It is not everyday that one comes across a Bicoloured Frog (Malabar frog) Came across this one while doing the Estate walk with the host Ms Trupti.
Stayed at the Hirvate Estate for three days and the experience was wonderful. The best part I liked was the collection of books that they had in each cottage (and the dining hall).It was after a long time that I kept my laptop and mobile away and was engrossed in reading books. (and the books are available for all age groups) Came across a book from which I used to read stories to my children about four decades ago and now my grandchild is showing interest in the same book.
There were many bound volumes of National Geographic among which I feel one of them should be in the collectors items as it had the "Afghan Girl" on the front page. (National Geographic of June 1985)
It was only in 2002 that the photographer could relocate the girl in Afghanistan and establish her identity by iris recognition.
Coming back to the Estate walk, it was enlightening to get some additional information about coffee beans and the finer points of growing it.
She even narrated the incident when they spotted an elephant in the estate and how they avoided any conflict with the gentle giant.
Came across a huge banyan tree which was struck by lightning.
There was a reservoir in the estate where we saw some of the guests fishing. She said that the water level was pretty low which means the coming summer is going to be harsh.
The food at this place is something worth mentioning.Loved the variety that they offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (punctuated by coffee or tea whenever required) Here is a sample lunch that I clicked. For those who are interested in the details, it is: Chappatti Paneer cabbage mezukku perattiyathu, curd Fish moilee Dal with Moringa leaves Rice papad Semia payasam.
I made a short video on the drive from Bengaluru to the Estate. There is a dam close by and it is a good place to visit in the evening. It was called "Water hole" by the British as it was a rain water dam but the locals now call it Vate hole as it's been changed to suit the local language, Kannada.
It was at the dam that I saw a flock of Swift birds, so obviously they have their nests around the dam. By the way I could identify 12 to 14 birds by their bird calls, with the help of the App Merlin Bird ID. Out of these, only a few I could visually see as they are mostly perched high up on tree tops.
The App even identified the white rumped Shama and mentioned that it was very rare to have been located here.
There is even a possibility that the Shama's call was mimicked by some other bird, probably a Magpie Robin. So all ye guys who are planning to visit this place, don't forget to get your binoculars and camera (and patience)
It looked like the Dollarbird was posing for me with the tilt of his head.
Went bird watching at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island of Andaman Nicobar) and was lucky to have spotted quite a few birds.
The Dollar bird is a first for me and is found in Australia to Korea, Japan and in the Andaman Nicobar islands.
The other first for me was the White bellied sea eagle.
In the video you can see how majestically he flies over the beach.
While clicking some pictures of the sunset, I sensed some activity behind me and saw some red breasted parakeets busy chatting away before sunset.
The common Kingfisher and the White throated Kingfisher took turns to share the same pole to perch itself for fishing.
Found these Eurasian Moorhen at the same waterbody where the Kingfisher was.
A pair of Black naped Oriole were right on top of the tree and they looked good against the rising sun.
Greater Racket tailed Drongo, is capable of mimicking other bird calls.
The Andaman Coucal is slightly different from what we see in mainland India.
There were many more birds that we spotted but I could not photograph.There was an opening in the forest and I liked the way the sunlight was falling on these tall Padauk trees.
This picture will give you an idea of how tall and huge this tree is
This tree stump must have witnessed many activities over here especially during WW-II when the Japanese used this as a surveillance point.
After sunset, it is worth venturing out to have a peep at the nocturnal birds and insects (with proper guidance) Mr Prathamesh is a good guide who can show you around. Here you see the Signature spider. The spider gets its name by the individual signature you see on the web.
The highlight of the stay was the coral walk. I got to learn many things about marine life, especially around the corals.
By the way if you stay at "Barefoot" you get to experience many things including the coral walk.
The title of this blog should have been "Escape from the cyclone Ditwah" That is what we felt like after landing in Mumbai. The previous night itself looked very ominous as I looked out of my hotel window.
Not being able to view the Lotus tower at close quarters and heading straight to the airport was a blessing in disguise, as it helped in reachiing the airport well in time to catch our flight.
We took a halt on the beach road near Galle Face Hotel. The palm leaves will give you a general idea of the wind speed.
Not far from the Taj Samudra Hotel I got to see some birds who were busy fishing in the sluice spillover point. Managed to capture a painted stork in flight as I was clicking the Lotus tower.
Got another one with the painted stork in the forefront.
You can see the other birds in the video.
Notice the silver feet of this crane?
When some time was alloted for shopping, we headed for the grocery stores. Wifey was tempted with some fresh vegetables and took the help of a regular lady in the store to select the right vegetables
while I was tempted by the coconuts. The colour and texture and size said that they were good ones, but the addition of weights to the luggage dissuaded me.
Two days before our departure, we visited a nonprofit Sea Turtle conservation centre. Got to see an Albino turtle for the first time.
We don't realise the extent of damage that we cause with the plastic that we create and carelessly discard.
The video speaks for itself and the guide over there was knowledgeable and had a good voice.
By The way I hope the authorities keep clearing the donation box more frequently, or make it deeper than an arm's length because when I put in my hand to drop my note, I could feel and touch the other notes inside. (why to tempt anti social elements)
Our first stop was for breakfast at Vivanta Colombo, airport garden. What caught my attention was the presence of massive prop roots hanging from a Banyan tree near the entrance. The only picture I could click was from the bus on the way out.
When I spoke to the manager of the property, he said that the previous owner from whom they had purchased the land about 40 years ago had a condition that no trees should be cut in the property. Good to see that the promise was kept.
For once I was happy to see Elephants in captivity with no chains on their feet. Some of them were having problems but they were well taken care of.
This sign kept at strategic places in Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary speaks a lot about eradicating bribery and corruption.
Our guide had told us that there was a pair of twins amidst them and right enough we spotted them.
While I was concentrating on the elephants, this yellow billed babbler was trying his best to catch my attention.
The app Merlin bird helped me identify the bird. It also shows a Kingfisher being present but I couldn't locate it.
The cultural show put up by the Kandian Cultural Centre was remarkable. A glimpse of it is in the video. All were impressed by the "walk on fire" and "spitting fire".
Visited the sacred tooth relic at Kandy and before entering the premises I saw this elderly man sitting outside the shrine selling lottery tickets. The donation box wasn't far off.
The drummers kept their tempo and were in sync. The sound echoed well in the confined place and could be heard well in the upper floors too.
While exiting I saw a family praying and couldn't resist clicking. Faith keeps us going.
