Trip to Hirvate Estate

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)