's been awhile since I have been there.

If it's not that can we have a hint?

Mike

Tomi

No hints needed, guys, you're awesome. It is indeed the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram (aka Mahabalipuram). The angle shows all the grass available within ten miles of Mamallapuram. I don't think it's a sports field, if I remember correctly, just a field between the shore (water in the background, you're right, m2) and the main road, on my way back from the chariot temples and sculptor alley. I saw kids playing cricket elsewhere.

Maree, congratulations, the first prize is a date with Mike.

Unfortunately... you weren't the first. Steven_ber posted the right answer almost immediately and I congratulated him so heartily that he removed the post! So you win second prize, two dates with Mike.

maree

It was the fence that tipped me off as that's how I got to see the temple....through the fence. There are some places that I would gladly pay a $10 entry fee... but this wasn't one of them... especially when there are a whole lot of other great sights in the town which are free. Has anyone actually been in the temple? Was it worth the bucks?

Great locust pic, Tomi.

Mike....pick me up at 8.

-m2-

I have trouble figuring where some my own shots have been taken and sometimes have to go through a deductive process like that to get close -- haven't seen the temple from that angle and at first thought those might be green agricultural fields -- concluded it was a sports field as that looks like a back-stop of some kind to the left. nice pic.

steven_ber

I removed my post as I had CHEATED

I knew it was one of two places so I done a 'google image search' but that was not fair on the 'idea' behind the post, to get people thinking, so to answer before most had a chance to think about it did not seem fair.

So what is worse, my cheating or my poor attempt to bump this post back to the top?

I dont have a scanner at the moment so cannot post a picture, so who's next?

wonderwomanusa

Maree, there was no fence around the shore temple in 1989; I don't think I'd pay $10 for the sight of the innards.

Gods! I hate this "soak the tourists" stuff!

__________________
The map is not the territory. --Alfred Korzybski

-m2-

OK, try this one:

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Tomi

It's now down to Rs. 250 for the joint package of the Shore Temple and the Five Chariot Temples. The local merchants had complained about the Rs 500 and the Delhi people in charge finally agreed to reduce the price, or so I was told. I hope this happens in other places in India.
It was still too expensive for me, as I agree with the majority of the posters here. At that price I'd have to cut down my vacation in India from 9 weeks to 4, and I would be less inclined to go. Monuments should not have to pay for themselves, they can act as enticements and we'll spend money in Mamallapuram in countless other ways, including the yummy seafood and all the crafts.
Maree is right in that there are many other extraordinary places to visit in Mamallapuram that are free, including a chariot temple right behind Arjuna's penance, and a better temple of the same period and style as the Shore Temple in nearby Kanchipuram, and free.
Another ripoff in Mamallapuram is Tiger Cave; you have to hire a rickshaw to get there (I rented a pathetic one-speed bike and it felt like doing the Alps), and once there the guides are relentless, all for a sculpted cave not any more beautiful or special than the ones in town proper.

maree

-m2- ... i think you're going to need to provide a hint on this - there's a big mountain outside the window so I'm assuming it's north rather than south... and is that a domed roof or just a reflection in the window?

-m2-

you're correct, it is in the north and that is not a reflection, perhaps the steam distorting it a bit.

maree

is it in india or have you stuck with this weeks theme?

-m2-

India -- i think that's a Sikh temple in front