tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27903608935475717652024-03-18T08:33:07.219+05:30AnecdotesA potpourri of travelogues, fiction and the like...Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-46551326273856694362017-03-08T08:43:00.000+05:302017-03-08T10:21:33.751+05:30Kolleru Lake: A hidden nature's treasure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Fj22iAfmhb0Df-KsfwB7J-f8k3vPrYnQ0J0MVZFCE473zw2mNP1V4eJn7Rz5yJmSzhO7tVnJXZyXBscOeQRa2v8YSQxOo4SmSPfUxXWLoxpd_Imn8-d57nP6LFsFUmKvVcEAvw4xnOI/s1600/DSC01958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Fj22iAfmhb0Df-KsfwB7J-f8k3vPrYnQ0J0MVZFCE473zw2mNP1V4eJn7Rz5yJmSzhO7tVnJXZyXBscOeQRa2v8YSQxOo4SmSPfUxXWLoxpd_Imn8-d57nP6LFsFUmKvVcEAvw4xnOI/s640/DSC01958.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well hello there! Do come and visit me if you get a chance!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Visited 18,19 Feb 2017.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<b><i><u><sub><sup><strike><br /></strike></sup></sub></u></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It is not often one comes across an unexpected treasure of a
place for which there is complete lack of publicity and not much information
available on the internet either. Kolleru lake turned out to be one such amazingly
beautiful spot for birding as well as general sight-seeing.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Let me first explain the logistics of getting to the lake
and about the different birding spots nearby since this isn’t well documented
anywhere.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Birding areas around Kolleru Lake -</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Road from Eluru to Eco Tourism Resort (erstwhile Haritha Kolleru Resort)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Madhavapuram Bird Sanctuary</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Kolleti Kota barrage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Atapaka, Kaikaluru - Kolleru Bird Sanctuary</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">About Kolleru and how
to get there?</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">To reach Kolleru, you need to first get to Eluru which is a
decent sized town 2-3 hours away from Vijayawada. All in all, it took around
7-8 hours from Hyderabad.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Kolleru Lake is a huge lake (20-25kms expanse) which can be
visited from different sides. On one side you have the narrow road from Eluru
to the erstwhile Haritha Kolleru resort and Kolleti Kota via the Madhavapuram
Bird Sanctuary which has numerous resident birds to be seen enroute; the other
side has Atapaka Bird Sanctuary which is a huge nesting ground for Pelicans and
Painted Storks. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The two different sides of the lake (Atapaka and Kolleti
Kota) are also connected by a narrow privately-maintained bridge. This route, however
is not visible on google maps and directions can be taken only after conversing
with locals. One can reach Kolleti Kota after following the Eluru road towards Haritha
resort and going further ahead. Some bad (kachha) road notwithstanding, and after
crossing a famous temple (Peddintlamma temple), you reach a small, narrow bridge which
connects to reach the Bhimavaram side State Highway on which we have Atapaka. A
reasonably sized car like Swift can cross that bridge, but an Innova might not
be able to do the same. The other way to reach Atapaka is go around the lake
(the route that is shown in google maps) and you may not lose much time that
ways either.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">All sign boards in this part of the city are in Telugu and I
hope some of these images help identify the different places (as they are very
easy to miss).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Google Maps link at bottom of this post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIVs1xbgOi2MRpqWg_lNbBJ-1nGNLZPSEPQ8UGlHIMCs_vhZ8JG4NrMCQ0qo0CPJUChW9bm0oCPPPKMvY6h8Z7697xFIdDyLxCHaI9jzEx6mx8BXVRrWhqYAKvrjsh5gKpLwjF4m3mR8/s1600/IMG_20170218_181835987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIVs1xbgOi2MRpqWg_lNbBJ-1nGNLZPSEPQ8UGlHIMCs_vhZ8JG4NrMCQ0qo0CPJUChW9bm0oCPPPKMvY6h8Z7697xFIdDyLxCHaI9jzEx6mx8BXVRrWhqYAKvrjsh5gKpLwjF4m3mR8/s640/IMG_20170218_181835987.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madhavapuram Bird Sanctuary.<br />
On the Eluru - Gudivakalanka road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHHmnLAOJMXdeAYOEsdBlX_mtXE1-tWl7bNdpnjzNw62RvrjAaXzQGCEgh7CZCLyq0baQPtlppECwd_QOi20BFAc0jLBG7kqRPZSOnmTSkeApXJSDjlG4rIZSdXogTfE9GtUBQxWIoXo/s1600/IMG_20170219_105843926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHHmnLAOJMXdeAYOEsdBlX_mtXE1-tWl7bNdpnjzNw62RvrjAaXzQGCEgh7CZCLyq0baQPtlppECwd_QOi20BFAc0jLBG7kqRPZSOnmTSkeApXJSDjlG4rIZSdXogTfE9GtUBQxWIoXo/s640/IMG_20170219_105843926.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atapaka - Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, Kaikaluru. On Bhimavaram Road NH165.<br />
A small sign board, very easy to miss.<br />
Truly a Pelican paradise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD9nWNfAkJxO9qHjlR7_exhXC5EOZLYd0Jx449nrsHvR1tScTffizhPLFW01wp12VPJ3rGLXX8ZWZQNPrJFpar36m8B5NRot3TKU7xyUm-IU8bZQbPBWSU2yboTVWDKwyasr7IGr9Joc/s1600/DSC01987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD9nWNfAkJxO9qHjlR7_exhXC5EOZLYd0Jx449nrsHvR1tScTffizhPLFW01wp12VPJ3rGLXX8ZWZQNPrJFpar36m8B5NRot3TKU7xyUm-IU8bZQbPBWSU2yboTVWDKwyasr7IGr9Joc/s640/DSC01987.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow bridge, connecting Kolleti Kota and Eluru Road</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Where to stay?</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This one is a difficult question. As far as towns are
concerned, one can stay at either Eluru or Bhimavaram which are reasonably
close by (within 20-30 kms).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Eluru is close to Madhavapuram or Kolleti Kota, while
Bhimavaram is closer to Atapaka Bird Sanctuary.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Other than that, the only option (I am aware of, and where
we stayed) near the birding spots (Madhavapuram) is Eco Tourism Resort which
was originally Haritha Kolleru Resort but no longer maintained by Haritha. For
bookings, I can share the contact number of the current owner on request.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While the resort is decent with Air Conditioning etc, there
is a question mark on hygiene since it is built on static water, which while
provides for a very pleasant landscape and good view of sunrise/sunset but also
gives potential as breeding ground for mosquitoes. So if you stay there, make
sure you don’t open windows during the evening.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVVr4T7a0RlhZM_ZRC4S__MCsyKzkFHRBnN_nT5K3nJNa_ezBBrEWREblaqndGtYvHNuLc_AF_uHWIILE5KBOLtT5V_dFySmpJh1WnHesg8vM95gs5Is0Cny5bI4aCTtXrBQNH6dJegU/s1600/IMG_20170218_165809889_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVVr4T7a0RlhZM_ZRC4S__MCsyKzkFHRBnN_nT5K3nJNa_ezBBrEWREblaqndGtYvHNuLc_AF_uHWIILE5KBOLtT5V_dFySmpJh1WnHesg8vM95gs5Is0Cny5bI4aCTtXrBQNH6dJegU/s640/IMG_20170218_165809889_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from Kolleru Resort</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Without further ado, let me highlight the beauty of this amazing
lake!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We went towards Madhavapuram in the evening which was close by the resort (around 2-3 kms).</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8ZnTTatN0cNh7sfFQQLrRlsdeyw4wKL51kNimg61UQBDMkn2qRvVTMBDpxBXeLIqzuRof5-65q1C-hCKmaHo31We19rEavi-BOzGedLpfGH7I3STEPaQuii84i8ULcK1w1jkTAFHMtU/s1600/DSC01867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8ZnTTatN0cNh7sfFQQLrRlsdeyw4wKL51kNimg61UQBDMkn2qRvVTMBDpxBXeLIqzuRof5-65q1C-hCKmaHo31We19rEavi-BOzGedLpfGH7I3STEPaQuii84i8ULcK1w1jkTAFHMtU/s640/DSC01867.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset through the grass, at Madhavapuram Bird Sanctuary</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEKNG1B7ufLhsIdo212Ag-JptXi9rQZWmKI0_hivoE2Qpw7TMTuf6Pdn_SAtdwUQZLKwMLerF1JIlwXesOal74Po6NkY6nhYAbw2k25JSUvqDS1j0F1ro22FB8FZORo89Csso4MsxWNc/s1600/DSC01846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEKNG1B7ufLhsIdo212Ag-JptXi9rQZWmKI0_hivoE2Qpw7TMTuf6Pdn_SAtdwUQZLKwMLerF1JIlwXesOal74Po6NkY6nhYAbw2k25JSUvqDS1j0F1ro22FB8FZORo89Csso4MsxWNc/s640/DSC01846.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hordes of roosting birds - Pelicans and Painted Storks at Madhavapuram</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-pPj_f8FmqQhFwruaD8WMoNthiPl2tG2kfKH9KrbOkZcQewS1OinuMRCLsVi6S_hXCwHUCmo29xBMXovoq0kvqBmWW2iUaZd_bSJ7vY92HxncvAuTe9fvHIGB2JNu-AMK9ohrLPULyg/s1600/DSC01835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-pPj_f8FmqQhFwruaD8WMoNthiPl2tG2kfKH9KrbOkZcQewS1OinuMRCLsVi6S_hXCwHUCmo29xBMXovoq0kvqBmWW2iUaZd_bSJ7vY92HxncvAuTe9fvHIGB2JNu-AMK9ohrLPULyg/s640/DSC01835.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections!!<br />
Grey Heron at Madhavpuram</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25VTH8nzF_fFtpe-8NFgLN_ImhCvViUI15NpBrh05KOukmCO3qEbII2J8W3f2uP4tjU51R-O2nFmrDSveaCuXgodcNSm2-Ndzf6hCqo3MXtYVU8V_T3LC4_Kg96Z1vRFBdYO3A2YI7cc/s1600/DSC01833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25VTH8nzF_fFtpe-8NFgLN_ImhCvViUI15NpBrh05KOukmCO3qEbII2J8W3f2uP4tjU51R-O2nFmrDSveaCuXgodcNSm2-Ndzf6hCqo3MXtYVU8V_T3LC4_Kg96Z1vRFBdYO3A2YI7cc/s640/DSC01833.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Ibis, Madhavapuram</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGypmSaJNKgnVBmjBY-TOwG2_yDZ30JxHg0YKY5CpjHq0tUyCM_flOJMhJnUoCKdvAU9xUApMXkHmHrjH5BZcRU9EZ1x6dMXT5cmW0Y8xmn8PyuW_TFpjgSWcBCLuuC_IOJhXcKCxda_A/s1600/DSC01864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGypmSaJNKgnVBmjBY-TOwG2_yDZ30JxHg0YKY5CpjHq0tUyCM_flOJMhJnUoCKdvAU9xUApMXkHmHrjH5BZcRU9EZ1x6dMXT5cmW0Y8xmn8PyuW_TFpjgSWcBCLuuC_IOJhXcKCxda_A/s640/DSC01864.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Moorhen, Madhavapuram</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The next morning, we went to Atapaka, truly a Pelican paradise. You can also do boating there for Rs 300. Camera charges extra.</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2uiEnyLRdD2mZ75yRqQqW6490COcoGKoNZj6g6xUNgns61yXGJLDpnll0oxBjbgUFQl_2QtqcEBcdcIjNYHzQwCI8T_3sLnOMpZJdNY0nxO0uh4wPBlNyuvgFiMKGXRnEHEMttvnVfw/s1600/DSC01893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2uiEnyLRdD2mZ75yRqQqW6490COcoGKoNZj6g6xUNgns61yXGJLDpnll0oxBjbgUFQl_2QtqcEBcdcIjNYHzQwCI8T_3sLnOMpZJdNY0nxO0uh4wPBlNyuvgFiMKGXRnEHEMttvnVfw/s640/DSC01893.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Atapaka - designated location of Kolleru Bird Sanctuary. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RX9Ao2JsOnQk7kKpT-RE7vb2AOTonCWVroVAcxVaXkhQ2SM2N7gz4q0AQ7Mu-MZPEZtdP86NWPBl22LLUMRcbM9Ljs3MUHCSpSXPkJ7s45N17ijhDgGguBtx7fpIFhcB4A_xzB6WW3c/s1600/DSC01942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RX9Ao2JsOnQk7kKpT-RE7vb2AOTonCWVroVAcxVaXkhQ2SM2N7gz4q0AQ7Mu-MZPEZtdP86NWPBl22LLUMRcbM9Ljs3MUHCSpSXPkJ7s45N17ijhDgGguBtx7fpIFhcB4A_xzB6WW3c/s640/DSC01942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsaKZaKz5fsO0uIpSHSEWn701FtsmVjddK8ZwIayvYGdKNeBnLucQDvXYa_BZbifIq3ioi3MalzzghyXTdj8aNmWng3inS3y8hlTeFxWzcUB5ebEnyEr_cztu1hzKU12mo8tq-vGJ2XY/s1600/DSC01900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsaKZaKz5fsO0uIpSHSEWn701FtsmVjddK8ZwIayvYGdKNeBnLucQDvXYa_BZbifIq3ioi3MalzzghyXTdj8aNmWng3inS3y8hlTeFxWzcUB5ebEnyEr_cztu1hzKU12mo8tq-vGJ2XY/s640/DSC01900.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Stork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW3lu89lsxLx2-OdwfZvRCycjSjR_X1xkBArcVt1qcpYfLcZgcbX9jq9epaZj6ipNSKkUAT3S_cvWW1Ni_UKWv80YYXsOg5x1RdNy86LXiCqmZQRC9ExQDYw1KWSUQ84mlgPj92MAbMM/s1600/DSC01965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW3lu89lsxLx2-OdwfZvRCycjSjR_X1xkBArcVt1qcpYfLcZgcbX9jq9epaZj6ipNSKkUAT3S_cvWW1Ni_UKWv80YYXsOg5x1RdNy86LXiCqmZQRC9ExQDYw1KWSUQ84mlgPj92MAbMM/s640/DSC01965.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family time! Resting mother with her children.<br />
A lot of Pelicans and Painted Storks build nests and lay eggs at such places at the beginning of winter. <br />
This is towards the end, when the offsprings are already out and growing up fast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATnP5WluOGqVc7YT2VFzHjOztzWTXVe-aHI3XrosNzbAwdEGrGpuhqvMmEEnzqQPLHumQCs6FBYaWNeVa7B_X-iIJ0aXx6edLEQMvdcOQGxl_e7qix7ga7FcuZ34mHNggAiK-LY9Cu78/s1600/DSC01908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATnP5WluOGqVc7YT2VFzHjOztzWTXVe-aHI3XrosNzbAwdEGrGpuhqvMmEEnzqQPLHumQCs6FBYaWNeVa7B_X-iIJ0aXx6edLEQMvdcOQGxl_e7qix7ga7FcuZ34mHNggAiK-LY9Cu78/s640/DSC01908.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections: a musing Pelican</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKGQ3o1dRHhNsIul-kFPMVujFJsGyFZOMTWHNVefD3WSA-3gLlCU9LlyiBiIL54mm2vRuV_3vBZ7FLu0YQzG5SxzI4WJicGFE1pgQAzs5l80Ll1H8C8H1hbVEAfDhMzKQkEMYFthCmRE/s1600/DSC01929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKGQ3o1dRHhNsIul-kFPMVujFJsGyFZOMTWHNVefD3WSA-3gLlCU9LlyiBiIL54mm2vRuV_3vBZ7FLu0YQzG5SxzI4WJicGFE1pgQAzs5l80Ll1H8C8H1hbVEAfDhMzKQkEMYFthCmRE/s640/DSC01929.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW5Zko_abgMroisdimVcZkwmp8GlVVkPknrLmTexXr5Q2PMM77BBD8HQOonASBd1hn1TeAElkGVXTOEsemdscuQ6l6Mq8_uk0Ow4fxyx5ux5vHXyeKwU5vyMfgC34gxHqi8NzDMSJgAE/s1600/DSC01939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW5Zko_abgMroisdimVcZkwmp8GlVVkPknrLmTexXr5Q2PMM77BBD8HQOonASBd1hn1TeAElkGVXTOEsemdscuQ6l6Mq8_uk0Ow4fxyx5ux5vHXyeKwU5vyMfgC34gxHqi8NzDMSJgAE/s640/DSC01939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, hello there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaFCDMjxgZALAXkwQvkTXrT623keqCxHUCb5fuNb_x4so2VxYRa1S9uYRTlllp2T5IUQ8TCNHTKRxwILe0ZC4rAuoiuX5MKXAqomSsDRsEn278tbWpO0QK6LwIRLSf8Uoa1onwfq2Yk8/s1600/DSC01940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaFCDMjxgZALAXkwQvkTXrT623keqCxHUCb5fuNb_x4so2VxYRa1S9uYRTlllp2T5IUQ8TCNHTKRxwILe0ZC4rAuoiuX5MKXAqomSsDRsEn278tbWpO0QK6LwIRLSf8Uoa1onwfq2Yk8/s640/DSC01940.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splash!!! A landing pelican.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6_r5GB8KVZzGdS-E3aD4voAa1qBM4stotZJXP9XTTSzIJdoiT0nPZeYXKBC3j8RehVYEtxwvzzkJTTC_gVKzGhnA9UdHSCKht29xsM-TEtxJ2izm84SZHlrzf-LWfxDqTCJggISthdk/s1600/DSC01946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6_r5GB8KVZzGdS-E3aD4voAa1qBM4stotZJXP9XTTSzIJdoiT0nPZeYXKBC3j8RehVYEtxwvzzkJTTC_gVKzGhnA9UdHSCKht29xsM-TEtxJ2izm84SZHlrzf-LWfxDqTCJggISthdk/s640/DSC01946.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey you! Don't you dare disturb me, even if you outnumber my species!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQ6yyxuBePMWuIRvRwo8yW5t3Dc3GmwSxBz_WGkDkc8nz3P-l5voDNr2LmySSPsA4wlK7mPryMYRDNpvcpXwx8Cx2WNQxBoVXC_iMpol52_3pTfmNxNVfiDLRoabo-pmvX1G2Y_218vQ/s1600/DSC01905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQ6yyxuBePMWuIRvRwo8yW5t3Dc3GmwSxBz_WGkDkc8nz3P-l5voDNr2LmySSPsA4wlK7mPryMYRDNpvcpXwx8Cx2WNQxBoVXC_iMpol52_3pTfmNxNVfiDLRoabo-pmvX1G2Y_218vQ/s640/DSC01905.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsCgcdu_zp400OvzD2dgczQsoNxKMEO99Q0gcVRuyyGCLW6tTD3sxbfratsG4lnqIG0VzZN2mdwfVhc6MZq5kBctM4nzGIVBjJdJsXNjzBdgqjTOsA-mkkOq67-77W-i8g-gtmKVbaf8/s1600/DSC01920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsCgcdu_zp400OvzD2dgczQsoNxKMEO99Q0gcVRuyyGCLW6tTD3sxbfratsG4lnqIG0VzZN2mdwfVhc6MZq5kBctM4nzGIVBjJdJsXNjzBdgqjTOsA-mkkOq67-77W-i8g-gtmKVbaf8/s640/DSC01920.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chirping sparrow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPclf5w79GxcEm9r_GN3oYbDuWph_eUCKq2Z6Co4KqqCflwwMqFg_5Ytn9RNpre-TGPdMIUGD5zI3gowy0_SukPWzF_WP6TFU_FWF5LGuBINAt6bhqrAJUWkqYiBIqyr8HdXprdtLEGkA/s1600/DSC01922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPclf5w79GxcEm9r_GN3oYbDuWph_eUCKq2Z6Co4KqqCflwwMqFg_5Ytn9RNpre-TGPdMIUGD5zI3gowy0_SukPWzF_WP6TFU_FWF5LGuBINAt6bhqrAJUWkqYiBIqyr8HdXprdtLEGkA/s640/DSC01922.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond Heron. Deadly eyes as always!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgKWE7Vwzj1tTlus_WGCW8aAhV1DcBcfR82lB_nx_0FFul93xrwEfnASkuTF9qrnSeIFBlIu-FnPmzT23413Bvjur9xlXHpH9gAvObxUbncfX16wdxY6J3jnG8fBPnE_OgZ0x4KkLXG0/s1600/DSC01924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgKWE7Vwzj1tTlus_WGCW8aAhV1DcBcfR82lB_nx_0FFul93xrwEfnASkuTF9qrnSeIFBlIu-FnPmzT23413Bvjur9xlXHpH9gAvObxUbncfX16wdxY6J3jnG8fBPnE_OgZ0x4KkLXG0/s640/DSC01924.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have as much a right to be photographed, as birds!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We went back to Eluru via the Kolleti Kota road and narrow bridge to connect to Eluru. The marshy land also had a lot of different birds.</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Qzehi3ru5M-KKt4g8edkgMb5ZO8sGtvc-Fm3MIJQ3ooyhTffFjP23lMS_KVC_v1rqsagFQEZ-HGOhm4-Qg3IIVqdU9kHg2ofuIg41_tTX7YpbFTEEfzuw1F8Wk3q_2JjvHs_FYuNAHU/s1600/DSC02007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Qzehi3ru5M-KKt4g8edkgMb5ZO8sGtvc-Fm3MIJQ3ooyhTffFjP23lMS_KVC_v1rqsagFQEZ-HGOhm4-Qg3IIVqdU9kHg2ofuIg41_tTX7YpbFTEEfzuw1F8Wk3q_2JjvHs_FYuNAHU/s640/DSC02007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihafH5Lw8RmPYbwgN401GVzAs_hdh7aAXre_G4Jl417LeOQZx-fs_a0A0hcvzx8amWuUZyQes7NnKRHGtNK3qTbNz0LBInp0TL4FskGbXG1ytn7m8r1SNguDBgwxx0XKp1-yoYQlm8JwQ/s1600/DSC02009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihafH5Lw8RmPYbwgN401GVzAs_hdh7aAXre_G4Jl417LeOQZx-fs_a0A0hcvzx8amWuUZyQes7NnKRHGtNK3qTbNz0LBInp0TL4FskGbXG1ytn7m8r1SNguDBgwxx0XKp1-yoYQlm8JwQ/s640/DSC02009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Wagtail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5h987Jsl1gLgQnqqa0Qkc9J04iMjd2_cacOoaFwd5mChYCXiGLEqhx4PYTsPWyDA48A4q4D6XLlSPqMHT4mk2prZHWPe5LqiYFNNnjl_Xnmj1UnO8u_iRVo_cSpTIM-jHvOZsnnb8Bg/s1600/DSC01983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5h987Jsl1gLgQnqqa0Qkc9J04iMjd2_cacOoaFwd5mChYCXiGLEqhx4PYTsPWyDA48A4q4D6XLlSPqMHT4mk2prZHWPe5LqiYFNNnjl_Xnmj1UnO8u_iRVo_cSpTIM-jHvOZsnnb8Bg/s640/DSC01983.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Drongo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Species spotted (overall)-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- White throated Kingfisher</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Pied Kingfisher</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Black Drongo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Yellow Wagtail</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Purple Rumped Sunbird</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Myna</span><br />
- Sparrow<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Purple Moorhen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Red Wattled Lapwing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Common Sandpiper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Black winged Stilt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Grey Heron</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Purple Heron</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Pond Heron</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Black Ibis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Black headed White Ibis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Spot billed Pelicans </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Painted Stork</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Black Shouldered Kite</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Eagle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">(and many more, some of which I can't remember or couldn't identify.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Eluru,+Andhra+Pradesh/Eco+Tourism+Resort,+Andhra+Pradesh/Atapaka,+Kaikaluru,+Andhra+Pradesh/Kolleru+Bird+Sanctuary,+Kaikaluru,+Andhra+Pradesh/Kolletikota,+Andhra+Pradesh/@16.6308473,81.1381551,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m32!4m31!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a3614cc2ea6ae59:0x2e3037c889ff351b!2m2!1d81.0952431!2d16.7106604!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a363e88619fa1a9:0x24dd0ccf62c214d7!2m2!1d81.2103992!2d16.6442609!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a363cc0153b126f:0x7af7dcf98f34158c!2m2!1d81.2284759!2d16.5605127!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a3650004009fec5:0x5265c4ce8d093d49!2m2!1d81.2312794!2d16.5675417!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a36399aba8b4f89:0xbdc8bd36a764b329!2m2!1d81.3069315!2d16.6470564!3e0?hl=en" target="_blank">Link to Google Maps</a></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m46!1m12!1m3!1d122333.39944251749!2d81.13815510593012!3d16.630847310158902!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m31!3e0!4m5!1s0x3a3614cc2ea6ae59%3A0x2e3037c889ff351b!2sEluru%2C+Andhra+Pradesh!3m2!1d16.7106604!2d81.09524309999999!4m5!1s0x3a363e88619fa1a9%3A0x24dd0ccf62c214d7!2sEco+Tourism+Resort%2C+Andhra+Pradesh!3m2!1d16.6442609!2d81.2103992!4m5!1s0x3a363cc0153b126f%3A0x7af7dcf98f34158c!2sAtapaka%2C+Kaikaluru%2C+Andhra+Pradesh!3m2!1d16.5605127!2d81.22847589999999!4m5!1s0x3a3650004009fec5%3A0x5265c4ce8d093d49!2sKolleru+Bird+Sanctuary%2C+Kaikaluru%2C+Andhra+Pradesh!3m2!1d16.5675417!2d81.23127939999999!4m5!1s0x3a36399aba8b4f89%3A0xbdc8bd36a764b329!2sKolletikota%2C+Andhra+Pradesh!3m2!1d16.6470564!2d81.30693149999999!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1488941892080" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-33709323667883798062017-01-25T10:23:00.000+05:302017-01-27T16:20:11.265+05:30The Sandakphu trek<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ManeBhanjang –
Jaubari – Tumling – Kalipokhri – Sandakphu – Sabarkum – Phalut – Gorkhey - Sepi</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>25th-31st December 2016</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Prologue –</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br />I stand tall.
Unflinching, in the face of heavy snow and strong winds. I look down upon
menacingly all around me. I miss nothing. There is none who can match me. There
is none who dare conquer me. I am to be respected. I am the Khang-Chen-Dzog-Nga
(<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangchenjunga" target="_blank">Kangchenjunga</a>).</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Why would one spend a lot of flight money to go to a remote
and less popular corner in the Himalayas and embark on a trek to a barely
pronounceable mountain no one has ever heard of?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 0 – Jaubari (Mane
Bhanjang)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I woke up in the middle of the night. 4.30am. It is cold!
Chilly, biting cold and we haven’t started off from base camp yet. Slowly, with
lots of effort, I convince myself to go back to sleep. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br />I woke up. 4.30am. I
feel fresh from a full night of sleep and feel ready to embark on another
journey. Yoo-hoo, the mountains are beckoning again! </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 1 – Jaubari to Tumling</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The backpack is heavy and the road is steep. A lethargic
body is taken aback as it tries to get accustomed to new circumstances. It is
chilly and cloudy. A stoppage for tea is very welcome and our numbed hands grab
hold of that steaming tea cup. Ahh, simple pleasures indeed!</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQAdZH9kbi3kcry4U_Z7-5DvwxuafLkbnUAg_WWXnOs2owdAfPCBzBV7v8r1Pr2VnnMfHmLkbamQ4TfC106s0FjibPurzq4wjubs5VfXD5n5BabMtJlNOfd3i52LwG1vL2T1AKVPwuCw/s1600/1_DSC01397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQAdZH9kbi3kcry4U_Z7-5DvwxuafLkbnUAg_WWXnOs2owdAfPCBzBV7v8r1Pr2VnnMfHmLkbamQ4TfC106s0FjibPurzq4wjubs5VfXD5n5BabMtJlNOfd3i52LwG1vL2T1AKVPwuCw/s640/1_DSC01397.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bird chirping in the cloudy mist</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dxOfxbv5C5_EXRIEO1lijwkqtwxVpSY6g3-vW7QvPoEtRxL0N4rJh5YY2c3pjAXKg6-j1Lcl11POylijA54uuyvyH0H4GFg6ALx7-csUAuKbt7NYQXN1QuMtlaIk6TbWSF3L2pvME3I/s1600/1_DSC01411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dxOfxbv5C5_EXRIEO1lijwkqtwxVpSY6g3-vW7QvPoEtRxL0N4rJh5YY2c3pjAXKg6-j1Lcl11POylijA54uuyvyH0H4GFg6ALx7-csUAuKbt7NYQXN1QuMtlaIk6TbWSF3L2pvME3I/s640/1_DSC01411.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhododendron buds. Will be in full bloom in April.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Snow!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First sight of snow as we stop for lunch. Shivering, yet
excited we run outside for selfies as the ground turns white. It snowed only
for a brief while, but it left the mountainside with the impression of being
covered in little balls of cotton or dove feathers. As it so happened, that was
the only snowfall we experienced on the mountains.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1HE4JEw7H5KrosESgGlgs6lze5C3DzPq4Vcucy4RC_n8750lOM_9KuOewb_FSaiGnMm2liAuTmOtXnHki42DPDN9JaF0VCC9YIWhuw-JFz-wzGbPuCcYrY0Aa0EgotqEEmPdkhyZKWU/s1600/1_IMG_20161226_155735215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1HE4JEw7H5KrosESgGlgs6lze5C3DzPq4Vcucy4RC_n8750lOM_9KuOewb_FSaiGnMm2liAuTmOtXnHki42DPDN9JaF0VCC9YIWhuw-JFz-wzGbPuCcYrY0Aa0EgotqEEmPdkhyZKWU/s640/1_IMG_20161226_155735215.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh snow on the trail! </td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We reach our tea house in the evening walking across India
and Nepal at free will. We are welcomed with a wonderful hot soup. Absolutely,
no idea what is it; but don’t care. Hot, to wrap your hands around – that’s all
that matters.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have dinner and a round of games. Our trek leader, Geet
is very, very good in taking care, following up on medical issues and giving
good sound advice. It feels warm in the tea hut with the soup and a great
dinner – a simple serving of dal, sabji and rice, yet all the tastier in the
hills.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The day ends early on the hills and we go to bed by
9-9.30pm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br />I started to walk with
a song on my lips and nary a worry. The mountains beckoned welcomingly as we
climb. My fellow strugglers walk along carrying their ridiculously heavy
backpacks. I encourage and cajole them to move forward.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>We get through the day
and reach Tumling. It is time to get to work. Amidst all the hullabaloo of more
than three trek groups and hundred people; quickly, efficiently the four of us
prepare a significant portion of soup, enough to keep our people warm. I watch
with satisfaction as each of them grab a hot cup with shivering hands. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>With not much time on
my hands, I start to boil the water again as we get repeated requests for hot
water. Its time for dinner and cold is the main hindrance. I continuously keep
the fire running and prepare dinner. I eat to my heart’s fill once everyone is
done. It’s time for gossip and preparation for the next day. I drop off by
10.30-11pm.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 2 – Tumling to
Kalipokhri</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The first sight of Kanchenjunga on a clear cold morning
brought with it a whiff of fresh excitement. The quaint thought that entered my
mind as I looked at gigantic Sleeping Buddha with the towering Kachenjunga in
its belly – what if the Buddha woke up?</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkwXYe4eiSwXC1aPBa1SbS73TKn0IDzBCnWFGwtOzatCHCOCkWoSHb5pYWUvi6zKWx2vWm0sC8kpvHzMvPmWdYlMYP-7yTqz9tJI4KioDdNqcRnsYJuKHarYuXLXPEHNozmuYzG4YvZ0/s1600/2_DSC01681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkwXYe4eiSwXC1aPBa1SbS73TKn0IDzBCnWFGwtOzatCHCOCkWoSHb5pYWUvi6zKWx2vWm0sC8kpvHzMvPmWdYlMYP-7yTqz9tJI4KioDdNqcRnsYJuKHarYuXLXPEHNozmuYzG4YvZ0/s640/2_DSC01681.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Sleeping Buddha! Kanchenjunga is the belly and the topmost peak in this picture.<br />
The Buddha stayed with us all throughout the trek visible on almost every day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is a beautiful sight, one that you never tire of; even
though we saw the same on subsequent days. The first ray of sunlight, as it
falls on the Buddha with its silhouette – half in the shade whilst the snow-clad
peaks glisten is a sight that needs to be seen to be believed.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We walk through the dense forest that is Singalila National
Park. We hear stories of the dwindling red panda and search for one but in
vain.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The sunset at Kalapokhri at the end of second day was surreal.
Layers of clouds and mountains mingling with each other with nary a difference.
A mixture of warm colors on a canvas!</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8nBiekLS4Ys028CX486AbWPfaTGN8Qee9Gu86dadlD5QRBjjmv_59FsvoP_g8MuOJm9iN3Waitte-GFGqtqZ0UMdANt0V7byLCKZHweCi18PSRwtZMWVyTz5_lpbAoqUTKtHjpT2zWk/s1600/2_IMG_20161227_165655400_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8nBiekLS4Ys028CX486AbWPfaTGN8Qee9Gu86dadlD5QRBjjmv_59FsvoP_g8MuOJm9iN3Waitte-GFGqtqZ0UMdANt0V7byLCKZHweCi18PSRwtZMWVyTz5_lpbAoqUTKtHjpT2zWk/s640/2_IMG_20161227_165655400_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset at Kaliphokhri</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q98a_ehGsn2S9mVTVvIDzjuZr09LQ4lkhyphenhyphen3wl0IDltIeTDl4DZLvI9HDRxKmuIBgm8S99VOPtPq0GqHWD1h7Mt9viVqVjxlIDzCEPUdP3k_Hr6xjLl4YPE06ntkvn_unYITzfz6VcH4/s1600/2_IMG_20161228_170235540_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q98a_ehGsn2S9mVTVvIDzjuZr09LQ4lkhyphenhyphen3wl0IDltIeTDl4DZLvI9HDRxKmuIBgm8S99VOPtPq0GqHWD1h7Mt9viVqVjxlIDzCEPUdP3k_Hr6xjLl4YPE06ntkvn_unYITzfz6VcH4/s640/2_IMG_20161228_170235540_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> Kanchenjunga! I have been seeing her since the
age of five. As far as I can remember, it was omnipresent as I grew up. I
remember telling her about my troubles, about my fight with my father, about
the girl I liked in school and what-nots. Kanchenjunga was my diary. She never
said anything, but just listened. That’s what I liked about her.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Now, with an aging
beard, I still gazed at her with respect. I looked around at everyone clicking
pictures and smiled. I walked on.</i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 3 – Kalipokhri to
Sandakphu</b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everest –</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No comments! Just that – Everest! The greatest of them all! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mysterious, shrouded in cloud, flanked by her army of peaks on
all sides; she had an aura of invincibility! At the back, yet indifferent of
attention, knowing no one else can steal her thunder!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYMtN7WRb7BVbRG9Je4nmtGYTBn42IurpbdrjvR821afrGTnIp6gwLCCwt1wqWmOtIxUlHkC8ATUo-u6aRu-19tD10fuFMGZDi6ARxawuklQrRJb6fBvbuvQoGHoHY3HTVSCxOKUVqnE/s1600/4_DSC01618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYMtN7WRb7BVbRG9Je4nmtGYTBn42IurpbdrjvR821afrGTnIp6gwLCCwt1wqWmOtIxUlHkC8ATUo-u6aRu-19tD10fuFMGZDi6ARxawuklQrRJb6fBvbuvQoGHoHY3HTVSCxOKUVqnE/s640/4_DSC01618.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everest is the third peak from the right (in the background)<br />
Flanked in Makalu, Lhotse and Nutse in front, and Chomling on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6PaeMDNsHwf3XE-JyOEDERz4Pu-qQ-P1lor_NRa1cdPkWbYQ7Tz8qVShWapGVUwW5sLTYIEoV0GcmvRDjRl6lh0tBiAc7pBqEn7MsJ_qj4kPH3crd5-HHNgYlv_lxdBSQ4yRylhHu7c/s1600/4_DSC01717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6PaeMDNsHwf3XE-JyOEDERz4Pu-qQ-P1lor_NRa1cdPkWbYQ7Tz8qVShWapGVUwW5sLTYIEoV0GcmvRDjRl6lh0tBiAc7pBqEn7MsJ_qj4kPH3crd5-HHNgYlv_lxdBSQ4yRylhHu7c/s640/4_DSC01717.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everest! Mysterious and almost always covered by clouds. This was one rare moment when it wasn't.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp56R1Qmt1INR_OR9Yac_sVEX8E7ANCdVNPpzycbDlbQuc-4-3PsZvQy74wNF41W1UysuOoWLTSbR_rdpc_VRM4tQLIo7BAkK_bFAewcSF1O9BNnVd0aklv87fh2Pvh4SOVFaaOCJs7s/s1600/4_DSC01619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp56R1Qmt1INR_OR9Yac_sVEX8E7ANCdVNPpzycbDlbQuc-4-3PsZvQy74wNF41W1UysuOoWLTSbR_rdpc_VRM4tQLIo7BAkK_bFAewcSF1O9BNnVd0aklv87fh2Pvh4SOVFaaOCJs7s/s640/4_DSC01619.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two giant ranges. The face and partial belly of Sleeping Buddha on the right; and the Everest range on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Makalu and Lhotse – mountains we normally are not aware of.
But when spotted, we see the trio of peaks in the distance. It feels
unbelievable to be even looking at the highest mountain peaks in the world.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We summit today. Everything feels comfortable as long as the
days are warm. The climb was steep but we managed. It feels like we have
accomplished something. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I stand atop the tallest peak in West Bengal! <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandakphu" target="_blank">Sandakphu</a>!</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We learn to pitch tents and attempt to do so. Bumbling and stumbling,
we manage to pitch something. The trek guide and co-guides come by and correct
our mistakes. We make something of a home and try and snuggle inside it.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9AP5yygC5k8sPv-05kpgrWi1tqUSwnhzIFzjCOymGtjUC-mVstnCI2dzAAHPxL5qbEh594Lqe8PW0juAnKvn0fQf2qzE4NVV8iPQjIW_XizGGrLZhE139rOKmUgAkwZv6oCG8YKolI8/s1600/3_DSC01643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9AP5yygC5k8sPv-05kpgrWi1tqUSwnhzIFzjCOymGtjUC-mVstnCI2dzAAHPxL5qbEh594Lqe8PW0juAnKvn0fQf2qzE4NVV8iPQjIW_XizGGrLZhE139rOKmUgAkwZv6oCG8YKolI8/s640/3_DSC01643.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tents in the morning sun at Sandakphu</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Evening! <br />
Outside the tent, it is cold. It is very cold. Mind-numbing, freezing cold. The
chilly wind not only tingles my spine but the entire body. I can’t feel my
hands inside woolen gloves. I can’t feel my feet inside woolen socks. We walk
around like zombies. We rush for warm soup and a lovely dinner which has now
become routine and something we have now come to expect.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nightfall!<br />
The tent is shaking. The wind is roaring and screaming in its frigid, shrieking
voice. It brutally tears into the tents as though it would turn us over. But the
tents stay strong. We survive. Once can only visualize how cold it would be
without shelter.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I get up in the middle of the night. I want to pee. But I
can’t. I can’t sleep but I won’t dare to go outside. Even the thought of that night
of biting, screeching wind like a wild beast tangled in a net gives me the
shivers. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The tents were warm enough, truth be said; but the wind was
scary. And we were at 12000 feet. I can’t even imagine what happens in winters
at higher altitudes without shelter. Of course, it gets colder, but try
explaining that to someone who stays in Hyderabad at 30 degrees for most of the
year.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br />As routine, I wake up
at 4.30am. All trekkers are fast asleep. This is my time to reflect and think.
It dawns again. And we begin to hear the twittering trekkers. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Everest! I bow to
Everest. The mountains are to be respected. I scan over the entire range of
towering mountains and wonder for the umpteenth time, about the beauty of these
giants.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>We summit today.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>And then we pitch
tents. Fix zips that are not working, correct mistakes by trekkers pitching a
tent for the first time, do a little bit of here and there everywhere as the
trekkers huddle in the cold. I smile. The tents are pitched and everyone can
now sleep peacefully.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 4 – Sandakphu to
Sabarkum</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Another cold day. We get up in our tents shivering and are
served a cup of tea in the tent. Five-star hotel service can’t beat this. The
water bottle which had a little water and was kept outside the tent has frozen
overnight. The sunrise is beautiful (again) as we click photos and then scamper
off for breakfast and hot water in a jiffy. </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7Fl9fpbG25RBLI2a8cNo6QuRa3TO5jAafY-v4RzJs_cDwoppYY4hm4V4q91g4X5FpcaHwro9VVZ3mMAiuUPCECayIG8smf5L1QKpveN8nMixc-JOhtGUqZYXlIdsjOoVeaC6K1odjcE/s1600/4_DSC01712.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7Fl9fpbG25RBLI2a8cNo6QuRa3TO5jAafY-v4RzJs_cDwoppYY4hm4V4q91g4X5FpcaHwro9VVZ3mMAiuUPCECayIG8smf5L1QKpveN8nMixc-JOhtGUqZYXlIdsjOoVeaC6K1odjcE/s640/4_DSC01712.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am taller than Everest!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uzXiEP-0BzvEs_tuYJ7dPQTXulJKbXwtYKWeOuObN9nmhlvE3lRKU3Jfcauq-GMMh2SkFRojAsXEhELSocBPqjdodXZV5E_Tvpxpvc8uovkWfbgXienHCvUvs1w6PGzQIit8x7l-RJU/s1600/4_DSC01715.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uzXiEP-0BzvEs_tuYJ7dPQTXulJKbXwtYKWeOuObN9nmhlvE3lRKU3Jfcauq-GMMh2SkFRojAsXEhELSocBPqjdodXZV5E_Tvpxpvc8uovkWfbgXienHCvUvs1w6PGzQIit8x7l-RJU/s640/4_DSC01715.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohh, you wish!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The trek starts as we descent and then ascent again. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We meet army outposts along the way. They welcome any change
in scenery and are willing to talk. What do we ask them? When do you see your
families next? Or what kind of nutritious food do you get?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We camp at Sabarkum. Another peaceful little village with
chilly cold winds.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We pitch tents again, with little more proficiency than
yesterday. Post dinner, we look at the amazingly clear starry sky and enjoy
identifying the different constellations (and spot shooting stars). We do this every
evening, but not for too long, only till the cold gets to us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sleep tight, huddle inside the warm sleeping bag, and drop off!</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6vVb8lCelu-lgpCspgX5Z625OQAz74EEXl5DUPXlLNBVpMTU3AXOtvQuaHXOPBvwTwxDJ8EIcaHqK-E1zDxEH-pi0BCJ8EZkODSckkYbKGtsNbeD88mwBzZsDw9xzLc9_z_-T4389bw/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6vVb8lCelu-lgpCspgX5Z625OQAz74EEXl5DUPXlLNBVpMTU3AXOtvQuaHXOPBvwTwxDJ8EIcaHqK-E1zDxEH-pi0BCJ8EZkODSckkYbKGtsNbeD88mwBzZsDw9xzLc9_z_-T4389bw/s640/IMG_0219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milky way on the backdrop of trekkers hut at Sandakphu. Pic credit: Hrishikesh Baruah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P_mKHQ70VIM2esXNiZcGOggB4e4t-i0Q5CMSjRnK3OJ4TjbXwwbK7jAuVSW9n_lB7RLTMdBHsyz7ke3Qnn3eX-wOew3fZuB9rUR2ZSa1xICrYMiQCFSHmx1YhOmWArEDmHRidHkevMQ/s1600/4_DSC01801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P_mKHQ70VIM2esXNiZcGOggB4e4t-i0Q5CMSjRnK3OJ4TjbXwwbK7jAuVSW9n_lB7RLTMdBHsyz7ke3Qnn3eX-wOew3fZuB9rUR2ZSa1xICrYMiQCFSHmx1YhOmWArEDmHRidHkevMQ/s640/4_DSC01801.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starry sky! The milky way is faintly visible.<br />
This pic was taken at Gorkhey. Sandakphu and Sabarkum skies were even clearer.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>4.30am. I enjoy
getting up under the stars. It is lovely weather. A little wind but that’s ok. We
start our routine again. Heat the water (it takes more time at this altitude)
and get breakfast ready. Serve tea in the tents something which brought a smile
on the trekkers’ faces. I love to see people smile.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>They run off shivering
for breakfast to the tea-hut without unpitching their tents so we do that. It
takes time, but we get it done anyway.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Everyone, by now is
used to the trek. They walk briskly and do well. They also pitch the tents
better with lesser help.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 5 and 6 – Sabarkum
to Gorkhey via Phalut. Gorkhey to Sepi.</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Phalut! Another peak and another climb. This is the closest
we ever get to Kanchenjunga and Everest and we soak in those peaks with our
eyes and cameras for one last time.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiIFjWQ6a_c3faDdvgRYnZPnlR6hM_ZpHy0ZD0_TF6DnBTLcB9DKfREm4GV3fzSqmSBHy8gj7BXWRE8zcVqyZU8Y9oYonRi7FpVn0zyaV9CfXgZGI9VOlY5cNE_e4gEZL2N2URK4NLlU/s1600/5_DSC01783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiIFjWQ6a_c3faDdvgRYnZPnlR6hM_ZpHy0ZD0_TF6DnBTLcB9DKfREm4GV3fzSqmSBHy8gj7BXWRE8zcVqyZU8Y9oYonRi7FpVn0zyaV9CfXgZGI9VOlY5cNE_e4gEZL2N2URK4NLlU/s640/5_DSC01783.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Buddha again! I never get tired of seeing it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDd2tepOVP3R3if9y2ze_mUBaudmdsOuBMQFeq2hmqnHahDmMGYQTXIZuZThHqnlpadAnndCt6pmQhJcqLH9I-Czqsy3FPSr7Dt7n5g2mnj3QoqkfDQbj898nEBXcojoHSquyXlVa9sw/s1600/6_DSC01791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDd2tepOVP3R3if9y2ze_mUBaudmdsOuBMQFeq2hmqnHahDmMGYQTXIZuZThHqnlpadAnndCt6pmQhJcqLH9I-Czqsy3FPSr7Dt7n5g2mnj3QoqkfDQbj898nEBXcojoHSquyXlVa9sw/s640/6_DSC01791.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many trails visible as we look back at what we accomplished!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is much more pleasant now. We descend through forest. Sometimes
it is difficult to slow down while descending. The knees begin to ache and the
toes hit the shoes every time we take a step. The double socks and walking with
heel first - tips from our trek guide help a lot.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The forest is dense with deep cover. Some of these trees
have not seen sunlight for ages. We search for red pandas and leopards and
instead encounter a wild yak on a narrow path. We reached Gorkhey, our last
camp site right at the end of the forest.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gorkhey is the prettiest little village right in a valley
amidst tall mountains covered with dense forest cover and running river.
Exactly that picture which we used to draw in our childhoods.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The beauty of this little pristine village is preserved since it has no motorable roads and one needs to trek a few kms to reach this place.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8NWf71LNX-1Rcc74ZhvRbZQAo2k5dz2Itm7KwtCTeEot8ErhX81JCKPGuI8kVWi7Sodi9nd85L71olqb7KFp26C4CIm_IeDhomfKoC0awGL9pYSwB4qGaDqEI59m2LerdM8NCtyzhCw/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8NWf71LNX-1Rcc74ZhvRbZQAo2k5dz2Itm7KwtCTeEot8ErhX81JCKPGuI8kVWi7Sodi9nd85L71olqb7KFp26C4CIm_IeDhomfKoC0awGL9pYSwB4qGaDqEI59m2LerdM8NCtyzhCw/s640/IMG_0821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorkhey. Pic credit: Hrishikesh Baruah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a good time there with exotic dishes like pasta. And
a much more comfortable time with the cold.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The last day is always about getting back to town. It is a bitter-sweet feeling; as we run
and prance about like excited puppies, excited about seeing back civilization; yet at the same time feeling like we are leaving a part of ourselves behind, with the hills.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We completed our trek by 2pm and bade a fond farewell to our
trek guide and co-guides! Adiey, till we meet again!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br />The last day is always
about goodbyes. I feel sad to bid farewell once more to so many new friendships
created over the last seven days. I hope they continue to visit the mountains.
I hope they tell all their friends about mountains and their beauty. I hope
they remember me once in a while. I smile, hug and wish everyone farewell as I
stand where I belong – with my old friend, the Khang-Chen-Dzog-Nga.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Epilogue</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Why do we trek? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To meet new people and make new friends? Maybe. To get away from our
helter-skelter daily routine and madness? Probably! (Yes, indeed the mountains
slow time.) To boast about stories like “you know I went to the highest peak of
West Bengal and saw Kanchenjunga and Everest from up close”. Definitely!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is a dedication to all trek guides and co-guides.
They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every trek goes smooth
for all of us. As one of my fellow trekkers rightly put, “<b>it is a humbling experience to watch them go about their tasks every
day and there is so much that we can learn from them</b>”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Thanks to <a href="https://indiahikes.com/" target="_blank">Indiahikes</a> for organizing this trek flawlessly
making sure that all of us trekkers had a good time along the way.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right -> <br />
Geet, our fantastic, knowledgeable and amazing trek guide, <br />
Sanghey ji, as we all came to fondly call him, brought up the front in our trek,<br />
Gopal, brought up the rear,<br />
Chirrin, the ever-smiling horse man,<br />
Subhash (or Subba dadu), the one who stayed in the middle of the group </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAJt35Xgfju7o_Z8ZQ1Vp9-SCZcB9F1pzFSJQuXYJbbUKhT0wlqMnZuXq0XrhdWDccUipQLBn13KWWthgVBSi19pKU5qxRlZN8lY_8NwjvPhpZTUOsNxR1ONURFend8OjPUJjKntswTM/s1600/IMG_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAJt35Xgfju7o_Z8ZQ1Vp9-SCZcB9F1pzFSJQuXYJbbUKhT0wlqMnZuXq0XrhdWDccUipQLBn13KWWthgVBSi19pKU5qxRlZN8lY_8NwjvPhpZTUOsNxR1ONURFend8OjPUJjKntswTM/s640/IMG_0553.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trekkers. Pic credit: Hrishikesh Baruah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Mane+Bhanjang,+West+Bengal/Tumling,+Nepal/Kalipokhri,+West+Bengal/Sandakphu+Trekkers+Hut,+Sandakhphu,+West+Bengal/Phalut+Govt.+Trekers+Hut/Gorkhey,+West+Bengal/@27.098994,87.914337,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m38!4m37!1m5!1m1!1s0x39e5d26598b9d055:0x625f3528dfc46ec!2m2!1d88.1209018!2d26.9878615!1m5!1m1!1s0x39e5d1129b926b49:0xef0610117339b3fa!2m2!1d88.0688519!2d27.0314729!1m5!1m1!1s0x39e5d75a19c87f37:0xda52fbbe24432485!2m2!1d88.0170464!2d27.0791013!1m5!1m1!1s0x39e5d9d1e2da5b71:0xc446c25fa42096b9!2m2!1d88.0021851!2d27.1056716!1m5!1m1!1s0x39e679d4bc3c5505:0xeeb785b42a3f2b73!2m2!1d88.0158714!2d27.2078086!1m5!1m1!1s0x39e678c1cf24dbf9:0xfdda1791f7ad8438!2m2!1d88.0723645!2d27.1875476!3e2?hl=en">Map
of trek route</a></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-49020116477344496932016-01-02T01:02:00.000+05:302016-01-03T23:08:44.938+05:30An eight-day trip to Iceland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Prologue</b></span></span></h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“This is majestic”, I
thought impervious to my numbed face and shivering body. “Let it rain, damn it;
I won’t move!” I continued to gaze mesmerized at the thudding waterfall with
its gigantic volume of water.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Can you admire beauty
whilst shivering in the cold? Can you gaze mesmerized whilst being drenched by
the spray of the thundering waterfall? Can you drive and drive and drive and
yet not get tired? Can you look at mountains and grasslands and waterfalls in a
loop over and over again? Can you stop every ten minutes and yet not be bored
by repetitive scenery?</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Volcanic ash, rocks,
hot water springs, thunderous waterfalls, grasslands, the ocean, beaches, icebergs,
glaciers – you name it, Iceland has it all! Iceland is a country which survives
and thrives on the bed of volcanic activity.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A week-long trip along
the famed Iceland ring road was one of the best experiences in life (for five
of us) – September 2015.</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 0: Reykjavik <i>(pronounced Reykyavik)</i></b></span></span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Flying into Reykjavik via Amsterdam, we had our first
glimpse of the remote country from the flight. After a vast stretch of water
which seemed endless, we finally saw a small island which we thought to be
Iceland. My first thought was, “Is this it? Is this what we have travelled halfway
across the world for?”</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turns out, that was Iceland; but only a very small island which
is a part of the same – Vestmannaeyjar; on the south side of the country. As
our plane curled around from the south and hit Keflavik International Airport,
we got our first glimpse of a much larger land that was Iceland.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once past the airport, our first task was to get our booked
self-drive car – one which we hoped would fit the five of us along with our
luggage. We hoped, that is. Being the Indians that we are :), our luggage exceeded
ourselves and there was no way all of it would have fit as is in a car.
Luckily, the car rental provided us with a roof-box within which we were able
to fit all of our luggage in. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reykjavik (pronounced Rekyavik) is like any other European
city with quaint beautiful houses and small crisscross streets. We walked
through the same in the evening as we came to grips with complex names and
beautiful churches. Dinner was at a pizzeria who served up some good food.
Vegetarian food is hard to get in the entire country!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That night was a partly clear sky and we eagerly went out in
the quest for Aurora Borealis. Chilled and numbed, we stepped out in the middle
of the night around 12am but to our disappointment, there was nothing visible
in the city’s vicinity. We drove further and outwards a few kilometers away
from the city into the hills whilst we patiently looked up at the night sky. We
waited in the cold, shifted positions and tried to go uphill, looking and
craning our neck in all possible directions. Eventually we saw a greenish tinge
in the sky that wasn’t clouds. It wasn’t as impressive as we hoped it would be,
nor was it dancing or very bright; but our camera did capture it better than we
actually saw it.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We hoped to get a better sighting of the Aurora in the days
to come, but unfortunately we ended up with cloudy skies on all the remaining
days with minimum Aurora activity; so this was the best we came up with.</span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh4oYdIEgQXFJ_eaAJZgoFXftaS0Rx8zyfgYzH2l8oPFURfGGOysdTSOwMcPa237oCO5jbhPM1QNeufd8zAJhbrjGkAqca0waw_Tioh7KxuqM1POUU5aS6TezXa0xIdBQstO0ld8PQGk/s1600/1+%25282000x1333%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh4oYdIEgQXFJ_eaAJZgoFXftaS0Rx8zyfgYzH2l8oPFURfGGOysdTSOwMcPa237oCO5jbhPM1QNeufd8zAJhbrjGkAqca0waw_Tioh7KxuqM1POUU5aS6TezXa0xIdBQstO0ld8PQGk/s640/1+%25282000x1333%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora Borealis (green light in the back ground)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 1: Reykjavik to
Blonduos</b></span></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Deildartunguhver, Barnafossar
and Hraunfossar</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>
</b></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The idea of self-driving 1500-2000 kms across a week is an
exciting one. We stepped forth from our hotel with a sense of anticipation.
Sure, we had a list of destinations in our mind; but we stopped far more than
those. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Drive, drive, stop,
stop, taking in the scenery, take lots of photos, sigh wistfully and drive
again. Loop continued.</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We drove on in the above loop until we reached <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deildartunguhver" target="_blank">Deildartunguhver</a>,
our first planned stoppage where we ventured out to visit the hot springs. In
heavy cold winds and hot steaming water flowing alongside, this made up for a
quaint sight of feeling extremely cold whilst we were standing next to steaming
water emerging at almost boiling point.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We proceeded on to our first of many waterfalls on the road
– the twin waterfalls of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hraunfossar" target="_blank">Hraunfossar</a>
and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnafossar" target="_blank">Barnafossar</a>.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Say these unbelievably small and picturesque waterfalls -</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Life is full of
obstacles. I overcome them, and it is a smooth sailing thereafter. <br />
Rip roaring seething water in a small stretch, the water calms down to a gentle
river within a short distance.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUPhmyhxqGNFQuGIdL9qc2RtxH-3l__SbLejFIHxRSZ3bn2w9dHN6_XV0wxQ3MXcf_feKvyesjlqhWEBj1HZTSmFyXHKJqBsdz9J-kqIQW-MZYyfot9ZTjjBEHnPAMDrRR6JJN1T7WtE/s1600/3+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUPhmyhxqGNFQuGIdL9qc2RtxH-3l__SbLejFIHxRSZ3bn2w9dHN6_XV0wxQ3MXcf_feKvyesjlqhWEBj1HZTSmFyXHKJqBsdz9J-kqIQW-MZYyfot9ZTjjBEHnPAMDrRR6JJN1T7WtE/s640/3+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hraunfoss<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>a</i></span>r, the picturesque waterfalls<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time is at a premium as one can spend ages
at these beautiful places!! Eventually we reached our first evening’s
destination at a town named Blonduos. Blonduos, called a small town boasts of a
population of 750 odd (750 is a town, eh!)</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our visit to Blonduos was the most memorable simply because
of the beauty of that stay. On the backdrop of lush green fields and a flowing
river, it really made for a pretty sight and we woke up with remarkable
freshness!</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtV4Sts2V4k5fWfQKgDDpBHtOJRKB0wv_UrV2sVjLRysS3SjlxNam-k1tR72hIF9HpYgvZzIiI0R1xAI7qKqnMmfkJbtlOYA-Tkyvv83Xy4vcBBxUWS2Ko9kT5t5iu7-418Y7DMNTQrU/s1600/4.0+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtV4Sts2V4k5fWfQKgDDpBHtOJRKB0wv_UrV2sVjLRysS3SjlxNam-k1tR72hIF9HpYgvZzIiI0R1xAI7qKqnMmfkJbtlOYA-Tkyvv83Xy4vcBBxUWS2Ko9kT5t5iu7-418Y7DMNTQrU/s640/4.0+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Blonduos homestay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Places skipped (kept for another visit)–</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Western Fjords</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Glymur waterfalls – Iceland’s largest waterfalls
(a detour from the ring road)</span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hvammstangi seal watching</span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - Snaefellness Peninsula </span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 2: Blonduos to
Myvatn </b><i>(pronounced Myvatt)</i></span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>
Godafoss</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The loop continues.
Drive, stop, drive, stop. No amount of pictures can describe or make up for actually
driving through that scenic ring road.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We started a bit late, due to the beauty of the Blonduos
morning sun; but were on the road again. No major pitstop to speak of, we
thought; until that is we again fell back into the above loop.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Stop, pic, stop, pic,
ocean, beauty, fields, horses……</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We drove through the beautiful gorgeous <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tr%C3%B6llaskagi" target="_blank">Trollaskagi Pensinsula</a> as we went on and on. A lovely landscape by our side, with lush green grass, hordes of sheep and horses presented themselves along the way. Towards the end of this day, after passing the small city of
Akureyri, we reached our first imposing and spectacular waterfall - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go%C3%B0afoss" target="_blank">Godafoss.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I shall stand tall amidst
the chaos around me. So say the huge rocks amidst which flows Godafoss.<br />
I shall fall down with a thud; but compose myself and move on nevertheless. So
says Godafoss!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We closed the day with crossing the gigantic Myvatn lake to
eventually reach Myvatn.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKspDZrbh7SGwhaITIpdkZWWb-Fmg50gvADNadNc4E-XN9Ku6QPN6DIMGudv0Cm0Ia155hUzfbUImISaSrAgNtJn4vS_dRuveiWGB9k5py-OE5q0GPcFFgk4wtLux0Z1TY1CCR-PJ-9k/s1600/4.01+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKspDZrbh7SGwhaITIpdkZWWb-Fmg50gvADNadNc4E-XN9Ku6QPN6DIMGudv0Cm0Ia155hUzfbUImISaSrAgNtJn4vS_dRuveiWGB9k5py-OE5q0GPcFFgk4wtLux0Z1TY1CCR-PJ-9k/s640/4.01+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QVpaVObvN2IJPy-7FVTXhnMV6z7417yciTfUxHBbE1s2lcMB8IQrP8tDc4mFDJ-Jqy7OmWFbkQcW3YFMdOqQqAEy4SattMryQQlerCJ9lR43AvdNvXsyh_PWE2Z63Ut2YITAWCxs6D4/s1600/4+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QVpaVObvN2IJPy-7FVTXhnMV6z7417yciTfUxHBbE1s2lcMB8IQrP8tDc4mFDJ-Jqy7OmWFbkQcW3YFMdOqQqAEy4SattMryQQlerCJ9lR43AvdNvXsyh_PWE2Z63Ut2YITAWCxs6D4/s640/4+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Godafoss<br />
A measure of the size is indicative by the person standing to the extreme right in the picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Reykjav%C3%ADk,+Iceland/Deildartunguhver,+Reykd%C3%A6lavegur/Hraunfossar+%26+Barnafoss+Waterfalls,+H%C3%A1lsasveitarvegur,+Iceland/Bl%C3%B6ndu%C3%B3s,+Iceland/Godafoss+Waterfall,+Iceland/M%C3%BDvatn,+Iceland/@64.9546959,-21.7225529,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m38!4m37!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d674b9eedcedc3:0xec912ca230d26071!2m2!1d-21.8174393!2d64.1265206!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d4367352d60867:0xfa27e4dd6e21c42d!2m2!1d-21.4116669!2d64.6642538!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d43ee25af1564d:0xee984b715f6e3777!2m2!1d-20.9775996!2d64.702214!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d341fc8cfa26d9:0x6c348304ba28a108!2m2!1d-20.2796587!2d65.6600925!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cd7e6a4b9c99ef:0x73dbfad28e60ec3e!2m2!1d-17.5508227!2d65.6829947!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cd9c44953c07dd:0xcde4cb0dbf732a88!2m2!1d-16.9961055!2d65.60386!3e0" target="_blank">Map for day 1 and 2</a></b></span></span></div>
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<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 3: Myvatn and
Askja </b><i>(pronounced Askya)<br /> </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Askja, Viti, Holuhraun</span><i><br /></i></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The most spectacular day of the tour. Period!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our most expensive stay was at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BDvatn" target="_blank">Myvatn</a> with very limited
offerings at the hotel; but that is because Myvatn is just a base (a village
with 200 people) for all the surrounding beauty including the highlands.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This day was booked for a superjeep tour to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Askja" target="_blank">Askja</a> from <a href="http://geotravel.is/tour/askja-holuhraun-super-jeep-tour/" target="_blank">Geotravel</a>. Our oddly named guide,
Raggi Dabbi was a superb guide who made sure we experienced a fantastic day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With a 4X4 powerful super-jeep vehicle, we stepped out for
the Askja caldera. He drove, whilst we asked questions and took in the barren
scenery of the highlands. Volcanic rock and that too tons of it whilst we
crossed the same.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We also encountered a couple of river crossings which Raggi
superbly navigated with his experience. Undoubtedly, something we wouldn’t have
dared to try on our own. Eventually after a couple of hours we reached the base
from where we had to walk further.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A 35-minute chilly walk through the snow and mountains, with
the route marked only by yellow poles, we reached the Askja lake and Viti lake.
A just question <span style="font-family: inherit;">to ask</span> is – <i>Are we still on earth?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Presenting the aptly
named Viti lake or crater (Viti means Hell) with milky white liquid (Sulphur)
and the Askja lake`side by side. One of the most unbelievable sights in the
entire world. The stunning Askja caldera. </i></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5LsYdGAVfOhohr6iUQFIU7JYn3oy23SmP0XgamxfL1wz2UALzlb74bV6GSUAIEsx9etQQ_8PTBHZaTxITPZa6TOJXRsi3xRk_lri8IxFWgNpJ9ZSdOUia8eFDlTE7sW2pVliw73Moms/s1600/5+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5LsYdGAVfOhohr6iUQFIU7JYn3oy23SmP0XgamxfL1wz2UALzlb74bV6GSUAIEsx9etQQ_8PTBHZaTxITPZa6TOJXRsi3xRk_lri8IxFWgNpJ9ZSdOUia8eFDlTE7sW2pVliw73Moms/s640/5+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried snow during the walk up to Viti crater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvlKZlaJwehxOJRWl_U-4PAMLwarK29X5xrk5MGpU0Lxx0FDfmCkRzMVe14S5pFW6_p47RDJfWl8fllEwmgWkKRwH3G5J23JGTYuhg4FnS9Gdq0wWzq9uQohHoXPKLPIhQ0WSt21fg7I/s1600/6+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvlKZlaJwehxOJRWl_U-4PAMLwarK29X5xrk5MGpU0Lxx0FDfmCkRzMVe14S5pFW6_p47RDJfWl8fllEwmgWkKRwH3G5J23JGTYuhg4FnS9Gdq0wWzq9uQohHoXPKLPIhQ0WSt21fg7I/s640/6+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viti crater (bottom) and Askja lake (in the back).<br />
Note the difference in color of the two bodies, side by side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On our way back, just when we thought this day couldn’t get
any better, apart from the miserable cold of course, we were in for another
surprise.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holuhraun" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Holuhraun lava field</span></a> near Askja has flowing water which <span style="font-family: inherit;">is</span> surprisingly of a
comfortable tempature to have a bath in (close to 40 degrees). Can you believe
taking a dip in natural <span style="font-family: inherit;">flowing water being heate<span style="font-family: inherit;">d real-time by lava; </span></span>with Sulphur fuming out and feeling
extremely warm whilst chilly winds blow all alongside you.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTddwgRYIx-RsWzTbCSGid1B0rehrpdVBqeRqnSPwWZlebQR_SWGCEmqBdnumF6Ef2o5FuZr9eh8H4ed7Uog9s4sS-fla76Dy2qgkHzY1lCRC8BwNgqzbQ0eFh12h4shrtGv707-r1DMM/s1600/7+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTddwgRYIx-RsWzTbCSGid1B0rehrpdVBqeRqnSPwWZlebQR_SWGCEmqBdnumF6Ef2o5FuZr9eh8H4ed7Uog9s4sS-fla76Dy2qgkHzY1lCRC8BwNgqzbQ0eFh12h4shrtGv707-r1DMM/s640/7+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naturally heated river due to fresh lava - near Askja. One can see the fumes coming out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The famous Blue Lagoon has nothing on this. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Walk through snow,
chilled to the bone marrow, gusty winds blowing that might topple you off –
that’s all you can ever asked for! Look at the smoking caldera of Viti
alongside the serene Askja lake amidst the misty winds. Take a bath in a
natural <span style="font-family: inherit;">heated water with lava</span>, while all around is barren, cold, wet and windy.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Surreal describes this
day.</i></span></span></div>
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<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 4: Myvatn to
Egilstaddir</b></span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dimmuborgir, Krafla, Pseudo-craters, Dettifoss, Selfoss</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another cold and rainy day.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The surrounding areas near Myvatn are a treasure trove in
different landscapes. <i>Lava, lava everywhere taking different shapes and sizes.</i> We couldn’t do true justice to all of them.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">
We started with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimmuborgir" target="_blank">Dimmuborgir</a>, large area of lava fields with weird shaped dried lava (as everything in this country)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We wafted through the famous huge <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootless_cone" target="_blank">pseudo-craters</a> of Myvatn which were created thousands of years ago with hot lava flowing over the surface of a lake.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We next went to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krafla" target="_blank">Krafla</a>, another gigantic
Caldera as we drove through the volcanic formations. The barren-ness of the
place hits you as everywhere else. We stopped at Hverir, another geothermal area with boiling mud pools and fuming gas all around. </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_JDeV-be4cvmbFZlzzEdcC3TRG8iALd74ki9rtAwVYg2YBt5oZXMpA6IPfQziUqQmNZXE_CPk9Jr1xLHYVqNuv902JJTDnc6ro9NbjZvsIhbUU3WqKqqhnXhBldO4-2lhy0pw1Lhk40/s1600/8+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_JDeV-be4cvmbFZlzzEdcC3TRG8iALd74ki9rtAwVYg2YBt5oZXMpA6IPfQziUqQmNZXE_CPk9Jr1xLHYVqNuv902JJTDnc6ro9NbjZvsIhbUU3WqKqqhnXhBldO4-2lhy0pw1Lhk40/s640/8+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hverir. Fumes coming from across the many small pools on the ground</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eventually we waited with bated breath, as we drove towards <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dettifoss" target="_blank">Dettifoss</a>, the biggest
waterfall of Europe in terms of volume of water. The entire area is a maze as
you feel Dettifoss much before you reach it; and further ahead is the calmer
sight of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfoss_%28waterfall%29" target="_blank">Selfoss</a>
though no less imposing on its own.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I am powerful. I shall
impact you even if you stay away from me. - Dettifoss</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Though lesser known
than other illustrious compatriots; I shall still endeavor to surprise you with
my elegance. - Selfoss</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wished I could say we saw Dettifoss. But we didn’t. It
started raining and in the spray and mist of Dettifoss itself and cloud and
rain and wind; all we could do was barely see anything.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Yet, we stood there.
Chilled to the bone marrow, again! Feeling the power, the spray, the enormous
volume, of the beast in front of us. The gigantic beast laughed at us, lashed
its fury, relentless and merciless. Made us feel humble about nature.</i> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_FN3C-9fN2UGO2pbT5Br74dh8qvhmNoKPk_NYwPBj60UME9Yec1zAH8rXkT3qqoU5_uPXuITMBWjw98wrZoYBM5IFovGWCORurAZKMMOUi9uobdoACrskHlO2uF4FLOLbcaX8zc-JyA/s1600/9+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_FN3C-9fN2UGO2pbT5Br74dh8qvhmNoKPk_NYwPBj60UME9Yec1zAH8rXkT3qqoU5_uPXuITMBWjw98wrZoYBM5IFovGWCORurAZKMMOUi9uobdoACrskHlO2uF4FLOLbcaX8zc-JyA/s640/9+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dettifoss! The volume!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Places left for another visit–</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - more places near Myvatn - <span style="font-family: inherit;">one of which was a </span>specially meant for bird<span style="font-family: inherit;"> watching!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - Landmannlau<span style="font-family: inherit;">ger</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - Laki </span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - Husavik (famous for whale watching) </span></span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 5: Egilstaddir to
Hofn</b></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>
Seydisfjordur </b><i>(pronounced
Saythisfyordur)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egilssta%C3%B0ir" target="_blank">Egilstaddir</a>
is a city on the eastern side of Iceland. Our stay was impressive at a hotel
which turned out to be surprisingly tech-savvy. Well, I say city, one that has
a population of ~3000.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This was more of a drive through day where we drove to the
charmingly beautiful fjord of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sey%C3%B0isfj%C3%B6r%C3%B0ur" target="_blank">Seydisfjordur</a>.
A really beautiful town and harbor, we spent some time looking at the
picturesque houses and the quaint little town in serenity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>We went on, back in
our loop – drive, stop, click, drive, stop, click, drive.</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGINMnM9voAbnk1rUTz3jvdd7W1pAR6bIq7g66cTcXwJohVqKDg0SysSkaSkh0KtCgXiPx7XO_odhGY6X5ySnzS0vOvxfUiaG16GSULGnJiHbHyw8ZhOUxcxzwLXTp_x5-c3hympG9pY/s1600/11+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGINMnM9voAbnk1rUTz3jvdd7W1pAR6bIq7g66cTcXwJohVqKDg0SysSkaSkh0KtCgXiPx7XO_odhGY6X5ySnzS0vOvxfUiaG16GSULGnJiHbHyw8ZhOUxcxzwLXTp_x5-c3hympG9pY/s640/11+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seydisfjordur</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZxeP3PyHXS926EWJdZz8izFgUtPS0Tyvf4FXBmBSg-dAdPW1Bx8b8gPlwFWS4MNBITgK3xvZXB46RgQdRpB8UqUUc03dX-9ZQdP0LjEXVD0GCl9rLgyuZIaLCcFevYAnssgGMMZCDHk/s1600/12+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZxeP3PyHXS926EWJdZz8izFgUtPS0Tyvf4FXBmBSg-dAdPW1Bx8b8gPlwFWS4MNBITgK3xvZXB46RgQdRpB8UqUUc03dX-9ZQdP0LjEXVD0GCl9rLgyuZIaLCcFevYAnssgGMMZCDHk/s640/12+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTprA7yKMoDq2dsG65nMy2TifP468RunuKp1BH-hM5dtZl0CA5I6FII0LapxGcWX21Y7EDAGbRC1vj25wYZUuDMJEliZNM8mkSzohSl72A9LNheN6e03FgSPq9WKrzHy2HTYZUcgXk83Y/s1600/15+%25282000x1333%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTprA7yKMoDq2dsG65nMy2TifP468RunuKp1BH-hM5dtZl0CA5I6FII0LapxGcWX21Y7EDAGbRC1vj25wYZUuDMJEliZNM8mkSzohSl72A9LNheN6e03FgSPq9WKrzHy2HTYZUcgXk83Y/s640/15+%25282000x1333%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/M%C3%BDvatn,+Iceland/Krafla,+Iceland/Dettifoss,+Iceland/Egilssta%C3%B0ir,+Iceland/Seydisfjordur,+Iceland/H%C3%B6fn,+Iceland/@65.0227017,-17.7608563,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m38!4m37!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cd9c44953c07dd:0xcde4cb0dbf732a88!2m2!1d-16.9961055!2d65.60386!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cd0a865dc5cee1:0xbc54b48a5353b22b!2m2!1d-16.7544199!2d65.7171196!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cd068ace5f4fb9:0x404278759828237a!2m2!1d-16.384576!2d65.8146662!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cc04800da89ed3:0x95bf416b2c7c7f54!2m2!1d-14.3948469!2d65.2668743!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cbfefc843cd699:0xefc553adda96809d!2m2!1d-14.0101156!2d65.2598494!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cfac585a9c079f:0xb0ee81c829dbe0ed!2m2!1d-15.2020076!2d64.2497026!3e0" target="_blank">Map for day 3, 4, 5</a></b></span></span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 6: Hofn to Vik</b></span></span></h4>
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</b><b>Jokulsarlon, Skaftafell,
Vatnajökull National Park, Fjaðrárgljúfur</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The most pleasant day of our trip when the sun came out!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B6kuls%C3%A1rl%C3%B3n" target="_blank">Jokulsarlon</a>
is a large glacier lake near the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatnaj%C3%B6kull_National_Park" target="_blank">Vatnajokull</a>
<i>(pronounced Vatnajokutt)</i> glacier,
which has lot of icebergs and the like. A tour through Jokulsarlon felt like a
mini-version of the Titanic as we glided across and a sheath of ice. With the
sun having come out, our tour guide was delighted more at the coming of the sun
than the icebergs themselves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Appreciate what you
have, else you’ll only respect the same when you don’t have it – sun!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With a fantastic view, and lots of birds on the other side
of the lake, next to the sea, with the glowing sun and lots of tourists, it
really seemed to be a much more pleasant day than the previous ones near
Myvatn!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pt-94gdi3emRNfpo5aJUdptTUqHR3szQnU6oIJo-5Drpf91wAakGKcusGTVLxaOykxIgoF3Tw95lTzXYSqQF3OuMY6s_blMt-LrAyEARanPCLptsxCbxcqyZ5vKB_crG125UX9l1FGQ/s1600/16c+%25282000x1333%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pt-94gdi3emRNfpo5aJUdptTUqHR3szQnU6oIJo-5Drpf91wAakGKcusGTVLxaOykxIgoF3Tw95lTzXYSqQF3OuMY6s_blMt-LrAyEARanPCLptsxCbxcqyZ5vKB_crG125UX9l1FGQ/s640/16c+%25282000x1333%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice ice everywhere! Jokulsarlon</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiGPojYaqzTT0PjQzVelQ89XmDq7JjFuajZcrQ0IebU4hLBWj0mAo_kb3qeOftoD6GKbGqOxYwvOwZq-1KpiAx2CP5iqTaDrWcjoyPox8s0MLFPnFlxYWQleG374FyFxQ9yofLKbG154/s1600/16+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiGPojYaqzTT0PjQzVelQ89XmDq7JjFuajZcrQ0IebU4hLBWj0mAo_kb3qeOftoD6GKbGqOxYwvOwZq-1KpiAx2CP5iqTaDrWcjoyPox8s0MLFPnFlxYWQleG374FyFxQ9yofLKbG154/s640/16+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We spent a fair amount of time at Jokulsarlon, and
eventually moved on from there towards <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skaftafell" target="_blank">Skaftafell</a>, where we did a
small trek of ~2-3 kms to reach <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svartifoss" target="_blank">Svartifoss</a> waterfalls. The
waterfall in itself was sedate compared to some of the earlier giants, but was
famous because of the basalt columns around it.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSOp6wZIBQ2jUQficJ4hje8-zpRCumyBzHbSPkSmWKguVF1FWg3j8uDaoWG_rJ5NHXu_oKxRUVzcVhNswaHEbLQucnMy7AeVAS5NFhdXia2qEjLEZ7AyVSVCgf7afc7QOt2nc1TN17Ms/s1600/18+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSOp6wZIBQ2jUQficJ4hje8-zpRCumyBzHbSPkSmWKguVF1FWg3j8uDaoWG_rJ5NHXu_oKxRUVzcVhNswaHEbLQucnMy7AeVAS5NFhdXia2qEjLEZ7AyVSVCgf7afc7QOt2nc1TN17Ms/s640/18+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Svartifoss</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKohXyY6PwmFO_Kz0LxzHiE3p3HTt2UyrRPHlNt1sR5sRQtz-PpNzCjklMk8nkaRXpConbqcog-DKffF1rJIuaS8cwCUgRFSRU7Pry-IrSKLQ0Vz9_UZXyo_lVlvDKSG84JyQlXmyuSI/s1600/19+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKohXyY6PwmFO_Kz0LxzHiE3p3HTt2UyrRPHlNt1sR5sRQtz-PpNzCjklMk8nkaRXpConbqcog-DKffF1rJIuaS8cwCUgRFSRU7Pry-IrSKLQ0Vz9_UZXyo_lVlvDKSG84JyQlXmyuSI/s640/19+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small village on the way</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAroeLrssJr3-cROpaDI9aFqTQi8b6zxQ4wGeN0iud_KvLMEzgS-o2aBQ41JpNH5LUaNtEF13E__l2rpxIxieJSu2yR2p_SUA21BQp6hlXqThLbQ8VcBuOfllmiRiPZCKF8wtqUdxzN0/s1600/20+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAroeLrssJr3-cROpaDI9aFqTQi8b6zxQ4wGeN0iud_KvLMEzgS-o2aBQ41JpNH5LUaNtEF13E__l2rpxIxieJSu2yR2p_SUA21BQp6hlXqThLbQ8VcBuOfllmiRiPZCKF8wtqUdxzN0/s640/20+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The last part of the day turned out to be my most impactful
memory in the whole trip – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fja%C3%B0r%C3%A1rglj%C3%BAfur" target="_blank">Fjadrargljufur</a>.
This was a canyon of an amazing height, I was stunned by the quiet, imposing,
gigantic canyons with a thin gorge flowing underneath. The impressions left by
them were just well.. I am at a loss for adjectives now!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Tall, imposing and
disdainfully you stand, yet I shall find a way in your presence, amidst your
frame, though I shall not but rise even up to your feet – says the stream
flowing at the bottom of the canyon (source of which was a tall waterfall
amidst the canyon).</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8TCgWwaJEGV9fIoEyZ3Ubk82sMaRquspxHu4ipgaD7CFwbM1pMrVfklDYZDMqvPGZontZquJBSX_dxA1UPfcP4oBh8MskEuBlYlcp8cgMGA7TjrU4YNQmzUkl-7_-SDQdHY6MH2A9KM/s1600/21+%25282000x1333%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8TCgWwaJEGV9fIoEyZ3Ubk82sMaRquspxHu4ipgaD7CFwbM1pMrVfklDYZDMqvPGZontZquJBSX_dxA1UPfcP4oBh8MskEuBlYlcp8cgMGA7TjrU4YNQmzUkl-7_-SDQdHY6MH2A9KM/s640/21+%25282000x1333%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stunning canyon in southern Iceland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZxoWzhEVOYK-AaYJ8oMzPbn6W22iHpytpDuX4DmaNbtuxUF2FhyphenhyphenXMKIxwKEFUb7mnSIcMhY1EQxXqnphwSPsqOI87mXRhmOBQJ3MARaXEY23H5G0BIwtqArU4PjMYCxeKhQkKljQp0g/s1600/21c+%25281500x2000%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZxoWzhEVOYK-AaYJ8oMzPbn6W22iHpytpDuX4DmaNbtuxUF2FhyphenhyphenXMKIxwKEFUb7mnSIcMhY1EQxXqnphwSPsqOI87mXRhmOBQJ3MARaXEY23H5G0BIwtqArU4PjMYCxeKhQkKljQp0g/s640/21c+%25281500x2000%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This height is over a 100 meters or so</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/H%C3%B6fn,+Iceland/J%C3%B6kuls%C3%A1rl%C3%B3n,+Iceland/Skaftafell,+Reykjav%C3%ADk,+Iceland/Fja%C3%B0r%C3%A1rglj%C3%BAfur,+Iceland/Vik,+Iceland/@63.8931479,-18.2152163,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m32!4m31!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cfac585a9c079f:0xb0ee81c829dbe0ed!2m2!1d-15.2020076!2d64.2497026!1m5!1m1!1s0x48cfd6ecd73a3819:0xcd05c959e10146a9!2m2!1d-16.2305536!2d64.0784458!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d035dd195fd15b:0x7aeae20830cc34d0!2m2!1d-16.9751755!2d64.070414!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d0e5f0594291dd:0xa420ecc17165b5bd!2m2!1d-18.1718159!2d63.771279!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d74a424936b0d1:0xbe83531b006d778d!2m2!1d-19.0060479!2d63.4186315!3e0" target="_blank">Map for Day 6</a></b></span></span></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 7: Vik to
Reykjavik</b></span></span></h4>
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</b><b>Black beach, Skogafoss,
Seljalandsfoss, Geysir, Gulfoss, Tectonic plates (part of the golden triangle)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The waterfall day!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We started the day by visiting the famous black basalt beach at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%ADk_%C3%AD_M%C3%BDrdal" target="_blank">Vik</a>.
Heavily windy, the waves lashed at the black shore whilst we watched from atop
a hill whence we saw some strange rocky shapes in the water. A beautiful, but
chilly place!</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM_5gFHhrFdenmYpm3X_GPzZ1fGgzfZTZIdsiPamHnFxIR6x14DmvQlztI-08UwBxX97dWx_oRg_FF5Q4jxQcHd4QP_DktY-Y3S81GINCoJDS3o7CelxrBelWhMx4vnk3-69rNnk0tzc/s1600/22a+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM_5gFHhrFdenmYpm3X_GPzZ1fGgzfZTZIdsiPamHnFxIR6x14DmvQlztI-08UwBxX97dWx_oRg_FF5Q4jxQcHd4QP_DktY-Y3S81GINCoJDS3o7CelxrBelWhMx4vnk3-69rNnk0tzc/s640/22a+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black beach of Vik</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMYh9PoxfRVS3FRjntHINegdXq4INZE3uCLAZ20c-AzoCRTGjlHe0qInWTM9B5Hs9dEX6s4R154OT8wEGOAlzDjaVvwv6YFBuM8lCU7Nmjc_F_7Utw0XpsERU2pUKUWQ3DkX3ulYexsc/s1600/22b+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMYh9PoxfRVS3FRjntHINegdXq4INZE3uCLAZ20c-AzoCRTGjlHe0qInWTM9B5Hs9dEX6s4R154OT8wEGOAlzDjaVvwv6YFBuM8lCU7Nmjc_F_7Utw0XpsERU2pUKUWQ3DkX3ulYexsc/s640/22b+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quaint structure, from Vik</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Moving on, we reached <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sk%C3%B3gafoss" target="_blank">Skogafoss</a>, an amazingly
tall, plunge waterfall thudding on the ground from a height of around 100
meters. Yet it had a lot of greenery, we also some Arctic Terns who had made
the greenery next to the waterfall as their nests.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I am tall, imposing and powerful, yet beautiful and provide
hospitality. - Skogafoss</i></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkyq95BKX2jQ_zl8fob5nnU1BW4yEXlND4FM3FN20xj7uD0tphd3js_1tZYuePPvYkL7ypfTYE9LoHNjadWu4qEObOMfUzbhGnfQMWZgUmWtaQTvcdU1SDE0Wrgc5442kHLv7rkLH8Bw/s1600/23+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkyq95BKX2jQ_zl8fob5nnU1BW4yEXlND4FM3FN20xj7uD0tphd3js_1tZYuePPvYkL7ypfTYE9LoHNjadWu4qEObOMfUzbhGnfQMWZgUmWtaQTvcdU1SDE0Wrgc5442kHLv7rkLH8Bw/s640/23+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stunning Skogafoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW-KACXmVvWWz9DMBhX9nNzD21_V0rQqlbfkB9kTo_MuS5ocKlu1Lp3Vjr0MreKtTmHba4jcAHb7xGlASLOZxEHXrZML-02oWuIQXo3CL5xAOakUDbJBMvsY_iusScBp9NncfeM0Lw_w/s1600/23b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW-KACXmVvWWz9DMBhX9nNzD21_V0rQqlbfkB9kTo_MuS5ocKlu1Lp3Vjr0MreKtTmHba4jcAHb7xGlASLOZxEHXrZML-02oWuIQXo3CL5xAOakUDbJBMvsY_iusScBp9NncfeM0Lw_w/s640/23b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view from above. The small white spots to the right of the falls are two birds who've nested there.<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next stop in the amazingly rich golden triangle of Iceland was
another plunge waterfall – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seljalandsfoss" target="_blank">Seljalandsfoss</a>. The
specialty in this particular waterfall was it is possible to go behind the
waterfall between the rocks and the water, albeit on a slippery wet path.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A stout heart may have
a soft core! - Seljalandsfoss</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg6ieaQ3GYhTwOOqQuOG-9MohTAx_-W-6DNN_OYAQULDXrJ5aSf8V07cCCRDzC_-0lOHijnyUEFe7Au1BFslsqrm33BxhHVREkyqOQlBbxkbHUypCyvfvfeMNio_xrH3a_i4Z9ntbkIU/s1600/25+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg6ieaQ3GYhTwOOqQuOG-9MohTAx_-W-6DNN_OYAQULDXrJ5aSf8V07cCCRDzC_-0lOHijnyUEFe7Au1BFslsqrm33BxhHVREkyqOQlBbxkbHUypCyvfvfeMNio_xrH3a_i4Z9ntbkIU/s640/25+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seljalandsfoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i><i></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t7UcrQFLtqMpZOjgqspF0aoMVATT_ZCCXgEm-cEApoPwxXP76QvIveBdjXdI6xZo78vxn6tAPfcipWxLphqJ9l3yNOToFbirNtmKvLyyPQBLy9YnfeHrGxhB2K4Z_zpfDIRBrmwHtw8/s1600/25b+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t7UcrQFLtqMpZOjgqspF0aoMVATT_ZCCXgEm-cEApoPwxXP76QvIveBdjXdI6xZo78vxn6tAPfcipWxLphqJ9l3yNOToFbirNtmKvLyyPQBLy9YnfeHrGxhB2K4Z_zpfDIRBrmwHtw8/s640/25b+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind Seljalandsfoss<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISsocJlKvIAYMV6fZfp2uOXLgHWnupYxjXXonXQiyn8zEWAmSF77RAJ1STJ_MXnZUQyTcQhZIWOi_CDk_IJd-DWiqGvKYhBxOu_0wjdtQwJr6IlFPlDnvNukcJEs9J4w4lJsLvzRGXfc/s1600/24+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISsocJlKvIAYMV6fZfp2uOXLgHWnupYxjXXonXQiyn8zEWAmSF77RAJ1STJ_MXnZUQyTcQhZIWOi_CDk_IJd-DWiqGvKYhBxOu_0wjdtQwJr6IlFPlDnvNukcJEs9J4w4lJsLvzRGXfc/s640/24+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A unique thin waterfall which surprisingly enough couldn't even make it to the ground.<br />
The gusty winds blew them off their course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was apt that this part of the country also has a hot water
spring. In fact, this was the location of The hot water spring – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geysir" target="_blank">Geysir</a>, the origin of the word
also came from here. We saw another spring - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strokkur" target="_blank">Strokkur</a> (because the origin<span style="font-family: inherit;">al </span>Geysir is no longer very
active) close to the same which bursts into life every 3-5 minutes and whooshes
out of the ground up to a height 20-30 feet before churning back into the
fuming pool.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Phook phook phook – went the geyser at regular intervals.</i></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzNSR9Wx36cVgQvfCYyik-7yypapbHJlUSRH6KrfR43wKnOtu-khmZESWRUOvecEgbuKbp565JPLeq-S7Ztc83HHfR7NG0NfrS1lIvEAYRU0Wx7gPHbP4ZalBGSgqxFxIe9x6kThFtqI/s1600/26+%25281333x2000%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzNSR9Wx36cVgQvfCYyik-7yypapbHJlUSRH6KrfR43wKnOtu-khmZESWRUOvecEgbuKbp565JPLeq-S7Ztc83HHfR7NG0NfrS1lIvEAYRU0Wx7gPHbP4ZalBGSgqxFxIe9x6kThFtqI/s640/26+%25281333x2000%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eruption from the Strokkur geysir, frequency 3-5 minutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our last stop on a very eventful day was at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullfoss" target="_blank">Gullfoss</a> – the beautiful and
gigantic two step waterfall.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Life always offers a
second chance. I shall accomplish my mission, even if my mission to fall -
Gullfoss</i></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA5umFZ0JNRC-gAO9Bw8xJHDMcHmDGqE2YQ05w8fbCNkErg3FYp_CwkF6TxLZegRpig1FscDm6NlelZkO8CYTIpNo-l9pMyFbF0MJN3L-_hnEne2IPeevIyIWwJnfLQdLifZj92dJrA0/s1600/27+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA5umFZ0JNRC-gAO9Bw8xJHDMcHmDGqE2YQ05w8fbCNkErg3FYp_CwkF6TxLZegRpig1FscDm6NlelZkO8CYTIpNo-l9pMyFbF0MJN3L-_hnEne2IPeevIyIWwJnfLQdLifZj92dJrA0/s640/27+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The twin waterfalls - Gullfoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrbfquoj_EX3_BpgWX9NX-5BOa0yXVMZv9YAbEfHTr_AJI4rZOLqKFA5uDZRwITxQKyqr_Jyxb2Tqxas1-v71X8JJ6HFQajavojaKTXTiWoBJvbGb8UaEeHWoW2LJn_Hu01T2Df5O89Q/s1600/27b+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrbfquoj_EX3_BpgWX9NX-5BOa0yXVMZv9YAbEfHTr_AJI4rZOLqKFA5uDZRwITxQKyqr_Jyxb2Tqxas1-v71X8JJ6HFQajavojaKTXTiWoBJvbGb8UaEeHWoW2LJn_Hu01T2Df5O89Q/s640/27b+%25282000x1500%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the wee hours of twilight, we also passed through the famous <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eingvellir" target="_blank">tectonic plates</a> in Thingvellir National Park –
where Iceland indicates the continually widening continental drift between the
two plates because of the mid-Atlantic ridge. However, we really couldn’t see
much, apart from a few uneven patches in the land, and a gap in the land
between two hills. We didn’t spend much time there!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Places skipped –</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Solheimasandur Plane wreck</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reykjanes peninsula</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - Thingvellir National Park (<span style="font-family: inherit;">just pass through<span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span></span> </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Vik,+Iceland/Sk%C3%B3gafoss/Seljalandsfoss+Waterfall,+Iceland/Geysir,+Iceland/Thingvellir+National+Park,+Iceland/Gullfoss,+Iceland/Reykjav%C3%ADk,+Iceland/@63.8698765,-21.5323128,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m44!4m43!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d74a424936b0d1:0xbe83531b006d778d!2m2!1d-19.0060479!2d63.4186315!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d73b7639a58c15:0xf60c71fcdfe7948!2m2!1d-19.5116355!2d63.5320952!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d71eadc4d081ed:0x46b389d26b602e45!2m2!1d-19.9900532!2d63.6154947!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d6a39942556af3:0x351893d2f72be313!2m2!1d-20.2995425!2d64.3138792!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d6810d7c1f5efb:0x7b12e3a7b1a1e85!2m2!1d-21.0796232!2d64.2662832!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d6a574b2fc6401:0x80847fefde7e1962!2m2!1d-20.1213527!2d64.3273726!1m5!1m1!1s0x48d674b9eedcedc3:0xec912ca230d26071!2m2!1d-21.8174393!2d64.1265206!3e0" target="_blank">Map for day 7</a></b></span></span></div>
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<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 8: Reykjavik</b></span></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>
Whale watching, Blue Lagoon, return</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually tired and exhausted, we completed our Ring road
tour of Iceland and ended back at Reykjavik. We weren’t done though!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We spent the morning – whale watching at Reykjavik
(something we missed in Husavik). I don<span style="font-family: inherit;">'t have any comparisions <span style="font-family: inherit;">but <span style="font-family: inherit;">the experience <span style="font-family: inherit;">exce<span style="font-family: inherit;">pt <span style="font-family: inherit;">I expect a much higher chance of spotting whales at Husavik.</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our tour was a pleasant revelation o<span style="font-family: inherit;">n a really chilly ship where we were suited up to protect from the tremendous co<span style="font-family: inherit;">ld on sea. Birds travelled with us all throughout the journey, as we <span style="font-family: inherit;">went <span style="font-family: inherit;">deep into the sea in search of whales. </span></span></span></span>We didn’t see much – as in one minky whale,
but did see few playful dolphins! The dolphins pranced around the ship a few times almost calling us invitingly and putting up a show.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The ocean is my home,
my playground, and you’re just a big toy. – says the mischievious dolphin to
our ship around which they jumped in and out of the water multiple times.</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The second half of the day – we made a visit to the Blue
Lagoon which felt rather expensive and artificial in contrast to the natural
spring geysers near Askja. For what it is worth, this place is supposed to be a
must-do on any visit to Iceland, and we appropriately ticked it.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The same night, we took a flight back to India with amazing
memories!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora" target="_blank">Aurora Borealis – Northern Lights</a></b></span></span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Northern Lights deserve a special mention as they were a
part of our daily conversation. We checked the forecast daily, in hope,
understanding terms like aurora intensity and cloud density forecast –
low/mid/high clouds. Eventually with all this we got a clear sky only on our
first night in Reykjavik, the experience has been described above. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But I wish we had got clearer skies with a better chance of
visibility at least on one of the days. Never mind, next time!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEIVhBS6baE" target="_blank">Gerua song – Dilwale movie</a></b></span></span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The recently release Indian hindi movie – Dilwale had a song
Gerua which was shot in Iceland. Just when I saw some people wondering whether
such places really existed; this post is a testament to the fact that indeed
such beautiful places exist.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The start of the song has been shot at Vik beach with black
sand, from which they move on the basalt columns, to the broken plane at Solheimasandur. The waterfall with rainbow is Skogafoss, whilst
the one where they are behind the falls is Seljalandsfoss! The ice landscape I
believe must be at Jokulsarlon. The place where they stand on water on the
backdrop of mountains, is no known place (to my knowledge) but probably just
one of the many unnamed sceneries that Iceland provides.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tips for travel</b></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b> <span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> -
Plenty of hotel options are available at various sites like
booking.com. Book early, as it tends to get all full in the tourist
season.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span> - Book your flights sufficiently early too as they get pretty expensive.<br /><br /> - It is going to be cool even in summers (or what they call summers). September, when we went is end of summers for Iceland.<br /><br /> - Iceland has a population of 330000, whilst it gets around 10,00,000 tourists every year. Just an interesting fact to know.<br /><br /> - Have adequate buffer travel time, since all the days are going to be long. We arrived at our day-end destination almost at 7-8pm every day (though there is light till 9pm in summers). Eventually you aren’t going to be able to cover everything.<br /><br /> - Food options for vegetarians are limited but not non-existent. But supermarkets are available to buy groceries/bread etc. Suggestion: try Skyr (Icelandic yoghurt).<br /><br /> - We mostly had a pitstop lunch on all days, and a more leisurely breakfast and dinner. That is mostly how it will be if you want to cover so many destinations.<br /><br /> - Self-drive is going to be most likely the only transportation option. Drivers will be expensive and there is not much public transport to speak of. We used <a href="http://www.bluecarrental.is/" target="_blank">Blue Car Rentals</a>; there are plenty of other options, all having offices next to the airport. Our experience with <span style="font-family: inherit;">them was pretty good without any hassles (we were worried about this given the number of negative review</span>s on tripadvisor regarding multiple di<span style="font-family: inherit;">f<span style="font-family: inherit;">ferent rentals)</span></span><br /><br /> - Icelandic vocabulary -> <i>foss</i> means waterfall, <i>fell</i> means mountain, <i>sarlon</i> means glacial lagoon, <i>fjordur</i> means a fjord, <i>jokull</i> means a glacier.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /> - Safety is not a<span style="font-family: inherit;">n issue, as crime rate is very low. There aren't enough people around to worry about crime :).</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /> - Travel cost – will vary depending on number of people.<br />With five of us, it came to around 150K INR per person. Major costs will be for flight tickets (~60K per person), the self-drive vehicle cost us ~100K in all; the Askja superjeep tour was around 70K, basically any kind of activity in Iceland is expensive, but probably you’ll end splurging on one or two such activities. Hotels will mostly be around 3-5K per room or thereabouts depending on time of season etc.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Epilogue</b></span></span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Why do we travel? Reasons
vary from the dignified ones like ‘to feel close to nature’, ‘to experience
different cultures’ to more practical ones like – ‘To satisfy our lust for
seeing new things’, or a feel-good about oneself, or the desire to post Facebook
pics and boast about them. Each one has their own reason. It is safe to say
that Iceland will not disappoint or fail any of those reasons!</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last but not the least, one of us created a time-lapse video
of our trip (Credits: Vibhor Aggarwal) –</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tI1cCpvEak" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tI1cCpvEak </a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6tI1cCpvEak/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6tI1cCpvEak?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photo credits for all the above pics: <span style="font-family: inherit;">everyone</span> on the trip.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-58731779459859379612015-11-22T18:51:00.000+05:302015-11-22T19:04:53.869+05:30Three day road trip into Western Ghats from Pune<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Day 1: Pune to Rajmachi fort, Lonavala, Zenith waterfalls</div>
<div class="MsoHeader">
Day 2: Lonavala to Kashid</div>
<div class="MsoHeader">
Day 3: Kashid to Pune via Mulshi Lake, Tamhini Ghat, Lavasa</div>
<div class="MsoHeader">
<br />
Four of us planned a three-day trip through the beautiful greenery of Western Ghats on a long weekend. With three of us travelling from Hyderabad, we reached Pune early morning and stepped forth without a lot of delay.<br />
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<div class="MsoHeader">
<b>Day 1: Pune to Rajmachi fort, Lonavala</b></div>
<div class="MsoHeader">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoHeader">
We took our rented self-drive Mahindra Scorpio leaving
around 8am from Pune. We reached the Lonavala junction for the route to Rajmachi fort
within a couple of hours; but from therein we were driving on a dirt road.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajmachi" target="_blank">Rajmachi fort</a> can be approached through various ways - via Kondane caves or via Lonavala. We chose to drive and try the Lonavala stretch. </div>
<div class="MsoHeader">
<br />
The total distance to the fort on that dirt road was 16kms. For a distance of 11-12kms, that road went on where we
struggled to get any grip on the rocky surface and eventually around 5kms from the fort, we couldn't go any further because of a temporary road repair work. Thanks to the Scorpio, we made it that far. I wouldn't recommend a smaller car to try that route.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45pMBvGEiAkQHG48IijLTfvEKP6BbiedghyaTUWvBpuw5lbD_LhVBJHr8_t6OZT50V4kdNkHc0oUCQlMhYf7FbHB8l3yVGinWXqciIaAlJ9jPs1_v4hcFwCqX6-UD9YyM3GoeauULRD4/s1600/DSC02778+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45pMBvGEiAkQHG48IijLTfvEKP6BbiedghyaTUWvBpuw5lbD_LhVBJHr8_t6OZT50V4kdNkHc0oUCQlMhYf7FbHB8l3yVGinWXqciIaAlJ9jPs1_v4hcFwCqX6-UD9YyM3GoeauULRD4/s640/DSC02778+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road to Rajmachi fort. Thanks to our rented Scorpio, we were able to make it through</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB5lXB8fCPONqira4qpaz1axv0U3NrMWK-foghZvz3d69eIa8pnktYv-LcTAOSF4OO2BKxB8B8CW-Z0YkZh1fUi86TPnVjzawfRwZjPLYh7SdkkFBGXIPftRr4QwmbRCiJGLdcVW5pF8/s1600/DSC02794+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB5lXB8fCPONqira4qpaz1axv0U3NrMWK-foghZvz3d69eIa8pnktYv-LcTAOSF4OO2BKxB8B8CW-Z0YkZh1fUi86TPnVjzawfRwZjPLYh7SdkkFBGXIPftRr4QwmbRCiJGLdcVW5pF8/s640/DSC02794+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A train visible in the far distance as we trekked through the jungle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We (happily?) left our car at that point and decided to trek the rest of the way. Under the hot sun of Pune, we walked and walked and in fact soon came across a small pool that we wouldn't have been able to cross had we gone ahead by car. There were other bikers who had endeavoured to make the same trip and were able to cross that pool.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sO1Sv7zGwXkFqtTgAeA9f1cMDkVVUsovj4noXckK4jkU3K2hs3n4_J3tABaZdiTlbO4mNUYEYVdYZdYZt_NDANaFur6FgvZxw476cAkFPCb8O6Z_L-x_dgVsWxrmFvDZ8-rbB-pzuQw/s1600/DSC02827+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sO1Sv7zGwXkFqtTgAeA9f1cMDkVVUsovj4noXckK4jkU3K2hs3n4_J3tABaZdiTlbO4mNUYEYVdYZdYZt_NDANaFur6FgvZxw476cAkFPCb8O6Z_L-x_dgVsWxrmFvDZ8-rbB-pzuQw/s640/DSC02827+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small pool, blocking the way of cars. However it didn't deter some bikes from going through.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A brief stop in that pool to rest our aching legs (both ways) was a pleasant reprieve from the heat. </div>
<div class="MsoHeader">
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<div class="MsoHeader">
Our trek led us to the base of the imposing Rajmachi fort, which we chose not to climb since we were already tired; but we met a few locals on the way who used to make the same 16kms journey every week by foot. (Mental salute)</div>
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On the opposite side of the fort, there was a large valley at the other end of which we saw the gigantic and beautiful Phanasrai waterfall from a distance. Despite the lack of rains this monsoon, the waterfall was still booming down at a height of maybe 50meters.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHx1X5lbwmzYF0LkJghcaKmI8xk1aXnsl88zl7AacRTf5yeNVEqCNBHltoJze1faZphA9YGMBvj0aC-4eURt0tGUp-29yPyr-O5fRjzzhU5nJhOX5T-7nQni8RemsX60e_r26oVIZs0c/s1600/DSC02805+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHx1X5lbwmzYF0LkJghcaKmI8xk1aXnsl88zl7AacRTf5yeNVEqCNBHltoJze1faZphA9YGMBvj0aC-4eURt0tGUp-29yPyr-O5fRjzzhU5nJhOX5T-7nQni8RemsX60e_r26oVIZs0c/s640/DSC02805+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlg1UXvcG1P3H0RcH7OYm3f8hCzRQq-zfTTZZ8xep2To9t-O6QD0ztkjZiacz1Ya6Sh91I3osFvUlqryusIrv3BuwJev2H4ak_hsrzaDrLF9HM0lvaC8Fq49o2Nee1_fN21_j5fYvdiY/s1600/DSC02831+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlg1UXvcG1P3H0RcH7OYm3f8hCzRQq-zfTTZZ8xep2To9t-O6QD0ztkjZiacz1Ya6Sh91I3osFvUlqryusIrv3BuwJev2H4ak_hsrzaDrLF9HM0lvaC8Fq49o2Nee1_fN21_j5fYvdiY/s640/DSC02831+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phanasrai dhabdhaba (waterfall). Seen from the opposite hill (height ~ 50 meters)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8QJ5C69UBzc3QvnqknQfEgQZ6K33zzUvGes26Sa2xODl7A2szLhWvy6Rbg9AqW9kh_PUoSN73s41_bcweR8Rbh5muCch5PeesiqyC2UZYKzFUfsVEIOkgbU4nuINVz7SnplEjf5X8wo/s1600/DSC02839+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8QJ5C69UBzc3QvnqknQfEgQZ6K33zzUvGes26Sa2xODl7A2szLhWvy6Rbg9AqW9kh_PUoSN73s41_bcweR8Rbh5muCch5PeesiqyC2UZYKzFUfsVEIOkgbU4nuINVz7SnplEjf5X8wo/s640/DSC02839+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rajmachi fort (at the top)</td></tr>
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We made our way, tired but satisfied and moved on to visit Zenith waterfalls. On the backdrop of a village, it wasn't much to speak of because of lack of rainfall. We continued on to make our way and found a reasonable hotel at Lonavala.</div>
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<b>Day 2: Lonavala to Kashid</b></div>
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With a desire to eat the famous Maharashtrian Vada Pav, we stepped out leisurely around 10am and had excellent vada pav at Ramakant Khopoli. The vada pavs were delicious and unfortunately we ended up over eating and stuffing ourselves with the same.<br />
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We then drove towards Kashid which is a beautiful serene drive on good though small roads. A point to note - roadways all across Maharashtra are quite good and well-maintained.<br />
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With some minor stopovers at Amba river, a beautiful flower overgrowth, and a few other places, we eventually made it to Kashid by 3-4pm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpMi8Imeni60IxZ38kWBaxA2AE1V56B7gl2ZFQImzuUvXAscj_rc_Zw9aXmWrykrl4GcI8H7A5dDbfxReMcZEcQ_1llULiMjqypVgy9WmC6lGN0VKzHG58dA1pWBLn8KggTHT65Po0xE/s1600/DSC02847+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpMi8Imeni60IxZ38kWBaxA2AE1V56B7gl2ZFQImzuUvXAscj_rc_Zw9aXmWrykrl4GcI8H7A5dDbfxReMcZEcQ_1llULiMjqypVgy9WmC6lGN0VKzHG58dA1pWBLn8KggTHT65Po0xE/s640/DSC02847+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spider in its web (spotted on the way)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJjF-TYiywLwFpUVlcGda2yNWdQ9YYvJEjcYmxPKVi_UYEyAy0MgQ1MPXY6ckl8VrU4XmWjaTzCwYBgzQC40QRAu-I9rTgQHme0B7bag3ouddIsUiqLYSDM9BMM52u3R6q1cgsriMlcU/s1600/DSC02884+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJjF-TYiywLwFpUVlcGda2yNWdQ9YYvJEjcYmxPKVi_UYEyAy0MgQ1MPXY6ckl8VrU4XmWjaTzCwYBgzQC40QRAu-I9rTgQHme0B7bag3ouddIsUiqLYSDM9BMM52u3R6q1cgsriMlcU/s640/DSC02884+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOJCMykA0c2Oz7YSiebMMrVXrvjbPN5XJ-blvN3cRbDsEP3eos0QVczxmsxOHAH40KqBnvooFWIYtaJYq1WQNjXPxHk29WfW-UsgJ3arKKRxpNo6aC1mKpHCgVMs6vyt8gNdO3LjKG2E/s1600/DSC02898+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOJCMykA0c2Oz7YSiebMMrVXrvjbPN5XJ-blvN3cRbDsEP3eos0QVczxmsxOHAH40KqBnvooFWIYtaJYq1WQNjXPxHk29WfW-UsgJ3arKKRxpNo6aC1mKpHCgVMs6vyt8gNdO3LjKG2E/s640/DSC02898+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful yellow flowers</td></tr>
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After a brief rest and some chilling at the beach during sunset, we made our way back to our small but clean hotel. For dinner, we got a Maharashtrian thali as a simple fare which proved to be very tasty and filling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqld8j1_EuMLzuMwjQJiPrmnNtec59rByTHK4wC8qQmA8Itehn67Zyf_KBqgXAdF6UBGTX72NKW6RT6wEd16sigeRe6unLq4w6J0DR1Y1TJZIm8H2cSNmGU0ncpzm75QM4Q9Ip8maTVE/s1600/DSC02917+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqld8j1_EuMLzuMwjQJiPrmnNtec59rByTHK4wC8qQmA8Itehn67Zyf_KBqgXAdF6UBGTX72NKW6RT6wEd16sigeRe6unLq4w6J0DR1Y1TJZIm8H2cSNmGU0ncpzm75QM4Q9Ip8maTVE/s640/DSC02917+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Kashid Beach</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGyMFkmKrm3XHDlTE7hZsnKQBiLwEx7Ax4ZHSGNdm9hM2bU1ELO1uGDQ2TiNH8hxQsOX2VRbpWnLZOh7uTa3xfOUgUeGbcraK3isAG1slr72vg_rX2-QEuJsgnQWNeREGUl5zLOvCp0Q/s1600/DSC02921+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGyMFkmKrm3XHDlTE7hZsnKQBiLwEx7Ax4ZHSGNdm9hM2bU1ELO1uGDQ2TiNH8hxQsOX2VRbpWnLZOh7uTa3xfOUgUeGbcraK3isAG1slr72vg_rX2-QEuJsgnQWNeREGUl5zLOvCp0Q/s640/DSC02921+%25281024x768%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Day 3: Kashid to Pune via Mulshi Lake, Tamhini Ghat, Lavasa</b><br />
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After a visit to the beach in the early morning (not for sunrise since it is on the west coast); we moved on to our return journey via Tamhini Ghat. A previous visit to Tamhini Ghats during monsoons had proven to be delightfully lush green and beautiful; this time around due to lack of rainfall, the mountains were dry, hot and imposing. We continued on without stopping much towards Lavasa.<br />
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Google maps shows Lavasa from Mulshi as a lengthy detour, however there is another route which directly leads to the backside of Lavasa. We decided to risk that route; and trust me that was a big risk. The road (calling it a road is a sin) made us feel that the stretch we experienced from Khopoli to Rajmachi was an expressway. There was no road to speak of. Only broken rocks. No people anywhere either. Thanks to our Scorpio once more, which fought against hefty broken rocks and clambered on them with gusto we moved on a stretch of 10kms or so which took an eternity finally reaching Lavasa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BuIArXKcdE0SkTSfJcdgfXzr96DAbubk1A8KRDJAL7dFdW5bQcoMZT1Hzp0LCTvweHT48xvm3fW_CIU8wkj3NwoPNmmSNOLn_PHP-1fAEsHoYS4EWHD1X5OlN3kDr6o6_Y8IPV4AlpM/s1600/DSC02939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BuIArXKcdE0SkTSfJcdgfXzr96DAbubk1A8KRDJAL7dFdW5bQcoMZT1Hzp0LCTvweHT48xvm3fW_CIU8wkj3NwoPNmmSNOLn_PHP-1fAEsHoYS4EWHD1X5OlN3kDr6o6_Y8IPV4AlpM/s640/DSC02939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavasa</td></tr>
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Lavasa is a really beautiful city, well thought-out and constructed. Definitely worth a day visit from Pune if you haven't been there. We had lunch at the city center and moved on towards Pune, capping a fantastic trip.<br />
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Notes:<br />
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- If you like driving, self-drive cars are becoming more popular in India these days. We booked the scorpio through Myles Car rental. It proves to be slightly cheaper than hiring a car with driver who usually charge for minimum 250-300kms per day irrespective of actual distance covered.<br />
- Places to eat: definitely recommend Ramakant Vada Pav at Khopoli.<br />
- Stay: multiple options are available at most places. We didn't book anything before hand, and found plenty of reasonable options on both nights.<br />
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- Route is shared below<br />
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<b>Related Links</b> <br />
<a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_14.html" target="_blank">A previous visit to Western Ghats - Tamhini waterfalls, Lavasa</a> <br />
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<b><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Pune,+Maharashtra/Lonavala,+Maharashtra/Rajmachi+Fort,+Kondhane,+Maharashtra/Zenith+Waterfall,+Khopoli,+Maharashtra/Kashid,+Maharashtra/Mulshi,+Maharashtra/Lavasa,+Maharashtra/Pune,+Maharashtra/@18.6516869,73.0960438,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m50!4m49!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc2bf2e67461101:0x828d43bf9d9ee343!2m2!1d73.8567437!2d18.5204303!1m5!1m1!1s0x3be801098bdf8145:0x696b4a60a5e28658!2m2!1d73.4062342!2d18.7546171!1m5!1m1!1s0x3be7fe7279d22c6d:0xb67246fba3bd9268!2m2!1d73.3824529!2d18.8365869!1m5!1m1!1s0x3be8075a8f9e46f5:0x3bb7ebe5e2a7c108!2m2!1d73.3582664!2d18.7986212!1m5!1m1!1s0x3be8687c8a4e9b5d:0x8d857627a2ac7f9d!2m2!1d72.9091436!2d18.4376235!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc2a10011f6844f:0xd43c84d1dd681cbd!2m2!1d73.5137654!2d18.5010536!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc29fab4f3879ef:0x3ec0a2792791b9bd!2m2!1d73.5074517!2d18.4076557!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc2bf2e67461101:0x828d43bf9d9ee343!2m2!1d73.8567437!2d18.5204303!3e0" target="_blank">MAP LINK</a></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m64!1m12!1m3!1d967757.4606313661!2d72.81577028053425!3d18.65041319774292!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m49!3e0!4m5!1s0x3bc2bf2e67461101%3A0x828d43bf9d9ee343!2sPune%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.520430299999997!2d73.8567437!4m5!1s0x3be801098bdf8145%3A0x696b4a60a5e28658!2sLonavala%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.7546171!2d73.4062342!4m5!1s0x3be7fe7279d22c6d%3A0xb67246fba3bd9268!2sRajmachi+Fort%2C+Kondhane%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.8365869!2d73.38245289999999!4m5!1s0x3be8075a8f9e46f5%3A0x3bb7ebe5e2a7c108!2sZenith+Waterfall%2C+Khopoli%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.7986212!2d73.35826639999999!4m5!1s0x3be8687c8a4e9b5d%3A0x8d857627a2ac7f9d!2sKashid%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.4376235!2d72.9091436!4m5!1s0x3bc2a10011f6844f%3A0xd43c84d1dd681cbd!2sMulshi%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.5010536!2d73.5137654!4m5!1s0x3bc29fab4f3879ef%3A0x3ec0a2792791b9bd!2sLavasa%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.4076557!2d73.50745169999999!4m5!1s0x3bc2bf2e67461101%3A0x828d43bf9d9ee343!2sPune%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.520430299999997!2d73.8567437!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1448198264104" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-76085699387889212182015-05-24T22:48:00.000+05:302015-05-24T22:51:50.953+05:30Ghonchu catches a rat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ghonchu was facing a crisis. Rats were invading his house like the plague. He ran after them; tried to catch them but to no avail. They continued to wreck havoc in his house damaging food and other items. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ghonchu, having watched <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382932/" target="_blank">Ratatouille </a>had a soft corner for these rats. He didn't want to mercilessly kill them using rat poison, but instead wanted to catch them and get rid of them from his house. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He had already tried the following approaches with no success-</span></span><br />
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<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.6236in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Approach</span></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.6222in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Effect it had</span></span></span></div>
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<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.6236in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shouting at the
top of his voice at the rat </span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.6222in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The rat hid itself
in one of the many cupboards</span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.6236in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Running and
lunging at it with a dangerous instrument</span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.6222in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Same as above</span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.6236in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Putting a poster
of a cat on his kitchen wall</span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.6222in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The rat excreted
on the poster and bit it</span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.6236in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watching carefully
that no rats were in the house and then bolting all doors and windows</span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.6222in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After bolting the
last window, Ghonchu turned to see a hitherto unspotted rat running across the kitchen. </span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.6236in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playing Tom and
Jerry on his TV especially the part where Tom dominates Jerry</span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(163, 163, 163); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt; padding: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.6222in;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">None</span></span></div>
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</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ghonchu had had enough. He decided to seek external help and went to a grocery shop. The grocery shop he went to provided him a solution of using a rat pad. A rat pad is a wickedly ingenious device which is nothing but a pad with very strong glue such that any rat would get stuck on to it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ghonchu clutched the pad like a drowning man clutches a straw as he made his way back into the house. At night, he carefully analyzed the area where there would be maximum chance of catching a rat. With ice cold calculating hands and a face grim and hard as a mask, Ghonchu strategically placed the rat pad at an angle of 47 degrees near the fridge. He then went to sleep peacefully in the knowledge that he had done everything possible to catch the mischievous little furry balls of terror. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deep in the midst of the dark night, Ghonchu got up. He felt troubled and thirsty. He went to the kitchen to soak his parched throat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pchhhhhh! Ghonchu heard a voice as he stepped into the kitchen. The noise of a sqelching rat caught stuck in the pad. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ghonchu switched on the light. Three rats stared at him from across the ki<span style="font-family: inherit;">tchen </span>whilst he stood stuck to the pad. As a parting gesture, they stuck their tongue out at him before disappearing in the food cupboard.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Postscript: Ghonchu wished he stayed in the US so that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/08/cop-sues-starbucks-hot-coffee_n_7241360.html?ir=India&adsSiteOverride=in" target="_blank">he could sue the rat pad company for the mental trauma he suffered since he wasn't aware the pad was so sticky</a>.</span></span><br />
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-63160588580588840312014-11-23T23:32:00.003+05:302014-11-24T12:18:06.766+05:30A visit to Bhindawas Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Related l</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>inks:</b> <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2013/11/a-visit-to-sultanpur-bird-sactuary-2013.html" target="_blank">Visit to Sultanpur</a></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bhindawas Lake is a large lake in Haryana near the town of Jhajjar. Around 80kms from Delhi (Dhaula Kuan); <span style="font-family: inherit;">i</span>t is home to a large number of birds and some wildlife (though we didn't see any <span style="font-family: inherit;">animals</span>). It has been marked as a <span style="font-family: inherit;">wildlife</span> sanctuary, <span style="font-family: inherit;">and</span> its 12km perimeter is quite huge, and<span style="font-family: inherit;"> it is possible to drive in your own vehic<span style="font-family: inherit;">le </span></span>around the same. Scarcely known as compared to its more famous <span style="font-family: inherit;">sibling - Sul<span style="font-family: inherit;">tanpur, this p<span style="font-family: inherit;">lace too was well stocked,</span></span></span> however most birds tend to nest in the trees in the middle of the water with ample fish and insects as food.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We stepped forth deciding to go via Rohtak Road and crossed Nangloi and Bahadurgarh at a swift pace with excellent road conditions. Therein we continued towards Jhajjar where we encountered a few small villages along the way with devastating speed breakers at the start and end of each village. reducing our speed drastically. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall the road conditions were quite good and we reached Bhindawas by 8am, starting off at 6am. The one other thing to note is that Google Maps show a slightly roundabout route to reach Bhindawas, however there is a board and a direct right turn (the map below shows that path on the last stretch).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With most birds at a large distance we still got a quite a few sightings, more specifically a large flock of Black-headed white Ibises which were nesting for the winter. More below.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We spent around two hours before returning via NH8 and stopping for breakfast at Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary's restaurant which is on the way.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span></span>e were back at our respective homes b<span style="font-family: inherit;">ef<span style="font-family: inherit;">ore</span></span> lunch time making up for an excellent and refreshing morning drive.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely white pigeon!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parakeet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPBBR9iOyhyphenhyphenG26vGz_NqrXVm9X-BhQEM3REMm5y9sa28gMf4Joeq_V-YguCP26V7SN1wvJllGqhi0lSO40ao_bghfJ2dshGW8AeThVRN4CqEjS-k8vziXlJ-J8_ifQDZpXpKXdSe3wcY/s1600/DSC02167+(2000x1500).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPBBR9iOyhyphenhyphenG26vGz_NqrXVm9X-BhQEM3REMm5y9sa28gMf4Joeq_V-YguCP26V7SN1wvJllGqhi0lSO40ao_bghfJ2dshGW8AeThVRN4CqEjS-k8vziXlJ-J8_ifQDZpXpKXdSe3wcY/s1600/DSC02167+(2000x1500).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparrow, most likely at a distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7EtN-Xo5lpccVql_ZVV3ZZmOfqXfuVFyJNxQykn2PCN7H08DgagQuLtKHWYL7k2OsTQPHLSsF81_hwp-nPAXNRD-L4E-O37irlMElydiQOWABRaulcd0mv4Ir7yQiiZioDTffo58xMk/s1600/DSC02169+(2000x1500).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7EtN-Xo5lpccVql_ZVV3ZZmOfqXfuVFyJNxQykn2PCN7H08DgagQuLtKHWYL7k2OsTQPHLSsF81_hwp-nPAXNRD-L4E-O37irlMElydiQOWABRaulcd0mv4Ir7yQiiZioDTffo58xMk/s1600/DSC02169+(2000x1500).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Hoopoe<br />
Just the silhouette, against the sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drive through the perimeter of Bhindawas Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorant family<br />
Sitting on a tree in the lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgiWDewSLh09_JPdSKZSOQmT_AD8T4dRFY0d8_nIrW5RypnqG_AUIkOTLViispuBm6FHByQzftognjV5Wmokpz6qA_4dAnTfTbZxJVrPRtRGuOZBFNx4e76wSl6EnVI3Uq_NdawNxcCY/s1600/DSC02173+(2000x1500).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgiWDewSLh09_JPdSKZSOQmT_AD8T4dRFY0d8_nIrW5RypnqG_AUIkOTLViispuBm6FHByQzftognjV5Wmokpz6qA_4dAnTfTbZxJVrPRtRGuOZBFNx4e76wSl6EnVI3Uq_NdawNxcCY/s1600/DSC02173+(2000x1500).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A camouflaged Purple Heron<br />
What a long neck!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Swamp Hen</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugJFwYgsLSsbVm_7O4sy43SqNnNJJgwjCzqX4z0FjLhH1jidiqgEp4O13RFSJG0i_TSjEMNW71RIZOwV6bz_EA6h5KEesuw3aJpmvIlH1c4i4jWzt0Hcu-FWr99ru7qT5fZDMDmtDQyo/s1600/DSC02186+(2000x1500).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugJFwYgsLSsbVm_7O4sy43SqNnNJJgwjCzqX4z0FjLhH1jidiqgEp4O13RFSJG0i_TSjEMNW71RIZOwV6bz_EA6h5KEesuw3aJpmvIlH1c4i4jWzt0Hcu-FWr99ru7qT5fZDMDmtDQyo/s1600/DSC02186+(2000x1500).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The prize catch! Took multiple pics of this fellow before it finally obliged posing perfectly against the sun.<br />
A lovely Kingfisher</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the shrouded Bhindawas Lake on an October morning. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black headed White Ibises <br />
nesting for the winter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Wattled Lapwing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDT_eqqg6FjgornLzYo1jrp7PhZvcDGd9TZnYaR_r8WBiWNx1_cRNM5Laneu5fIzlV2OhxFYMKi2yYH6trRU9KTmOzjTM5vrjhApJIjTAi5IXw6zx-gqciesG0VdckBmw4bDN1C4IIyI/s1600/DSC02216+(2000x1500).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDT_eqqg6FjgornLzYo1jrp7PhZvcDGd9TZnYaR_r8WBiWNx1_cRNM5Laneu5fIzlV2OhxFYMKi2yYH6trRU9KTmOzjTM5vrjhApJIjTAi5IXw6zx-gqciesG0VdckBmw4bDN1C4IIyI/s1600/DSC02216+(2000x1500).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another tree with even more Ibises</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTTQRW7JtsCUfvtmFyTChvDlOdq9kwhiiSwGo_8zA0OpD7sFhgbOXfu_aap0KT39wioYofy_WFfarGvSGEz3yYOvl5HdS9V11NtJiQmXEAjh7LAL3Ct-xszodR6nMZTNYkoBDzenZDF0/s1600/DSC02217+(2000x1500).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTTQRW7JtsCUfvtmFyTChvDlOdq9kwhiiSwGo_8zA0OpD7sFhgbOXfu_aap0KT39wioYofy_WFfarGvSGEz3yYOvl5HdS9V11NtJiQmXEAjh7LAL3Ct-xszodR6nMZTNYkoBDzenZDF0/s1600/DSC02217+(2000x1500).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Black Drongo family</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Related l</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>inks:</b> <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2013/11/a-visit-to-sultanpur-bird-sactuary-2013.html" target="_blank">Visit to Sultanpur</a></span> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/wE1kI" target="_blank">Map</a><br />
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-33604846652853222952014-10-17T01:04:00.002+05:302014-10-17T10:46:14.407+05:30 A four-day trip to the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh - Day 3 and 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says, if you are flexible, falling will not hurt you!” </i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Mehmet Murat Ildan</span></i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Related Links:</span></span></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/10/a-four-day-trip-to-bastar-district-of.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 and 2</span></span></a></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 3:</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kang<span style="font-family: inherit;">er Ghati National Park</span></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We s<span style="font-family: inherit;">et <span style="font-family: inherit;">out<span style="font-family: inherit;"> on the morning post Dusshera <span style="font-family: inherit;">with an intent to try and enter <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanger_Ghati_National_Park" target="_blank"><b>Kanger Ghati National Park</b></a>. Talking to various sources, we were told that the park is closed <span style="font-family: inherit;">until 1st November. However, our determination to enter the forest area gave us the idea of trying to enter the forest from another side</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - <span style="font-family: inherit;">towa<span style="font-family: inherit;">rds Nagalsar</span>.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6M74Zd16uP5yeMmDaGg_38DH_EXH-9z4EEFyga9oQlRRNQrFJNVN0swuHAN51BGukqCBT5J8kgFX32e2JnmReynh0M8BW4-Nbo62O2HuoyQkhhZEOOd_gx0TVOXQVwLXi2jGAdpfENw/s1600/WP_20141003_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6M74Zd16uP5yeMmDaGg_38DH_EXH-9z4EEFyga9oQlRRNQrFJNVN0swuHAN51BGukqCBT5J8kgFX32e2JnmReynh0M8BW4-Nbo62O2HuoyQkhhZEOOd_gx0TVOXQVwLXi2jGAdpfENw/s1600/WP_20141003_009.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenery on the way to Kanger Ghati!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While most tourists visit the forest from the <span style="font-family: inherit;">highway</span> entry near<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Tirathga<span style="font-family: inherit;">r</span>h, we went via <span style="font-family: inherit;">the Ulnar-Nagalsar road which also leads towards the Kailash caves. <span style="font-family: inherit;">We expected to be stopped at some point by some barrier but to our surprise, there wasn't an<span style="font-family: inherit;">y barrier and we <span style="font-family: inherit;">were able to ent<span style="font-family: inherit;">er the forests and also <span style="font-family: inherit;">crossed</span> the occasional<span style="font-family: inherit;"> village <span style="font-family: inherit;">on the way.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">People w<span style="font-family: inherit;">ere still as friendly<span style="font-family: inherit;">; however for the first time we saw many CRPF person<span style="font-family: inherit;">nel <span style="font-family: inherit;">in that area. We continued on till we reached the forest roads and for the first time we <span style="font-family: inherit;">regretted not having a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> sturdier SUV vehicle. Our <span style="font-family: inherit;">Indigo still made excellent progress and our drive<span style="font-family: inherit;">r gamely drove on without minding the roads in the leas<span style="font-family: inherit;">t.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Th<span style="font-family: inherit;">e forests <span style="font-family: inherit;">seemed quiet as usual<span style="font-family: inherit;">; only when we stopped and listened in the silence we realized the liveliness</span></span></span> in <span style="font-family: inherit;">the air.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The leaves falling in the autumn, the quiet, the occasionally racket made by birds, all <span style="font-family: inherit;">made us extremely alert as <span style="font-family: inherit;">we enjoyed the forest surrounding<span style="font-family: inherit;">s.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbS37tLhTkf0DRcXj2uj4XHqDKuqxSoVbQseq4-GUvBNreELOT0nR3xfS28lyI5Dscxfqsshc37dTknP_ns5TTV9AP3LpYZl1G9tZeHlvXHdkuJLRCGcyL5NkyYauS3mJrsBdSjBwvhIM/s1600/DSC02108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbS37tLhTkf0DRcXj2uj4XHqDKuqxSoVbQseq4-GUvBNreELOT0nR3xfS28lyI5Dscxfqsshc37dTknP_ns5TTV9AP3LpYZl1G9tZeHlvXHdkuJLRCGcyL5NkyYauS3mJrsBdSjBwvhIM/s1600/DSC02108.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dense forest of Kanger Ghati National Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the forest, our intent was to try and visit the Kailash Caves (<span style="font-family: inherit;">all caves - Kutumsar and Kai<span style="font-family: inherit;">lash are supposed to be closed at this time)</span></span>; however we were entirely unable to find the sa<span style="font-family: inherit;">me. We got off our car, and walked for a brief whi<span style="font-family: inherit;">le in the forest in the quest to locate the same but apart from the fact that we were on Kailash Gufa road; we couldn't figure out much else. One of those times, where either there should be more tourists or we needed a guide.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Still that notwithstanding, we were happy with our forest excursion. The other <span style="font-family: inherit;">place that we desired to visit was much deepe<span style="font-family: inherit;">r in the forest (around 25 kms away) - a lake named <b>Bhainsa Darha</b> where there are supposed to be crocodiles. There are no images of the same on <span style="font-family: inherit;">the web that we could find.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We desired to go there but the locals of a nearby village clearly told us that the roads are not in great condition and our Indigo wouldn't be able to go. We still <span style="font-family: inherit;">thought of giving it a shot; until we were stopped at a CRPF checkpost and asked why we wanted to go in the jungle. The perplexed CRPF person<span style="font-family: inherit;">nel told us that while we are free to <span style="font-family: inherit;">go on (he hadn't heard of Bhainsa Darha); </span>no tourists ventured in th<span style="font-family: inherit;">at area; and they wouldn't take <span style="font-family: inherit;">any responsibility of any <span style="font-family: inherit;">untoward happening.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I don<span style="font-family: inherit;">'t believe <span style="font-family: inherit;">there would have been any problem; but combined with the know<span style="font-family: inherit;">ledge of poor roads, we dec<span style="font-family: inherit;">ided to be prudent and turned back. Some<span style="font-family: inherit;"> thing after all must be left <span style="font-family: inherit;">for another trip; and the exploration </span></span>of that <span style="font-family: inherit;">national park <span style="font-family: inherit;">along with its caves and lake are on <span style="font-family: inherit;">our</span> list of unfin<span style="font-family: inherit;">ish<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed business in Chhattisgarh.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tirathgarh Waterfalls</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By this time it was past noon and we ventured in the direction <span style="font-family: inherit;">of the other famous waterfalls of the area - Tirathgarh. On exi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ting the <span style="font-family: inherit;">forest roads, we made our way back <span style="font-family: inherit;">on a much more comfortable and well developed road and rapidly reached Tirathgarh around lunch time.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This place is better organized with a small fee of Rs 25 to ent<span style="font-family: inherit;">er the fall area. The same also is the entry to the Kutumsar caves but as expected it was closed upto <span style="font-family: inherit;">first of November.</span> Located on the border of Kanger Valley, the r<span style="font-family: inherit;">oute inside is also scenic <span style="font-family: inherit;">before reaching the <span style="font-family: inherit;">falls. With plent<span style="font-family: inherit;">y of cars and hawkers and small shops i<span style="font-family: inherit;">n the ar<span style="font-family: inherit;">ea, we went towards the falls with an air of expectancy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first sight of <span style="font-family: inherit;">Tirathgarh</span> falls is <span style="font-family: inherit;">as impressi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ve as Chit<span style="font-family: inherit;">rakoot. Whilst th</span></span></span>e volume <span style="font-family: inherit;">of water is more normal (Chitrakoot being ridiculously high on volume); the height is much more imposing around 40 meters.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With a large number of people already <span style="font-family: inherit;">camping<span style="font-family: inherit;">, bathing or taking photographs in and around the falls, we <span style="font-family: inherit;">found a secluded niche from where we enjoyed th<span style="font-family: inherit;">is tiered waterfall</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnkdCiQ5GHMFYYlZMqbfIfmRn3bGbMrVtp4EvDwDPLL-XZlIa6bULvs8cNz2FjWsFrarvOvZLk9gvEhLqpYL0LkjYu1r_wLpS_NgP78vLmHrOVlxdV21-S_gIw-yi9rtUX9M5ZFPz_9w/s1600/WP_20141004_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnkdCiQ5GHMFYYlZMqbfIfmRn3bGbMrVtp4EvDwDPLL-XZlIa6bULvs8cNz2FjWsFrarvOvZLk9gvEhLqpYL0LkjYu1r_wLpS_NgP78vLmHrOVlxdV21-S_gIw-yi9rtUX9M5ZFPz_9w/s1600/WP_20141004_012.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is hard to get a measure of the true height in<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a picture<span style="font-family: inherit;">! <span style="font-family: inherit;">However, one can get a sense with relativity.<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the top of this waterfall <span style="font-family: inherit;">n</span>ear the rock on the left, is a small shape which is actually a standing man.<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">This should give a sense of the <span style="font-family: inherit;">giant</span> Tirathgarh </span>waterfalls</span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually <span style="font-family: inherit;">after resting for an hour or so (the forest journey had made us tired) we fo<span style="font-family: inherit;">llowed</span> the water </span>flow<span style="font-family: inherit;">ing further down and </span>made</span></span></span> way for the same. To our surp<span style="font-family: inherit;">rise, the same Tirathgarh waterfall<span style="font-family: inherit;"> has another layer to it of almost the same (or lesser) height where again the water fell with <span style="font-family: inherit;">volume and force.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The interesting part <span style="font-family: inherit;">was this had one flow of <span style="font-family: inherit;">water falling as a plunge (direct free fall); and the spray generated by the same was amazing. Not only that, <span style="font-family: inherit;">due to the geography of the place, <span style="font-family: inherit;">with</span> the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> water <span style="font-family: inherit;">plunging from an overhanging <span style="font-family: inherit;">rock; it w<span style="font-family: inherit;">as possible to walk behind the waterfall something which is not-often seen. Walking behind the falls was truly a fabulous experience on the slippery rocks and more spray being generated than what torrential<span style="font-family: inherit;"> rainfall could accomplish</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>; nothing e<span style="font-family: inherit;">lse could have refreshed us enormously.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwnoynnFCbDpsFC7NHsJ36Vgeb5Aqql0Qjvu4IRaTImg2GkI5nFxQUfbzRJ_mFuJN3xpp-Ml7qGicuAdI5nniBOn03YedW-l8v8cC7e846Qb6BTr4srNB64PYR4aIJk6Cbw0-CgtqC44/s1600/WP_20141004_018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwnoynnFCbDpsFC7NHsJ36Vgeb5Aqql0Qjvu4IRaTImg2GkI5nFxQUfbzRJ_mFuJN3xpp-Ml7qGicuAdI5nniBOn03YedW-l8v8cC7e846Qb6BTr4srNB64PYR4aIJk6Cbw0-CgtqC44/s1600/WP_20141004_018.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The second part of Tirathgarh waterfalls. On the left, a plunge falls behind which it is po<span style="font-family: inherit;">ssible to go.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was evening by the time <span style="font-family: inherit;">w<span style="font-family: inherit;">e bade a regretful goodb<span style="font-family: inherit;">ye to Tirathgarh waterfalls.</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mandwa waterfalls</b> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mand<span style="font-family: inherit;">wa falls is a small fall off the v<span style="font-family: inherit;">illage of Mand<span style="font-family: inherit;">wa - a small diversion on the Jagdalpur-Tirathgarh road but it was noth<span style="font-family: inherit;">ing much to speak off; and <span style="font-family: inherit;">frankly can be skipped.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However it is the knowledge that for every Mandwa waterfall; one might find gems like <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/10/a-four-day-trip-to-bastar-district-of.html" target="_blank">Tamra-Gh</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/10/a-four-day-trip-to-bastar-district-of.html" target="_blank">oomar</a> or <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_19.html" target="_blank">Ozarde</a> waterfalls which <span style="font-family: inherit;">makes</span> us <span style="font-family: inherit;">persevere</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span>e </span></span></span></span>reached back post darkness and after dinner again ventured out in the market. There was <span style="font-family: inherit;">Dusshera celebrations ongoing again; but this time the much famed chariot passed our hotel itself from where<span style="font-family: inherit;"> we had a good view of hu<span style="font-family: inherit;">ndreds of people pushing and pulling the chariot causing much excitement. Again for meaning, one must refer to wikipedia and other sources.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The last day of our trip was basically the road back to <span style="font-family: inherit;">Raipur <span style="font-family: inherit;">to catch our flights back in th<span style="font-family: inherit;">e evening</span></span></span></span>. We left by 9am with a couple of p<span style="font-family: inherit;">lanned pitstops. The first was Kondagaon with its handicrafts made by tribals<span style="font-family: inherit;">. There is a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> NGO Saathi <span style="font-family: inherit;">near <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kondagaon</b>, which sells multiple<span style="font-family: inherit;"> artif<span style="font-family: inherit;">acts and handicrafts made by locals wh<span style="font-family: inherit;">ic<span style="font-family: inherit;">h we visited and <span style="font-family: inherit;">appropriately</span> bought a bunch of item<span style="font-family: inherit;">s. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>The m<span style="font-family: inherit;">ost </span>interesting of them being a bamb<span style="font-family: inherit;">oo made pipe which generated music on swinging the same.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijetZtysDEblIhGs-zoerDQLQhi1OZxVhypVR49CGLopgi3jHEwFkMhtSVQ5892dXuyu-JJmX-XU5MUeDDfPqPc1lIgXE4sCp0d87a0JyfOvMYTY7WgtYbjBS-jB3rGWqRze6_rlKTUlU/s1600/WP_20141005_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijetZtysDEblIhGs-zoerDQLQhi1OZxVhypVR49CGLopgi3jHEwFkMhtSVQ5892dXuyu-JJmX-XU5MUeDDfPqPc1lIgXE4sCp0d87a0JyfOvMYTY7WgtYbjBS-jB3rGWqRze6_rlKTUlU/s1600/WP_20141005_002.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various items (brasswork) being sold at one of the shops in Kondagaon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We continued on the road <span style="font-family: inherit;">to</span> Kanker before <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">taking a diversion for <span style="font-family: inherit;">Ud</span>kura which <span style="font-family: inherit;">are known to have<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="http://www.cgculture.in/ARCHAEOLOGY/Rock%20Art%20Site%20In%20Chhattisgarh.htm" target="_blank">prehistoric man's rock paintin<span style="font-family: inherit;">gs</span></a></span></span></span></span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On hitting the village, and asking for directions we were readily directed towards the rocks which were k<span style="font-family: inherit;">nown to <span style="font-family: inherit;">have been painted thousands of years ago. Reaching<span style="font-family: inherit;"> an isolated place with a temple and <span style="font-family: inherit;">some boulders, we started searching <span style="font-family: inherit;">for paintings by man; f<span style="font-family: inherit;">inding <span style="font-family: inherit;">some pictures similar to the sample below.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Trj8jPg81Eu6_Pe1H_rjyOBGhXnigtV6ryCD4_cQvN5RIJ7gdat2CBe1HgvwIPFmAdTvJWvNxb2ItdpHZDyE7A2wPkxI3lO-uHr5JFTdlQGd8hpviAaFFTvLcMZMIdcKWum-dBUnE9o/s1600/cave_painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Trj8jPg81Eu6_Pe1H_rjyOBGhXnigtV6ryCD4_cQvN5RIJ7gdat2CBe1HgvwIPFmAdTvJWvNxb2ItdpHZDyE7A2wPkxI3lO-uHr5JFTdlQGd8hpviAaFFTvLcMZMIdcKWum-dBUnE9o/s1600/cave_painting.jpg" height="640" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Supposedly <span style="font-family: inherit;">ancient rock paintings from thousands of years ago.<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Palm prints and a stick figure in this one<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">See this <a href="http://www.cgculture.in/ARCHAEOLOGY/Rock%20Art%20Site%20In%20Chhattisgarh.htm" target="_blank">link</a></span></span> for more information</span></td></tr>
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</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is also the more famous UFO <span style="font-family: inherit;">pain<span style="font-family: inherit;">tings in Charama; which we chose not to <span style="font-family: inherit;">go. Con<span style="font-family: inherit;">tinuing on our route<span style="font-family: inherit;">, we just about made it to Raipur airport with reasonable amount of </span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>time to spar<span style="font-family: inherit;">e for our fli<span style="font-family: inherit;">ghts.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thus capped a marvelous and safe trip to the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things to k<span style="font-family: inherit;">now:-</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- The road conditions everywhere were excel<span style="font-family: inherit;">lent.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- The normal tourist oriented places <span style="font-family: inherit;">felt extremely safe with plenty of people.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <b>Travel</b> (car hiring) - we went <span style="font-family: inherit;">via justdial and Mr D<span style="font-family: inherit;">ipesh</span> from Sunny travels was extremely helpful in providing an <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span>ndigo a<span style="font-family: inherit;">t reasonable<span style="font-family: inherit;"> rate. It <span style="font-family: inherit;">cost ~ 10-11K</span></span></span></span> </span>for four days and travel <span style="font-family: inherit;">of 1100 kms in all. Mr Dipesh: 09617777121</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <b>Stay </b>at Jagdalpur-<span style="font-family: inherit;"> our stay was<span style="font-family: inherit;"> at Hotel Laxmi Pala<span style="font-family: inherit;">ce which was average at best. Some of the other hotels which looked better (but we couldn't find <span style="font-family: inherit;">accommodation</span>)<span style="font-family: inherit;"> were Hotel Suri International and Hotel Devansh.</span></span></span></span> In<span style="font-family: inherit;"> peak season, it might actually be better to book rooms in advance <span style="font-family: inherit;">rather than searching for one <span style="font-family: inherit;">on arrival.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <b>Food </b>options - as a normal small town; there were a few options but not many. <span style="font-family: inherit;">W<span style="font-family: inherit;">e particularly enjoyed buffet brea<span style="font-family: inherit;">kfast daily at Vaishanvi Restauran<span style="font-family: inherit;">t <span style="font-family: inherit;">of Hotel Devansh (Rs 140)</span></span></span></span></span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- All national parks and caves are officially closed from July to 1st November.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Related Links:</span></span></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/10/a-four-day-trip-to-bastar-district-of.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 and 2</span></span></a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Jagdalpur,+Chhattisgarh/Kanger+Valley+Forest,+Kudhurwada,+Chhattisgarh+494001/Kailash+Cave,+Chhattisgarh+494001/Tirathgarh+waterfall,+Kanger+Valley+National+Park,+Chhattisgarh+494442/Mandwa,+Chhattisgarh/@18.9245964,81.7811385,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m32!4m31!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a30126bc5ae6beb:0xcae4d4ac10952ba7!2m2!1d82.03!2d19.07!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a3068c08044116d:0x25952d696a14d57d!2m2!1d81.997111!2d18.77866!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a306f73f5958515:0x312330bff8313f64!2m2!1d81.991576!2d18.844507!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a304200196426ad:0xd6d1181c01e420a9!2m2!1d81.865077!2d18.913968!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a3040916e31be29:0x2c36f33a1cec5d5e!2m2!1d81.8087721!2d18.9916161!3e0" target="_blank">Map for day 3</a> </div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m47!1m12!1m3!1d482941.8539339284!2d81.92878209999996!3d18.976347844330615!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m32!1i0!3e0!4m5!1s0x3a30126bc5ae6beb%3A0xcae4d4ac10952ba7!2sJagdalpur%2C+Chhattisgarh!3m2!1d19.07!2d82.03!4m5!1s0x3a3068c08044116d%3A0x25952d696a14d57d!2sKanger+Valley+Forest%2C+Kudhurwada%2C+Chhattisgarh+494001!3m2!1d18.77866!2d81.99711099999999!4m5!1s0x3a306f73f5958515%3A0x312330bff8313f64!2sKailash+Cave%2C+Chhattisgarh+494001!3m2!1d18.844507!2d81.991576!4m5!1s0x3a304200196426ad%3A0xd6d1181c01e420a9!2sTirathgarh+waterfall%2C+Kanger+Valley+National+Park%2C+Chhattisgarh+494442!3m2!1d18.913968!2d81.865077!4m5!1s0x3a3040916e31be29%3A0x2c36f33a1cec5d5e!2sMandwa%2C+Chhattisgarh!3m2!1d18.991616099999998!2d81.8087721!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1413487932566" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-86106053650251063892014-10-15T09:17:00.000+05:302014-10-17T01:06:24.814+05:30A four-day trip to the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh - Day 1 and 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="QuoteAuthor">Edward Abbey</span> </i></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Related Links:</span></span></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/10/a-four-day-trip-to-bastar-district-of_17.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day <span style="font-family: inherit;">3</span> and 4</span></span></a></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Itinerary: 2nd - 5th October, 2014</b><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 1: Arrive at Raipur airport, leave towards Jagdalpur via Gangrel reservoir, Sitanadi, Kanker</span></span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 2: Jagdalpur to Chitradhara waterfalls, Chitrakoot waterfalls, Tamra-Ghumar waterfalls. Local Dusshera celebrations at night.</span></span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 3: Jagdalpur to Kanger Ghati national park, Tirathgarh waterfalls, Mandwa waterfalls. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Local Dusshera celebrations at night.</span></span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 4: Jagdalpur to Raipur airport via Kondagoan for handicrafts; ancient cave paintings near Udkuda</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How safe is Chhattisgarh?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">First things first, how safe is Chhattisgarh? This was a question uppermost in our minds as we ventured on this trip.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Raipur
and Jagdalpur are as safe as most other typical Indian cities. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
villages even more so! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can see the hustle bustle of a normal small-town city in Jagdalpur (which is the heart and capital of Bastar district). There will be oddities as one can see lots of tribal people roaming freely as we saw especially during the Dusshera festive season for which this place is famous.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The popular tourist spots of Chitrakoot and Tirathgarh are full of </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">hundreds of </span>people and felt extremely safe. Even the non-popular spots which we went to, like the other waterfalls which were mostly at the back of some village; felt quite normal as we </span><span style="font-size: small;">roamed around freely even in local village markets and communicated with
villagers all of whom were friendly though stared at us with curiosity
on occasions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Barring one discussion with CRPF personnel (on day 3 - will talk about in another post); nowhere were we warned or felt worried at all at least at any of the inhabited places.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course, all this must be taken with a pinch of salt; because a place is as safe until you experience the first incident yourself. However, by and large, there is no reason for tourism to not thrive in Chhattisgarh.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Road conditions:</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A special mention needs to be given for road conditions in this state. They are absolutely in stunning condition. Not only the highway from Raipur to Jagdalpur (NH 43 as per maps, and NH 30 as per local signboards) is in impeccable condition; even the many times where we deviated off the normal tracks and went inside village roads we encountered only excellent roads. This fact alone made our journey more comfortable and worthwhile.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The only place where roads were not good was in the forest area in the heart of Kanger Ghati which was to be expected as that is not a often-travelled road.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Day 1:</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Raipur airport to Jagdalpur via Gangrel reservoir, Sitanadi, Kanker</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We arrived at Raipur airport - a newly constructed beautiful airport by 9am and set forth on our way to Jagdalpur. Having booked a vehicle for four days and the driver was waiting at the airport, this allowed us to bypass Raipur and we hit the highway right from the airport. The airport surroundings were particularly green and it seemed someone had put in a lot of effort in making the airport look aesthetically appealing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soon, as we made rapid progress on the highway,we reached Dhamtari town and took a diversion towards Gangrel to visit the vast reservoir off Mahanadi river. After crossing the vast water expanse, we continued in that direction to just touch Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary. We crossed some parts of the forest area where the trees encompassed the road with their shade whilst the dense shrubbery could be seen along the road. No wildlife was spotted nor expected; being so close to human settlements. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQS_EavKpteadb5KaRvqkZSplBPMR42vq2Msabd8ESMI0beVyG3EODq6V100eNFl0fgkmYI0qZgV7gJOruH5hjwtRHaErMHan-jGW4E38OXU0bvCHw5AU3yuHik95uWmCUjVRBk2cHDMQ/s1600/DSC01947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQS_EavKpteadb5KaRvqkZSplBPMR42vq2Msabd8ESMI0beVyG3EODq6V100eNFl0fgkmYI0qZgV7gJOruH5hjwtRHaErMHan-jGW4E38OXU0bvCHw5AU3yuHik95uWmCUjVRBk2cHDMQ/s1600/DSC01947.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gangrel Reservoir</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thereafter we reached Kanker bypass, and continued on towards Jagdalpur stopping for lunch along the way at a small dhaba. Getting water to drink in a bathing mug was a unique feature of the same.</span></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We reached the forested hills of Keshkal where we began to ascend over a steep dusty hill. With groaning trucks crossing us, we made to the other end and continued on towards Kondagaon and Jagdalpur.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eventually we reached <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdalpur">Jagdalpur</a> by evening and were slightly surprised at the absolute normalcy of a small city that greeted us. After hunting for hotels for an hour, we finally settled for one which was average at best, but had air conditioned rooms. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Swami+Vivekananda+Airport/Ganrel+Reservoir/20.4732149,81.8581653/20.2643027,81.5087682/Jagdalpur,+Chhattisgarh/@19.4360898,81.1799321,8z/data=!4m22!4m21!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a28c3811b623a7b:0x159515270d5355c0!2m2!1d81.738472!2d21.181111!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a2edf5e2ea50e89:0x761c0ab3ba1f8f0a!2m2!1d81.5322149!2d20.5940086!1m0!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a30126bc5ae6beb:0xcae4d4ac10952ba7!2m2!1d82.03!2d19.07!3e0">Map for Day 1</a></b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Day 2: </span><span style="font-size: small;">Jagdalpur to Chitradhara waterfalls, Chitrakoot waterfalls, Tamra-Ghumar waterfalls. Local Dusshera celebrations at night.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After breakfast, we set forth on day 2 in the quest for multiple waterfalls. Whilst most people visit the more popular Chitrakoot and
Tirathgarh (and rightly so!); the other lesser known ones were devoid of any
visitors altogether apart from us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This <a href="http://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/tourism/waterfalls.html">link</a> along with the wikipedia link for Jagdalpur talks about the multiple waterfalls in the area.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Chitradhara Waterfalls-</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first waterfall that we visited (on the way to
Chitrakoot and around 20kms from Jagdalpur); was near a village and we had to
ask for directions for the same. On finally reaching the same, we saw a pleasant
sheet of water falling in steps (step-waterfall). The only visitors apart from
us were some locals along with their cattle who had come by to drink water and
a gigantic spider that we spotted near the same.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFuGz72FZnS8RbsP_NC5rbRGLW4jGjcsFB06w-Ec81BtavCIilfnUhL0C2LZIBk2jE0NgcopYzf3FLQlmLkEizgQFWf17ZZNuzJC0rc6hBcXDnsIqBnrHSACtPvyvAR91TDP8CwP6enM/s1600/DSC02003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFuGz72FZnS8RbsP_NC5rbRGLW4jGjcsFB06w-Ec81BtavCIilfnUhL0C2LZIBk2jE0NgcopYzf3FLQlmLkEizgQFWf17ZZNuzJC0rc6hBcXDnsIqBnrHSACtPvyvAR91TDP8CwP6enM/s1600/DSC02003.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chitradhara Waterfalls. A small multi-step waterfall!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5vlGjZpNPxvH2VOiii8pzqKrodTznibPqrLygLvFnBHjmCL5LOup332UwMgs7llZFipGQPYtQAdvdTljRxlGSNmotd_18jaH27P29NytH-9TuYdN8kKiYwjEtuU-7Tt8dN2pNtBhc4Q/s1600/DSC02008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5vlGjZpNPxvH2VOiii8pzqKrodTznibPqrLygLvFnBHjmCL5LOup332UwMgs7llZFipGQPYtQAdvdTljRxlGSNmotd_18jaH27P29NytH-9TuYdN8kKiYwjEtuU-7Tt8dN2pNtBhc4Q/s1600/DSC02008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large spider which had cast a web and made its home at Chitradhara!<br />
Next to it is another smaller spider in the same web.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Chitrakoot Waterfalls-</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">How does a large waterfall get formed? Typically there is a river
with a river bed underneath; and then suddenly there is no river bed; and the
river falls off generating a waterfall! Chitrakoot was one such example.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We moved on to the major attraction of the day – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitrakoot_Falls">Chitrakoot</a>.
Stunning, gigantic, amazing, spell-bound and all the other adjectives I can
come up with still fall short of describing the best waterfall I’ve seen in
India so far. The largest by a distance, this gigantic cavern spits water in
stunning volumes. This must be near full capacity as we saw it with tremendous
amounts of water falling from five different portions of the gorge. The 20-30
meter high waterfall but with a width of maybe half a kilometre, also generated
a consistent rainbow and copious amounts of water droplets.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_Aq_QK9wUx2HgsrC_id1EwweslO0gZbK0YSvareNtrsJO6fgd2ynSUyOFu__k2U0IM4K_LlULsRb4BnGlcTz1QVSN8Lsxamnm8Jvj5T2OGiuTY9or3PxMWGXnfjLCUBRWUkCokQGLws/s1600/DSC02023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_Aq_QK9wUx2HgsrC_id1EwweslO0gZbK0YSvareNtrsJO6fgd2ynSUyOFu__k2U0IM4K_LlULsRb4BnGlcTz1QVSN8Lsxamnm8Jvj5T2OGiuTY9or3PxMWGXnfjLCUBRWUkCokQGLws/s1600/DSC02023.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chitrakoot Waterfalls!<br />Stunning, copious amounts of water falling from five different parts of the immensely wide gorge.<br />A rainbow can be seeing glistening at the base of the falls.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCvrlHBtuCgoE8c1FHOXoU4gNoMNXm2vW_69fgyzJR3-XJtiWRlalFpc-Yxe7K_2UG7rTNQic9Nz0o1pVo6sGISbg5-nKzpyzUpST00JXRU086qxLz4HopC1VdIuD7nXXcvjtCl6eQ0o/s1600/DSC02034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCvrlHBtuCgoE8c1FHOXoU4gNoMNXm2vW_69fgyzJR3-XJtiWRlalFpc-Yxe7K_2UG7rTNQic9Nz0o1pVo6sGISbg5-nKzpyzUpST00JXRU086qxLz4HopC1VdIuD7nXXcvjtCl6eQ0o/s1600/DSC02034.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A closer view. The base where the water falls is not even visible due to the steam that gets generated!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This place has to be seen to be believed. It is very easy to
organize tourism better at this place and monetize the same for the benefit of
Chhattisgarh government. We spent a lot of time at this waterfalls; eventually
we also went down (through a series of steps) to get a front view of the falls
and enjoyed a boat ride which took as close as possible but still some distance
away from the impact point.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMATegbEmWZZvczT9MkYKMZ2ED1PSWxbj5pgxAku4NOG1jLM89scPsOEHGJ4XKIdZGw5A6YXnDdzT1kPnu3xmRVSsKngSPPQIj4hy9LYuPkCKvRptSdgrsC6jE3uXzot0AbJ9HkIT2nmw/s1600/DSC02068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMATegbEmWZZvczT9MkYKMZ2ED1PSWxbj5pgxAku4NOG1jLM89scPsOEHGJ4XKIdZGw5A6YXnDdzT1kPnu3xmRVSsKngSPPQIj4hy9LYuPkCKvRptSdgrsC6jE3uXzot0AbJ9HkIT2nmw/s1600/DSC02068.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Front (zoomed out) view of the falls from a distance.<br />Don't get misled by this pic about the height of the falls</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2xvDY0b1s94piSyn17tpYU3dwWx0FCEOi_2TLAd6qtE_Fhyphenhyphend8AYo2ilT2PKM2LJZ4ku6mueyVcdPZrHp-VnGn8wf3ra5EwkSGt-JXV_hq0I9UdQNo07WplRxsLS4t8qtJUEh5ZU7RZs/s1600/DSC02076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2xvDY0b1s94piSyn17tpYU3dwWx0FCEOi_2TLAd6qtE_Fhyphenhyphend8AYo2ilT2PKM2LJZ4ku6mueyVcdPZrHp-VnGn8wf3ra5EwkSGt-JXV_hq0I9UdQNo07WplRxsLS4t8qtJUEh5ZU7RZs/s1600/DSC02076.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A boat trying its best to get near the falls; this was still some distance away from the same!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Tamra Ghoomar (तामड़ा घूमर) waterfalls-</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After visiting Chitrakoot, all other waterfalls would appear
extremely trivial; but still we persevered as we made our way towards Tamra
Ghoomar. Again isolated with literally no one other than ourselves, we made way
through till we caught a first glimpse of the same. And we were in for a
surprise!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a fabulous almost hidden waterfall falling again at
a height of more than 30 meters; with dense forests all around. The lengthy gorge
runs into a dense forest and there may be a way to go to the base as well.
However what we got was a view of the same from a reasonable distance as we
wondered why the same was absolutely devoid of tourists.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2Yjcdrqn0soM47Gg66OsS7GFKREOxZyStBc7GQwe78oKUj5DS6gxtojIcFaPZVJG3XuIjzf9WgShn-PeHp-XEAmqCbhXLFhGincjY45XXqz1cYvh6io4JGEWblRxSC_TWNMdLdvH79Y/s1600/DSC02086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2Yjcdrqn0soM47Gg66OsS7GFKREOxZyStBc7GQwe78oKUj5DS6gxtojIcFaPZVJG3XuIjzf9WgShn-PeHp-XEAmqCbhXLFhGincjY45XXqz1cYvh6io4JGEWblRxSC_TWNMdLdvH79Y/s1600/DSC02086.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tamra Ghoomar Waterfalls. Height > 30 meters<br />Almost hidden, the same can only be seen from one corner of the ledge where we were ensconsed.<br />Below (not in pic), a deep gorge covered with dense jungle.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Bastar Dusshera</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thus ended a day full of waterfall visits as we made our way
back to Jagdalpur by evening. The day being Dusshera, we ventured out to Palace
Road in Jagdalpur at night to watch the famous Bastar Dusshera celebrations.
The entire city and its people were out on that night of festivities. With
local melas, local celebrations and the like; the city had a vibrancy to it.
The Dusshera celebrations itself was something we found a bit hard to
understand as most people waited for a <i>rath</i>
(chariot) and we duly did the same. The <i>rath</i>
finally arrived amidst dense crowds, pushing and shoving along with a plethora
of fire-crackers. Wikipedia explains <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdalpur">Bastar Dusshera</a> in greater detail,
subsequently we understood a bit more of the same.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Related Links:</span></span></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/10/a-four-day-trip-to-bastar-district-of_17.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day <span style="font-family: inherit;">3</span> and 4</span></span></a></b><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Jagdalpur,+Chhattisgarh/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%9F+%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4,+%E0%A4%9B%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%A2%E0%A4%BC//@19.138878,81.7173824,11z/data=!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a30126bc5ae6beb:0xcae4d4ac10952ba7!2m2!1d82.03!2d19.07!1m5!1m1!1s0x3a30255b1365a9b5:0x793b25c14a696017!2m2!1d81.700052!2d19.207225!1m0!3e0">Map for Day 2</a></b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Note: Google maps doesn't seem to show the other waterfalls on searching; however we relied on wikimapia and google maps during our entire trip to visit all the noteworthy places. </span></span></div>
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-66975581079264787652014-10-09T23:38:00.000+05:302014-10-09T23:38:54.544+05:30A trip from Hyderabad to Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Ethipothala waterfalls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a fruitless quest </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">due to the lack of monsoons </span></span>towards the much-famed Nagarjuna Sagar Dam </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">in July</span></span></span></span>, we stepped forth for another trip to the same from Hyderabad on a late September morning. Starting at 7am and taking the Exit 12 (Bongulur) from Outer Ring Road (ORR), we made swift progress on the highway.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The state highway route along Saidabad and Ibrahimpatnam is a pleasant one as we made rapid progress and reached the dam by 11.30 am including breakfast along the way.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first sight of the vast reservoir and huge volume of water is a revelation. The dam itself was as usual at its imposing best, but we chose to make way for the waterfalls first before coming back to the dam.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvxDVSNood69ykPjBqyI7dbfXOaq-EmVgw_4zMwEYUXH-o1HZLlnKA7INJZN_Rvr6RTrig1haELFgf3oBkd0d2hWusSo3CEHeRzXa7ulVt8X7hNWUVTKCCDYyGvyqOiaXmia4r3dyViI/s1600/DSC01898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvxDVSNood69ykPjBqyI7dbfXOaq-EmVgw_4zMwEYUXH-o1HZLlnKA7INJZN_Rvr6RTrig1haELFgf3oBkd0d2hWusSo3CEHeRzXa7ulVt8X7hNWUVTKCCDYyGvyqOiaXmia4r3dyViI/s1600/DSC01898.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The vast expanse of water at Nagarjuna reservoir!<br />A small boat (most likely a fishing boat) making its way</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At Ethipothala waterfalls which is 15 kms further away from the dam, we made a stopover in the significant heat. The waterfalls had not existed in July; but post monsoons there was a sizeable chunk of water this time around. The delicious volume of water fell continually as we gazed at the same and the deep gorge below.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNPWXahOtIfvTHlu9L56PVq8XHItREwqWW-2YEx88M_K06HmH-_Y5xHCM3GBsXrIDNHbGm3gtGTRnVdLDTuDDDuYWXLU6BCeaeENJYZraShjYL6vPDyKN32Sxnh1nvK4sFkbzR_9Q5Ts/s1600/DSC01914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNPWXahOtIfvTHlu9L56PVq8XHItREwqWW-2YEx88M_K06HmH-_Y5xHCM3GBsXrIDNHbGm3gtGTRnVdLDTuDDDuYWXLU6BCeaeENJYZraShjYL6vPDyKN32Sxnh1nvK4sFkbzR_9Q5Ts/s1600/DSC01914.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A zoomed out view of the Ethipothala Waterfalls.<br />At a height of nearly 20 meters, this multi-tiered falls has a potential of lot more water<br />subject to heavy rainfalls when the entire gorge might be covered!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssE3Vns5uoSDLoNoHNQL_rew4LX6J7MTRi_pluzSjMN6-5FJ3diPqzpIA7peMyMNll6wIi3Hk1dPYusY4pJ3zYNCbmiYb68jQmPlh6SApqTnn7e_cj75JKi88LnaNSsHdLdiAacCZyZ4/s1600/DSC01912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssE3Vns5uoSDLoNoHNQL_rew4LX6J7MTRi_pluzSjMN6-5FJ3diPqzpIA7peMyMNll6wIi3Hk1dPYusY4pJ3zYNCbmiYb68jQmPlh6SApqTnn7e_cj75JKi88LnaNSsHdLdiAacCZyZ4/s1600/DSC01912.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A closeup of the heart of the thudding waterfalls</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLitJ_iFi4RhmByKV8V1cIaeZEmpmSjQVnKEP0tWzg9V4GdL8I1jkLWTJE9-064s8lZA7r8SVkfHHDP6Ql9_xV2aREeHUGG_Ux7kiPMTFlZetyrniVpBrto8M7MmPntsBcq2CvyWz8GnU/s1600/DSC01930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLitJ_iFi4RhmByKV8V1cIaeZEmpmSjQVnKEP0tWzg9V4GdL8I1jkLWTJE9-064s8lZA7r8SVkfHHDP6Ql9_xV2aREeHUGG_Ux7kiPMTFlZetyrniVpBrto8M7MmPntsBcq2CvyWz8GnU/s1600/DSC01930.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were also comments made by locals of crocodiles basking in the morning sun at Chandravanka river as we had asked around earlier in July; but there was no sight either then nor now (now anyways it would be not possible with the falling cascade of water).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Subsequently we made our way back towards the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. Another bifurcation enroute the dam goes towards a launch point, which is basically a ferry which one can take to go to the nearby island which we chose to skip. The ferry has specific times throughout the day and the one of them goes around 1.30pm.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The gates of the dam itself were closed; however soon after there was a siren sound subsequent to which one of the gates was opened. In the far off distance, it didn't appear like a lot of water flow; but we were able to experience the palpable increase in water current and speed nearer to us.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC6gaSeKU6KjZUcQexI0RgCAWZiRMHlzcnxxMkNygTAb7kDe-kCxlWHeKlu5935VP3dpzRNE_b4C6pKK1f3ifdvJi_2Gfgsk5nOPFJ3W4fiNzcy6OrgUtN-xCUAnT6ZqYlRe3JIDAikM/s1600/DSC01938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC6gaSeKU6KjZUcQexI0RgCAWZiRMHlzcnxxMkNygTAb7kDe-kCxlWHeKlu5935VP3dpzRNE_b4C6pKK1f3ifdvJi_2Gfgsk5nOPFJ3W4fiNzcy6OrgUtN-xCUAnT6ZqYlRe3JIDAikM/s1600/DSC01938.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in the background.<br />In the foreground, an incomplete bridge!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a pleasant Coraikal ride (Rs 100 per person), which was the highlight of our visit to the dam, we made our way back.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From other internet bloggers, we read about the not-so-great food at Hotel Haritha and chose to go to a Hotel Siddhartha near the same. The food along with the entire place was quite pleasant and amenable.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Capping off a pleasant trip, we made our way back to Hyderabad entering the city soon after dark.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Things to know</b>-</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Distance<span style="font-family: inherit;"> from Hyderabad (Gachib<span style="font-family: inherit;">owli): 180 kms</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Take exit 12 via Ibrahimpatnam from ORR to hit <span style="font-family: inherit;">Nagarjuna Sagar Road</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- B<span style="font-family: inherit;">eware of mon<span style="font-family: inherit;">keys at the wa<span style="font-family: inherit;">ter</span>falls</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Place to eat near the dam: Hotel Siddh<span style="font-family: inherit;">arth</span>a </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<br /><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Related link (fiction):</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2010/09/ghonchu-goes-to-nagarjuna-sagar-dam.html">Ghonchu goes to Nagarjuna Sagar Dam</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/mBRS9"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">View Larger map</span></span></a></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m29!1m12!1m3!1d976135.0337633031!2d78.83397335000004!3d17.12015904406938!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m14!1i0!3e0!4m5!1s0x3bcb93a276decedf%3A0x2c12e79e6f9344e2!2sGachibowli%2C+Hyderabad%2C+Telangana!3m2!1d17.4400802!2d78.3489168!4m5!1s0x3bcab5cbac3d7d1b%3A0x505d9618f1c0740a!2sNagarjuna+Sagar%2C+Telangana!3m2!1d16.5842247!2d79.3179595!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1412877465473" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe><br />
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-50295964360361900732014-09-23T23:43:00.000+05:302014-09-23T23:56:30.763+05:30Five day road trip into Western Ghats from Pune - day 4 and 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
<br /> ―
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1455.Ernest_Hemingway" target="_blank">Ernest Hemingway</a> </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Related links:</span></span></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 1</span></span></a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_17.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 2</span></span></a></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_19.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a> </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4: Dapoli to Raigad fort, Kolad</span></span></b><br />
<i>Distance covered: 143 kms</i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4 da<span style="font-family: inherit;">wned <span style="font-family: inherit;">cloudy</span> on the beach as we <span style="font-family: inherit;">woke up a bit more leisurely and decided to make a move.</span> </span>Our intent on day 4 was to travel
less but instead spend time trekking to Raigad fort. The route to Rai<span style="font-family: inherit;">gad can eit<span style="font-family: inherit;">her be<span style="font-family: inherit;"> along the beach which we travelled for some distance before heading back inwards towards the mainland. </span></span></span>We reached the base
of the <span style="font-family: inherit;">magnificent</span> Raigad fort by afternoon.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wish I could say we trekked to
Raigad fort. I wish I could say we explored the fort end-to-end and had a
scenic view of the entire landscape from above. I wish I could say we
did true justice to Shivaji's capital.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkalhieDp8bAWfIx6gYkPNGtg7aglfVDvKMbtuZe2AsGEAm05FEGqXR9zN86kbjSLMooh8RTf65t0kDd81CcibvSo0bn0Bf63oukrH-kiWDkLkYdhocB_JviQOu2BrX0hAh4JxyNdGPc/s1600/DSC01876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkalhieDp8bAWfIx6gYkPNGtg7aglfVDvKMbtuZe2AsGEAm05FEGqXR9zN86kbjSLMooh8RTf65t0kDd81CcibvSo0bn0Bf63oukrH-kiWDkLkYdhocB_JviQOu2BrX0hAh4JxyNdGPc/s1600/DSC01876.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The throne at Raigad Fort. More visible is the mist around the same, rather than the throne itself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately, amidst heavy
rainfall, we <span style="font-family: inherit;">were forced</span> to go to the fort in a more-comfortable trolley
instead. A trolley can be fearful for someone suffering from vertigo,
but that is only when you can see what is around you. Right from the
moment we stepped into Raigad, we could only see mist and the clouds
descended imperiously to ensure that <span style="font-family: inherit;">visibility was at bare mini<span style="font-family: inherit;">mum</span></span>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyTDcp74Of9hqaV0BMFdxrg4SIPCdhk-4BqiG2Kp6TV3K9VgMEj1wUBtlgzYLTsm8SJDDXtyzXH-DBS0gadS1awOvnClTWOUBXjHr_vAfkVNwq58m5z7t235ox0CU-z7bb6fweOi2Bhg/s1600/DSC01883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyTDcp74Of9hqaV0BMFdxrg4SIPCdhk-4BqiG2Kp6TV3K9VgMEj1wUBtlgzYLTsm8SJDDXtyzXH-DBS0gadS1awOvnClTWOUBXjHr_vAfkVNwq58m5z7t235ox0CU-z7bb6fweOi2Bhg/s1600/DSC01883.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water droplets, at Raigad fort</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We walked through the clouds, a heavenly experience in itself; but not <span style="font-family: inherit;">all that heavenly when one can't <span style="font-family: inherit;">even see <span style="font-family: inherit;">more than few feet ahead; whilst the intent <span style="font-family: inherit;">was to enjoy the scenic beauty.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We spent some time at Raigad fort
without understanding too much about the same and chose to go back down
in the trolley instead of trekking.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since it was evening by then, we moved on towards Kolad and stopped at one of the many hotels on the state highway.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Indulging in some photography experiments in the heavy rain, we attempted <span style="font-family: inherit;">capturing the falling water stream from the roof of the hotel.</span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DHHIaxzuHmJWaurbVE2uQqjvnpYVYDH-WUBU0UcT9swZy6U64kn6BplxpDdf6GExjyVP_ZFM6TDlspVxippt1fozZXOPTtwY45aEyezvb6uwx1_HnOCdFIVUE8lpkwKj2xKnuGsbTHk/s1600/DSC01889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DHHIaxzuHmJWaurbVE2uQqjvnpYVYDH-WUBU0UcT9swZy6U64kn6BplxpDdf6GExjyVP_ZFM6TDlspVxippt1fozZXOPTtwY45aEyezvb6uwx1_HnOCdFIVUE8lpkwKj2xKnuGsbTHk/s1600/DSC01889.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parallel lines are the sheets of water pouring down due to torrential rains.<br />
Taken at infinite focus, attempting to hide the lamp light; and shutter speed of 30 seconds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Lotus+Beach+Resort,+Murud+-+Dapoli,+Harnai+Beach,+Harnai+Village,+Taluka+Dapoli,+District+Ratnagiri,+Harnai,+Maharashtra+415713/Raigad+Fort,+Arun+Park,+Opp+Birla+Hospital,+Vagheri,+Maharashtra+411033/Kolad,+Maharashtra/@18.0830392,73.0058009,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m20!4m19!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bea0d69a5e0e913:0xe3136856c06d4b80!2m2!1d73.114571!2d17.780201!1m5!1m1!1s0x3be8283eb38b1ce5:0xfc31826ad34a5b70!2m2!1d73.446444!2d18.234686!1m5!1m1!1s0x3be83d9500b571b1:0x52cac93070d849d3!2m2!1d73.2101837!2d18.4077066!3e0" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Map for Day 4</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 5: </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kolad to Tamhini ghat, Tamhini Waterfalls, Lavasa, Pune</span></span></b><br />
<i>Distance covered: 185 kms</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Discarding our plans for rafting (from Kolad) due to paucity of time, we chose to go on towards Pune via Tamhini Ghats.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, we were mesmerized with our
last sighting of the amazing greenery and multiple cascade waterfalls
flowing from the hills alongside.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of those many waterfalls, a
fairly large tiered waterfall was Tamhini waterfall, flowing from above
and turning into multiple streams by the time it reached us at the base
of the road. With a sigh of disappointment that our trip was coming to
an end, we moved on towards the city-side.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiB3uZrhtFetEXn_MsHaUOUvk9fpcYONqYC7NV-Awxyg2_45HsvwtZDFzXv8mFeKh8UN9n-g17j_zrgFkWmGvliV6T6bwznmBYjTtnUD7X5bhJZ5Pyg6BE7fzyIl0xIR_Pz-R4em-8QPs/s1600/147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiB3uZrhtFetEXn_MsHaUOUvk9fpcYONqYC7NV-Awxyg2_45HsvwtZDFzXv8mFeKh8UN9n-g17j_zrgFkWmGvliV6T6bwznmBYjTtnUD7X5bhJZ5Pyg6BE7fzyIl0xIR_Pz-R4em-8QPs/s1600/147.JPG" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamhini Waterfalls. Enormously tall, the head of the falls are not visible in this picture.<br />
A large-tiered fall!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We planned to visit Lavasa which is a
couple of hours drive from Pune, and we then realized where did all
tourists from the city typically go on a weekend. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lavasa is an upcoming man-made hill
station near Pune which is still under construction. The place is
wonderfully placed with two dams as sources of water expanse; and at a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> good</span>
altitude. The </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">European styled </span></span>city
itself is beautifully constructed and is worth visiting once.
However, it seems to be in the news for multiple wrong reasons too. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We reached Lavasa by afternoon taken aback by the astounding landscape that presented itself amidst the pictures<span style="font-family: inherit;">que buildings that have been constructed th<span style="font-family: inherit;">erein.</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span>e had lunch at <span style="font-family: inherit;">Lavasa, with limited time on our hands we couldn't do much more <span style="font-family: inherit;">as we<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span>got caught in torrential rain as
we made our way back to Pune.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nIAHfC6PM95C-q3pQgQvCpZn1zbqbIA-q10WBYp1IMkhnEx3mLJ4NUtp9UQ2BczThAoo9zwMz1RouIkL15UcWRWZR5keEkgqKrX8g0T2TOYwbuV8Xn_QbfD71QrJv6fophjHocKph8c/s1600/174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nIAHfC6PM95C-q3pQgQvCpZn1zbqbIA-q10WBYp1IMkhnEx3mLJ4NUtp9UQ2BczThAoo9zwMz1RouIkL15UcWRWZR5keEkgqKrX8g0T2TOYwbuV8Xn_QbfD71QrJv6fophjHocKph8c/s1600/174.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful landscape of Lavasa. Mist and cloud overhanging this European-styled city!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We reached Pune at 5.30pm well in
time to catch our respective mode of travel to different destinations
back home; capping off a fantastic trip.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Kolad,+Maharashtra/Tamhini+Waterfall,+Patnus,+Maharashtra/Lavasa,+Maharashtra/Pune,+Maharashtra/@18.4187263,73.2823989,10z/data=%214m26%214m25%211m5%211m1%211s0x3be83d9500b571b1:0x52cac93070d849d3%212m2%211d73.2101837%212d18.4077066%211m5%211m1%211s0x3be821d8ee4f9b95:0x6c5908046185ded7%212m2%211d73.4025176%212d18.4418005%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc29fab4f3879ef:0x3ec0a2792791b9bd%212m2%211d73.5074517%212d18.4076557%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc2bf2e67461101:0x828d43bf9d9ee343%212m2%211d73.8567437%212d18.5204303%213e0" target="_blank">Map for day 5</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Epilogue:</span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With little knowledge of what to expect, Western Ghats took us by surprise. <span style="font-family: inherit;">T<span style="font-family: inherit;">ravelling around 900 kms over five days<span style="font-family: inherit;">, <span style="font-family: inherit;">t</span></span></span>he green<span style="font-family: inherit;">ery and the heaven<span style="font-family: inherit;">ly water-rich state amidst dense clouds and graceful mountains left us salivating for more. But time is always at a premium and we had to head back well satisfied, yet <span style="font-family: inherit;">disappointed</span>.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are a plethora of beautiful places in this country - <span style="font-family: inherit;">some well explored, other<span style="font-family: inherit;">s unseen and unhe<span style="font-family: inherit;">ard of<span style="font-family: inherit;">f! </span>Let us respect nature and <span style="font-family: inherit;">continue to cherish and enjoy all these w<span style="font-family: inherit;">onderful places.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Related links:</span></span></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 1</span></span></a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_17.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 2</span></span></a></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_19.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a> </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></b> </span></span></span></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-7026187992396150012014-09-19T08:34:00.003+05:302014-09-23T23:51:00.114+05:30Five day road trip into Western Ghats from Pune - day 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>There are<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">small </span>stream<span style="font-family: inherit;">s of water, there are<span style="font-family: inherit;"> waterfalls and then there is the little known Ozarde Falls.</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Related Links: </span></span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day <span style="font-family: inherit;">1</span></span></span></b></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="goog_1706242760"></span><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_17.html" target="_blank">Day 2</a> </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_14.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4 and 5</span></span></a></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></i></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 3: </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Satara to Koyna Dam, Ozarde waterfalls, and Murud-Dapoli beach</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Distance covered: 188 kms</i></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgquHsZp0E0yYYjBrnarhhyphenhyphen2soZJNoZLcURudCKYuBZdKRHnOoUksoF0BV8B036b8mUQayJ0B2DXKhmemgCeJm5SuSdqqbLNpAKBDy9OSdKxQfYq1Zf0Lvh2Ph7c0h9hquoOw4T2U32F4/s1600/DSC01698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgquHsZp0E0yYYjBrnarhhyphenhyphen2soZJNoZLcURudCKYuBZdKRHnOoUksoF0BV8B036b8mUQayJ0B2DXKhmemgCeJm5SuSdqqbLNpAKBDy9OSdKxQfYq1Zf0Lvh2Ph7c0h9hquoOw4T2U32F4/s1600/DSC01698.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely eyes! A Large Grey Babbler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leaving Satara early was important as this was the day of Gane<span style="font-family: inherit;">sh Chaturthi. <span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span>e <span style="font-family: inherit;">left</span> early enough </span>with an intent to cross Koyna Dam , Koyna river and eventually head out to one of the many beach towns.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The <span style="font-family: inherit;">route to Koyna is via Ka<span style="font-family: inherit;">shil and U<span style="font-family: inherit;">mbraj and <span style="font-family: inherit;">w</span></span></span></span>e reached <span style="font-family: inherit;">the same</span> fairly briskly and
spent some time at the large dam and reservoir <span style="font-family: inherit;">ensconced</span> over Shivsagar
Lake. Truly Maha<span style="font-family: inherit;">rashtra is a water-rich state! </span>A small diversion from Koyna, was the Ozarde waterfall on a map
which we wondered whether to go or not. Eventually we decided to see it
through, and how lucky were we.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ozarde
waterfall barely finds a mention on internet compared to the more
popular Thoseghar; and I hope it continues to stay clean and a virgin
territory for most people.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Driving off towards Ozarde, we passed a couple of smaller waterfalls (Ghadav Ram waterfalls and one other); leadi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ng us to believe Ozarde would be similar to these.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span>e persever<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed and</span>
finally reached the same, a sign of desolation was the closed eatery
outside the same indicating not much business in that area. Still there
were a few other people around.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To reach the falls, however one has
to go through a small half an hour trek right in the heart of the jungle
amidst dense trees and undergrowth. To compound matters, the steps were
slippery to say the least and we had to be quite careful while walking.
After a zigzag uphill and downhill, during which the stream from the
fall flowed alongside us, we reached Ozarde, some of us grumbling
whether this was worth the effort.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFghJ2kRKfWUBS7Im6ZVnUY5foR4kuuZDXXkZiLukLRjyuuS76V3NPjuSsR2jSyGANrTvj9ZC6MGyWhAsoahsS4X8fyrFcPqXpzn7_uJlDuCU-F_cmeJ46E6uValm_bjjNdwplKEouY4/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFghJ2kRKfWUBS7Im6ZVnUY5foR4kuuZDXXkZiLukLRjyuuS76V3NPjuSsR2jSyGANrTvj9ZC6MGyWhAsoahsS4X8fyrFcPqXpzn7_uJlDuCU-F_cmeJ46E6uValm_bjjNdwplKEouY4/s1600/103.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trek through the jungle for reaching Ozarde Falls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then we fina<span style="font-family: inherit;">lly<span style="font-family: inherit;"> reached the falls. </span></span><i>There are<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">small </span>stream<span style="font-family: inherit;">s of water, there are<span style="font-family: inherit;"> waterfalls and then there is the little known Ozarde Falls.</span></span></span></i></span></span>We were quite taken aback on seeing the falls, period!!! </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-dmgQWhlFWm3S1BczB17dDbEhaVWpeEUSeMvn0Af99zMZhDp221eleSKSHhjTwyjJk85t2f3LNPSentfQXeb4IzJaaIR8suyau0bZvxxHTh3qbsz1qeuDMYFFP3Kc0sC5FdzZJf18pE/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-dmgQWhlFWm3S1BczB17dDbEhaVWpeEUSeMvn0Af99zMZhDp221eleSKSHhjTwyjJk85t2f3LNPSentfQXeb4IzJaaIR8suyau0bZvxxHTh3qbsz1qeuDMYFFP3Kc0sC5FdzZJf18pE/s1600/105.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stunning Ozarde Waterfalls falling from a height of more than 100 meters maybe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4bg8RzuCBlIDp53p16zzH2WZbltEflZeUJWOnZALGkYJFBMpm2aM3Gx82MeZe1OmciuuYTuUnePtT4Df3_LR9D7ds41fC251d0260pH6kG_tW04gjqInQJ8p87tsufIV4iveh94LbLs/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4bg8RzuCBlIDp53p16zzH2WZbltEflZeUJWOnZALGkYJFBMpm2aM3Gx82MeZe1OmciuuYTuUnePtT4Df3_LR9D7ds41fC251d0260pH6kG_tW04gjqInQJ8p87tsufIV4iveh94LbLs/s1600/107.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ozarde waterfalls was the best thing
that happened to us in the entire trip. Imagine how one feels on seeing
a sheer gigantic drop of maybe 100 feet right next to you. Yes, this
was a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_waterfalls_by_type" target="_blank">plunge waterfall</a> with stunning amounts of water falling with a
tremendous force and roaring noise. We had trekked very near to the
base of the same. The water hitting the surface </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">with ferocious intensity </span></span>at such close quarters causes a lot of mist and we got wet happily off the droplets.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMK4NxB24Fp2gNLXxQ8eUCTquXtczDpMOpZdVnyf49hCuHG7cyirBnAJcXcFiqBse-BoHsAra-1SMBYc1nDuK61c7Im7tbt2rYnq9p3BXp35x76umeu8Kmo7zLwrRIp3tov34gjc92mHs/s1600/IMG_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMK4NxB24Fp2gNLXxQ8eUCTquXtczDpMOpZdVnyf49hCuHG7cyirBnAJcXcFiqBse-BoHsAra-1SMBYc1nDuK61c7Im7tbt2rYnq9p3BXp35x76umeu8Kmo7zLwrRIp3tov34gjc92mHs/s1600/IMG_0819.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gazing mesmerized at Ozarde Waterfalls and feeling the water droplets of the thudding water force</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually we moved on hitting the main road back on our way towards Kherdi and Chiplun where we stopped for lunch. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our original intent of going to Kashid beach, would have been difficult, so we chose to go to Murud-Dapoli instead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dapoli is a town adjacent and the corresponding beach is named Murud beach. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We
reached Dapoli by </span>around 4pm, and got a resort stay which was decent
enough amidst dense trees and a direct access to the beach. The beach
itself was a quiet one, albeit not very clean. A typical small town
beach, with limited number of people most of whom were fishermen; our
only wish was that it could have been cleaner.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianTg0rieMWs6gbV_zV2PbMSTS1pwTbR4YRoU61sqPXalIS68Kwc-a3_kw3WTej6dkuecvL4z0Mr9ZoD-bBDisFJuK3FTTPRl0njQ2O4KZjky-Ewd63lNVU5cX4a93_D1J4NYKbyXH8O8/s1600/DSC01843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianTg0rieMWs6gbV_zV2PbMSTS1pwTbR4YRoU61sqPXalIS68Kwc-a3_kw3WTej6dkuecvL4z0Mr9ZoD-bBDisFJuK3FTTPRl0njQ2O4KZjky-Ewd63lNVU5cX4a93_D1J4NYKbyXH8O8/s1600/DSC01843.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleasant, quaint Murud-Dapoli beach and the violent waves of Arabian Sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDo-RWHExQ_sya90bafcxCI8N0HbWFDdNs_0Qc30M46mtPeoN6JNhl9tbfAfR0ORh298AlkY11uRlyUmrBRXN8ZVDXXoRNt-nxQf73Y4PXU19liuRqIouFnZuCyStajvOAffQhzLaajRk/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDo-RWHExQ_sya90bafcxCI8N0HbWFDdNs_0Qc30M46mtPeoN6JNhl9tbfAfR0ORh298AlkY11uRlyUmrBRXN8ZVDXXoRNt-nxQf73Y4PXU19liuRqIouFnZuCyStajvOAffQhzLaajRk/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Following the adage of respecting
the sea even more so during monsoons, we spent some at the beach till
nightfall and moved back to the resort.</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Related Links: </span></span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day <span style="font-family: inherit;">1</span></span></span></b></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_17.html" target="_blank">Day 2</a> </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_14.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4 and 5</span></span></a></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Satara,+Maharashtra/Koyna+Dam+Rd,+Humbarli,+Maharashtra+415207/Ozarde+waterfall,+Nawaja,+Maharashtra/Chiplun,+Maharashtra/Dapoli,+Maharashtra/@17.497386,73.7588437,11z/data=%214m32%214m31%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc239be08d96bbd:0x5f4adf559fb4b19a%212m2%211d74.00092%212d17.69139%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc21e76fae908f1:0xdcc37452d3a3de4f%212m2%211d73.751387%212d17.4023259%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc21c3630009c9b:0xcda2519989b2f59e%212m2%211d73.724999%212d17.422862%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc2062c95f6f0ff:0x55c667ba59237eed%212m2%211d73.52%212d17.53%211m5%211m1%211s0x3be9c3de665f4d7b:0x411a32d91e51e834%212m2%211d73.185556%212d17.758889%213e0" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Map for day 3</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m47!1m12!1m3!1d973287.795173096!2d73.64387905000005!3d17.65463660818393!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m32!1i0!3e0!4m5!1s0x3bc239be08d96bbd%3A0x5f4adf559fb4b19a!2sSatara%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d17.69139!2d74.00092!4m5!1s0x3bc21e76fae908f1%3A0xdcc37452d3a3de4f!2sKoyna+Dam+Rd%2C+Humbarli%2C+Maharashtra+415207!3m2!1d17.402325899999997!2d73.751387!4m5!1s0x3bc21c3630009c9b%3A0xcda2519989b2f59e!2sOzarde+waterfall%2C+Nawaja%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d17.422862!2d73.724999!4m5!1s0x3bc2062c95f6f0ff%3A0x55c667ba59237eed!2sChiplun%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d17.529999999999998!2d73.52!4m5!1s0x3be9c3de665f4d7b%3A0x411a32d91e51e834!2sDapoli%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d17.758889!2d73.18555599999999!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1411094488130" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-72031039438443908772014-09-17T23:47:00.000+05:302014-09-23T23:50:29.801+05:30Five day road trip into Western Ghats from Pune - day 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Re<span style="font-family: inherit;">lated links:</span> </b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats.html" target="_blank">Day 1</a></b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_19.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a></b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_14.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4 and 5</span></span></a></b> <b> </b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 2: Mahabaleshwar to Satara, Kaas Plateau, Thoseghar waterfalls and back to Satara</b></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Distance: 147 kms</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We left Mahabaleshwar early on
Thursday, and met our other fellow travellers at Satara. With a full
house of six people, all luggage moved upwards with a covering tarpaulin
to protect the bags during rain.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Continuing our journey, we stepped
forth towards <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaas_plateau" target="_blank">Kaas Plateau</a>. Kaas Plateau is renowned to be the Valley of
Flowers for Maharashtra where one can beautiful colourful flowers
blooming from the second week of September.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We were two weeks early in our
visit, however we still saw a few buds and flowers which left a taste on
what it might be cometh full bloom.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn0e8CyxW5BhJ9IKK-wDxaIwwyBaHjnNCCjfGI0oKLvfDW8FbbMsLq0ti1OXqr2dOo1XbbYgt-H9dC0oDauv0ooPDt2CIQNYhQ3H__hPZbf7Sofntnrgh7T_ZanSugPgmT0QzlJRoZqI/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn0e8CyxW5BhJ9IKK-wDxaIwwyBaHjnNCCjfGI0oKLvfDW8FbbMsLq0ti1OXqr2dOo1XbbYgt-H9dC0oDauv0ooPDt2CIQNYhQ3H__hPZbf7Sofntnrgh7T_ZanSugPgmT0QzlJRoZqI/s1600/057.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenery at Kaas Plateau!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What we did see however was
absolutely green grasslands on a hill with a stunning view of Kaas Lake.
We proceeded on towards Kaas Lake, a pleasantly vast expanse of water
amidst the clouds.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgFwD0Kq1fYy8hLJFWSyCU8r0fFibcdBbBz1RQCJpUNb4du_8Yz1QjJkXJAF8TikqFqAcwkG2AUJz5cyRQxhouYG956vEbEE6qT6Oz4_K363W0pCP5E4yEXOCBzxBYbC1DMzTiZcEVx0/s1600/DSC01835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgFwD0Kq1fYy8hLJFWSyCU8r0fFibcdBbBz1RQCJpUNb4du_8Yz1QjJkXJAF8TikqFqAcwkG2AUJz5cyRQxhouYG956vEbEE6qT6Oz4_K363W0pCP5E4yEXOCBzxBYbC1DMzTiZcEVx0/s1600/DSC01835.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaas Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a large waterfall (Vajrai waterfalls) near Kaas lake that we missed seeing due to lack of awareness for the same.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On our way further, we made a brief pitstop at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sajjangad" target="_blank">Sajjangad fort</a>, choosing to climb for half an hour to the fort top from where we <span style="font-family: inherit;">got a sp<span style="font-family: inherit;">lendid view of the mountains.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUrhv20BlJYJFLV9EmQU91LHu2VXIeHQEmq553mpmskybtriHCYJ86tLxL5oda9fXwPqBJaoq88kj-P1VHOKIL_eYIkPEoLF_g5ffbUG4w4mzchiIwqzchVxsdmYK58fiCmZhCxGHmfc/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUrhv20BlJYJFLV9EmQU91LHu2VXIeHQEmq553mpmskybtriHCYJ86tLxL5oda9fXwPqBJaoq88kj-P1VHOKIL_eYIkPEoLF_g5ffbUG4w4mzchiIwqzchVxsdmYK58fiCmZhCxGHmfc/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More greenery! Almost looks painted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZmXXYd0U__2280jSmIZDEz1S1YF8YSqtOl_ksMHUEkiYK9KwxY19PsjlGhwGZUW1_mDvuJ1vBwFj_w3b-1rKaiNSZ3z8tMo01SXU4T63RHZlabymq6cl5b0XfV0sEnkCdKZfVrY9r7E/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZmXXYd0U__2280jSmIZDEz1S1YF8YSqtOl_ksMHUEkiYK9KwxY19PsjlGhwGZUW1_mDvuJ1vBwFj_w3b-1rKaiNSZ3z8tMo01SXU4T63RHZlabymq6cl5b0XfV0sEnkCdKZfVrY9r7E/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Sajjangad Fort. The fort was not much to speak of; but the view is excellent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGexD_TcCkdwnMmnq0BuYkB6BPSyw5fRVZcnKA972M-8UD5OJUiBHW0xcXZ41DeyboiDe-DtQ_H6e4x81uMz9ORUsdyY7GE76cdy12IRQjrGkKkIHhmt7pBns17iviaQDWfviI1Bg4Cw/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGexD_TcCkdwnMmnq0BuYkB6BPSyw5fRVZcnKA972M-8UD5OJUiBHW0xcXZ41DeyboiDe-DtQ_H6e4x81uMz9ORUsdyY7GE76cdy12IRQjrGkKkIHhmt7pBns17iviaQDWfviI1Bg4Cw/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Sajjangad Fort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thereafter, w<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">e
continued our journey on to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoseghar_Waterfalls" target="_blank">Thoseghar falls</a> (going back towards Satara
for the same); and reached the same by evening. Near the falls, we got
lost while trying to find the same but eventually reached there by
around 4pm.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thoseghar has a small complex
indicating different directions for different falls. The waterfall
sighting happens across a mountain where the falls are seen and heard
roaring down the cliff. The deep gorge in between us and the falls makes
for an unreal landscape. There were multiple waterfalls at the same
place, couple of them tiered (and falling in stages); while one was a
free fall (plunge) from maybe more than 100 feet and making a stunning
amount of noise.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvvNtQfG0cMzK6g3AGDZk_n1LciXtggkdXLctDrLAt3Lit8JEwE_aTOlgrU-bWY-vN_AAr4wnWofoHpHGuJYdeVu3CsN3co8lsZdjFT60OBPjAfFCkLF4o3SHsFuXMSL5aEiw_Me3IGI/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvvNtQfG0cMzK6g3AGDZk_n1LciXtggkdXLctDrLAt3Lit8JEwE_aTOlgrU-bWY-vN_AAr4wnWofoHpHGuJYdeVu3CsN3co8lsZdjFT60OBPjAfFCkLF4o3SHsFuXMSL5aEiw_Me3IGI/s1600/073.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thoseghar Waterfalls<br />
This pic does an injustice to the thudding water from 150 meters or more; and the deep gorge in front of us<br />
which is not well captured.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After drinking in the falls with our
eyes (from the distance of the opposing mountain) we finally
reluctantly moved on before it got dark. We also had our first encounter
with leeches as one of them happily camped on my neck, but I was
fortunate enough to feel it before it had done too much damage.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Given the delay, we were no longer in a position to go on towards Chiplun, and chose to go back to Satara to stay for the night.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Related Links</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>:</b> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats.html" target="_blank">Day 1</a></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_19.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a> </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_14.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4 and 5</span></span></a> </b></span><b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats.html" target="_blank"> </a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Mahabaleshwar,+Maharashtra/Satara,+Maharashtra/Kaas+Plateau+of+Flowers/Thosegar+Water+Fall,+Thoseghar,+Maharashtra/Satara,+Maharashtra/@17.6925167,73.8099224,12z/data=%214m32%214m31%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc2655313cba1bb:0xca8196c7aa20a0a8%212m2%211d73.6556%212d17.92172%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc239be08d96bbd:0x5f4adf559fb4b19a%212m2%211d74.00092%212d17.69139%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc2156bb1b31937:0xa05920673b65bbde%212m2%211d73.8237159%212d17.7208314%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc23d633fb14a0b:0xf977c0d526ba612a%212m2%211d73.846162%212d17.595898%211m5%211m1%211s0x3bc239be08d96bbd:0x5f4adf559fb4b19a%212m2%211d74.00092%212d17.69139%213e0" target="_blank">Map for day 2</a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m47!1m12!1m3!1d486215.3758709851!2d73.83087714999996!3d17.812476042548397!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m32!1i0!3e0!4m5!1s0x3bc2655313cba1bb%3A0xca8196c7aa20a0a8!2sMahabaleshwar%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d17.92172!2d73.65559999999999!4m5!1s0x3bc239be08d96bbd%3A0x5f4adf559fb4b19a!2sSatara%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d17.69139!2d74.00092!4m5!1s0x3bc2156bb1b31937%3A0xa05920673b65bbde!2sKaas+Plateau+of+Flowers!3m2!1d17.720831399999998!2d73.8237159!4m5!1s0x3bc23d633fb14a0b%3A0xf977c0d526ba612a!2sThosegar+Water+Fall%2C+Thoseghar%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d17.595898!2d73.84616199999999!4m5!1s0x3bc239be08d96bbd%3A0x5f4adf559fb4b19a!2sSatara%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d17.69139!2d74.00092!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1410890096798" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-56379646492747650042014-09-16T23:09:00.002+05:302014-09-23T23:46:18.673+05:30Five day road trip into Western Ghats from Pune - day 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Related links: <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_17.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">D</span>ay 2 </a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_19.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a> </span></span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_14.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4 and 5</span></span></b></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Waterfalls, greenery, lakes/reservoirs - all in ample abundance!</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I will probably run out of adjectives to describe the lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls by the time I end writing this post.</i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>There are different <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_waterfalls_by_type" target="_blank">types of waterfalls</a> - horsetail waterfalls, multi-step waterfalls, cascade waterfalls, free fall (plunge) waterfalls, tiered waterfalls and many more. We probably saw the lot.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Below described is day 1 <span style="font-family: inherit;">of this fabulous<span style="font-family: inherit;"> trip!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Itinerary: 27th - 31st August, 2014</b></span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 1: Pune to Varandha Ghat, Shivtharghal Waterfalls and Mahabaleshwar</span></span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 2: Mahabaleshwar to Satara, Kaas Plateau, Thoseghar waterfalls and back to Satara</span></span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 3: Satara to Koyna Dam, river, Chiplun, Dapoli</span></span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4: Dapoli to Raigad fort, Kolad</span></span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 5: Kolad to Tamhini ghat, Tamhini Waterfalls, Lavasa, Pune</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Just for academic purposes, the original plan which we had started out with-</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 1: Pune to Varandha Ghat, Shivtharghal Waterfalls and Satara</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 2: Satara to Kaas Plateau, Kaas Lake, Koyna Dam, Chiplun</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 3: Chiplun to Murud Janjira, Kashid</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4: Kashid to Raigad, Kolad</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 5: Kolad to Tamhini ghat, Tamhini Waterfalls, Lavasa, Pune</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day 1: Pune to Varandha Ghat, Shivtharghal Waterfalls and Mahabaleshwar</b></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Distance covered: 188 kms</span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We (six of us in all, out of which three joined us on day 2) entered Pune with a sense of anticipation and not really sure what to expect of our sojourn into Western Ghats. We reached Pune early morning, which is an added advantage as it allows one to start off straight away. Having booked a Xylo (with a friendly driver), we were all set to enter the ghats.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We left towards Satara stopping for breakfast on the way at a Dhaba, and then took a right turn midway for Varandha Ghat. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varandha_Ghat" target="_blank">Varandha Ghat</a> is not a specific point but an area in the Western Ghats. We crossed the Nira-Deoghar Dam and were greeted with a vast expanse of shimmering calm water on its reservoir side. Our Xylo went through the multiple twists and turns on the hilly road as we were treated with sights of beautiful lush greenery and dancing streams of water falling off multiple cliffs.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAnIQVrKnoO-CebfUkLmNsKiKZiklrJ8NV057d_i_2qpYU2gi4KHd_Umcu4yHmzyjkurIILd6LyRadLOBuexax_CUVrp_WUTZBa9r88noikeU-Kmz4K3Prel7jeBS7jZ7zqKud9IFQXA/s1600/DSC01720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAnIQVrKnoO-CebfUkLmNsKiKZiklrJ8NV057d_i_2qpYU2gi4KHd_Umcu4yHmzyjkurIILd6LyRadLOBuexax_CUVrp_WUTZBa9r88noikeU-Kmz4K3Prel7jeBS7jZ7zqKud9IFQXA/s1600/DSC01720.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nira-Deoghar Dam, on the way to Varandha Ghats</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We crossed the point marked as Varandha Ghat on the map and continued onwards amidst the greenery. We were greeted with a new waterfall every kilometer or so, in some cases at an even higher frequency. Many of these unnamed beauties are what gives the glow to the entire Western Ghats along with the greenery.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCw6kYMeoGS_A1dtPf9YUbqRIzRcjoiGX2sex8O4pWV0digGjPbDYYTnA6U-zjjELng7h1xIYuOsbOEmSYyZqttPqiBX_EGoM0kEkf0cAYP7zXDVWwfgWv5a-sywFBZzkzCR58xjuUYfA/s1600/DSC01741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCw6kYMeoGS_A1dtPf9YUbqRIzRcjoiGX2sex8O4pWV0digGjPbDYYTnA6U-zjjELng7h1xIYuOsbOEmSYyZqttPqiBX_EGoM0kEkf0cAYP7zXDVWwfgWv5a-sywFBZzkzCR58xjuUYfA/s1600/DSC01741.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vast reservoir, and exquisite zig-zag flowing water amidst the hills. On the way to Varandha Ghats.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we continued, we emerged in a vast opening from wherein we could see around four gigantic waterfalls on the opposing mountain and a deep gorge in between. The exquisiteness of the place needs to be experienced rather than read about.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK84nAM6BG0kjC90qTyPZ3ymm0AGjwGobJFwaSSRDSsenmDGbmV_qJB5tfmfSixaf-JvyjImat4gvmkwDTfpxQgVqXgZCPkUB5wP7mR-3BV9o-rpDRGITH3X5hYZzLx3OG0I6PFrl-PY/s1600/DSC01784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK84nAM6BG0kjC90qTyPZ3ymm0AGjwGobJFwaSSRDSsenmDGbmV_qJB5tfmfSixaf-JvyjImat4gvmkwDTfpxQgVqXgZCPkUB5wP7mR-3BV9o-rpDRGITH3X5hYZzLx3OG0I6PFrl-PY/s1600/DSC01784.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Varandha Ghats!<br />
This photo doesn't do justice to the actual scenery. Four gigantic waterfalls (two in this pic) streaming down the opposing cliff amidst beautiful lush greenery. Don't be fooled by the smallness of those waterfalls. They were easily 100m tall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD0FO8ULnTFTCKw6m0bpze7-_PvGYEag-NQy1CfWkFPDyjFzjSDWIBV3EpRTxhaqb_EuwInT6acY_X5_OBsqSUFkLcBMvtthMzAerl42xr9CySVzo6maR1YZc5TWeo2oVfAMxA-s9CLY/s1600/DSC01786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD0FO8ULnTFTCKw6m0bpze7-_PvGYEag-NQy1CfWkFPDyjFzjSDWIBV3EpRTxhaqb_EuwInT6acY_X5_OBsqSUFkLcBMvtthMzAerl42xr9CySVzo6maR1YZc5TWeo2oVfAMxA-s9CLY/s1600/DSC01786.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A more closeup view of one of those unnamed giant forces; from a super-zoom camera.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We eventually reached our second destination, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivthar_Ghal" target="_blank">Shivtharghal waterfalls</a> after following a treacherously poor road and after passing through a village, we finally reaching a temple through which one could get close up to the powerful stream of falling water known as Shivtharghal.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i40pkuPqhBWKdb0yCInTJCHrrkkABKvVPkbsljjj-_qECn5x-g6Tq8M0bd46X5P1JmU1P_FftMB8R1WTKugUSP7uIK3Pw-CIrxTqEJVPGxloNXgVizelRNvWcXepuLvhaqzdvHMxZVw/s1600/DSC01796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i40pkuPqhBWKdb0yCInTJCHrrkkABKvVPkbsljjj-_qECn5x-g6Tq8M0bd46X5P1JmU1P_FftMB8R1WTKugUSP7uIK3Pw-CIrxTqEJVPGxloNXgVizelRNvWcXepuLvhaqzdvHMxZVw/s1600/DSC01796.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shivtharghal Waterfalls. Height: 20-30 meters</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were barely any one else, and the temple keeper, an old lady was surprised asking how came we know about this place. The temple has a cave passing which one can see the waterfall closeup (though the entry to the waterfall was barred shut).</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv6YlB-5eCfC3h6iCRbUv6nImDaKuowG_lCR34c5YG1Tsg9C1P1LFPTX178AyQUmX7Kq4uqOium4XFPUvusimAup3Kr510AWL0mHK5CEgu6SuqW3-nt_KMOXeAZivKme4u-qSJfdHKbA/s1600/DSC01791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv6YlB-5eCfC3h6iCRbUv6nImDaKuowG_lCR34c5YG1Tsg9C1P1LFPTX178AyQUmX7Kq4uqOium4XFPUvusimAup3Kr510AWL0mHK5CEgu6SuqW3-nt_KMOXeAZivKme4u-qSJfdHKbA/s1600/DSC01791.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave inside the temple, adjacent to Shivtharghal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After Shivtharghal, by which time it was the late hours of afternoon, we had to decide where to stay overnight. Choosing between Satara ( a typical city), and Mahabaleshwar was a fairly easy decision to make as we headed towards Mahabaleshwar.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahabaleshwar, not originally on our scheduled trip list is a beautiful hill station meant to be visited post monsoons. We passed through the clouds as we visited the heavenly hill station of Mahabaleshwar. However, we didn't intend to visit any of the points; and just stopped over for the night.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12CetXPc8r73QKXaEXgkMbV47aWCpcfm3JmkcOmm8ZbGkcdUsBP90w6IC1Rn7p9LOsBrX-QwmKTyCrYus-Sf0DDwOCBVp_sv4M_-aYcyygSPPDK6d58Sp_Mg_THq3G-0hhEBvQ8F6vek/s1600/DSC01803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12CetXPc8r73QKXaEXgkMbV47aWCpcfm3JmkcOmm8ZbGkcdUsBP90w6IC1Rn7p9LOsBrX-QwmKTyCrYus-Sf0DDwOCBVp_sv4M_-aYcyygSPPDK6d58Sp_Mg_THq3G-0hhEBvQ8F6vek/s1600/DSC01803.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lush green!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgoWz3FKYiJjB7MoOuHyBxS2xQItDNz3gqq4c18OXkRKn8fKETgkWQp3v4OMf3qbghbd5JnJPdmQh0_C0z26s79Kqyr8JgPYr8-lXX4duEI-3xSekVPlhywXUXLXgcmkR9H2xF7uTXu8/s1600/DSC01821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgoWz3FKYiJjB7MoOuHyBxS2xQItDNz3gqq4c18OXkRKn8fKETgkWQp3v4OMf3qbghbd5JnJPdmQh0_C0z26s79Kqyr8JgPYr8-lXX4duEI-3xSekVPlhywXUXLXgcmkR9H2xF7uTXu8/s1600/DSC01821.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the clouds! Mahabaleshwar.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Persistent rainfall and a tyre puncture notwithstanding, we thoroughly enjoyed our day having got a glimpse of everything that we most craved for in a single day itself - greenery, mountains, waterfalls and the like.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Related links: </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_17.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">D</span>ay 2 </a></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_19.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a> </span></span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/09/five-day-road-trip-into-western-ghats_14.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 4 and 5</span></span></b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Pune,+Maharashtra/varandh+ghat/Shivtharghal,+Kasabe+Shivtar,+Maharashtra/Mahabaleshwar,+Maharashtra/@18.1334841,73.4884656,11z/data=!4m26!4m25!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc2bf2e67461101:0x828d43bf9d9ee343!2m2!1d73.8567437!2d18.5204303!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc28819448394ef:0xf928234946044c6c!2m2!1d73.6712801!2d18.1051518!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc2864e9149e48b:0x6cca319bfb1c58fd!2m2!1d73.622023!2d18.148037!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc2655313cba1bb:0xca8196c7aa20a0a8!2m2!1d73.6556!2d17.92172!3e0" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Map for day 1</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m41!1m12!1m3!1d969620.5184508185!2d73.68970110000001!3d18.320798742084964!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m26!1i0!3e0!4m5!1s0x3bc2bf2e67461101%3A0x828d43bf9d9ee343!2sPune%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.520430299999997!2d73.8567437!4m5!1s0x3bc28819448394ef%3A0xf928234946044c6c!2svarandh+ghat!3m2!1d18.105151799999998!2d73.67128009999999!4m5!1s0x3bc2864e9149e48b%3A0x6cca319bfb1c58fd!2sShivtharghal%2C+Kasabe+Shivtar%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d18.148037!2d73.622023!4m5!1s0x3bc2655313cba1bb%3A0xca8196c7aa20a0a8!2sMahabaleshwar%2C+Maharashtra!3m2!1d17.92172!2d73.65559999999999!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1410889298408" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-56119543588099440382014-08-25T00:26:00.000+05:302014-09-01T11:18:32.471+05:30Birds at Microsoft Campus - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read <b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/01/birds-butterflies-and-nature-at.html" target="_blank">part 1 here</a></b>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week a flock of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_stork" target="_blank">Painted Storks</a> were kind enough to grace our campus. They camped on the big boulders near the ISB fence easily visible in large numbers from Building 3.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are also still around the rocks near Boulder Hills and probably many more are camped inside ISB which has a larger tree cover.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Painted Storks, though have been spotted in Hyderabad are not really natives of this place. Most likely, these birds are on their way to a more habitable place (like Guntur) and may have stopped over temporarily on spotting the inviting greenery.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>[Click on any pic to view enlarged, as a slide show]</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmhJu7rHVQxyH8awcgg9ZelbKi0ymPxthYp73l0uLSkCuNcJvjxb7WFFwHZIYrGTvWiY0DV-x3KrKNY8ryrPWo5_NJcyfQ5hOKFWkH2NX-XRHkveSQVfba4F9mo2uJe1i6Q99-5-CnWs/s1600/DSC01589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmhJu7rHVQxyH8awcgg9ZelbKi0ymPxthYp73l0uLSkCuNcJvjxb7WFFwHZIYrGTvWiY0DV-x3KrKNY8ryrPWo5_NJcyfQ5hOKFWkH2NX-XRHkveSQVfba4F9mo2uJe1i6Q99-5-CnWs/s1600/DSC01589.JPG" height="570" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to fly whilst the others watch</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPR5W8gGYyrvwpSLlich7ol5dQLahgDNgqv4oJRfycyIBnLj6IvfboOZEyqJ5PBt2R21VCEbtgfJ4E4KR8ZMr0j0-xaM5EZBsbdE830fgsBzSx_QxwkK_A_maCSWwCp-6CFk3vit6ZUc/s1600/DSC01590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPR5W8gGYyrvwpSLlich7ol5dQLahgDNgqv4oJRfycyIBnLj6IvfboOZEyqJ5PBt2R21VCEbtgfJ4E4KR8ZMr0j0-xaM5EZBsbdE830fgsBzSx_QxwkK_A_maCSWwCp-6CFk3vit6ZUc/s1600/DSC01590.JPG" height="566" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-Px7WQvouq1-1MwEtQeiYUuHC3UJIvPM3oU70ETA0mcqQRcWbxk6_v_P3agNqgvClgtBv-pPA3UtmO6B3EglLWWn6WZnxQDhhgQrz10Y5n4TUQW6aReNcZ7fA78tsT3J17H5j0oqR1o/s1600/DSC01593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-Px7WQvouq1-1MwEtQeiYUuHC3UJIvPM3oU70ETA0mcqQRcWbxk6_v_P3agNqgvClgtBv-pPA3UtmO6B3EglLWWn6WZnxQDhhgQrz10Y5n4TUQW6aReNcZ7fA78tsT3J17H5j0oqR1o/s1600/DSC01593.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A full family of more than 10 or so Painted Storks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_50nGVZNfPu0RG55X0Qf6FhXSFLp09R8XCtqYeVsmROwggSNmpoIGgrdoPzEzL9JSghiC9IzDHMCBkEUlyr782jG2SXLjTpIhmA7h3RKQ4SKM9vzN4_R1uJwuAH_kHsL4s9dohoPwtPM/s1600/DSC01595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_50nGVZNfPu0RG55X0Qf6FhXSFLp09R8XCtqYeVsmROwggSNmpoIGgrdoPzEzL9JSghiC9IzDHMCBkEUlyr782jG2SXLjTpIhmA7h3RKQ4SKM9vzN4_R1uJwuAH_kHsL4s9dohoPwtPM/s1600/DSC01595.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stray peacock feather spotted enroute trying to get close to the Storks</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyUKNnTc78W-gG5ss5fBDtzNQTNY2ElwpYH9_5zsjyKRl2nP_RxuW43GAZ4sgxKV1Vr23CyJP7XBf8vgUdjpdjy8mqRgUVYz6-Tsh4w4eddDcVNxhQAh-KVb8P3HXiu9w2oCvwDLjPa8/s1600/DSC01621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyUKNnTc78W-gG5ss5fBDtzNQTNY2ElwpYH9_5zsjyKRl2nP_RxuW43GAZ4sgxKV1Vr23CyJP7XBf8vgUdjpdjy8mqRgUVYz6-Tsh4w4eddDcVNxhQAh-KVb8P3HXiu9w2oCvwDLjPa8/s1600/DSC01621.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRU2j3MM7_j-rWc_XOIV7rpbeVg3orpo6epNGITxTRbXYhZoqt1UFQ2qR3kuBDfu8aSjUdDxG6FgVNp659ZmPoPgIQERDSd3N4oHPXc2CwJyQW0vOViTutECHGf4tEP155BlZ4Zc0fD4/s1600/DSC01624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRU2j3MM7_j-rWc_XOIV7rpbeVg3orpo6epNGITxTRbXYhZoqt1UFQ2qR3kuBDfu8aSjUdDxG6FgVNp659ZmPoPgIQERDSd3N4oHPXc2CwJyQW0vOViTutECHGf4tEP155BlZ4Zc0fD4/s1600/DSC01624.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wBWOWZLls_dFBENkhZxBoM4EAwN2Yb4t9sn4StpuJMWZ8-9uVguE2vPkIK9agYdHmEY1E_Ok0AwDiyOQxKGG2edZX1nzQvQOtGczu_pgnc22cq9K-5WEvLCyiBAHg_98KOcIHrR6E6I/s1600/DSC01627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wBWOWZLls_dFBENkhZxBoM4EAwN2Yb4t9sn4StpuJMWZ8-9uVguE2vPkIK9agYdHmEY1E_Ok0AwDiyOQxKGG2edZX1nzQvQOtGczu_pgnc22cq9K-5WEvLCyiBAHg_98KOcIHrR6E6I/s1600/DSC01627.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nataraj pose</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkShSWDYd7tloTb2O0E0jsFpeuAyKxT9oq1k-tiWCMAafflZcUlVAu5obxTeOG9N3N7HslFVOPDxrJuiNWmobJF6I_W7qADadTy84AhvzVL7EAhf8iJHuLoZ9AEa8nvWiKwQKEcD8uTx0/s1600/DSC01648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkShSWDYd7tloTb2O0E0jsFpeuAyKxT9oq1k-tiWCMAafflZcUlVAu5obxTeOG9N3N7HslFVOPDxrJuiNWmobJF6I_W7qADadTy84AhvzVL7EAhf8iJHuLoZ9AEa8nvWiKwQKEcD8uTx0/s1600/DSC01648.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is it that there are observing with such attentiveness!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTKa2IU4vnB6X0yYH6zFv-kCJVsZqE17lOaXL2l4NDPbjPyqV83sorUscg-szTk1M6sfW94p7RayghrKLT-h4Wh2fZQqCK_K-w10UBB7QV-AK9ZzM-OpkhufSG-FB4ccq7bY68xR3lfw/s1600/DSC01681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTKa2IU4vnB6X0yYH6zFv-kCJVsZqE17lOaXL2l4NDPbjPyqV83sorUscg-szTk1M6sfW94p7RayghrKLT-h4Wh2fZQqCK_K-w10UBB7QV-AK9ZzM-OpkhufSG-FB4ccq7bY68xR3lfw/s1600/DSC01681.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scratching its neck</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayvU8YPITHKOn2JXqB72fzwB0ZBXsVo9nFqrExhwqRivwEf-ba6NK9qCPe8T29StrjcbHr9USPFJZ13WxnBcdRvyA8RUD5w6nDGhPrm0D4nCuEx9hdxeodGfhul82-m3HpH4XvfE94-0/s1600/DSC01685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayvU8YPITHKOn2JXqB72fzwB0ZBXsVo9nFqrExhwqRivwEf-ba6NK9qCPe8T29StrjcbHr9USPFJZ13WxnBcdRvyA8RUD5w6nDGhPrm0D4nCuEx9hdxeodGfhul82-m3HpH4XvfE94-0/s1600/DSC01685.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa-9dGURmddGqcU1Lo4WKuo9ZlIvOyVd21Mxb5jYiS5aatU_KpNGG4ybbh3D9e2tACn6GOEwRCFZ7CV3Syhug3aMjFOm1rfn-ithNqXXn-J97ldK5xgfJEwGTZxOwZlEWyAJWk39P1AI/s1600/DSC01882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa-9dGURmddGqcU1Lo4WKuo9ZlIvOyVd21Mxb5jYiS5aatU_KpNGG4ybbh3D9e2tACn6GOEwRCFZ7CV3Syhug3aMjFOm1rfn-ithNqXXn-J97ldK5xgfJEwGTZxOwZlEWyAJWk39P1AI/s1600/DSC01882.JPG" height="542" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrouYqq9eYQSGC4s-M-LvHjBV6fNXG3TGLSs_Hm3D5XK8h_djHoM-JPBw-HGl_j_8-kdRVr37KKBsalw_vu9BXVOpDSEbV_DVoEjtb4ftchCq2SPxvqPECGS17ZEudAEYJgGyJfGyrp0/s1600/DSC01885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrouYqq9eYQSGC4s-M-LvHjBV6fNXG3TGLSs_Hm3D5XK8h_djHoM-JPBw-HGl_j_8-kdRVr37KKBsalw_vu9BXVOpDSEbV_DVoEjtb4ftchCq2SPxvqPECGS17ZEudAEYJgGyJfGyrp0/s1600/DSC01885.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire flock took off in unison circling the Microsoft Campus and eventually settling someplace else</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oIwXsYz1WUb6JEsGJjMKZ7szzxJkw-m40DZGMnCLwLxk5K7wygOi1XmHgnEuTb4r63GtajECtUOMacqo2Ib8YHyNSm1inriy9qSUyXjIr2poY_r9CdcwqiCFVCkaDQqXu8mCZJLKZ8s/s1600/DSC01888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oIwXsYz1WUb6JEsGJjMKZ7szzxJkw-m40DZGMnCLwLxk5K7wygOi1XmHgnEuTb4r63GtajECtUOMacqo2Ib8YHyNSm1inriy9qSUyXjIr2poY_r9CdcwqiCFVCkaDQqXu8mCZJLKZ8s/s1600/DSC01888.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amidst all the effort of capturing those birds; got an opportunity to watch rainfall and dense clouds over a distant building.<br />
This is through the glass windows of the building.</td></tr>
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Related links: <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/01/birds-butterflies-and-nature-at.html" target="_blank">Birds, butterflies and nature at Microsoft Campus</a><br />
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-46520254195201254322014-08-17T17:33:00.001+05:302014-08-17T17:34:32.419+05:30Ghonchu and the ghost car<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="">
</span>Ghonchu walked confidently in the night. He was returning home alone and didn't have money for an auto. Walking in a slightly isolated and dark section of the road, he put on a brave face and kept telling himself that he didn't believe in spooky things like ghosts and witches and dolls like Annabelle.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
He looked left and right, saw no floating women in white saris and continued with renewed vigour. He still had some distance to go before reaching home.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />In the utter darkness, his brisk walk and brave demeanour was disturbed by lights. Lights of an approaching vehicle. Traffic on that road was not unusual even at this unearthly hour and he felt more comfortable and confident about lack of ghosts. Ghonchu was never too concerned about thieves and robbers since he never had any money anyways. It was only the unearthly beings that worried him!<br />
<br />
However his relief on seeing car lights was soon cut short. He observed that the car was moving in a zigzag pattern. It seemed the driver had lost all control of the car. The car weaved its way like a drunken person, groaning and creaking left and right with headlights on, bumping into the divider and finally stopped only after a head-on collision with a tree along the side of the road.<br />
<br />
Ghonchu started forward with concern to see if the car passengers had got badly injured before he saw something that made his blood run cold. <br />
<i><br />
There was nobody in the car. </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">All he saw was a doll hanging in the dashboard constantly revolving and staring eerily at him. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In his knowledge, ghosts had not been
known to drive cars, but one never knew when they might indulge in new whims or fancies. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ghonchu wanted to run.
His face was petrified in shock. However, when cars are seen moving without drivers and all they contain are miniature dolls, feet get stuck in quicksand and blood circulation stops. Despite his best attempts, Ghonchu couldn't run.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<br />
Whilst Ghonchu stood stuck in glue, he now observed a new menace. He could see a shape coming from behind the car in darkness. That shape seemed to half limp and half run.<br />
<br />
Ghonchu's feet had resigned from their duties. However Ghonchu's brain was still partly functional. He began to recite Hanuman Chalisa, "<i>Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar, jai kapasi tihu lok ujagar.</i>" Then he cursed himself for never having learnt more than that.<br />
<br />
The shape turned into a human covered with blood on his face. But was that a human or a ghost who had returned to haunt him? Ghonchu watched blood dripping from the shape's cheek.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ghonchu now understood everything. This man must have died on this very road and his tormented soul had come back to haunt passing folks. The doll must be his accomplice. Ghonchu accepted that today <i>his end was nigh</i>. He waited as the ghost continued to approach him. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the ghost reached sufficiently close, Ghonchu screamed in a panic-stricken voice filled with desperation, "<i>Hooooosh</i>". </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The ghost replied with an air of puzzlement, "<i>Hain</i>?"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ghonchu paused on realizing the ghost was speaking.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The ghost continued, "<i>Bhau, madad kardo. Paan thookne ke liye gaadi ka darwaza khola tha, roadwa pe speed breaker aa gaya, aur main bahar gir gaya."</i><br />
<i>
</i>
(Please help me. I opened the door of my moving car to spit paan, however encountered a speed breaker on the road at that moment due to which I fell off the car.)<br />
<br />
When ghosts speak Bihari and chew paan, blood circulation tends to come back and glue from under the feet dries off.<br />
<br />
Ghonchu turned in disgust and continued walking towards his home.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>[Thanks to Saurabh for the idea of this story.] </i></span></span></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-32120765655588487152014-08-13T01:07:00.001+05:302014-08-13T09:38:09.918+05:30Birding in Leh, Ladakh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/08/a-six-day-trip-to-leh-ladakh.html" target="_blank">A six day trip to Leh, Ladakh</a></b> was a long enough time to attempt and capture a few Himalayan birds. Many of these were visible at multiple places; some however were less common.<br />
<br />
Many of these are also found at lower altitudes.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Birds at Leh, Nubra Valley</b></u>-<br />
<br />
There were a few birds we spotted at Leh; and many at our stay in Nubra Valley. With plenty of apricot trees, a river stream flowing right through our camp, plenty of birds had also made their homes at the same venue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIzIOv4Ksca92MeMYuXIuO3pmtVu0Ev1IccQmCqieqaJzDluhDBm7ct_IInUgwEOra5wbASOWuGCIflU0VHdJcxG14uzQ04gtSv_5NaTgf6dQDWc_HnmE8OqbUz1YneZ17uy-_g6PH5s/s1600/DSC01319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIat5bN_6fhyphenhyphenxjdNFb0XLTbbGh_nGAAVRfRsRBhnLVGrNX9CVcTeMtkiIlpU68PMXyrjiynBqNoI8HR3xub1aEOMWxWV-zmyO0_9Rk7ciJgtE-UL1fdWugMObOvF1ul1M8AqIcYcRy4k/s1600/DSC01321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIat5bN_6fhyphenhyphenxjdNFb0XLTbbGh_nGAAVRfRsRBhnLVGrNX9CVcTeMtkiIlpU68PMXyrjiynBqNoI8HR3xub1aEOMWxWV-zmyO0_9Rk7ciJgtE-UL1fdWugMObOvF1ul1M8AqIcYcRy4k/s1600/DSC01321.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_blackbird" target="_blank">Common Blackbird</a><br />
An extremely common bird (looks like a crow, but no streak of grey; and has a yellow beak). This was seen in large numbers in Leh and other areas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoaytr9DxPHYiVCY5tc_8pG07QmNcoEmH5AACLS4LIm3aNW9A-XiAYlFf8_FEgedie2SnWGD-dT8YI7F0mFkGqR00bSQs44uODSpOl8BXKaO3uL7fQWuJiD3j77VkCuI4F3bgq-gxX8U/s1600/DSC01341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoaytr9DxPHYiVCY5tc_8pG07QmNcoEmH5AACLS4LIm3aNW9A-XiAYlFf8_FEgedie2SnWGD-dT8YI7F0mFkGqR00bSQs44uODSpOl8BXKaO3uL7fQWuJiD3j77VkCuI4F3bgq-gxX8U/s1600/DSC01341.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_redstart" target="_blank">Black Redstart</a> female<br />
A beautiful bird, spotted in some numbers in Nubra valley. This one was kind enough to pose perfectly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhDoh7KcAh5VmzPxsjoYAnm97YuWblUhlKj6uNWsfaEUD75V8HcJ6SfWIZdEHfa-XZXVI_aIjmVc14_ylOxdwAG26jmk07Pc0Ikhdks9ludqH8OURp_6FBOy2hyG9-U3RJuEWLTDGZFQ/s1600/DSC01343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhDoh7KcAh5VmzPxsjoYAnm97YuWblUhlKj6uNWsfaEUD75V8HcJ6SfWIZdEHfa-XZXVI_aIjmVc14_ylOxdwAG26jmk07Pc0Ikhdks9ludqH8OURp_6FBOy2hyG9-U3RJuEWLTDGZFQ/s1600/DSC01343.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Dove<br />
Also seen were the Himalayan Pigeon (no pic)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH744Nx81LpQb1KYtFcxvxNXi_1l7ZYbABhcK1Jjpjnb2OzyrM60k7VUTg9_hUXQ5X1m87T4hBQVHSLrR1pUNQomR4p4nbLimtQrx1gUyQdQNuG_E6HmyTh9iNCQNbjZ36TD8erEHtPY/s1600/DSC01360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH744Nx81LpQb1KYtFcxvxNXi_1l7ZYbABhcK1Jjpjnb2OzyrM60k7VUTg9_hUXQ5X1m87T4hBQVHSLrR1pUNQomR4p4nbLimtQrx1gUyQdQNuG_E6HmyTh9iNCQNbjZ36TD8erEHtPY/s1600/DSC01360.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-fronted_serin" target="_blank">The Red-fronted Serin or Fire-fronted Serin</a><br />
A prize catch, and not so common bird, but was spotted in few numbers again in Nubra Valley, Hunder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_nVigRpjwk6FBlzNCvLeNSDkb8Ylag54Lw94Dni7yNGzbwh3jIbskEqDmPYSjpTY2i-zLE6XmMxnk5HKA8D0NNmIzrz8dcu_nrJOL6M6HHtUJYZSzhhrOHFJPlJO4PSV494SxaPywLw/s1600/DSC01363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_nVigRpjwk6FBlzNCvLeNSDkb8Ylag54Lw94Dni7yNGzbwh3jIbskEqDmPYSjpTY2i-zLE6XmMxnk5HKA8D0NNmIzrz8dcu_nrJOL6M6HHtUJYZSzhhrOHFJPlJO4PSV494SxaPywLw/s1600/DSC01363.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_accentor" target="_blank">Brown Accentor</a>?<br />
Not completely sure of ID, a small bird found in large numbers at Nubra Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSliNQS-XZd5YYiI4ySVCebcvV4Xg9AOVBJq2HGTzrDIZdFC45N0eshj5ZAaJzYADKoNnx2nXE_Os101Pr9g2wp9lyBucKrF62h5yAvJvCq1wt995udZHIEJYO7DcxEzjztNfgCZV-tY/s1600/DSC01365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSliNQS-XZd5YYiI4ySVCebcvV4Xg9AOVBJq2HGTzrDIZdFC45N0eshj5ZAaJzYADKoNnx2nXE_Os101Pr9g2wp9lyBucKrF62h5yAvJvCq1wt995udZHIEJYO7DcxEzjztNfgCZV-tY/s1600/DSC01365.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgOVR695oAa2YzyEt-aMrecXBE_qFmW5xhPKHyx0yV-pemZaboT-jsCaUjGNNCPlrQGBugfT0RtEYS2W2vQRnhm8HKj-1NnhTRtWjl48hdIY5tLJuLd9eOV_Jo__4JkBLjmtEkAUa26E/s1600/DSC_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgOVR695oAa2YzyEt-aMrecXBE_qFmW5xhPKHyx0yV-pemZaboT-jsCaUjGNNCPlrQGBugfT0RtEYS2W2vQRnhm8HKj-1NnhTRtWjl48hdIY5tLJuLd9eOV_Jo__4JkBLjmtEkAUa26E/s1600/DSC_0713.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-billed_magpie" target="_blank">Black-billed Magpie</a><br />
A beautiful bird which exposes its bluish tinge only while flying; a very common bird in Leh and nearby areas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7L2De8Nh-PHGV6Jr2KIzthZQbSGf_0zT7A030HtRQm-8RFO50l1oV-4QkWQA-9XC8U17JugIxXRzwTc8l1EZQLKI8szHyJ3A2cTtXOhPgmunu3PXPlxmBlpmby_NvQ8xtUbcdM0JSjs/s1600/DSC01366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7L2De8Nh-PHGV6Jr2KIzthZQbSGf_0zT7A030HtRQm-8RFO50l1oV-4QkWQA-9XC8U17JugIxXRzwTc8l1EZQLKI8szHyJ3A2cTtXOhPgmunu3PXPlxmBlpmby_NvQ8xtUbcdM0JSjs/s1600/DSC01366.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male Black Redstart.<br />
Found hobnobbing with his female counterpart in Hunder, Nubra Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIzIOv4Ksca92MeMYuXIuO3pmtVu0Ev1IccQmCqieqaJzDluhDBm7ct_IInUgwEOra5wbASOWuGCIflU0VHdJcxG14uzQ04gtSv_5NaTgf6dQDWc_HnmE8OqbUz1YneZ17uy-_g6PH5s/s1600/DSC01319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIzIOv4Ksca92MeMYuXIuO3pmtVu0Ev1IccQmCqieqaJzDluhDBm7ct_IInUgwEOra5wbASOWuGCIflU0VHdJcxG14uzQ04gtSv_5NaTgf6dQDWc_HnmE8OqbUz1YneZ17uy-_g6PH5s/s1600/DSC01319.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_accentor" target="_blank">Robin Accentor</a><br />
A lovely bird seen near Chang La</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ijRKZVwaVZNJHh6wIx6-15b4VOmCn4JPw67fn51M_p6PwFrK8AKwgnZqEz_61_EPeLqsa5730KK8gX2OI_SHw2cZd_p_KTjsQces2hUHUIL7dnyxQKEo9JaxJrSYrdr3CY9dHZQoQ-A/s1600/DSC01560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ijRKZVwaVZNJHh6wIx6-15b4VOmCn4JPw67fn51M_p6PwFrK8AKwgnZqEz_61_EPeLqsa5730KK8gX2OI_SHw2cZd_p_KTjsQces2hUHUIL7dnyxQKEo9JaxJrSYrdr3CY9dHZQoQ-A/s1600/DSC01560.JPG" height="574" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted near Chang La enroute to Pangong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREPL3SFlVax91KzAcM4v8pfgljawndCjULxZ0uT_0SRXz8Tmqis_GwC1GlA63qW9lSOtMxOI9FbC3n6LFXKv6pU_9mtE1nldJuGYV7cn5Lp7nrnXxNBizbJvVVRCgdOzZUqETjG8wyJ8/s1600/DSC01564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREPL3SFlVax91KzAcM4v8pfgljawndCjULxZ0uT_0SRXz8Tmqis_GwC1GlA63qW9lSOtMxOI9FbC3n6LFXKv6pU_9mtE1nldJuGYV7cn5Lp7nrnXxNBizbJvVVRCgdOzZUqETjG8wyJ8/s1600/DSC01564.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted near Chang La enroute to Pangong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u><b>Birds at Pangong Lake-</b></u><br />
<br />
Pangong Lake was a treasure trove with birds flying and swimming alike with delight in the crystal-blue water. Whilst there are a lot more smaller birds in and around the same which I just got a glimpse of, I could capture only the common ones.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkPt2VLXRAO6cyUmf2WHc5Bokc4TK9eur-FcnfOFGrRwGEZj2nHZYvkzFRnekAjsZkMbUxS7J5_x5gkSSphnY2QzryC3BOmfKKKZG_vCzad2-KK7_pq73Iu9rRysVl7Sia1xmpX-vVfI/s1600/DSC01433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkPt2VLXRAO6cyUmf2WHc5Bokc4TK9eur-FcnfOFGrRwGEZj2nHZYvkzFRnekAjsZkMbUxS7J5_x5gkSSphnY2QzryC3BOmfKKKZG_vCzad2-KK7_pq73Iu9rRysVl7Sia1xmpX-vVfI/s1600/DSC01433.JPG" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown-headed_gull" target="_blank">brown headed gull</a> in flight<br />
The most common bird around Pangong Lake. These beauties were spotted in large numbers near the lake either flying or swimming as in the next pic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOVnXqKcW4mBYHgW0w7q2Q8w91scgFSGvyIW9bwIST3FeRpIN0ERfyt5O1CHDoyQ4mDxKhQlrfc1WKmPLOJNh_9Yuo0YTRN_eSeQy62i4sqOc56XNP0n4qWxeRYjhqdSmw4BzsULTGfg/s1600/DSC01440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOVnXqKcW4mBYHgW0w7q2Q8w91scgFSGvyIW9bwIST3FeRpIN0ERfyt5O1CHDoyQ4mDxKhQlrfc1WKmPLOJNh_9Yuo0YTRN_eSeQy62i4sqOc56XNP0n4qWxeRYjhqdSmw4BzsULTGfg/s1600/DSC01440.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown headed Gull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3mAhEwsjzljXL8JF8i14qJY-s9wDSU00YlpspNDfTEyhR86xTEDtlTd50PZ1w3tkKyDPBmpKJ-wYrUbd-rfAa41ylYb8CLQi5EKZLKKQwGsr1yAWFwNZKk_s6zX50WN3zUB71U46nMA/s1600/DSC01477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3mAhEwsjzljXL8JF8i14qJY-s9wDSU00YlpspNDfTEyhR86xTEDtlTd50PZ1w3tkKyDPBmpKJ-wYrUbd-rfAa41ylYb8CLQi5EKZLKKQwGsr1yAWFwNZKk_s6zX50WN3zUB71U46nMA/s1600/DSC01477.JPG" height="446" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fleet of Common Mergansers, swimming in chilled Pangong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxF_9nBdQZo4g7M9_5SVw-JiRXIkfW63chPGf9w5iIX2kC3B6zJZepS2SpA_hVK1x71vuBhdBQfb0jYMDSgG3tDRaCtCYTsnj6iBoNXG_nNG7J0GU1v-qGhWCj40CJPJs8mvyl0saYVE/s1600/DSC01511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxF_9nBdQZo4g7M9_5SVw-JiRXIkfW63chPGf9w5iIX2kC3B6zJZepS2SpA_hVK1x71vuBhdBQfb0jYMDSgG3tDRaCtCYTsnj6iBoNXG_nNG7J0GU1v-qGhWCj40CJPJs8mvyl0saYVE/s1600/DSC01511.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On your marks, get set, go!!<br />
A whole bunch of birds basking in the morning sun at one corner of the lake.<br />
Too far to make out, but seem to be gulls mainly and other duck species.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkXtJZzLFrxtjrd6IxD7H_wHi-qtzVm9WnRExgEAryY7oe_bpPn68ImOHJHRe_DO2Zj91YK2Lj404kwQ0M0I4fiiBxTXHC1KQFkwNY3uBWvyyYkdtU23SIora4Bd5D8BC69e0XQ0VJNg/s1600/DSC01531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkXtJZzLFrxtjrd6IxD7H_wHi-qtzVm9WnRExgEAryY7oe_bpPn68ImOHJHRe_DO2Zj91YK2Lj404kwQ0M0I4fiiBxTXHC1KQFkwNY3uBWvyyYkdtU23SIora4Bd5D8BC69e0XQ0VJNg/s1600/DSC01531.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_merganser" target="_blank">Common Merganser</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Species spotted</b>-<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Rock Pigeon</li>
<li>Hill Pigeon </li>
<li>Spotted Dove</li>
<li>Common Blackbird</li>
<li>Black-billed Magpie</li>
<li>Sparrow</li>
<li>Mynas</li>
<li>Robin Accentor</li>
<li>Brown Accentor</li>
<li>Desert Whitear</li>
<li>Common Hoopoe</li>
<li>Black Redstart (male and female)</li>
<li>Red-fronted Serin or Fire-fronted Serin</li>
<li>Brown headed Gull</li>
<li>Great Crested Grebe</li>
<li>Common Merganser </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Related links</b> -<br />
<a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/08/a-six-day-trip-to-leh-ladakh.html" target="_blank">A six day trip to Leh, Ladakh</a><br />
<br /></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-33773303272426230232014-08-10T00:36:00.001+05:302017-03-16T11:55:22.983+05:30A six day trip to Leh-Ladakh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>When you go back, tell your near and dear ones,<br />That we gave our today, </i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>for your tomorrow</i></span></span>.<br /> </i>- from the Hall of Fame (war memorial) in Leh<br />
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Related Links</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/08/birding-in-leh-ladakh.html" target="_blank"><b>Birding in Leh</b></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<b>Itinerary</b> (<i>25th July - 31st July</i>)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><i>Day 1: Fly from
Delhi to Leh early morning. Rest and acclimatize in Leh.</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Day 2: Visit Nubra
Valley - Diskit and Hunder via Khardung La.</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Day 3: Return from
Nubra to Leh.</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Day 4: Visit
Pangong Lake via Chang La.</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Day 5: Return from
Pangong Lake. In the evening, visit Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa.</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Day 6: Rafting at
Indus-Zanskar river (sangam). As part of local sightseeing, visit Magnetic
Hill, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Kalamata Mandir, Hall of Fame (Army museum/ war memorial).</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Day 7: Return
flight to Delhi.</i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>
</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b></b></u><i><br />
</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Planning process
and booking</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b>While planning a trip to Leh which is
one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, one option is to
delegate everything to a tour operator, who will no doubt ensure that one has a
successful trip, albeit charging a few thousand extra as premium. We however, chose to
research and do all bookings on our own. <br />
<br />
There are multiple ways to visit Leh. Either reach Leh directly via flight, or
travel via the Srinagar-Leh highway (the famous NH1a, for which the Kargil war
was fought) or the Manali - Leh highway. Due to paucity of time, we chose the
flight option. Though flights to Srinagar were cheaper, the cost of
road journey from Srinagar to Leh would have eaten into the savings.<br />
<br />
The key takeaway while booking flights was that the flight tickets were more
expensive on Fridays and weekends; due to which we moved our entire trip
earlier by a day starting on Friday morning, and returned on Thursday morning.<br />
<br />
With enough data available on the web, the rest of the bookings were easy. Four
bookings in all - stay at Leh (four nights, but not continuous, which is not a
problem as most hotels will willingly keep your unneeded luggage when you're
travelling to Nubra/Pangong), one night's stay at Nubra, one night's stay at
Pangong, and finally cab booking.<br />
<br />
Despite our belief about this being the peak season, the stays were not full
and it seemed possible to not book anything and still comfortably bargain and
book on the spot, although that always leaves a degree of uncertainty.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Day 1: Leh (11562 feet)<br />
</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A flight from Delhi to Leh is just an hour and a half long but the last
half an hour is an experience to remember. Ensure that you get a window seat at
whatever cost. As one cruises over at a height of 35000 feet above sea level;
the peaks of the giant Himalayas begin to show up just underneath us. They
leave one with a truly incredible feeling of smallness as they stare back at us
from an imposing height.</span></span> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBEDeUophWnmU8t1xgJ321Ij65IyccPLQvvC265DfYqZP9qM1LzKzuEJepCTpvdY2D43YFygk2OW4VW-kPRlETugjdkpkU5dQVvv-JqY5nhxirkCzbrGi6P1TyeMrQtP4kFgTJvJL2ec/s1600/DSC_0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBEDeUophWnmU8t1xgJ321Ij65IyccPLQvvC265DfYqZP9qM1LzKzuEJepCTpvdY2D43YFygk2OW4VW-kPRlETugjdkpkU5dQVvv-JqY5nhxirkCzbrGi6P1TyeMrQtP4kFgTJvJL2ec/s1600/DSC_0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from the flight, before landing at Leh</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first sighting of Leh is on the backdrop of mighty barren mountains
sheltering a small city. The second impression of the city is that it is full
of travelers, and tourism drives this city. A bunch of non-Indians tourists
also hog the city with all kinds of folks - youngsters traveling around the
world, school kids on a foreign trip, honeymoon couples, families - all genres
were spotted in Leh.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p7uamHsosCokplfP6FqnQ1xmo7YkHoB4tXWXfdsCtG8SmAXNWF0v0M5mLzBZrzGmsYMeDgyhFRnVTDSAjhBxhzAcf-qBQP9ojR8nz_RrtAOs94dHFagyONobQ_guYI0Cp1r_s_pwjbU/s1600/DSC01302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p7uamHsosCokplfP6FqnQ1xmo7YkHoB4tXWXfdsCtG8SmAXNWF0v0M5mLzBZrzGmsYMeDgyhFRnVTDSAjhBxhzAcf-qBQP9ojR8nz_RrtAOs94dHFagyONobQ_guYI0Cp1r_s_pwjbU/s1600/DSC01302.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First view of Leh</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
In the summer season, days are hot up to 30 degrees and nights are pleasant to
cold in Leh. The sun feels about five degrees hotter due to the altitude and
hurt the eyes unless you've shades.<br />
<br />
As we rested during the day, and went out for lunch, the highlight was where we
ordered some cold butter milk in the hope of beating the heat and instead got
sizzling hot milk with yellow butter floating on top!<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Day 2: Nubra Valley (Diskit/Hunder) (10000 feet) via Khardung La (18380 feet)<br />
Leh - South Pullu - Khardung La - North Pullu - Khalsar - Diskit -
Hunder - (Turtuk)<br />
</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khardung_La" target="_blank">Khardung La</a> is famous for being the highest motorable road in the world.
At 18000 feet, it stands imposingly connecting two giant mountains and full
credit to the BRO (Border Roads Organization) who have made it usable. The road
is full of twists and turns and it takes a couple of hours to cover the
distance of 35 kms from Leh. We left at 7am and appropriately reached the pass
by around 9am.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvihpYmdOgSsr4IRtdef2d4NSFmReHfH7FDF8hrdjani3Z-Us5ATkaV5OC3CkTbQjTqfu_EuJtr7FgqrwOTPGe01I-inIEa2aKSrR1TMSZgCtKW6LY_F6Z-k_fP_O9KUBgwwxF6WQ1Og/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvihpYmdOgSsr4IRtdef2d4NSFmReHfH7FDF8hrdjani3Z-Us5ATkaV5OC3CkTbQjTqfu_EuJtr7FgqrwOTPGe01I-inIEa2aKSrR1TMSZgCtKW6LY_F6Z-k_fP_O9KUBgwwxF6WQ1Og/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Khardung La (18380 feet)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">At Khardung La's height, the altitude hits you either knowingly or
unknowingly. Although we planned to stop at the pass only while returning and
not while going (to allow more time for acclimatization); things were taken out
of our hands by a road block which caused a traffic jam and caused us to wait
at the pass for a couple of hours.<br />
<br />
Whilst the BRO folks cleared the road (something that happens often on these
hills); we suffered from AMS across different degrees, the worst being one of
us feeling nauseated and vomiting.<br />
<br />
However things took a turn for the better as we crossed the pass and went
downhill; and we felt much better once we had maggi to eat at a place named
North Pullu.<br />
<br />
Road conditions for the entire route to Nubra valley were good except for a
10-12km stretch around the pass from South Pullu to North Pullu.<br />
<br />
Two points of caution for the pass - keep your ears covered as the winds hit
you even though you don't realize it. Spend as less time as possible there
while going and more time on return by which you're better acclimatized.<br />
<br />
After the imposing snow-clad Khardung La (the only place in our trip where we
saw relatively fresh snow); the scenery transformed to the murky <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shyok_River" target="_blank">Shyok river</a>
flowing alongside from Khalsar. The thin picturesque stream that flowed
alongside transformed into a giant wide river flowing at a great speed around
the village of Khalsar.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2e6h9eIvW42DB6YFGCjfTVaFG5-ckBeDv97uueYGOXCPdtVk3DGSLaXK_OUdpUiqRzyoVYmASXH48u2evhzQ4nRf2RieZQv1BI2O7-5OycQax3O1MqS-UEB3R4OtUQQ0kdwLoOa5nac/s1600/DSC01388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2e6h9eIvW42DB6YFGCjfTVaFG5-ckBeDv97uueYGOXCPdtVk3DGSLaXK_OUdpUiqRzyoVYmASXH48u2evhzQ4nRf2RieZQv1BI2O7-5OycQax3O1MqS-UEB3R4OtUQQ0kdwLoOa5nac/s1600/DSC01388.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The beautiful Shyok river flowing alongside on the way to Nubra valley</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
We continued on until we had our first sight of sand dunes, huge gigantic
mounds of sand all over the place near the dusty and barren mountains. Somehow,
they didn't seem out of place at all, their presence felt almost natural
because by that time we had seen almost everything - huge snow-clad mountains,
barren and dusty mountains, clear streams, murky rivers, and sand-dunes seemed
almost inevitable.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mzPfcem-AJpfrSmWBCTFCQt_zC5fp319oCn8j3nd88nsNPTDuwpWYAULsibxqaVwCsOcwV7IK-0TGnYBfVegkAqC010il2YheKO5qxED32rG-1klbylFORmrYtAt4RNi-6EzQbfv-Mw/s1600/DSC01377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mzPfcem-AJpfrSmWBCTFCQt_zC5fp319oCn8j3nd88nsNPTDuwpWYAULsibxqaVwCsOcwV7IK-0TGnYBfVegkAqC010il2YheKO5qxED32rG-1klbylFORmrYtAt4RNi-6EzQbfv-Mw/s1600/DSC01377.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sand dunes of Nubra Valley</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Fatigued by the travel and enchanted by the towns of Diskit and Hunder (which
is really what one refers to when the phrase <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nubra_Valley" target="_blank">Nubra Valley</a> is used); we had a
tough decision to make. Having started at 7am, it was already 1.30pm owing to
traffic jam at Khardung La; and our stay was booked at Turtuk. We took a tough
call, and let go of Turtuk (the northernmost village in India, on the Pakistan
border); and decided to look for a place to stay in Hunder. Turtuk is around 80
kms from Hunder, and it would have been evening by the time we reached there,
hence the decision to stop at Hunder.<br />
<br />
We found a nice friendly place - "Royal Camp, Hunder"; there was a
stream flowing within the camp, it was full of apricot trees and lots of birds
had made their homes. It seemed an ideal place to stay for the night.<br />
<br />
Driving a hard bargain since it was sparsely populated, we put up shop there
and relaxed for a bit before stepping out for the famous camel rides on the
sand dunes of Hunder.<br />
<br />
The sand dunes were like a picnic spot with numerous activities for children
and adults, the highlight being a ride on the two-humped camel which are famous
in that region. Charges were steep at around Rs 200 for a fifteen minute ride;
but everyone acquiesced by it.<br />
<br />
The camel ride was fun, except for the queasy thought about how those poor
animals might have been trained, all went well.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlAOGKliZCMp1wHO4VlmMlrT6Id_0hbJO6QNHvQ0q_7tq6CF5hZrb-Lo_bCbh1jHxt_nbQL7vPdr7VLRSe21WjWsHgOKPsM2AgKwx5bfa92JmlVxhetjh7wUViI5ZrS6MX4uZ-CVHPKo/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlAOGKliZCMp1wHO4VlmMlrT6Id_0hbJO6QNHvQ0q_7tq6CF5hZrb-Lo_bCbh1jHxt_nbQL7vPdr7VLRSe21WjWsHgOKPsM2AgKwx5bfa92JmlVxhetjh7wUViI5ZrS6MX4uZ-CVHPKo/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Camel ride, Nubra Valley</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
We camped for the night, had a good dinner and woke up fresh next morning ready
for our sojourn back to Leh.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Day 3: Return to Leh<br />
</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The only intent on our return trip was to stop and travel as leisurely as
possible on the route back to Leh. We visited the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diskit_Monastery" target="_blank">Diskit monastery</a> which
is around 600 years old and quietly attempted to grasp why people all the way
from Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia etc) had come over there as part
of a program to help in renovation and painting of some of the monastery
objects. The monastery area had a huge statue of Buddha nearby and also had a
school and other facilities nearby along its premises.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HvwBG_MMHj7JfgcnH9qKx1wz8zN3rlxNEQtAbFmG4b2LiryPnTHEawGmxTTENv3uQ8HlLgQAI2VaPhCPUc328p9x6LEb6w_QHhgHrcEwnUfrs5E5oR8vECI8sl5oUqyZXTSLlzujM8o/s1600/DSC01383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HvwBG_MMHj7JfgcnH9qKx1wz8zN3rlxNEQtAbFmG4b2LiryPnTHEawGmxTTENv3uQ8HlLgQAI2VaPhCPUc328p9x6LEb6w_QHhgHrcEwnUfrs5E5oR8vECI8sl5oUqyZXTSLlzujM8o/s1600/DSC01383.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A large Buddha statue near the famous monastery of Diskit</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
We leisurely moved on stopping for photographs at multiple places; and also
stopped for lunch again at North Pullu. The Khardung La visit on return was
much more pleasant with us stopping for a brief bit and joining some other
tourists playing on fresh snow.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YEbK3jzYV1jd9xPFJobNnds5JPMheWP7LpMkAu9e1HkP6FH74KhKCM1ei_KI7X_pPiMhbkrV862u_43WdsBx67ssw0DkTXTIfv_QpVc1bsLvHFbhfcwnMrMjApL6XUVJkzdecLrufIo/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YEbK3jzYV1jd9xPFJobNnds5JPMheWP7LpMkAu9e1HkP6FH74KhKCM1ei_KI7X_pPiMhbkrV862u_43WdsBx67ssw0DkTXTIfv_QpVc1bsLvHFbhfcwnMrMjApL6XUVJkzdecLrufIo/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fresh snow at Khardung La</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The other eventful incident when we stopped at the pass was encountering a hail
shower, which continued till we descended from that height.<br />
<br />
Tired and exhausted, yet happy we reached Leh around 3pm and rested until
evening after which the time was spent in shopping and walking in the neaby
Changspa market.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Day 4: Pangong Lake (14270 feet) via Chang La (17688 feet)<br />
Leh - Karu - Serthi - Chang La - Tangtse - Pangong Lake<br />
</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pangong Lake was always going to be the highlight of our trip. Any
Himalayan lake changes colour with the sun; and the crystal blue purity that is
visible during the peak afternoon hours was something we were all eager to see.
That apart, Pangong was the biggest lake we knew of; and the excitement to
visit the same was palpable.<br />
<br />
We left at 8am and crossed Karu and Serthi - towns outside Leh before ascending
to reach <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang_La" target="_blank">Chang La </a>around 11am. Our health stayed better this time around; as we
were better equipped with smelling camphor, well protected; and didn't spend
much time at the pass.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt5ukg5eCfCDx5EXqqqpXAWQmSej3XAuKC-UN_kIXozLyM9sKjxRfemE_6E3U9KOcAyxagFSVxc4ke1VionGLOKEiL6jDcGwmHKboQK0obPOZJK5x8EKCAUVhAZnZivJ6WZHkgCaSYIU/s1600/DSC01407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt5ukg5eCfCDx5EXqqqpXAWQmSej3XAuKC-UN_kIXozLyM9sKjxRfemE_6E3U9KOcAyxagFSVxc4ke1VionGLOKEiL6jDcGwmHKboQK0obPOZJK5x8EKCAUVhAZnZivJ6WZHkgCaSYIU/s1600/DSC01407.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Greenery on the way to Pangong</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The road conditions were much better for Pangong with only a small stretch
around the pass in slightly poor condition. The rest was almost level plains
like a state highway and we swiftly made our way at a consistent altitude of
14000 feet before reaching the military training area of Tangtse. We saw
multiple army camps therein and were left impressed by the dedication of these army
personnel who stayed in such remote areas in all kinds of inclement weather.<br />
<br />
Stopping for maggi, and proceeding on we reached <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangong_Tso" target="_blank">Pangong Tso</a> around 1pm. The
first sight of the delightfully blue lake was around 4kms before we actually
reached there and it left us with a further sense of anticipation.<br />
<br />
No amount of visits to Himalayan lakes can make one indifferent to this vast
shimmering blue beauty. The afternoon sun showed it up in fantastic light; an
absolute crystal blue, a sight to behold. We went on and on along side the
lake, our eyes thirsty for more of this blue expanse till we reached the
"Three Idiots point" where the shooting at the end of the movie was
undertaken. With a large number of tourists and also a few birds for company we
spent some time there before finally returning to the start of the lake and our
camp - Martsemik for rest and lunch. For those whose stays are in the village
of Spangmik, that is a short distance further from the Three Idiots' point and
around 7kms from Martsemik camp. The lake which was visible directly from the
camp itself was at a distance of around 200 metres from the camp.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYImFpC-HI-elcEcwGX9eGL36ledtl_v29uX3MdgBOZFXC_p9M2MNeF9PlEWVgt65EgkntStd3hM8Y5Ymox49NkxHBi0dTsXt0ZhbICIKm9vmNyNkXxQSjH3tABmZlUKb3IVH_vXBuMCk/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYImFpC-HI-elcEcwGX9eGL36ledtl_v29uX3MdgBOZFXC_p9M2MNeF9PlEWVgt65EgkntStd3hM8Y5Ymox49NkxHBi0dTsXt0ZhbICIKm9vmNyNkXxQSjH3tABmZlUKb3IVH_vXBuMCk/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pangong Lake</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fOI6gnbPhuAVx3-hkQPdI01tJtz8lD445_68pbr8rv83p5CxRyndnXSX_O82MLvzdV9neRx_N1m9vXcCa9B2TP1nHTX2FrJW5b1cNbqexCQ6q8PG1cHpGprrgdih-pvBCW8lbMrmbSY/s1600/DSC_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fOI6gnbPhuAVx3-hkQPdI01tJtz8lD445_68pbr8rv83p5CxRyndnXSX_O82MLvzdV9neRx_N1m9vXcCa9B2TP1nHTX2FrJW5b1cNbqexCQ6q8PG1cHpGprrgdih-pvBCW8lbMrmbSY/s1600/DSC_0507.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pangong Lake</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
After a maggi lunch and a short rest at our camp (which had exquisite accommodation and facilities); we stepped forth for the lake again in the
evening. After our eyes had drunk enough of the lake which turned different
shades of green and gray as the sunset; we returned to our camp; satisfied yet
willing for more. We also had the foolish idea of taking a short dip and swim
in the lake; which we accomplished albeit for all of less than one minute
subsequent to which we came shivering out.<br />
<br />
An excellent dinner at the camp awaited us, subsequent to which we stepped out
to gaze at the millions of stars visible and were fortunate enough not only to
spot the milky way (a stream of white which flows amongst the stars visible
only in hills); but were also able to capture the same.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRNnRRiGmORtCJv43TX0-dMCB1vVx_O5-mBnd5UM6csFCethPbwUZdEmuvCDmVyjsslc0aGJRJY3F2s1guucKFieF_Jjl9pz7pvIWLYIMH3wber-fmNaISC1jwLNs9Segysdw2cPDYDs/s1600/DSC_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRNnRRiGmORtCJv43TX0-dMCB1vVx_O5-mBnd5UM6csFCethPbwUZdEmuvCDmVyjsslc0aGJRJY3F2s1guucKFieF_Jjl9pz7pvIWLYIMH3wber-fmNaISC1jwLNs9Segysdw2cPDYDs/s1600/DSC_0654.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of star; and the Milky Way (stream of white in the center)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
With chilly winds hitting us, eventually we scampered for the warmth of the
tents and dropped off keen to see the sunrise at the lake on the next morning.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Day 5: Return to Leh, local sight-seeing (Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa)<br />
</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sun rises at early morning 5am by which time we were up and ready.
However, we were in for a disappointment as it turned out to be a cloudy
morning. We waited, and the sun rose, and the clouds also rose alongwith
continuing to play tricks with us and hide the sun; and by the time the sun
shrugged off the cloud cover, it was well and truly up, past 6am.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKD0-bBW9Bmn-5u_rHJDUxibyfw0exc8O3VqgHBN_8L1kbRRNwHxbOwQg1iam-pTVzkuq00XBFep1f19Lx8fZqCI8go4nMkFqcqStU6VrFNK0BzltPV376tsUzH3263x1b0mO1AYj8WOo/s1600/DSC01506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKD0-bBW9Bmn-5u_rHJDUxibyfw0exc8O3VqgHBN_8L1kbRRNwHxbOwQg1iam-pTVzkuq00XBFep1f19Lx8fZqCI8go4nMkFqcqStU6VrFNK0BzltPV376tsUzH3263x1b0mO1AYj8WOo/s1600/DSC01506.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cloud capped mountains at Pangong.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We spent some more time walking around the lake; and absorbing the cool morning
breeze and watching a family of ducks effortlessly swimming in the cold water.
The morning breeze also caused the lake to appear really turbulent and grey;
replacing the calm blue of the previous evening.<br />
<br />
But all good things come to an end; and with regret we soon made our way back
to the city of Leh by around 9am.<br />
<br />
A leisurely journey back was made eventful by spotting a number of birds and
Himalayan Marmots en route - friendly creatures they are; however it is still
recommended not to feed them.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2MUjNmuPrzFOyIHSGoH4LekOnFx8B_uDCdF9AgaUGJ-eJH09mTLuUzH5UulOX6QRzDamcj9T2GKuI-e1M0XQDha56hzFYpKZZk_muCNSKhgM-1GSzcHcgeY8B-T6CNdET-WQdw7TqHI/s1600/DSC01536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2MUjNmuPrzFOyIHSGoH4LekOnFx8B_uDCdF9AgaUGJ-eJH09mTLuUzH5UulOX6QRzDamcj9T2GKuI-e1M0XQDha56hzFYpKZZk_muCNSKhgM-1GSzcHcgeY8B-T6CNdET-WQdw7TqHI/s1600/DSC01536.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turbulent morning waves at Pangong; compared to previous evening's contrasting calm</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtj_SvKKZHT6Cdf3Xer3os8aeg9Zethl99plkW87P-iZ3EBxaGlEXdWy-3ZfJw5fFK6IOWCNI_JIs-do9Mmmj1Fd1-b4BghHbrWj03cV1dtkpri8dc2MlqRZz9q1CgICImhyYrBYdzMM/s1600/DSC01550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtj_SvKKZHT6Cdf3Xer3os8aeg9Zethl99plkW87P-iZ3EBxaGlEXdWy-3ZfJw5fFK6IOWCNI_JIs-do9Mmmj1Fd1-b4BghHbrWj03cV1dtkpri8dc2MlqRZz9q1CgICImhyYrBYdzMM/s1600/DSC01550.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Himalayan Marmot</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<br />
We reached back at Leh by afternoon subsequent to which we decided to cover
part of the local sightseeing (out the way) that evening.<br />
<br />
Leh Palace was a dilapidated old building more like a maze, however its location
was exquisite overseeing the entire city. One could imaging the king in those
days keeping a close watch on his city and subjects. However there wasn't a
lot to be done there, and we soon made way for the stupa.<br />
<br />
The Shanti Stupa is a gregarious large status of Buddha and again provides an
excellent view of the city. This was a much more picturesque and beautiful spot
with many tourists around. An evening cup of 'shahi qewa' was on offer at a
nearby restaurant maintained by Tibetan refugees who had fled their country
following Dalai Lama's footsteps. They also maintained a few books defending
themselves and denouncing the Chinese rule in Tibet.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDRCGgKXOzTyqqhM_cwAZP76l9xCnhLQIs0HJtrVHI5k_s3OEB539AzxeziTWLiiZlxNSs7zBzcryxL458j53l3gZ7EBhwHmTE7crasaVMGZe93SkpIjYhzd6Cf-RSFx2iuzdnLQJRm0/s1600/DSC01568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDRCGgKXOzTyqqhM_cwAZP76l9xCnhLQIs0HJtrVHI5k_s3OEB539AzxeziTWLiiZlxNSs7zBzcryxL458j53l3gZ7EBhwHmTE7crasaVMGZe93SkpIjYhzd6Cf-RSFx2iuzdnLQJRm0/s1600/DSC01568.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shanti Stupa inLeh</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
At the end of a long day, we indulged in some shopping and dinner with the key
part of our trip accomplished.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Day 6: Rafting (Scorpoche to Sangam - near Nimmu), local sight-seeing (Magnetic Hill,
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Kalamata Mandir, Hall of Fame)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">With different options and operators available for rafting; we chose a
relatively lower risk option as some of us were first timers. We chose a grade
2 option for rafting from Scorpoche to Sangam (Indus - Zanskar merger). The
next best option was rafting from Chilling to Sangam with Chilling being
further upstream (28kms).<br />
<br />
The route to Sangam crossed all the local sight seeing places which we planned
to do on return; and eventually we reached the beautiful point where the two
rivers (clearly distinguishable of different turgid colours) met.<br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DjIvVIWBG6FAk8VXOElZMyEcZkZhTmcDCdLX1iUtI2694sjIR6kwsmzSMIE2eYnJXjpFWUE5YgkZaurztZfPvfZGLYbCwAhcllRbWLHKItGl_G_sStQCf3IN8bJtlfPy-Y8D5ZchZyM/s1600/DSC01587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DjIvVIWBG6FAk8VXOElZMyEcZkZhTmcDCdLX1iUtI2694sjIR6kwsmzSMIE2eYnJXjpFWUE5YgkZaurztZfPvfZGLYbCwAhcllRbWLHKItGl_G_sStQCf3IN8bJtlfPy-Y8D5ZchZyM/s1600/DSC01587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The confluence of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanskar_River" target="_blank">Indus-Zanskar river</a>, Sangam near Nimmu. <br />Indus is the one flowing left to right; while Zanskar is coming vertically; together going right.</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
From there on, we went further along Zanskar to Scorpoche which was further
17kms upstream from therein.<br />
<br />
The rafting experience was fun; as the raft made its way towards the rapids;
water ebbed and flowed throughout with a mind of its own, sometimes drenching
us with a big turbulent wave, at other times calm and peaceful. There were two
or three big rapids along the entire route all in all comprising of a
successful rafting experience.<br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1FG_Fqa_jr_GXhCUfzQvUZ2xtlHYkbmoWQ12Ywatlb0WnUuAyYbUK1W3AlXEkw6hmHh6ZUlU_CjRUndRe6ewrhknGownLyTNGy3hmKlNqATEuXPwM4QZwAQDw2D1LucYFAitgrmpAfk/s1600/DSC_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1FG_Fqa_jr_GXhCUfzQvUZ2xtlHYkbmoWQ12Ywatlb0WnUuAyYbUK1W3AlXEkw6hmHh6ZUlU_CjRUndRe6ewrhknGownLyTNGy3hmKlNqATEuXPwM4QZwAQDw2D1LucYFAitgrmpAfk/s1600/DSC_0867.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rafting in the Zanskar river. The route was scenic with hills on either side and the river (and us) flowing through a narrow alley in between.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
After lunch (maggi) at a restaurant at Sangam, we proceeded back stopping at
different sight seeing points.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_Hill_%28India%29" target="_blank"><i><u>Magnetic Hill</u></i></a>: we couldn't understand what the fuss was about,
frankly. The slope of the road caused it to go backwards (in neutral); and
putting a little bit of water also indicated the same, so not sure why this
place was famous. Anyways we spent ten minutes there and moved on.<br />
<br />
<i><u>Gurdwara Pathar Sahib</u></i>: A gurdwara always leaves one with a
feeling of peace, and this one was no different. Totally maintained by the
army, we spent half an hour or so in those premises, also reading about the
different Sikh Gurus as were written there on different inscriptions. Multiple
army folk were also present there for lunch most likely; as we were also served
a small portion of plain but good daal chaval.<br />
<br />
<i><u>Kali mata Mandir</u></i>: Another monastery and a temple with statue of
Goddess Kali combined; we spent a while there but not being of particularly religious
disposition, we moved on in the searing heat.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Day 6b - Hall of Fame (deserves a mention on its own)</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir/leh/sights/museums-galleries/hall-fame" target="_blank"><i><u>Hall of Fame</u></i></a>: The Army museum (or war memorial) in Leh was our last stopover,
and though my initial reaction was one of indifference towards a museum; that
changed dramatically once I entered the same.<br />
<br />
The first line of this blog has been taken from therein. The museum was a
treasure trove of information, with a complete model of the map of Leh and
nearby borders with Pakistan and China.<br />
<br />
For us civilians, reading about a war (or remembering one as Kargil 99) is more
or less equivalent to a statistical piece of information. It is only after such
a trip when one sees at close quarters the weather conditions and the harsh
climate in which our borders are defended, one salutes them mentally. The
ever-hard working people of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) who are ever
present to clear off any road blocks (which happen often) is also noteworthy.<br />
<br />
The Hall of Fame talks about each war in detail, about different problems that
had arisen during each war, and how they had been overcome.<br />
<br />
The museum talked about different acts of bravery during each war; even ones
that we lost such as 1962; and the other ones in 71, 84, 99. It told of stories
during Kargil' 99 - about how and why Tiger Hill and Kargil were important to
the famous NH 1a; about the battle at Drass and Turtuk and so on.<br />
<br />
Apart from the wars, there were many other stories of peace-time operations
such as the Leh flash floods which destroyed the city in 2010; and how the army
stepped in immediately to construct broken bridges within a day; to rescue and
take injured civilians to hospitals and so on.<br />
<br />
There were souvenirs and letters; one by a 22-year old writing his last letter
to his parents in 99; making it hard to keep one's eyes dry.<br />
<br />
Outside the museum there is a memorial to all soldiers with numerous names from
different battalions engraved on the wall besides; and the national flag is
also raised from 5-6.30pm.<br />
<br />
The only regret in hindsight was we should have taken our camera inside (which
was paid); as there were numerous stories inside which we could have talked
about here.<br />
<br />
We entered the museum, fatigued and weary with the intention of spending
fifteen minutes or thereabouts and came out full two hours later with nary a
trace of fatigue.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Day 7</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b>We flew back to Delhi early morning amidst a full crowd of people in the
small airport.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>
Tips for travellers-</b></span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first day
should be fully spent in rest and acclimatization. That is non-negotiable.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For most other
itineraries, second day is spent in local sight seeing, however due to our
requirement to combine rafting with the same, we chose to push it for later.
Eventually, despite a few problems at Khardung La, our trip went well. Hence,
this itinerary is something that can definitely be followed.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not sure why, but
camphor helps at higher altitudes. Smelling camphor as you reach the passes and
cross the same helped us and we avoided nausea and vomit related problems once
we used the same.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">One can try for a
stay that is closer to the local market in Leh.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please do ensure
in keeping the mountains, lakes etc clean without littering as would treat your
own home. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Our stays, bookings and their experience</b>-</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u>Stay in Leh</u> - <i>Asia Guest House in Changspa</i>. The location was
right in an area where there were more foreigners. The place was pleasant;
however we could have chosen a location closer to the market (this was around
20-25 minutes walk from the same). The rooms were decent at best; however the
food was pretty average (this despite us having only breakfast in the same).</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u>Cab booking</u>:<i> A person named Chamba</i> - 09906999808. He no longer drives
himself but instead arranges for other drivers. A very friendly and helpful
person, who dumps a truckload of information about himself on whatsapp, he met
us regularly during the trip to ensure all was well wrt transportation. Felt he
was reliable and trustworthy. Was fair and charged as per <a href="http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/leh-ladakh-taxi-rates-2014-15/" target="_blank">Leh taxi rates</a>.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u>Stay at Hunder
(Nubra Valley)</u>: <i>Royal Camp,
Hunder</i>. This was a gem of a place which we found impromptu, and was
extremely nature-friendly, with lots of trees, birds and a river stream running
right through the camp. The staff were also helpful and prepared an excellent
dinner and breakfast. The tents were also good with attached toilets etc.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><u>Stay at Pangong</u>: <i>Martsemik Camp.</i> Excellent place. Exotic tents
with attached toilets, night lamps and very friendly staff with good food.
Chairs placed overseeing the lake. The first camp on reaching Pangong. A small
downside of a distance of 200 meters from the lake, as we later saw that some
camps like Watermark in the village of Spangmik (7kms further) were closer to
the lake around 50 meters.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
Costs (rough approximation):</b></span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flight - 15K per
person (to-and-fro from Delhi) = 60K</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cab (Innova/Xylo)
- around 20-22K with our itinerary and current taxi rates.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stay in Leh - 1.5K
per room per night = 12K for four nights and two rooms.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stay in Hunder -
approximately 4K for two tents for one night (though that was because we
reached there and bargained directly, booking directly might cost upto 6K).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stay in Pangong -
7K for two tents for one night including dinner and breakfast.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rafting - 1K per
person = 4K</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Food and
miscellaneous: 10-12K maybe.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
So a total of 120K for 4 people ~ 30K per person (from Delhi).<br />
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo Credits</i>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Raunak, me (Arun), Shruti</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Map</b><br />
<br /></div>
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-35661606929877985662014-04-13T13:15:00.000+05:302016-01-06T09:37:36.538+05:30Trip to Corbett National Park from Delhi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Planning and Booking Process</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We (three of us) began planning for a visit to Corbett some time in February (more than a month before the actual visit which was in first week of April). Online research told us that Dhikala is possibly the best of the different Corbett zones, and a stay in the government maintained Dhikala Forest Rest House, right in the heart of the forest is well worth the effort instead of the multiple options outside the forest zone. Note that Dhikala is both the name of the zone; and the rest house where we stayed.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The booking and understanding the process through a couple of phone calls (to Director of Corbett Reserve, Ramnagar office - 05947-251489) were all achieved through the government website: <a href="http://www.corbettnationalpark.in/">http://www.corbettnationalpark.in/</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We weren't able to get a room in Dhikala, but were able to book beds in the dormitories at the same from the above mentioned site. This was included in the permit booked which allowed entrance to the forest area and night stay (at most three people in a permit).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Alternate options</u>: If you plan your visit late, it is unlikely you'll succeed in getting stay at Dhikala which is by far the best option. Other options are going to the other Corbett zones (even there it might be difficult to get booking), or to the other rest-houses in Dhikala zone (some of which don't have catering facilities), or stay outside at a private resort and book a day visit which is via a canter. I would recommend first or second instead of third because the canter can take only a well defined path and go back without exploring the inner jungle areas. In case you book accomodation (night stay); and have permits for the same, you don't need to book the day visit (this we understood after a call to Ramnagar office).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some other links which we found online during our research which talk about different zones/stay options (note: this blog doesn't have any affiliation with those sites): </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://corbettsafari.blogspot.in/" target="_blank">Link1</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.corbettnationalpark.in/forest_rest_houses_popup.htm" target="_blank">Link2</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Visit</span></span></b></u><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Phase 1: the drive down </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Delhi - Ghaziabad - Gajraula - Moradabad - Kashipur - Ramnagar</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We left on Saturday morning by 4.30am and crossed Ghaziabad border by 6am on NH24. With a brisk pace-setting Swift Desire, we made our first (and only) pit stop in Gajraula by 7am near the Tadka Dhaba and 24X7 McDonalds. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Note: having read online that the Tadka and Bhajan dhabas are good, we found at least 2-3 of both names and had no idea which one was being referred to. The one near McDonalds is good; where we stuffed ourselves with paranthas.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We drove on till we reached Moradabad; and sadly we took the route through the city, though it would have been better to bypass the city traffic.After passing through Moradabad, we continued on the Moradabad-Kashipur road which turned out to be a mini-disaster.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It seems there are multiple routes between the two, one of which is a proper good highway. The one we took was in good condition but there was a sudden 5km stretch where there was no road at all - or rather the road had sunk into the ground. With delicate precision, we navigated through that stretch wincing occasionally when the bottom of the car scraped the road. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Note: enroute to Ramnagar, we found indicators on the road to Jim Corbett Park in a different direction to Ramnagar, but I am not sure where that lead, to a different zone maybe. Our destination was the Dhikala zone, and hence Ramnagar town.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rest of the route was relatively better including the stretch from Kashipur to Ramnagar and we reached our destination - the Forest Department Office (right opposite the Ramnagar Bus Stand) by 10.15am.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After verifying our permits, we hired a jeep from there (Rs 3500 for one day - two safaris). The driver, Azim turned out to be quite knowledgeable and helpful.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We parked our car at the nearby government guest house (paying Rs 150 for the same) and set forth in the jeep towards Dhikala at 11am.<br /><br /><b>Highlight of the entire trip</b>: The entire process was fairly transparent, and at no point did we feel that we were being taken for a ride. The government officials at Ramnagar and Dhangadi gate, even the hotel staff at Dhikala were all cooperative and professional. That is something we should appreciate, given our penchant to criticize the authorities or the government wherever possible. There was also a genuine attempt to sensitize visitors to keep the environment clean by giving a garbage bag at the Dhangadi gate. The thought process in itself impressed me most of all.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Phase 2: Journey to Dhikala Forest Lodge - Saturday afternoon</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The distance from Ramnagar to Dhikala Lodge is 54 kms; out of which 18 kms is till Dhangadi gate and 36 kms inside the forest. It is only when we entered the forest, we realized this part was a safari in itself. We travelled for nearly two hours in the forest before we reached Dhikala.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And what sightings we got. Our first foray into the forest before we did an actual safari was the most productive. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KOKVF8RiJvAePiO4Nd5GxdneE7Y6WykELzVXiPd0h1Gm8Uj6AhaYuwnI0JuamZR_l9ozCN-mEFPDAPi0QFs3n5BIjI1ut1M3-KPdVRyYJwUyhMFATd5D_ASNTVgG7QcPXPJ5WR-NPnI/s1600/DSC01129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KOKVF8RiJvAePiO4Nd5GxdneE7Y6WykELzVXiPd0h1Gm8Uj6AhaYuwnI0JuamZR_l9ozCN-mEFPDAPi0QFs3n5BIjI1ut1M3-KPdVRyYJwUyhMFATd5D_ASNTVgG7QcPXPJ5WR-NPnI/s1600/DSC01129.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Himalayan Bulbul</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQj02CWsFFo2J1PiWUjoo6O1DaLuPW0karyHK8BPU38O11JdC5omxky_D-m5o9ycSU87q3AY6VBrqsaXhRq9hWe6cjxGZU2GTQxQkRc9tAbCh47OsZ_V3Rqq7kz1_KLYpDg8q-x85BHW8/s1600/DSC01134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQj02CWsFFo2J1PiWUjoo6O1DaLuPW0karyHK8BPU38O11JdC5omxky_D-m5o9ycSU87q3AY6VBrqsaXhRq9hWe6cjxGZU2GTQxQkRc9tAbCh47OsZ_V3Rqq7kz1_KLYpDg8q-x85BHW8/s1600/DSC01134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey wagtail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On our way we passed the other smaller lodges (Sarpdauli, Gairal, Khinnaunoli). Near one of these, we spotted three jackals roaming freely - our first sighting.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58VaAFnecRGLOntegKDxmscQPPhAEZluX5LQB549MHFrQhwg_Kw7ChZa1727yUBvp8VouTcA6TYG43YpbqhmDOlBo583jnzzBEY8wRr8E_Uwm7rY8wogSIhhfP2b-ES-DKOLO29YmoiI/s1600/DSC01139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58VaAFnecRGLOntegKDxmscQPPhAEZluX5LQB549MHFrQhwg_Kw7ChZa1727yUBvp8VouTcA6TYG43YpbqhmDOlBo583jnzzBEY8wRr8E_Uwm7rY8wogSIhhfP2b-ES-DKOLO29YmoiI/s1600/DSC01139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jackal roaming freely near Sarpdauli Lodge</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We spotted a barking deer, subsequent to which we were fortunate enough to spot a </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">family of wild </span></span>elephants (male, female and child). They were some way off the road and our putting sand on themselves in a bid to repel insects.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_rbQuXdq9RQe5zVAaxJRxSvl7E-gYYuVNFIyarm1clGkdfCMgMqPvQJpYUHu0v43XDV43VKqzTiC53CjB7DK_aXEG7PBYtzvqDShlXWWrOX2XLnQL6rMvmn58Tofh3OsSk-NkWBntoU/s1600/DSC01142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_rbQuXdq9RQe5zVAaxJRxSvl7E-gYYuVNFIyarm1clGkdfCMgMqPvQJpYUHu0v43XDV43VKqzTiC53CjB7DK_aXEG7PBYtzvqDShlXWWrOX2XLnQL6rMvmn58Tofh3OsSk-NkWBntoU/s1600/DSC01142.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An elephant family putting sand on itself. The playful baby is rolling on the floor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then, the big one. 4-5 kms before reaching Dhikala we spotted a female fully grown tiger crossing the road. We just got a glimpse for a few seconds, as she had already crossed the road and </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">leisurely stepped into the dense foliage beyond entirely indifferent to our presence. It happened too quickly to even catch our breath, forget capturing the same on camera. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We arrived at Dhikala, happy but exhausted.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Phase 3: Jungle safari on an elephant - Saturday evening</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first sight of Dhikala is an absolute pleasure to behold. Right behind the lodge lies the flowing Ramganga river with plenty of water (though that is more due to a reservoir). The blue river with lovely mountains and the lodge with monkeys and twittering birds - mainly mynas and spotted doves make it a picturesque sight to behold.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaoyXUHe7Fd1vBhGkEdqbU3vpjKdXeZDfbxcIje1OWrYftGQA-HemGro7mpUcdnU37aCZk-Ud1EbqA6viDwGISH8W2od5j6HAN157R2ENOX5EbeCoyLODinhxnoFiihT7kJA-ZFw8kAw/s1600/DSC01158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaoyXUHe7Fd1vBhGkEdqbU3vpjKdXeZDfbxcIje1OWrYftGQA-HemGro7mpUcdnU37aCZk-Ud1EbqA6viDwGISH8W2od5j6HAN157R2ENOX5EbeCoyLODinhxnoFiihT7kJA-ZFw8kAw/s1600/DSC01158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Dhikala Forest Rest House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL04PvF52-eaFWvm_-viiq9XmXP8-qpB94fXBy9G5vfzUx3nAqSUpN42Wke7u5PSa1p-pHfYGc_d_CXZxr8xH53wkWwisCs4pRO8cAMx6LcLvBmU6gaAAKbFi9fdp5EDOVPwC8Z4ufag/s1600/DSC01157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL04PvF52-eaFWvm_-viiq9XmXP8-qpB94fXBy9G5vfzUx3nAqSUpN42Wke7u5PSa1p-pHfYGc_d_CXZxr8xH53wkWwisCs4pRO8cAMx6LcLvBmU6gaAAKbFi9fdp5EDOVPwC8Z4ufag/s1600/DSC01157.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A monkey surveying itself in the mirror and planning to drive off with the jeep</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After having lunch and a brief rest, we went on a elephant safari which is a unique experience in itself. They have four elephants and booking is on a day-to-day first-come-first-serve basis. The elephant safari was a great experience where the friendly elephant withstood our weight effortlessly and took us into the jungle.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, only after sitting on the elephant and seeing the mahout directing it made my realize the amount of pain the poor animal might have suffered while being trained for this purpose. The thought made me slightly queasy and I am not sure if I like the idea so much.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The advantage of an elephant safari is that they go off the track right across the tall blades of grass and follow any bird call which might be made on a tiger sighting. They don't have any fixed path and cut across trees or branches effortlessly whilst we attempt to evade them hitting our faces.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDc0Tu2WQbQUzSQTYQmA4ZoNIcynaf8x6zwlcJ0sM3DvnAFmLoL2X000oGHjU1mTqcyK28r34okZKgQmmeHrB88_Y9x5B9gXqVuzfCN9s_TTBtOZqwPq-9BXK8vbeK7iFMiK5VANcOnT0/s1600/DSC01187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDc0Tu2WQbQUzSQTYQmA4ZoNIcynaf8x6zwlcJ0sM3DvnAFmLoL2X000oGHjU1mTqcyK28r34okZKgQmmeHrB88_Y9x5B9gXqVuzfCN9s_TTBtOZqwPq-9BXK8vbeK7iFMiK5VANcOnT0/s1600/DSC01187.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant safari - through the forest</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The experience was special, and whilst we didn't spot any tiger, we covered a fair amount of grass. We spotted a herd of deer (all stags), some wild boar. The herd of deer was enormous and we had never seen so many of them (around 200) together. They allowed us to get fairly close (advantage of being on an animal) before feeling alarmed and fleeing.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo7Ba-opYyCHzY_zSHBEK_ZFcS9ko3KZu1PIKizbNbcyT57633Ekiip0d15eZzYjF4W76bsruTNZGesrls6iRKawgPkBPfp3y9ZqkRraqo64f5FuHO-2Ub3wmv0A3nWWYCoRQ4VjMTIM/s1600/DSC01223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo7Ba-opYyCHzY_zSHBEK_ZFcS9ko3KZu1PIKizbNbcyT57633Ekiip0d15eZzYjF4W76bsruTNZGesrls6iRKawgPkBPfp3y9ZqkRraqo64f5FuHO-2Ub3wmv0A3nWWYCoRQ4VjMTIM/s1600/DSC01223.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large herd of male Spotted Deer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfh9wl1M1APDgoQoHlTamyG8CGA53KSWCTjQHbo3SACK8NwTCzT-5b_OIlJJ9gvvXOr7gERFuK_c49gzp7X1TBPJnZNw_Zm0QBmubxSEmnzr6uZcK94OOT7O7Y1WV4g73Ao3ixkpGqGA/s1600/DSC01226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfh9wl1M1APDgoQoHlTamyG8CGA53KSWCTjQHbo3SACK8NwTCzT-5b_OIlJJ9gvvXOr7gERFuK_c49gzp7X1TBPJnZNw_Zm0QBmubxSEmnzr6uZcK94OOT7O7Y1WV4g73Ao3ixkpGqGA/s1600/DSC01226.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup view of the stag party!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another family of wild elephants greeted us, this time a larger herd of around 6-7 of them. They were near the river bed relaxing as we went sufficiently close to them, yet keeping our distance. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1nAhj2kp9MciB4WKbTYcF1qekIwhOakbhGWP_n4Hre8dkkBh3t8-qLVIDzvJtktUyZEi6FPBw0lIhsHCTQNmzjnwA-QWIuLhMzObS4SKU6jz5rXXFEY8xg88-vRxsqhxVNcXi2K3Fu4/s1600/DSC01204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1nAhj2kp9MciB4WKbTYcF1qekIwhOakbhGWP_n4Hre8dkkBh3t8-qLVIDzvJtktUyZEi6FPBw0lIhsHCTQNmzjnwA-QWIuLhMzObS4SKU6jz5rXXFEY8xg88-vRxsqhxVNcXi2K3Fu4/s1600/DSC01204.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peculiar set of branches forming a pattern which had been destroyed in a forest fire years ago</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RGdiWu8vNbDoMpOJ6Zlc9jQxNtr4GybjmXsBDX1-0TlBZKSSK1LyTLpotcXN4fYxjQAOw2bPwWHjVQU_MBFPjuUBnNf3gYADhHt-PfBPGIZXV-xzQktas29bsobmsAgf6BlAdsCiYNY/s1600/DSC01220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RGdiWu8vNbDoMpOJ6Zlc9jQxNtr4GybjmXsBDX1-0TlBZKSSK1LyTLpotcXN4fYxjQAOw2bPwWHjVQU_MBFPjuUBnNf3gYADhHt-PfBPGIZXV-xzQktas29bsobmsAgf6BlAdsCiYNY/s1600/DSC01220.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View - setting sun</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We spotted a number of different birds twittering in the sunset. A couple of black drongos followed us for some time probably for the insects off the elephants. For a complete list of birds spotted, see below.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqioBupW5GjuiABDxrHmX9UFl8zZY9hb3KxSdkIbIv_P6Cz0wv1hmmNFd2yx5m5ryYijGJe7bGooWz6ijxU2BQJG2RxLSa05i3HCAhSQH7XWCg4IvmhMR90-BJOJvSKsT1jy2oZuic-k/s1600/DSC01210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqioBupW5GjuiABDxrHmX9UFl8zZY9hb3KxSdkIbIv_P6Cz0wv1hmmNFd2yx5m5ryYijGJe7bGooWz6ijxU2BQJG2RxLSa05i3HCAhSQH7XWCg4IvmhMR90-BJOJvSKsT1jy2oZuic-k/s1600/DSC01210.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Drongo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAmsmkuk6c_i2G9ms7LPIe2_Hsrp-7_kRQGBr7kWCJiP2ySVqQOFbooHcBxZnI4wcdGPKapKb7pciZ6lwaZgZiJ6tR_qtSBpvhRnCEkduc10chFqEkcj-Em_nuOnDwZcotcBbPhHqT0c/s1600/DSC01273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAmsmkuk6c_i2G9ms7LPIe2_Hsrp-7_kRQGBr7kWCJiP2ySVqQOFbooHcBxZnI4wcdGPKapKb7pciZ6lwaZgZiJ6tR_qtSBpvhRnCEkduc10chFqEkcj-Em_nuOnDwZcotcBbPhHqT0c/s1600/DSC01273.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paradise Fly-catcher. What a tail!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The night was magical with a lovely clear sky, lots of stars and pleasant weather despite being the month of April. The experience of jungle stay was truly unique.</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Phase 4: Jeep safari - Sunday morning, and back to Ramnagar, end of trip.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Early morning, I woke up to find a deer in the camp. He had ventured into the area and soon scampered off.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We left for the jeep safari at 6am, at dawn with the sun lazily </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">planning to </span></span>stretch itself out for another long day. Despite April, and the summer season, the first one hour was quite cold in the open jeep. We went across various terrain - shrubs and grasslands alike in hunt for the tiger. We listened for alarm calls but to no avail.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4OMT7Oeg-1FvoYjMWOc5s-NCM1CseAgyK1qeUXaYUO4K7K768UPym_rXxquHUNfUC_u1yznL0Ij5YmQdbwePNsxz1shz8iUWA1jKeECrXd7eoEY5nBaV9vPWDQnjG6Pvr3K38P0SI0U/s1600/DSC01245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4OMT7Oeg-1FvoYjMWOc5s-NCM1CseAgyK1qeUXaYUO4K7K768UPym_rXxquHUNfUC_u1yznL0Ij5YmQdbwePNsxz1shz8iUWA1jKeECrXd7eoEY5nBaV9vPWDQnjG6Pvr3K38P0SI0U/s1600/DSC01245.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pose, please!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wHuZv2E_NHa_-_fDn5pPkTGGS6WMvZTMc27BlvFM0KVwgg8zt-d4pYWFhZKsCBF4Pj9RaNbpASt0zfU516-HmjJE0KpF11QL3cECN2WZt3x0FXUksWImL_1XrozO3AwP0Kk4YZ2cGX0/s1600/DSC01261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wHuZv2E_NHa_-_fDn5pPkTGGS6WMvZTMc27BlvFM0KVwgg8zt-d4pYWFhZKsCBF4Pj9RaNbpASt0zfU516-HmjJE0KpF11QL3cECN2WZt3x0FXUksWImL_1XrozO3AwP0Kk4YZ2cGX0/s1600/DSC01261.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tall elephant grass stretching on all sides. Good luck spotting a tiger through that!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We continued to spot and hear lots of birds as they made merry in the morning breeze. We also spotted a few birds of prey this time around.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLawDwZU57qLxsIkMLvgETgvWjr31m-rrOvNCtbDUeBWYSYK8zjJNLtxBbi0yGV_9l-Vmgkz4apGlCquvpX4i-dJYcA-veDoG5NpEiIXadenLRw981t8KANMwlUEmMxbdb08jKpBve_Yc/s1600/DSC01257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLawDwZU57qLxsIkMLvgETgvWjr31m-rrOvNCtbDUeBWYSYK8zjJNLtxBbi0yGV_9l-Vmgkz4apGlCquvpX4i-dJYcA-veDoG5NpEiIXadenLRw981t8KANMwlUEmMxbdb08jKpBve_Yc/s1600/DSC01257.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Serpent Eagle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gF6oTZ1RGc8gGRGJxXrcEPXwVPm9t7OR9tTHpL6nADmKrRLfNbVA9syLwEZfXpwvTbYYk8eAF6jNFwg1PoZGIO07SJor99OvVgGExlfb3E-nqHVOKz_j4NcslrG27rrBA5q2Y0AcKGM/s1600/DSC01260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gF6oTZ1RGc8gGRGJxXrcEPXwVPm9t7OR9tTHpL6nADmKrRLfNbVA9syLwEZfXpwvTbYYk8eAF6jNFwg1PoZGIO07SJor99OvVgGExlfb3E-nqHVOKz_j4NcslrG27rrBA5q2Y0AcKGM/s1600/DSC01260.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black shouldered kite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoOtZcMdClHNCs3lQx0G-BveTZ8aQlRZSYeFWZfMNP1QeCXDbxFNZ_bYpdZqx8L0nOQgwkZJW3KFAOpxnBrvBUwi0T1THMHdYdQv64_-nVFOoEbnpFFSdhWrrsXsxXiGiHBdxun0LVT4/s1600/DSC01271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoOtZcMdClHNCs3lQx0G-BveTZ8aQlRZSYeFWZfMNP1QeCXDbxFNZ_bYpdZqx8L0nOQgwkZJW3KFAOpxnBrvBUwi0T1THMHdYdQv64_-nVFOoEbnpFFSdhWrrsXsxXiGiHBdxun0LVT4/s1600/DSC01271.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish eagle?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Having expressed an interest to spot a <i>ghariyal</i>,<i> </i>the guide took us to a point where the Ramganga river bank was visible and then with his extraordinary eyes (even through binoculars), he spotted a couple of them lazily lying on the bank, what looked just like the sand embankment to us. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl5II5NBtp-NgjAGQsIogKe6Kgb6htQEdKleqab45AOrk_UmdgQxLIV2UImV5KvU7mcXjDRzlFKl68t7hClbEOK-mghGoEgFPRmGueUCz4hQ3C1zQoKzs6HSRGdlOVBKiA-jNmA9FDBY/s1600/DSC01268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl5II5NBtp-NgjAGQsIogKe6Kgb6htQEdKleqab45AOrk_UmdgQxLIV2UImV5KvU7mcXjDRzlFKl68t7hClbEOK-mghGoEgFPRmGueUCz4hQ3C1zQoKzs6HSRGdlOVBKiA-jNmA9FDBY/s1600/DSC01268.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <i>Ghariyal</i> lazing on the river bank - pic taken from more than 100 metres distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Later, when we went back to Dhikala for breakfast, we saw another baby from the Dhikala backside, which was either a ghariyal or a crocodile (not sure since the snout hadn't grown enough). Without a zoom view, they just look like logs of wood.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSof44DEI70IRtEADDDUkcV7k6qg_iVFbyWgr_7E7teloZt4B0TJ86VSsMTry393SYwbEveyfUWrQdlasZy0SNC-PUAyIgqXwxo_IezX7ah9lh6sagbPc7VEVmKzeWuCr80ms2VB0ngyo/s1600/DSC01281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSof44DEI70IRtEADDDUkcV7k6qg_iVFbyWgr_7E7teloZt4B0TJ86VSsMTry393SYwbEveyfUWrQdlasZy0SNC-PUAyIgqXwxo_IezX7ah9lh6sagbPc7VEVmKzeWuCr80ms2VB0ngyo/s1600/DSC01281.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocodile/Ghariyal - quite a small one, looks larger in the pic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Other spottings during the safari included a family of three tortoises all hanging to a log of wood adjacent to the water body.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGcAZT3AJdtJSzdtb9PJ387A_of35PogRooFvvyavavzbkwYdumTcfVPNTjV8HmrZ82lXtJqODtzLjJ-kqiqlZ1-qkPRYCUdPQQsDBBVxBFPBcwW9vr_Pl529GyoG_I896LFT1XiQtTU/s1600/DSC01278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGcAZT3AJdtJSzdtb9PJ387A_of35PogRooFvvyavavzbkwYdumTcfVPNTjV8HmrZ82lXtJqODtzLjJ-kqiqlZ1-qkPRYCUdPQQsDBBVxBFPBcwW9vr_Pl529GyoG_I896LFT1XiQtTU/s1600/DSC01278.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Lapwing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We eventually went back, had breakfast and left back for Ramnagar around 10.15am, on our way spotting the same family of three elephants as yesterday. This time, though they were closer to the jeep path, and seemed unhappy due to our presence wanting to cross the road.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">[Note: wild elephants are more dangerous to humans here than even tigers, since they are often displeased due to jeeps and even chase the same on occasions.]</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The male adult elephant roared angrily a couple of times, and we decided to move on in best interests of everyone.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We reached Ramnagar back by 12.15 or so, collected our car back and left for Delhi. We drove on and on and on, stopped for lunch at Gajraula again (McDonalds this time) around 4pm and eventually hit Delhi border by 7pm.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Costs:</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Permits and stay (booked online): Rs 1700 or so (three people at most in a permit) if staying in dormitory. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hiring a jeep and driver for one day (two safaris atmost): Rs 3500</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dhangadi gate: Rs 50 entrance fee</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dhikala: Rs 50 at checkout time, don't remember for what.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Elephant safari: Rs 300 per person</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Guide charges (for jeep safari): Rs 400</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Summary of trip: </b></span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Plan dates of journey at least a month in advance</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Book stay and permit at Dhikala online from <a href="http://www.corbettnationalpark.in/">http://www.corbettnationalpark.in/</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On travel day, go to Ramnagar Forest office (opposite Ramnagar Bus stand) and get permits verified. Book a jeep from there.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enter from Dhangadi gate, enjoy the forest.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spot wildlife, don't litter the place and maintain decorum respecting the animals.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Return</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sightings:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Species of wildlife -</span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jackal</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wild elephants</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wild boar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Barking deer</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spotted deer</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sambhar </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hog deer</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tiger</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ghariyal (fish-eating crocodile)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turtle</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Species of birds seen -</span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">White crested laughing thrush</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Himalayan Bulbul </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Black Drongo</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Green bee eater</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Magpie robin</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bay-backed shrike</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Herons - Pond and Grey</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Egrets (all kinds)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cormorants (little and big)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Common Kingfisher</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pied Kingfisher</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Red wattled lapwing</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">River Lapwing</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">River Tern</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jungle Fowl</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paradise Fly catcher</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pied Buschat</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pippit</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Parakeets</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Common Myna</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jungle Crow</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spotted Dove </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Great-necked stork</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Baya Weaver</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crested Serpent Eagle</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ashy Prinia</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sparrow Lark</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Black shouldered Kite</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Common Stonechat</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Red vented Bulbul</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fish-eagle </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Peacock</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kalij Pheasant</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The usual cautionary note</b>: Sightings in a jungle are purely luck-based. Don't visit with the sole intent of spotting a tiger, but instead to enjoy a jungle atmosphere and experience something unique and special.</span></span><br />
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-35389135204596983402014-02-23T20:14:00.000+05:302014-02-24T15:23:42.446+05:30Ghonchu talks on the telephone - Part two<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2009/08/ghonchu-talks-on-telephone_30.html" target="_blank">Link to part 1</a><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ghonchu was a smart, competitive professional who had the
excellent ability to talk to people face-to-face. However, his telephonic
conversation skills were yet to improve, hitherto <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2009/08/ghonchu-talks-on-telephone_30.html" target="_blank">as seen previously</a>.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ghonchu was having his regular afternoon siesta in his office cabin when sudden music filled his cabin - "<i>Main tera hero oo oo hero oo</i>". Ghonchu turned comfortably in his sleep feeling happier with the music. He began to dream of singing these words to <i>Sweetu</i>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The music continued - </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<i>Tu mera hero oo oo Tu mera hero</i>". Ghonchu's subconscious realized that it was highly unlikely that Sweetu would sing those words back to him and </span></span>jerked wide awake </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">suddenly </span></span>as he realized that was his phone ringing.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“<i>Hello</i>”, spoke an obviously irate Ghonchu.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Voice spoke, “<i>Dear Sir, Nēḍu eyirṭel viniyōgadārulu kōsaṁ oka goppa
āphar undi....</i>”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ghonchu’s irritation increased. He had been rudely awakened by a salesman from his
never-to-be-fulfilled dreams and was then talking in a language he did not
understand - this felt like the last straw. However, Ghonchu if nothing was the consummate
gentleman. Rahul Dravid would have been impressed by the tone in which he
replied – </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Telugu Radu.”</i> (I don’t know Telugu).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Voice continued, <i>“</i><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Krindi āphar vivarālu unnāyi...</span>”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ghonchu’s irritation increased. But he took a deep breath, retained his
calm remembering Sweetu, and repeated again in a louder voice –</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Telugu Radu. English or Hindi.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a pause. Ghonchu wondered if he should try speaking Telugu, but his <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2009/05/ghonchu-speaks-kannada.html" target="_blank">past experiences in speaking a language he didn't know</a> had not been good.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Voice came over from the other end, <i>“Tood ede eirtel oofrs oone pisekool perm int.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now Ghonchu got disturbed. Sweetu was the last thing on his
mind now. He now changed his tone. Virat Kohli would have been proud him.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Arey, you **** idiot. Telugu Radu, Telugu Radu. Kannada
Gothila. Tamil Teriyaada. English or Hindi. English or Hindi. Understand??” </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Ghonchu added 'I
don’t know Kannada' and 'I don't know Tamil' as a safety measure not sure what language was being spoken).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Again there was a pause. A longer one, this time. The Voice at the other end finally spoke
humbly and slowly –</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“<i>Sir, Engleesh .. onlee .. speeeking.</i>”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ghonchu revisited the words being spoken last –</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Today the airtel offers one paise call per minute.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ghonchu disconnected the phone!!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-57417955037359055072014-01-22T23:20:00.002+05:302014-09-01T11:00:41.997+05:30Birds, butterflies and nature at Microsoft Campus, Hyderabad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read <b><a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/08/birds-at-microsoft-campus-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a></b> to this series here.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Microsoft Campus in Hyderabad is extremely hospitable
and teeming with life. Whilst humans may either write endless amounts of code
or keep occupied likewise, other forms of life thrive in the open greenery of
the campus.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Areas specifically such as the Building 1 or Building 2
parking with their dense trees provide for a great habitat for innumerable
birds. The hill in between Building 2 to Building 3 is also a rich habitat.
Last but not least, many common water birds also frequent the small lake in the campus.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I must thank the Security officers on campus giving me permission to take pictures of these winged beauties. This effort was a culmination of four to five visits to campus on weekends. </span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of my captures (by no means an exhaustive list of birds
in campus) are below-</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For a more exhaustive set of pics, view them <b><a href="http://sdrv.ms/1jnJGEz" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Camera</b>: <a href="http://www.sony.co.in/product/dsc-hx300" target="_blank">Sony DSC HX 300</a> (not a DSLR, but super-zoom point n shoot)</span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGuAZZlI5uofU-jgZ-sP8-Kc2Zoey4SkzPNbrdumYMBOto7GzoSFSQQN-dHQ5d1RRXZp8oI8tarPk4cvrIkjTBouabkhPDzwSRpbymdXcnA56BIV-UumNsjlT3faOX2NgYznHdHTjuvQ/s1600/DSC01067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGuAZZlI5uofU-jgZ-sP8-Kc2Zoey4SkzPNbrdumYMBOto7GzoSFSQQN-dHQ5d1RRXZp8oI8tarPk4cvrIkjTBouabkhPDzwSRpbymdXcnA56BIV-UumNsjlT3faOX2NgYznHdHTjuvQ/s1600/DSC01067.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-browed_Wagtail" target="_blank">White-browed wagtail</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This fellow was camping on the cricket ground in B1. Along
with its mate, they were chirping and enjoying the morning sunshine in the dewy
grass.</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3_O3iU-WwPa-BrAeajrQdeH-cwRj4LJLSv6iyDWGv-Ck8hfTNzW54nuhj_v7IGwWOT5GtsMdBjDTUY-ACfipem3r8Wzwc9lhZfdV2oGkcZCTUyfQL6sHa5O7MB01TFph57FQdS60uFs/s1600/DSC00853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3_O3iU-WwPa-BrAeajrQdeH-cwRj4LJLSv6iyDWGv-Ck8hfTNzW54nuhj_v7IGwWOT5GtsMdBjDTUY-ACfipem3r8Wzwc9lhZfdV2oGkcZCTUyfQL6sHa5O7MB01TFph57FQdS60uFs/s1600/DSC00853.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wild flowers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zUnD1cw79ESjZexvGiOkkkmPx-X4JdghBWqSARJq53CAiqGgq3DxghUbIEyu5RbOhvdRSk6EdqUwg6VUA96NK1-IFIP7wYJFFHwDbVhuNCY3RLhTbO8JntwMtk6PUcHYKe0Sxd-Aw_s/s1600/DSC00879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zUnD1cw79ESjZexvGiOkkkmPx-X4JdghBWqSARJq53CAiqGgq3DxghUbIEyu5RbOhvdRSk6EdqUwg6VUA96NK1-IFIP7wYJFFHwDbVhuNCY3RLhTbO8JntwMtk6PUcHYKe0Sxd-Aw_s/s1600/DSC00879.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A beautiful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_Sunbird" target="_blank">Purple Sunbird</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This beautiful and extremely active bird had made his home
(along with many others) in a tree on a hill in between Building 2 and Building
3. Persistently active, with a sharp beak, its attention was focused on the
colorful wild flowers in this tree.
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5wWFYYsgb0yfap24xrO6k0urrZ7BX1pH0e7a91bbnR8CnHfl4cGVSAUK-YuVhN48vGhJpS9wOtTmlWabQbiRV8qWYAOWVRYv46XGZCIvPf0qTd7uL-ABNyeBUctPXNPX1Y2jW9GK9Us/s1600/DSC00873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5wWFYYsgb0yfap24xrO6k0urrZ7BX1pH0e7a91bbnR8CnHfl4cGVSAUK-YuVhN48vGhJpS9wOtTmlWabQbiRV8qWYAOWVRYv46XGZCIvPf0qTd7uL-ABNyeBUctPXNPX1Y2jW9GK9Us/s1600/DSC00873.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-vented_Bulbul" target="_blank">Red-Vented Bulbul</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the most beautiful and melodious birds, hearing it
sing is a joy to behold. These are common in our campus near the tennis court
and B1 parking.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wWK9hyphenhyphenpxV46AWbVEfVWgj64YD6cFYifbhY9oZlt2IOJBKY6kEn4zUl2heomQjuHc70hPDYNwc_rdE3ZyX4C3NGjxpWIl3DBZe1q-c_vSxlYUt4razdtddVgyCynkRzkRArh91kTrVuM/s1600/DSC01008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wWK9hyphenhyphenpxV46AWbVEfVWgj64YD6cFYifbhY9oZlt2IOJBKY6kEn4zUl2heomQjuHc70hPDYNwc_rdE3ZyX4C3NGjxpWIl3DBZe1q-c_vSxlYUt4razdtddVgyCynkRzkRArh91kTrVuM/s1600/DSC01008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://living%20up%20to%20its%20name%20and%20doing%20precisely%20that%20%e2%80%93%20eating%20a%20bee./" target="_blank">Green Bee-Eater</a><br />Living up to its name and doing precisely that – eating a
bee.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">These bright birds are found across the campus, I was fortunate enough to
watch this one swoop down on a bee and enjoy its meal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJszg5YEKFvyQeuaRUTZbfkkBjVQynovF93GoXL8XrmiE1_RkMxGbxHH1QoYt3-SybwIO-Qm1QLxwhQ6lcI-lE_hahJb7puPjLesJMFuvvrtm68oIVTqMVKaXEC8q5HYTQ33REb8Gq6E/s1600/DSC00989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJszg5YEKFvyQeuaRUTZbfkkBjVQynovF93GoXL8XrmiE1_RkMxGbxHH1QoYt3-SybwIO-Qm1QLxwhQ6lcI-lE_hahJb7puPjLesJMFuvvrtm68oIVTqMVKaXEC8q5HYTQ33REb8Gq6E/s1600/DSC00989.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another Green bee-eater</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK2tLyxDzx5GLp-Rz-VHs5O9F_x7eqqUIPleyyv-XB7-KlVAgtDtCkPxFizjdFQBhlJikYjav0IA6FWqOGNkV95OMPBKx3P5SjTwHJil-3_CV6EAVL6a6SCtQ_NGZaoma_4_3eW59puE/s1600/DSC00849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK2tLyxDzx5GLp-Rz-VHs5O9F_x7eqqUIPleyyv-XB7-KlVAgtDtCkPxFizjdFQBhlJikYjav0IA6FWqOGNkV95OMPBKx3P5SjTwHJil-3_CV6EAVL6a6SCtQ_NGZaoma_4_3eW59puE/s1600/DSC00849.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Robin" target="_blank">Indian Robin</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This little fellow was hovering in the grass around B2 parking near the tennis court.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQHmyFw0nlLJenc5NtnSg4kt6bpodPVLGXCDma2xmuORHBreOJkxP2xlywrVYUURq9akfLAg3N0XoPk1ONXfIV_nZ7Io7NwrOmwNz4IL7I5pnWb3iEhufmd4YHLeM4QgDY_gtMNggpLE/s1600/DSC00842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQHmyFw0nlLJenc5NtnSg4kt6bpodPVLGXCDma2xmuORHBreOJkxP2xlywrVYUURq9akfLAg3N0XoPk1ONXfIV_nZ7Io7NwrOmwNz4IL7I5pnWb3iEhufmd4YHLeM4QgDY_gtMNggpLE/s1600/DSC00842.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flower!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwbruc36XLqJ2giiNMIfE0ge6rqhMS3UwXzJuCbTz8MMoqN3GSc-PHsLx8Q1OfhL1LpnHL1BXa5EgU0FvFtNtOX4rSS__87U9DdWlRSfdkBCvldSHo82pE9ueltNSw8GWvtKIEW7pfxE/s1600/DSC00885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwbruc36XLqJ2giiNMIfE0ge6rqhMS3UwXzJuCbTz8MMoqN3GSc-PHsLx8Q1OfhL1LpnHL1BXa5EgU0FvFtNtOX4rSS__87U9DdWlRSfdkBCvldSHo82pE9ueltNSw8GWvtKIEW7pfxE/s1600/DSC00885.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple-rumped_Sunbird" target="_blank">Purple Rumped Sunbird</a> - Female</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stretching itself as she looks down upon me with arrogance
(this has a curved and sharp beak like other sun birds which hasn’t come out
from this angle). She was spotted on the same hill between B2 and B3.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm4gOoKr2Dk1nkg9oYIXBrs6q1D1LGPaSycnIHqidjbdcYX_V0ilDxZTfLj71S_dOzJoVuxmhC4ewGySKUk1PsOwBuJlyI_TQJuK6awQqbbpjErvKICimCdv8xeuRcgri3bqwxHorq3w/s1600/DSC01081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm4gOoKr2Dk1nkg9oYIXBrs6q1D1LGPaSycnIHqidjbdcYX_V0ilDxZTfLj71S_dOzJoVuxmhC4ewGySKUk1PsOwBuJlyI_TQJuK6awQqbbpjErvKICimCdv8xeuRcgri3bqwxHorq3w/s1600/DSC01081.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple-rumped_Sunbird" target="_blank">Purple Rumped Sunbird</a> - Male</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This bright bird, much sharper in color than its female species was hovering in a branch near the small swamp-like lake just outside B3 football ground.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPg2Ynk8aIGGXMGKoaPqoOxPrKYSDsn-_1hRFO1ZVaY2FpybPgMcU0WFCnEN9kAuuF1p5bnR20bm6K1IPs42QGPEBhQKzc4Ajk1l-F_z65gPQq6QFovff5jE9e22Ax6w7XTbVHBQC-Qw/s1600/DSC00906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPg2Ynk8aIGGXMGKoaPqoOxPrKYSDsn-_1hRFO1ZVaY2FpybPgMcU0WFCnEN9kAuuF1p5bnR20bm6K1IPs42QGPEBhQKzc4Ajk1l-F_z65gPQq6QFovff5jE9e22Ax6w7XTbVHBQC-Qw/s1600/DSC00906.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fruit!<br />A solitary bright red fruit, surprisingly not yet spotted by one of our flying species</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUi4iyRNsTGxNLur6nVUy2uQHuCgo7ADSKF03n5kILGVVzF9KT6TkXLZUEDksdNdO7WG3jaUlldgID_tvpXHZME1b5Z0ka5bWMA47EpmrJZsyYDBq9XqiZ1Hmakiqk6cq_UDBkRMyL54/s1600/DSC01072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUi4iyRNsTGxNLur6nVUy2uQHuCgo7ADSKF03n5kILGVVzF9KT6TkXLZUEDksdNdO7WG3jaUlldgID_tvpXHZME1b5Z0ka5bWMA47EpmrJZsyYDBq9XqiZ1Hmakiqk6cq_UDBkRMyL54/s1600/DSC01072.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Silverbill" target="_blank">Indian Silverbill</a> (or White-throated Munia)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> These tiny little birds were moving about in packs near the swampy lake outside B3 football ground. They flew in groups moving and making a fair amount of noise. One had to literally stay still for a fair amount of time to allow any of them to accidentally come close to you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaIQWgaamPM2IRrr_YJU3IsTMVM3URyDwzXtNDPMlocNc2xytarHoHRog8H7vo-EvNXdk-qoGJ4HzDcSDupf1uAFlaB1kHMIfH83_WFyskPaLDYNezpBvc9J-oIgEJyQiNVX9E_PvFdQ/s1600/DSC01073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaIQWgaamPM2IRrr_YJU3IsTMVM3URyDwzXtNDPMlocNc2xytarHoHRog8H7vo-EvNXdk-qoGJ4HzDcSDupf1uAFlaB1kHMIfH83_WFyskPaLDYNezpBvc9J-oIgEJyQiNVX9E_PvFdQ/s1600/DSC01073.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flowers!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-pkmYSVegrWCwJg5GXf1EhAQ1W_nNbS3gQFCuRJztZ7Tz7YFeoVkz0nP-DWBCp5wPGmWFC5sGCS_fgnwQTv0JSqjMj2Vge9FjudExq3fNKwhZBmvK3jS2YUs0x10TU1Komq6t7JJ7Yo/s1600/DSC01084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-pkmYSVegrWCwJg5GXf1EhAQ1W_nNbS3gQFCuRJztZ7Tz7YFeoVkz0nP-DWBCp5wPGmWFC5sGCS_fgnwQTv0JSqjMj2Vge9FjudExq3fNKwhZBmvK3jS2YUs0x10TU1Komq6t7JJ7Yo/s1600/DSC01084.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pale-billed Flowerpecker</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doesn't that fruit in this fellow's mouth look much larger than its mouth itself? Still, unsurprisingly the fruit vanished and was swallowed pretty swiftly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc7LRPoz-E0HBPsjRrmaphL9_YuPct0vInyLW4gszQhzuChF41uJGFNH0xtCETXxUCVgV8QRwa_gHLIyUQQKfHD0Oyfzk8dxGmnT9FTrQxkadgqKgMFsiRGIRPE43k3V4vW2BlxgakG0/s1600/DSC00916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc7LRPoz-E0HBPsjRrmaphL9_YuPct0vInyLW4gszQhzuChF41uJGFNH0xtCETXxUCVgV8QRwa_gHLIyUQQKfHD0Oyfzk8dxGmnT9FTrQxkadgqKgMFsiRGIRPE43k3V4vW2BlxgakG0/s1600/DSC00916.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wild yellow flowers with bee</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many bees hover tirelessly around these wild flowers
throughout the day; on occasion they become the meal of other creatures like
Green Bee-Eaters.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The campus lake provides a rich habitat for water birds and
others who come there for food and water. It is also teeming with fish which
are hunted by these birds in packs. Amongst the birds not captured on camera, I
saw a couple of playful River Terns constantly fly over the surface of the
water at great speed as they looked for small fish on the surface which they
could snap up, a Pied Kingfisher struggling with its catch and many others.</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCXTKdIm0sgwReRDwK1soVyfn9Vf0J1k0RR7lOcOkm6c7uQ2XMGq_wdzBnR3P8jieJ6SSrHUvsBQFRKwuhF77Gfcjyh1SGd8cpB__Q0bV3mwryrSsUC7GK2g1ERT3LW01Va0R7BnSv5w/s1600/DSC00956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCXTKdIm0sgwReRDwK1soVyfn9Vf0J1k0RR7lOcOkm6c7uQ2XMGq_wdzBnR3P8jieJ6SSrHUvsBQFRKwuhF77Gfcjyh1SGd8cpB__Q0bV3mwryrSsUC7GK2g1ERT3LW01Va0R7BnSv5w/s1600/DSC00956.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A wild blue flower growing near the lake</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQQ7SDYnTI7m4RUKDgcJQm0pX-o4k9cCPQdhf4_ZghE2hHW0vwO_hYFi711w7J7U32ewDqkiEMvxoRi6yE8W4mnCb2d0PBx5LY-MWN3-vM5MLJzeiw-dnwRBJAAkScm2vSTzYxy-5yOQ/s1600/DSC00947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQQ7SDYnTI7m4RUKDgcJQm0pX-o4k9cCPQdhf4_ZghE2hHW0vwO_hYFi711w7J7U32ewDqkiEMvxoRi6yE8W4mnCb2d0PBx5LY-MWN3-vM5MLJzeiw-dnwRBJAAkScm2vSTzYxy-5yOQ/s1600/DSC00947.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A fish gazing at me almost beseechingly as it fed off on the
leaves at the water surface. </span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
These fishes were big enough to probably not
be meddled with by one of the smaller birds.
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP-JsQ_x_wXMct-bVurfY8K6myx7jnEjDkL7IGsJcaWa9ywk3YHJjoSYlyucOgeJRIfUt_0Smdpwz2f4Hgr5_PNbB453X88cmjHUkOmMs8n1nfDJ4yiFG1NgjxFwBVbNj0QGFDEEgwgY/s1600/DSC00959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP-JsQ_x_wXMct-bVurfY8K6myx7jnEjDkL7IGsJcaWa9ywk3YHJjoSYlyucOgeJRIfUt_0Smdpwz2f4Hgr5_PNbB453X88cmjHUkOmMs8n1nfDJ4yiFG1NgjxFwBVbNj0QGFDEEgwgY/s1600/DSC00959.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another fish</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbpVfhT9HY41bUetupKjNrceyr9e0_AC2e94ksj5ZjnGXpynoXKEY64hjUejzWhR5GW44v_Krfr5qqbCHIaGYIhHFtGc-8_2pM9Ry1vxA8pP79lZGvFGU4cUibbRbwR97hK35acK4wwM/s1600/DSC00922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbpVfhT9HY41bUetupKjNrceyr9e0_AC2e94ksj5ZjnGXpynoXKEY64hjUejzWhR5GW44v_Krfr5qqbCHIaGYIhHFtGc-8_2pM9Ry1vxA8pP79lZGvFGU4cUibbRbwR97hK35acK4wwM/s1600/DSC00922.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Heron" target="_blank">grey heron</a> <i>reflecting </i>at the far end of the lake.
This bird was spotted at exactly the same spot on two consecutive days.</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ-a4is66UHWFznRtzI2BHp6Z5OYa0_M2zboOGbq9tPAlu_PQUh4JpSA948kXZkdKPnWTzaeMNmr95WXxo5RDVXs446XG4VkJe6EVrBOehdeoCd7G4DsvQJXuAPfkgDtlEvSrMTOgm7I/s1600/DSC00982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ-a4is66UHWFznRtzI2BHp6Z5OYa0_M2zboOGbq9tPAlu_PQUh4JpSA948kXZkdKPnWTzaeMNmr95WXxo5RDVXs446XG4VkJe6EVrBOehdeoCd7G4DsvQJXuAPfkgDtlEvSrMTOgm7I/s1600/DSC00982.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Pond_Heron" target="_blank">pond heron</a> (if looks could kill…)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vDgU6h3173RZ2gaT9RUeli7R5HEUj0KPLKagIwaVVdOrEwBuJ44yOTQFOioB7j71QLO_-loW2Ap9VmmrEILlBWQsRF8BgcNKG6c3mwqDD8Zr4CO-Kcu3JLr7KDohYGsb5ELmXzolXpI/s1600/DSC00964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vDgU6h3173RZ2gaT9RUeli7R5HEUj0KPLKagIwaVVdOrEwBuJ44yOTQFOioB7j71QLO_-loW2Ap9VmmrEILlBWQsRF8BgcNKG6c3mwqDD8Zr4CO-Kcu3JLr7KDohYGsb5ELmXzolXpI/s1600/DSC00964.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cormorant" target="_blank">cormorant </a>hanging itself out to dry</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This very peculiar bird is commonly found at many water
bodies. It is identified easily by its trait to hang itself out to dry in the
sun after a good swim. Rather intelligent, one must say!
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZk3_ow4kxnBOdM5agy0YzbplIVHkVKsXcH2z05bRIACnl-CNdotVLEnEfwglA0-4TLqz4LJHGrhOKnP5IMYdsABNJFn6f21Jd7Tixn_8vHYNFxbCMh7YgP7plnTNJGH7zK1c3UtXgao/s1600/DSC01062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZk3_ow4kxnBOdM5agy0YzbplIVHkVKsXcH2z05bRIACnl-CNdotVLEnEfwglA0-4TLqz4LJHGrhOKnP5IMYdsABNJFn6f21Jd7Tixn_8vHYNFxbCMh7YgP7plnTNJGH7zK1c3UtXgao/s1600/DSC01062.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A pair of cormorants staring haughtily right at me!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISV1UqoFoOuCSTyDoGJTZvjC2IfJfL3A7nXN6tFKnQrsASVKjb6BzvOvltXhawTRVUAc8OOgrDfkc0GVHVy-nYslY-HvzwyCoKOi1GNfHAum5cit1Sa6iJ9WvwlwjsYF5MjogHkc-SUA/s1600/DSC01059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISV1UqoFoOuCSTyDoGJTZvjC2IfJfL3A7nXN6tFKnQrsASVKjb6BzvOvltXhawTRVUAc8OOgrDfkc0GVHVy-nYslY-HvzwyCoKOi1GNfHAum5cit1Sa6iJ9WvwlwjsYF5MjogHkc-SUA/s1600/DSC01059.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A peacock!<br />Plenty of these on campus, couldn't get a closeup shot.</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKKk9LK5i4zuBt6k-neAMSLHXN3vaMZUw_0WXBqahONvR4fgK6SuIHoYlQ3rs7AVaLW8CljO2sk3BGe4GG5H3sejgA7U2xvveYaw4E7BsJ4twqFLoZoutmNvd1rjg22Ys6vE8Gj1pz-k/s1600/DSC00991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKKk9LK5i4zuBt6k-neAMSLHXN3vaMZUw_0WXBqahONvR4fgK6SuIHoYlQ3rs7AVaLW8CljO2sk3BGe4GG5H3sejgA7U2xvveYaw4E7BsJ4twqFLoZoutmNvd1rjg22Ys6vE8Gj1pz-k/s1600/DSC00991.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A beautiful butterfly - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconius_hecale" target="_blank">Tiger Longwing butterfly</a>?</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHp6jdDIb-dpFJNfUcdIz2DkrYRoj_S-mZXYL0gtdgVBCSYEy2LbOn6Kw2fdTqW2WzqiX48ub6lnVzSCl7eFzqyMZPr97HZveKrkn_TeKISoJflsfF1mJKekdbFz7n3Lsv-R2fBccyeo/s1600/DSC01085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHp6jdDIb-dpFJNfUcdIz2DkrYRoj_S-mZXYL0gtdgVBCSYEy2LbOn6Kw2fdTqW2WzqiX48ub6lnVzSCl7eFzqyMZPr97HZveKrkn_TeKISoJflsfF1mJKekdbFz7n3Lsv-R2fBccyeo/s1600/DSC01085.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And another one - The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_polytes" target="_blank">Common Mormon Butterfly</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABELirAl-wQx3aXgzU0wJ-ltRECGK0tmBHmfy2w6URkUTElYmWUcbcU0BriipK3M6rlye104vxytMPUsCrBAlqLvd-SkbqHerqcZYchPhW2lz0IjXbuXmKa8WZMItgENZVpvGMerawR4/s1600/DSC00995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABELirAl-wQx3aXgzU0wJ-ltRECGK0tmBHmfy2w6URkUTElYmWUcbcU0BriipK3M6rlye104vxytMPUsCrBAlqLvd-SkbqHerqcZYchPhW2lz0IjXbuXmKa8WZMItgENZVpvGMerawR4/s1600/DSC00995.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And another one - The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delias_eucharis" target="_blank">Common Jezebel butterfly</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuyRg4lNsVEi99UAWdVbcMKW0NHmIEmulYZnfnyMeNiBh5ZgWEA8deyV7d7oMLiA-fhm38NjZI0VLb8pQWRrgsAx1aj0164zGj0YPnGLgHyYadYTApOXpHm94VJa3GloxusMxuEC03CY/s1600/DSC01003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuyRg4lNsVEi99UAWdVbcMKW0NHmIEmulYZnfnyMeNiBh5ZgWEA8deyV7d7oMLiA-fhm38NjZI0VLb8pQWRrgsAx1aj0164zGj0YPnGLgHyYadYTApOXpHm94VJa3GloxusMxuEC03CY/s1600/DSC01003.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shedding season<br />This is from a tree right outside Building 2.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Species of birds spotted (surely there are many more)-</span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">White-browed Wagtail </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Green bee eater</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Magpie robin</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pond Herons </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grey Heron</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Egret</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cormorants (little and big)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Common Kingfisher</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pied Kingfisher</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Red wattled lapwing</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">River Tern</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Common Myna</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jungle Crow</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spotted Dove </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sparrow Lark</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Red vented Bulbul</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Indian Robin</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">White-throated Munia (Indian Silverbill)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Little Sunbird</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Purple Sunbird</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Purple-Rumped Sunbird</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pale billed Flowerpecker </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Peacocks (in large numbers)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Black Winged Kite </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Painted Stork (recent addition - read part 2 for the same) </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">View a larger collection of pics in case your appetite is unsatisfied - <b><a href="http://sdrv.ms/1jnJGEz" target="_blank">here.</a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Related Links: <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2014/08/birds-at-microsoft-campus-part-2.html" target="_blank">Painted Storks at Microsoft</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-64183369675750714242013-12-29T15:42:00.001+05:302013-12-30T14:20:20.467+05:30Birds at Lotus Pond, Hyderabad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Lotus Pond in Hyderabad (near Apollo Hospital) in Banjara Hills is a quiet and not a very huge pond maintained in the heart of the city amidst residential area all around it.<br />
<br />
The pond also enjoys a dense covering of trees and shrubbery all around it which has enabled a fair number of birds to make their homes in the same; despite the presence of human beings.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the birds captured -<br />
<u><i>(As always, click on any pic to watch enlarged or as a slide show. Nomenclature help/correction is always welcome.) </i></u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3kh6b_1d3OTfPOoTm0yTltk_CNM82oZfqX6a37JlMHuWxOpMf9pOfy-Q2V3DH_KjcET8_Cn4R1xvxeFTtDEM6QiJ8f_ghKdWbXofIh2DdKW5FoTB_UvYK38rfZ2vCxjjqkr_fmP_VrE/s1600/DSC00780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3kh6b_1d3OTfPOoTm0yTltk_CNM82oZfqX6a37JlMHuWxOpMf9pOfy-Q2V3DH_KjcET8_Cn4R1xvxeFTtDEM6QiJ8f_ghKdWbXofIh2DdKW5FoTB_UvYK38rfZ2vCxjjqkr_fmP_VrE/s400/DSC00780.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm, its time for my breakfast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05E69lrmGaOZNh6VL0q9l_wDrKjRW0HfRbRz9RcQbyNL8MdNR7Xlx3xFWvl8hmjnCu5qZtUxzNkQ-NmzFYx-aH5TNJHs7U2MJ6oVaKBUJZ4t5Id9cfYQsyRoqc4tc0gBKUgyUzCk5i4U/s1600/DSC00781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05E69lrmGaOZNh6VL0q9l_wDrKjRW0HfRbRz9RcQbyNL8MdNR7Xlx3xFWvl8hmjnCu5qZtUxzNkQ-NmzFYx-aH5TNJHs7U2MJ6oVaKBUJZ4t5Id9cfYQsyRoqc4tc0gBKUgyUzCk5i4U/s400/DSC00781.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, which of these should I choose?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NLe0MOTeouKCWU2k3KwOUGn4NSJV9kGn_9AguPeKTsGPROIY6zZvmzmcguiooqGuIs7NWwSg_9a8v3lCQ7sqxmNRp6-lVetcE7W1cV4rqcO8R_y08PvHOuC1THJzkiOiYDpMYBwixzM/s1600/DSC00782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NLe0MOTeouKCWU2k3KwOUGn4NSJV9kGn_9AguPeKTsGPROIY6zZvmzmcguiooqGuIs7NWwSg_9a8v3lCQ7sqxmNRp6-lVetcE7W1cV4rqcO8R_y08PvHOuC1THJzkiOiYDpMYBwixzM/s400/DSC00782.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one looks the biggest!! Hanging upside down is bird's play for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2BL2ilJuSUig5shQ37sknTrR5J7I9ZAgh-kUQ_YmMxVphV84RJ9560ZTybo2hhMFQgZtFWJZXR_gzvYrSAapralu9A7wTRUSeHs8CNe1e5t-zQ-haO29U4i_HL4u0Gb46lJ4LKJ_kTw/s1600/DSC00783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2BL2ilJuSUig5shQ37sknTrR5J7I9ZAgh-kUQ_YmMxVphV84RJ9560ZTybo2hhMFQgZtFWJZXR_gzvYrSAapralu9A7wTRUSeHs8CNe1e5t-zQ-haO29U4i_HL4u0Gb46lJ4LKJ_kTw/s400/DSC00783.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotcha!! Yummy!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were a large number of sunbirds but they are notoriously difficult to capture on camera since they are extremely active and fleet-footed (fleet-winged, should I say?) and don't stay at a point for more than a few moments.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJuwTriWXCyQlEyk9tkd4cVaG2qTNLAQtwMdMrVePXIda-Kkxidz-Rk97Hp2dgHLy8gJNILGdzLMOfHMYe0SZVcY58vyrKlpk14qzLR1eQaPH-Nj4CtLlERxVEc_brGEdOby9Shmkxgo/s1600/DSC00836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJuwTriWXCyQlEyk9tkd4cVaG2qTNLAQtwMdMrVePXIda-Kkxidz-Rk97Hp2dgHLy8gJNILGdzLMOfHMYe0SZVcY58vyrKlpk14qzLR1eQaPH-Nj4CtLlERxVEc_brGEdOby9Shmkxgo/s400/DSC00836.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Rumped Sunbird<br />
Boy, I wouldn't want to be on the the end of that beak!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRt65tS3YSFnI832ja9aaUHmLRg2kwUBdYPdRWA1gd2mj5GLate-f7TYJP90jfUPk1hkAq2f_lHPo5vBJjnEIw-JW3als4xvZy6OyASabsmNZuTFF0p4f63l7qQdjOmMq0YkIrRLFtFg/s1600/DSC00813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRt65tS3YSFnI832ja9aaUHmLRg2kwUBdYPdRWA1gd2mj5GLate-f7TYJP90jfUPk1hkAq2f_lHPo5vBJjnEIw-JW3als4xvZy6OyASabsmNZuTFF0p4f63l7qQdjOmMq0YkIrRLFtFg/s400/DSC00813.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another sunbird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6pouaHld0aCRKEuH1iGLsc4Gc4Ddxg79sP6Y84CWk0HPLOCLZp0kMankAK4387B2CeMx4AZDiXx9LvHr7fbkM4SDDlQMoQ4FZ6FF77d0ykGNjl7XLQDTtwAUrnsAEZtpLfti0Z1cd5I/s1600/DSC00797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6pouaHld0aCRKEuH1iGLsc4Gc4Ddxg79sP6Y84CWk0HPLOCLZp0kMankAK4387B2CeMx4AZDiXx9LvHr7fbkM4SDDlQMoQ4FZ6FF77d0ykGNjl7XLQDTtwAUrnsAEZtpLfti0Z1cd5I/s400/DSC00797.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashy Prinia<br />
Lengthier tail and shorter beak as compared to a sunbird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
There was an interesting battle going on between this fellow (with his brothers) below against some of the smaller sunbirds on one of the trees. The sunbirds persistently tried to harry the Koel but to no avail, and instead had to flee when the koel took a threatening step towards them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLchapydjot-oaWbaQvojYbUpiYkf54j6a_Gi9V8PD9uPE2KIch8zFItSA-I97OAvFNEZ4QqBP6_GMbIlUL3Izyn7zDYOWCTIj58oqd5F4c-30088QLjns9PxJsZv3pKmKvuu4OB9i7M/s1600/DSC00819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLchapydjot-oaWbaQvojYbUpiYkf54j6a_Gi9V8PD9uPE2KIch8zFItSA-I97OAvFNEZ4QqBP6_GMbIlUL3Izyn7zDYOWCTIj58oqd5F4c-30088QLjns9PxJsZv3pKmKvuu4OB9i7M/s400/DSC00819.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male Koel?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcqmKWZec-yOdfMBf_N0n46HEoWA-L7uj2NEAf0Zg70BcxguAunttQhogJWkf0SqY1GvSTM6vUjO2BTe-76ITYTL-O0Fkkt8iVX5-ZhNQLoafcwylamDdwqW2EAKR7i6AZja7ihyJVFc/s1600/DSC00822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcqmKWZec-yOdfMBf_N0n46HEoWA-L7uj2NEAf0Zg70BcxguAunttQhogJWkf0SqY1GvSTM6vUjO2BTe-76ITYTL-O0Fkkt8iVX5-ZhNQLoafcwylamDdwqW2EAKR7i6AZja7ihyJVFc/s400/DSC00822.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coppersmith Barbet?<br />
Plenty to eat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTBqRNRcG85BXiDHBCWcIu_T9eYtwNdXP9Ot7N9FSkRDN7UWF7UzQ04FTqF9ySy7DUNGlL_4MMglqluHA0rMKeGXFmxEClTW7bv546pbw_re-dIqln4yg3OA2RU0Nfz31U0WAKp62bYI/s1600/DSC00814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTBqRNRcG85BXiDHBCWcIu_T9eYtwNdXP9Ot7N9FSkRDN7UWF7UzQ04FTqF9ySy7DUNGlL_4MMglqluHA0rMKeGXFmxEClTW7bv546pbw_re-dIqln4yg3OA2RU0Nfz31U0WAKp62bYI/s400/DSC00814.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashy Crowned Sparrow Lark - Female<br />
Even more to eat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUH_zft31OSgdzENNfoNPnajYj5kz0l-PynHnklX9XlGUbkDk_7LmbKIQdSf6I3FqiHUQG47eLRBwq-JQR2aDRvbF5JHUaOFE3FmaC96RdN4k0DvMNXMxn50uutRr-368Ozdm3RX-dlO8/s1600/DSC00829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUH_zft31OSgdzENNfoNPnajYj5kz0l-PynHnklX9XlGUbkDk_7LmbKIQdSf6I3FqiHUQG47eLRBwq-JQR2aDRvbF5JHUaOFE3FmaC96RdN4k0DvMNXMxn50uutRr-368Ozdm3RX-dlO8/s400/DSC00829.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Sunbird<br />
Couldn't get a clearer shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYGZpgnOEV2i4KZSOWq9vk-LKyKfWQHFLvgyAe8rxp8vS-BMgc8JsJ3D_BM1Dz0MBtYabI77vCsOUe1J3tOhGHj73UAFU-ZByoTpGeeNQ012gDe0jUDZRw79FBVIPTkCoW6v-qmRNpY0/s1600/DSC00811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYGZpgnOEV2i4KZSOWq9vk-LKyKfWQHFLvgyAe8rxp8vS-BMgc8JsJ3D_BM1Dz0MBtYabI77vCsOUe1J3tOhGHj73UAFU-ZByoTpGeeNQ012gDe0jUDZRw79FBVIPTkCoW6v-qmRNpY0/s400/DSC00811.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Dove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8dwU5I8sfltMIUGuufo-q1i2vDfPmcfM-I5GQ-y82JQpXxXxTPVbZFnnKFV5UkeiuXFcEASweExom6yHz7f-nyLR7CbwcOXLfMIrZDONcTXlEfIyFQInJAdRRlj0l7lEc6bVJ9e5YNQ/s1600/DSC00792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8dwU5I8sfltMIUGuufo-q1i2vDfPmcfM-I5GQ-y82JQpXxXxTPVbZFnnKFV5UkeiuXFcEASweExom6yHz7f-nyLR7CbwcOXLfMIrZDONcTXlEfIyFQInJAdRRlj0l7lEc6bVJ9e5YNQ/s400/DSC00792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama Duck and Baby duck basking in the morning sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxHm7zcL_y18oF9b_x3OXiEyyaDbo3mlw4YLLg2M5qw4jtfC1hB0ipH0tat19dMfeveRvMcCL4psAyESNL1vJ-v96K_kWhp5W9Bjwhz2mAxfbOv8-kiPUa-mLSfROsq2Kd4fzwPv8vVk/s1600/DSC00794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxHm7zcL_y18oF9b_x3OXiEyyaDbo3mlw4YLLg2M5qw4jtfC1hB0ipH0tat19dMfeveRvMcCL4psAyESNL1vJ-v96K_kWhp5W9Bjwhz2mAxfbOv8-kiPUa-mLSfROsq2Kd4fzwPv8vVk/s400/DSC00794.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snooze!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJl5-b4ITsyAoZq4VjTeT3oKvln09tCmUcxu5d4qxh5RGPsXJ8paExEN-srNUBR3BPon2LXVx0USx9HUcG_ITXkbVTJarvqxqTjP919XPEyq2DDwOd3CTV0FJSkhyphenhyphenm1t8lGxwSfWeYkE/s1600/DSC00787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJl5-b4ITsyAoZq4VjTeT3oKvln09tCmUcxu5d4qxh5RGPsXJ8paExEN-srNUBR3BPon2LXVx0USx9HUcG_ITXkbVTJarvqxqTjP919XPEyq2DDwOd3CTV0FJSkhyphenhyphenm1t8lGxwSfWeYkE/s400/DSC00787.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of Red-Wattled Lapwings</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC9_62Eds_H-a9mRF8i1v7kJcIpe__p_Ve5aNyfdtjbN8GLTxRE5GbmQA65A5C15Lyln_BfzruuFz6ngwnsxbXHDTOY7szVpNKs_NDaK4lGwsA7c4Bc01MZJHVoTx-0ZfyDEVzHRPShc/s1600/DSC00789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC9_62Eds_H-a9mRF8i1v7kJcIpe__p_Ve5aNyfdtjbN8GLTxRE5GbmQA65A5C15Lyln_BfzruuFz6ngwnsxbXHDTOY7szVpNKs_NDaK4lGwsA7c4Bc01MZJHVoTx-0ZfyDEVzHRPShc/s400/DSC00789.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cormorant and Red-Wattled Lapwing not talking to each other</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ0Kc8h9v8nBnyvDLuoUxThO0gfnVfzGLua4uBz8jLhqM8CPonvqBwLds1Do6OsZyv7ScxBzGE5l0bHmsnyADSd8xLq9-G9CfZT5Qo-Bi0fCv8EwvGW15bnY572KX-TwmVVJQEWl0dmQ/s1600/DSC00805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ0Kc8h9v8nBnyvDLuoUxThO0gfnVfzGLua4uBz8jLhqM8CPonvqBwLds1Do6OsZyv7ScxBzGE5l0bHmsnyADSd8xLq9-G9CfZT5Qo-Bi0fCv8EwvGW15bnY572KX-TwmVVJQEWl0dmQ/s400/DSC00805.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorants, practising symmetric swimming for the Birdalympics</td></tr>
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-40509649433925808212013-11-14T23:51:00.002+05:302014-01-19T11:28:32.146+05:30A visit to Sultanpur Bird Sactuary - 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After a <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2012/11/visit-to-sultanpur-bird-sanctuary.html" target="_blank">previous visit to Sultanpur</a> last year which served as an appetizer, we decided to again make a trip to this Bird Sanctuary in Haryana around 60kms from Delhi. Armed with a better camera and more knowledge about birds, I was hopeful (though not very much) about a few sightings.<br />
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How wrong was I to be proved!<br />
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The route was taking a right turn from Rajiv Chowk in Gurgaon and a subsequent left which took us straight on the road to Sultanpur. We reached there in good time by around 8am when the early morning fog had begun to subside.<br />
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Sadly though, the sanctuary was closed till 9am (only for that day) because some MP was visiting. After a sumptuous breakfast at a nearby restaurant, we made for the entrance (Rs 25 per person (I think); and Rs 50 for camera).<br />
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The lake was larger than I last remembered and the number and types of birds were definitely huge. The perimeter was partially blocked; so we walked around the perimeter for half way; and went back and then towards the other side.<br />
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<i>Birds, birds and more birds!!</i> Near the lake, there were enormous number of birds!<br />
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I can only let the pictures speak for themselves! At one point, near the lake - there was heavy activity with migratory Painted Storks and Black-Headed White Ibises flying in huge numbers - nesting and preparing for winter. There were also sufficient number of professional bird-watchers as the word seems to have got around.<br />
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<u>Click on the pictures to view enlarged or as a slideshow </u><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSKFr_9Y95aOzj7GH7VGcVot1QF_SgaXhhPtpuFsfTSvkCTouhVIbSduh4gstWY-lYCZEgGGFroW_a4GGznKHKmQco8JoRi78BBc3vkqoLhGCc0pwkROAdLh0icntdJJuGwjC5ePoBBc/s1600/DSC00636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSKFr_9Y95aOzj7GH7VGcVot1QF_SgaXhhPtpuFsfTSvkCTouhVIbSduh4gstWY-lYCZEgGGFroW_a4GGznKHKmQco8JoRi78BBc3vkqoLhGCc0pwkROAdLh0icntdJJuGwjC5ePoBBc/s640/DSC00636.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds, Birds and Birds! Hundreds of them, disturbed by something suddenly took off in flight.<br />
Before settling down again within seconds.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr71ShAOAXvooe3W38ujPBUVoAOmfXDRPtgJx3Bi1HcAz_n-L9Dej1gcstGVPbnZGiKNx_e-VJoANTvDE2nrZp2CZo6TjjDZORJonN0h-5YlFwJPI99ZYUF2uK7dyp1My4rb9tBDpsbOg/s1600/DSC00536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr71ShAOAXvooe3W38ujPBUVoAOmfXDRPtgJx3Bi1HcAz_n-L9Dej1gcstGVPbnZGiKNx_e-VJoANTvDE2nrZp2CZo6TjjDZORJonN0h-5YlFwJPI99ZYUF2uK7dyp1My4rb9tBDpsbOg/s400/DSC00536.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodpecker - pecking into the wood</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3mwNH3xRGeSqoBkLYiBl5NqPcYPKfjYnGluQ98QeYm0EZbPINSMsI8IySnwR7OSeWl7yPyZNJ24wZgch2XFqesiUBZkROTtcbE9Ol0pW5aTMIzVb4__v-hMTsv5l3UD22kJWPKKY7v0/s1600/DSC00542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3mwNH3xRGeSqoBkLYiBl5NqPcYPKfjYnGluQ98QeYm0EZbPINSMsI8IySnwR7OSeWl7yPyZNJ24wZgch2XFqesiUBZkROTtcbE9Ol0pW5aTMIzVb4__v-hMTsv5l3UD22kJWPKKY7v0/s400/DSC00542.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Swamp Hen</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1F4b5WN3crFWJ5wbtwNj0J0FoCvMlq8KmeScxBru5_4P8Ax3GZHl54LIgRa-uMlU6DT02XYrIP27mzOubSjMS47Ti-lceK9Yh8jQ0t9xgSEdvxh9o5d8We7XAOIGNCWU2kPD5yCYr4n4/s1600/DSC00526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1F4b5WN3crFWJ5wbtwNj0J0FoCvMlq8KmeScxBru5_4P8Ax3GZHl54LIgRa-uMlU6DT02XYrIP27mzOubSjMS47Ti-lceK9Yh8jQ0t9xgSEdvxh9o5d8We7XAOIGNCWU2kPD5yCYr4n4/s400/DSC00526.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parakeet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPvIXOe2RRoTyGlwciCW9rOEElp3b1bv1ya1WCeE2kOwieXhn4h4_1cMltlJ6ccI_gwSlAZR7lpNPq2w9jsiGA821PkjKEe-hs08ggL0VkEiUHaoYHIPGuvBc9OOT4S4Cf-qTp7ok4pw/s1600/DSC00632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPvIXOe2RRoTyGlwciCW9rOEElp3b1bv1ya1WCeE2kOwieXhn4h4_1cMltlJ6ccI_gwSlAZR7lpNPq2w9jsiGA821PkjKEe-hs08ggL0VkEiUHaoYHIPGuvBc9OOT4S4Cf-qTp7ok4pw/s400/DSC00632.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hundreds of ducks..</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR6DBxdCY2CFQYfS_TMiFLlqJl1H_iJPqYapftpGggUyEyASB-q1GctHMSvso2i17LjxLD4DV1L3_lBpxoron7JBJjRPiQviOF_-o5E5iBiLtwyheQwI-p2SR7xR4zdHzaqNLOg0dq_U/s1600/DSC00614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR6DBxdCY2CFQYfS_TMiFLlqJl1H_iJPqYapftpGggUyEyASB-q1GctHMSvso2i17LjxLD4DV1L3_lBpxoron7JBJjRPiQviOF_-o5E5iBiLtwyheQwI-p2SR7xR4zdHzaqNLOg0dq_U/s400/DSC00614.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunch of Black-headed White Ibises.<br />
This species was found in huge numbers along with painted storks.<br />
Seemed to have migrated recently as they were nesting for the winter.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j1XWJgJ-CFY-7uHuHxsQ1klY8y5YIFovSEQxbT8f8t3rporKmMSKP_7HAgylCiL9Nxn5nv3liIllXVkx4HSHZamGSgKUYKPOfvgFM-UdIRu5MqdRnzFlEHdgOI7dShNMgrbtwkmqRgM/s1600/DSC00654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9j1XWJgJ-CFY-7uHuHxsQ1klY8y5YIFovSEQxbT8f8t3rporKmMSKP_7HAgylCiL9Nxn5nv3liIllXVkx4HSHZamGSgKUYKPOfvgFM-UdIRu5MqdRnzFlEHdgOI7dShNMgrbtwkmqRgM/s400/DSC00654.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Storks<br />
We saw multiple of them flying all across looking for twigs and grass and creating their nests.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFmDbXT9hXUbpvIIPAuNgMXHHrfPnYqo0mgUqLxIykB_kXBdw2sRRHWDmTnRyTvX53uv_n9Sjd9wQZBqD9mq_Hio7wRiq7CKsBothpb1upU76pTBGF-4VvudyO8a2WsFLdGAZpUdqRGQ/s1600/DSC00596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFmDbXT9hXUbpvIIPAuNgMXHHrfPnYqo0mgUqLxIykB_kXBdw2sRRHWDmTnRyTvX53uv_n9Sjd9wQZBqD9mq_Hio7wRiq7CKsBothpb1upU76pTBGF-4VvudyO8a2WsFLdGAZpUdqRGQ/s400/DSC00596.JPG" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A painted stork flying across with grass in its beak.<br />
In the bg, a tree with scores of birds (mostly ibises)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU783UzrLAmp8OSzBnzgrdN7tmjQ8U8RB0VZzQ1bCaFtPasYnbItin1irJhNcSo-TD0TpHAUrsr8smtOsAnBLEdE4qj6Khiiyj8gRDC1s0e6T02q0QYxM369nkbBMBaS05CmKgLguppCc/s1600/DSC00662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU783UzrLAmp8OSzBnzgrdN7tmjQ8U8RB0VZzQ1bCaFtPasYnbItin1irJhNcSo-TD0TpHAUrsr8smtOsAnBLEdE4qj6Khiiyj8gRDC1s0e6T02q0QYxM369nkbBMBaS05CmKgLguppCc/s400/DSC00662.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Symmetry!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN4bfE2nwZWn2HTfwx4GiKjxXvom7q2DEC6JO2f9dsbnNJDlm9ADJhhDqOukw4wGu_HuTdxUwT6ePJ8sjO7yMDCcPI82fmER3WiRmsQVY7_UuuzAboLrjGZUA8abiE1QmnLPiWjvSeb4/s1600/DSC00625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN4bfE2nwZWn2HTfwx4GiKjxXvom7q2DEC6JO2f9dsbnNJDlm9ADJhhDqOukw4wGu_HuTdxUwT6ePJ8sjO7yMDCcPI82fmER3WiRmsQVY7_UuuzAboLrjGZUA8abiE1QmnLPiWjvSeb4/s400/DSC00625.JPG" height="371" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A painted stork - just landed on the tree.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sWyGZ5WFq9f-NxdqaFHTfcFGyOP2ppLfdlxsLS92rmTuog9xdB1PLzVVauW1f2vjm0pflwSJSAmufCnvo-JrR7yrj7xO2HcyaYkxRrZO1oGLblsuMP698rJGIkr5mtnerDvW0uyhjFs/s1600/DSC00564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sWyGZ5WFq9f-NxdqaFHTfcFGyOP2ppLfdlxsLS92rmTuog9xdB1PLzVVauW1f2vjm0pflwSJSAmufCnvo-JrR7yrj7xO2HcyaYkxRrZO1oGLblsuMP698rJGIkr5mtnerDvW0uyhjFs/s400/DSC00564.JPG" height="353" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-vented Bulbul?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmikThmTKKonzZVx_OHWkqh4WHqwjgArEYYATTWbBQsegRrafda2sHLQ7enPEHXSR32XecKbUjghz3x47n3PMl3aDtYdxFraufGP5ndyu5VdbKwOc_mqtq2M_q2e0q7ZYitBkKimxJFeI/s1600/DSC00549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmikThmTKKonzZVx_OHWkqh4WHqwjgArEYYATTWbBQsegRrafda2sHLQ7enPEHXSR32XecKbUjghz3x47n3PMl3aDtYdxFraufGP5ndyu5VdbKwOc_mqtq2M_q2e0q7ZYitBkKimxJFeI/s400/DSC00549.JPG" height="392" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Identification?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_bXUthJ-_AQsl2woSkOx9POsaXb2yNYYBBNbyCwdjUP2Fq1di_qgKfLILTjtWFnQo_5F4n3eDXnbYkoIyb_4TQ0TLtHAKOzY399YlTSlULDb-ktE-rsAMHB_kWb_pRXl-3YhiYBCbYY/s1600/DSC00552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_bXUthJ-_AQsl2woSkOx9POsaXb2yNYYBBNbyCwdjUP2Fq1di_qgKfLILTjtWFnQo_5F4n3eDXnbYkoIyb_4TQ0TLtHAKOzY399YlTSlULDb-ktE-rsAMHB_kWb_pRXl-3YhiYBCbYY/s320/DSC00552.JPG" height="297" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A kingfisher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2mV440llzflkyq2pmsV6p-6vB7jVMQqmhIVFIahO6tbOsjwSocQtCTxBkPPGG3vS3yga8uYxg9bv_zHYsSLqHTtlIKjMRrkNtPXoV2TLLIXkb6YiuaExBWDJjd2bRk2O9KAhyphenhyphen_7YRF0/s1600/DSC00580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2mV440llzflkyq2pmsV6p-6vB7jVMQqmhIVFIahO6tbOsjwSocQtCTxBkPPGG3vS3yga8uYxg9bv_zHYsSLqHTtlIKjMRrkNtPXoV2TLLIXkb6YiuaExBWDJjd2bRk2O9KAhyphenhyphen_7YRF0/s400/DSC00580.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of Red-Wattled Lapwings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsvksZr4Pmep-UaWyrMAX50zMDkl5iWximXzmx-7-gUv73p6NXFmEHFvED45XTGHrxvSPdEtNSVwC1190ggMaUnOb-Cwpz-w8Lw_vLy9jykvHN1i-RFpwryR04JAi4PzZF3EDBZqZbRE/s1600/DSC00562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsvksZr4Pmep-UaWyrMAX50zMDkl5iWximXzmx-7-gUv73p6NXFmEHFvED45XTGHrxvSPdEtNSVwC1190ggMaUnOb-Cwpz-w8Lw_vLy9jykvHN1i-RFpwryR04JAi4PzZF3EDBZqZbRE/s400/DSC00562.JPG" height="400" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandpiper?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhokIRbztK-RouVE2S8yLuoSxmPLaaYN2m5AzTOwvwme4yZWlSLfSHG2snS2WTogENaEK0SPros3mB0AORyZ-0-JArj91Kmsfd6JshkzJ0P8rPgGO5NYPp-OyLWv8Kih9KWP2KGjl51U/s1600/DSC00573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhokIRbztK-RouVE2S8yLuoSxmPLaaYN2m5AzTOwvwme4yZWlSLfSHG2snS2WTogENaEK0SPros3mB0AORyZ-0-JArj91Kmsfd6JshkzJ0P8rPgGO5NYPp-OyLWv8Kih9KWP2KGjl51U/s320/DSC00573.JPG" height="306" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jungle Babbler?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The usual suspects- <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizk1BuUYQkVK1hk11hBVfY3HccWWShZPfyRzOoob3DcM0PTbWgFB51GgpC4H4Rp6bltKyTxBitNkXwzq8GNh3eUgzN6krTdyL6H3Y22qS4o6ZmyX6EUdq6vRY0SSNVUhPlAR9XjDLLF5w/s1600/DSC00547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizk1BuUYQkVK1hk11hBVfY3HccWWShZPfyRzOoob3DcM0PTbWgFB51GgpC4H4Rp6bltKyTxBitNkXwzq8GNh3eUgzN6krTdyL6H3Y22qS4o6ZmyX6EUdq6vRY0SSNVUhPlAR9XjDLLF5w/s320/DSC00547.JPG" height="316" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWTCJ1uvrM4fqiEBqRpYgiL_FGmHw4bxv45LwOnQlElnFoXfuWVlSBQViiH4YMs-C0oMrESlJo228y6425wMBM6UA7rITZznbX6LOSF1v3ZVeKJrwO1vFcAm8zvM6PwTXUd5ncb-Y0J0/s1600/DSC00571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWTCJ1uvrM4fqiEBqRpYgiL_FGmHw4bxv45LwOnQlElnFoXfuWVlSBQViiH4YMs-C0oMrESlJo228y6425wMBM6UA7rITZznbX6LOSF1v3ZVeKJrwO1vFcAm8zvM6PwTXUd5ncb-Y0J0/s320/DSC00571.JPG" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85jvPqh9wTz4snM3zqMyFzdy7ENtcdkkRlUEvVvZdC8p7N1_d4Ut9lfj4fjJyAxxtqTix3QnOcfTWDlW6Xh7BuTnv4Inob309WOGgRWXOCPOamzKGZHlJXdLkvMrz-asV9IkBb9C88kU/s1600/DSC00575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85jvPqh9wTz4snM3zqMyFzdy7ENtcdkkRlUEvVvZdC8p7N1_d4Ut9lfj4fjJyAxxtqTix3QnOcfTWDlW6Xh7BuTnv4Inob309WOGgRWXOCPOamzKGZHlJXdLkvMrz-asV9IkBb9C88kU/s320/DSC00575.JPG" height="315" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egret</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzABrf1WhoJGC1wNTJtmgTVyA9BFfAWGp6itk3fWsF9KDn8eXNBgDp8KMxHIoZL8E-EuxLSbwmyOfNhHKabaeYX6N2zFAeOuCRnRTE5qQny0hh-XpkrSQmiwRfHF7DdP-3JuaIz137KY/s1600/DSC00578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzABrf1WhoJGC1wNTJtmgTVyA9BFfAWGp6itk3fWsF9KDn8eXNBgDp8KMxHIoZL8E-EuxLSbwmyOfNhHKabaeYX6N2zFAeOuCRnRTE5qQny0hh-XpkrSQmiwRfHF7DdP-3JuaIz137KY/s320/DSC00578.JPG" height="276" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Route Map</b>:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.co.in/maps?sll=28.524857100000002,76.99389049999999&sspn=0.19246988929910525,0.4691881636504965&saddr=Dhaula+Kuan,+New+Delhi,+Delhi&t=m&daddr=Rajiv+Chowk,+Shanti+Nagar,+Sector+11,+Gurgaon,+Haryana+to:Sultanpur+Bird+Sanctuary,+Gurgaon+Farukh+Nagar+Rd,+Sultanpur,+Gurgaon,+HR+122505&dirflg=d&ie=UTF8&geocode=FQRPtAEdLm-ZBCkn-jkqFh0NOTF3dtp6XyHcEg%3BFbsMsgEdW3CXBCmB1noIQBgNOTE6XHe3l-zssA%3BFVJJsgEd0EKVBCnl1hxaSBQNOTFJuTaQGSZVvw&ll=28.521519,77.032648&spn=0.152447,0.271424&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="https://www.google.co.in/maps?sll=28.524857100000002,76.99389049999999&sspn=0.19246988929910525,0.4691881636504965&saddr=Dhaula+Kuan,+New+Delhi,+Delhi&t=m&daddr=Rajiv+Chowk,+Shanti+Nagar,+Sector+11,+Gurgaon,+Haryana+to:Sultanpur+Bird+Sanctuary,+Gurgaon+Farukh+Nagar+Rd,+Sultanpur,+Gurgaon,+HR+122505&dirflg=d&ie=UTF8&geocode=FQRPtAEdLm-ZBCkn-jkqFh0NOTF3dtp6XyHcEg%3BFbsMsgEdW3CXBCmB1noIQBgNOTE6XHe3l-zssA%3BFVJJsgEd0EKVBCnl1hxaSBQNOTFJuTaQGSZVvw&ll=28.521519,77.032648&spn=0.152447,0.271424&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;" target="_blank">View Larger Map</a></small>
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Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-50390192172967083262013-11-05T08:46:00.000+05:302013-11-05T08:46:26.206+05:30Of land mines, explosions and …<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
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I walked quietly. Scared and shivering! All around me, the
world was collapsing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of a sudden, a bomb exploded in front of me. I screamed
and tried to find a hiding place. I felt hunted. Every step was a potential
landmine and there seemed no place to hide.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another bomb exploded - this time, from my right. Heavy
smoke rendered the air. I coughed and tried to search for a new direction where
I could escape. No such place seemed to exist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some distance away to my left, I was startled by continuous
firing. That seemed like the last straw. Seemingly never ending, it lasted for
a few minutes during which I cringed in agony and fear. I tried to hide my head
under my body. That was about as useful protecting me as throwing a stone at
the bombs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The land mines continued to explode. I slunk off in another
direction, thinking that to be quieter than the rest. How mistaken I was!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The land under me exploded. Like a cat on a hot tin roof, I
changed direction and sprinted away. But where to go??</div>
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<br /></div>
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I found an uninhabited bunker. It seemed like only a
temporary respite. I reached there, closed my eyes and lay down. I waited to
die.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon afterwards, a fellow being found me there. He had been
my sworn enemy. But in this age of madness and day of chaos, we put aside our
quarrels, quietly acknowledged each other and waited in the bunker. A common
empathy ran between us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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By and by, another being found us there. She didn’t belong
to our community. But what is community in the face of fear and quest for
survival. We gave her her own space. We all waited to die. We all waited for
the moment when this bunker would be torn apart by bombs or gunfire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I heard laughter. Till yesterday, the same people who had
walked along side us had turned in to demons today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<i>I whimpered pitifully. Scratched my tail and lay in
agony. I was unable to withstand the explosions and the noise. Even a small bark
refused to come out of my mouth.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
**************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The festival of lights and joy, they called it. Joy, eh?
Landmines, explosions and ... joy?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-5024055078930549492013-10-17T17:28:00.001+05:302013-10-17T17:28:31.215+05:30Birds at Ameenpur Lake, Hyderabad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ameenpur Lake is a quiet little lake behind Miyapur on the way to Bachupalli and is on the backside of a heavy industrial area. Going past that area, one wonders how did this lake stay intact?<br />
<br />
Still on reaching the reasonably sized lake, one can see the huge number of birds that elect to stay there and make for a surprisingly pleasant viewing. The birds seem to co-exist with the surrounding industrial areas and seem comfortable in the lake area which seems to be rich with insects and fish etc keeping the birds happy.<br />
<br />
We saw a good numbers of egrets, herons, bee-eaters, cormorants, kingfishers, river terns etc at the lake.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the captures below.<br />
<br />
<i>View enlarged photos by clicking on them.</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hAF4adzyoUp8HBv6jOOlW50FdqoGpMia4D6IQdwvMrAS0Q_RQEalhhoslBhh0thF9GyUXKD0sqdm6aiubj1sdIKiUjO1ESUmu5uPU6w2PrRqKMXJlE33a-imm-eQA8OX9a62tIjHxJY/s1600/DSC00363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hAF4adzyoUp8HBv6jOOlW50FdqoGpMia4D6IQdwvMrAS0Q_RQEalhhoslBhh0thF9GyUXKD0sqdm6aiubj1sdIKiUjO1ESUmu5uPU6w2PrRqKMXJlE33a-imm-eQA8OX9a62tIjHxJY/s400/DSC00363.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Egret, what a neck!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsfSO1SSghk7a_NmW6F1OYfOI7uLYbIu4nhjUmKZzOlLKKeZRw9VXuqV54oCeqvKAQMmmVhFwObOXnEtv52vUTQbhu6Gh5etgV-yeeXR0bEEpGVRCW757p4Kfd6AqjjuC_0sjUU7BPvg/s1600/DSC00340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsfSO1SSghk7a_NmW6F1OYfOI7uLYbIu4nhjUmKZzOlLKKeZRw9VXuqV54oCeqvKAQMmmVhFwObOXnEtv52vUTQbhu6Gh5etgV-yeeXR0bEEpGVRCW757p4Kfd6AqjjuC_0sjUU7BPvg/s400/DSC00340.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful honeybee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtWhlN8AXzooOfBSNPUJ1LAh-OTm9htMlbVQD5mvorcuho-mtbg4uzpqPtBJJ1vOaOS1aLo_g4tkOAddN_vx13Aj50zN5l2stDIZnGTt8sRAF2HmY5zS-Pxb0lvhByj_BxH6kTjdLa68/s1600/DSC00323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtWhlN8AXzooOfBSNPUJ1LAh-OTm9htMlbVQD5mvorcuho-mtbg4uzpqPtBJJ1vOaOS1aLo_g4tkOAddN_vx13Aj50zN5l2stDIZnGTt8sRAF2HmY5zS-Pxb0lvhByj_BxH6kTjdLa68/s400/DSC00323.JPG" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Small Pratincole? (not clear enough)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwHS-u_oZiAuebPuPs-RQpTQJ9DsZMrvKlC6lsqY-3OCWhUk6x2WKqLz-DS8oqBFLg2iZQJlYdN18nYkkMtJLAt_5u5yrzRaATUgf_QPLxLoIDuGv_wBoSRCbRigz-kvQpd4s21jBsUM/s1600/DSC00375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwHS-u_oZiAuebPuPs-RQpTQJ9DsZMrvKlC6lsqY-3OCWhUk6x2WKqLz-DS8oqBFLg2iZQJlYdN18nYkkMtJLAt_5u5yrzRaATUgf_QPLxLoIDuGv_wBoSRCbRigz-kvQpd4s21jBsUM/s400/DSC00375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A River Tern. There were plenty of these around the lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0F1KiTx_ekK1uJx2tuDI2R4VO2EjCjFsRInwFIIrEGJoXadt_a5Xo8CFHCuhn3CKVb_ULotd3MxTqW0EPx01TtzIhBtcNvOqg3pl5Ayqr8B_MTBLsT1tcxgtyP5f4_6e_Lv6D9abwhw/s1600/DSC00381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0F1KiTx_ekK1uJx2tuDI2R4VO2EjCjFsRInwFIIrEGJoXadt_a5Xo8CFHCuhn3CKVb_ULotd3MxTqW0EPx01TtzIhBtcNvOqg3pl5Ayqr8B_MTBLsT1tcxgtyP5f4_6e_Lv6D9abwhw/s400/DSC00381.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brahminy Kite? Notice its prey at his feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVZLS-L6duG5oVk4OKOlxdPXqmldMl4yitpIRoVFc7bBUL2Dd_0G9FWCIv9xuQI7KGz0T_6B2io2IfsFmjF2_n9ZaKXPVoEchTWfG7nmQHTtIarg_n4J432XGixYADMG2mdLpZFAOHkA/s1600/DSC00380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVZLS-L6duG5oVk4OKOlxdPXqmldMl4yitpIRoVFc7bBUL2Dd_0G9FWCIv9xuQI7KGz0T_6B2io2IfsFmjF2_n9ZaKXPVoEchTWfG7nmQHTtIarg_n4J432XGixYADMG2mdLpZFAOHkA/s400/DSC00380.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devouring its prey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6uA6bIao4AwiLyVbAREJ_yHywY-UMWNOVm1MQg1jwgFj9ewjkxwRK9Wm98DiedZaA7lG-A8dg8gMgVTvXYDiFm_H8-1uwNyEgkYJ4pd9YY2VF_ftgsjfhM6HEeLFmEFvMGbNk73ZKaE/s1600/DSC00395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6uA6bIao4AwiLyVbAREJ_yHywY-UMWNOVm1MQg1jwgFj9ewjkxwRK9Wm98DiedZaA7lG-A8dg8gMgVTvXYDiFm_H8-1uwNyEgkYJ4pd9YY2VF_ftgsjfhM6HEeLFmEFvMGbNk73ZKaE/s400/DSC00395.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Bushlark is it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNXSKINJnRrT0QifdEDR0lqKHNROVALet9x-VW4CHCVu86aaQxLNdaXL6obReqgLrJm8vi7bq8UsvWQ2E2rXl1OoHkMYaeQPl_b55Ob5Higb-yPJN-ZnWWa0Xclu7GIW18oGfdSUymvg/s1600/DSC00391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNXSKINJnRrT0QifdEDR0lqKHNROVALet9x-VW4CHCVu86aaQxLNdaXL6obReqgLrJm8vi7bq8UsvWQ2E2rXl1OoHkMYaeQPl_b55Ob5Higb-yPJN-ZnWWa0Xclu7GIW18oGfdSUymvg/s400/DSC00391.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Cormorants, 1 little Egret<br />
Cormorants (in unison) to Egret: You might have a larger beak, but there are two of us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-EOtHcs_BGSWSC0p3YlHMlik76mU4-ZN41tuspG1LBfQtLMU52nfvkMDRaLZucTl3LalfpyvTpVsHsVTLtcp4LsT59Wco3zmqf3kLKk2HkW8VmJoap5TGQ3-c_GTv0TBkn9MoCT6qrs/s1600/DSC00399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-EOtHcs_BGSWSC0p3YlHMlik76mU4-ZN41tuspG1LBfQtLMU52nfvkMDRaLZucTl3LalfpyvTpVsHsVTLtcp4LsT59Wco3zmqf3kLKk2HkW8VmJoap5TGQ3-c_GTv0TBkn9MoCT6qrs/s400/DSC00399.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorants<br />
Cormorants Leonardo De Caprio and Kate Winslet<br />
Leaonardo teaching Kate to spread her wings amidst the water expanse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSgC73jKX4LmY7ltDl7iDiW8DYb6Q-ATZT1U6PrVXg1MLUDm3Z0pqptn2sA4GPf-TuuJr1ZHbG_V0bj8tSXnGMHDMwAt4bilsR8XEG8tEUkuSVEzwRDuUaWC4NUVCXESHOSBZsfjMy6A/s1600/DSC00407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSgC73jKX4LmY7ltDl7iDiW8DYb6Q-ATZT1U6PrVXg1MLUDm3Z0pqptn2sA4GPf-TuuJr1ZHbG_V0bj8tSXnGMHDMwAt4bilsR8XEG8tEUkuSVEzwRDuUaWC4NUVCXESHOSBZsfjMy6A/s400/DSC00407.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiJO6CAtj2I0HLnRlUYcUPiLN6oolp7NRHRv-PcIOwHi5ezl6LpCJg7AHMmJNh_vWkB53g0vU_AEj9qVipltvQqOIrAyBX7t44W301MXcd7l-fGfMt77TYd5cBTH-92FM9ZGB7Ud_wL4/s1600/DSC00412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiJO6CAtj2I0HLnRlUYcUPiLN6oolp7NRHRv-PcIOwHi5ezl6LpCJg7AHMmJNh_vWkB53g0vU_AEj9qVipltvQqOIrAyBX7t44W301MXcd7l-fGfMt77TYd5cBTH-92FM9ZGB7Ud_wL4/s400/DSC00412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond Heron: I 've a bigger rock<br />
Grey Heron: Erm, does that make you taller than me?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkWsWLZrRckcvYTj7Qt7IpC97_XCjltV9vAv0aRijCpOeQt6DMC9m-u0_Bn8YsK1Mg3KpL5_8KslxsQRrgKwoG6sHOiTt69KE93e1yLyj23I35l-iH_LlX8s9BlHuUMgmQkAvJej-5GI/s1600/DSC00424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkWsWLZrRckcvYTj7Qt7IpC97_XCjltV9vAv0aRijCpOeQt6DMC9m-u0_Bn8YsK1Mg3KpL5_8KslxsQRrgKwoG6sHOiTt69KE93e1yLyj23I35l-iH_LlX8s9BlHuUMgmQkAvJej-5GI/s400/DSC00424.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunch of Cormorants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrPgkuDU596sS3ZSpwuIFHai0MT2L6_UeLo9O7uLzcA4_gzmzsoAy25O5QSu-D5Tur0yEGclCaJ7B_1o7VzpQQ92zvvJEHM6djcFLtfhEkCPuzoCIzOUSItYqhQTeMRf0vvP4f8TtpJE/s1600/DSC00442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrPgkuDU596sS3ZSpwuIFHai0MT2L6_UeLo9O7uLzcA4_gzmzsoAy25O5QSu-D5Tur0yEGclCaJ7B_1o7VzpQQ92zvvJEHM6djcFLtfhEkCPuzoCIzOUSItYqhQTeMRf0vvP4f8TtpJE/s400/DSC00442.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Sandpiper?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kBX1vgTxTuw3Z4SabYsLntJZPUB0HW7ZGSol18bEJ4gQv8EMYNMid3VNM7TTfr6PGOmA-y3IL6DiqnQJVg_gTXsarepYIMp-qRKw4KE2MCSCQ8KF239cCfVpfZbd7tg48fnVeUyfOLs/s1600/DSC00445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kBX1vgTxTuw3Z4SabYsLntJZPUB0HW7ZGSol18bEJ4gQv8EMYNMid3VNM7TTfr6PGOmA-y3IL6DiqnQJVg_gTXsarepYIMp-qRKw4KE2MCSCQ8KF239cCfVpfZbd7tg48fnVeUyfOLs/s400/DSC00445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flock of birds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5LobPJqX3i_2M-yVqbyVs6PRU6RgfkBIJjKj-WgAVkFHbxjjGdap6igcCZ8-aVog_a02onx5GFz8kcggJegCXfwNEpDIEAz4D6HPRl59oaMOLBvd3WOrKq8ynysl8etYXzt-BoKoEnc/s1600/DSC00447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5LobPJqX3i_2M-yVqbyVs6PRU6RgfkBIJjKj-WgAVkFHbxjjGdap6igcCZ8-aVog_a02onx5GFz8kcggJegCXfwNEpDIEAz4D6HPRl59oaMOLBvd3WOrKq8ynysl8etYXzt-BoKoEnc/s400/DSC00447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pair of cuddly looking Green Bee Eaters.<br />
Ok, not that cuddly if you look at their beaks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMdaj7_7J6T1ukp53Is0cgcyLBZIGbvxRZBw7ivHvJnMBZqm5hGp8BCZNSiFGIgL6AkLosFXFj-apZMRFWctVGQOS8SyAaLMEtDtylIfTx6ujh8r7jeb2yXBPXY8kncJIwvbpKgMiZaE/s1600/DSC00448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMdaj7_7J6T1ukp53Is0cgcyLBZIGbvxRZBw7ivHvJnMBZqm5hGp8BCZNSiFGIgL6AkLosFXFj-apZMRFWctVGQOS8SyAaLMEtDtylIfTx6ujh8r7jeb2yXBPXY8kncJIwvbpKgMiZaE/s400/DSC00448.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Bee Eater on a green branch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbG6ZIJCfp-5b8C-HG9MBKTHkBQ0RFinT8L9mFzVJSG197L-zBZ3llwGwYV6zmMTEX6chE52s7g1fu_r_pJPbhjYUTrmUvVapd5VsoXINNX7HE1qCYvPIoTwqbzG2RFXlTZKp0Mz2u4E/s1600/DSC00453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbG6ZIJCfp-5b8C-HG9MBKTHkBQ0RFinT8L9mFzVJSG197L-zBZ3llwGwYV6zmMTEX6chE52s7g1fu_r_pJPbhjYUTrmUvVapd5VsoXINNX7HE1qCYvPIoTwqbzG2RFXlTZKp0Mz2u4E/s400/DSC00453.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pied Kingfisher (where are the eyes?)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xtO1uml5KcMZzDAs8TXZWoVKryoFbGI0GHssVlFUjiVKfSevXZQ9jCVvQgwxfvCWVceIZVPn7YQxMRyGxi7dC6gKgZjX2CW2YH66iQsRY7XPsbGN6gyEe0MIAEMm4khDFgqGFBeeq5Y/s1600/DSC00455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xtO1uml5KcMZzDAs8TXZWoVKryoFbGI0GHssVlFUjiVKfSevXZQ9jCVvQgwxfvCWVceIZVPn7YQxMRyGxi7dC6gKgZjX2CW2YH66iQsRY7XPsbGN6gyEe0MIAEMm4khDFgqGFBeeq5Y/s400/DSC00455.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Heron (amongst bunch of cormorants, not in focus) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QYGgAIN3dzzqujk9sx1fNEgBGFkTcYF4itULqymonW0myuqw1ZjJMB47oE-WGF62IQZJNHmjEWNxb_1wwnJ-TJCX8fya-DeYIFCb01sr1NgXn7Ew757vT5f15Mq8ZfdMhYM1zvfOE-g/s1600/DSC00456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QYGgAIN3dzzqujk9sx1fNEgBGFkTcYF4itULqymonW0myuqw1ZjJMB47oE-WGF62IQZJNHmjEWNxb_1wwnJ-TJCX8fya-DeYIFCb01sr1NgXn7Ew757vT5f15Mq8ZfdMhYM1zvfOE-g/s400/DSC00456.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Identification please?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm1UeYex9xUqR_ybjdzZ2CoOJf1tmhyhXPhi3VmWj1gKF62Hsrx3N8jJa1nP1Uc9My28t5cGl0irEzDwLAguGChvTJog7D5ZbtaFkO041zCp88gweKDND-8z7ObdkEx-Jog0BC8nmi0E/s1600/DSC00485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm1UeYex9xUqR_ybjdzZ2CoOJf1tmhyhXPhi3VmWj1gKF62Hsrx3N8jJa1nP1Uc9My28t5cGl0irEzDwLAguGChvTJog7D5ZbtaFkO041zCp88gweKDND-8z7ObdkEx-Jog0BC8nmi0E/s400/DSC00485.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark (male)<br />
Many of these (and the female) flew around us. <br />
They seem to prefer staying on the ground, digging holes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4n8zuQ-Mzo3TlykfAveSpY__J2he9-MXerO89XbYhqiBoSXMLqfAhOH-0szVL9QFJXQLJ3CMe7GV10hdouPk_nMqGclXg-Pxqlv7HpGJX_ufL1B8buRpwqkR6FGhDRxqNb-6ivjtTXBg/s1600/DSC00479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4n8zuQ-Mzo3TlykfAveSpY__J2he9-MXerO89XbYhqiBoSXMLqfAhOH-0szVL9QFJXQLJ3CMe7GV10hdouPk_nMqGclXg-Pxqlv7HpGJX_ufL1B8buRpwqkR6FGhDRxqNb-6ivjtTXBg/s400/DSC00479.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark (female)<br />
She seems a little sad?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qRzau3JikZkc5VMWH9z2gR87Rf_9sTLphWAcYCz76BNh5-vSyR3NFPrA0M2SaoTU3QZEn5b5ILqcUHs1MvD8srAICI4pXexpqTo-S6YFgxD5v7m6Ed5MtzMyPiICHyjUCYVNhWJKyN8/s1600/DSC00490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qRzau3JikZkc5VMWH9z2gR87Rf_9sTLphWAcYCz76BNh5-vSyR3NFPrA0M2SaoTU3QZEn5b5ILqcUHs1MvD8srAICI4pXexpqTo-S6YFgxD5v7m6Ed5MtzMyPiICHyjUCYVNhWJKyN8/s400/DSC00490.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trouble in the family?<br />
Two Pied Kingfishers not talking to each other!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
Arunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04640440739917534808noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2790360893547571765.post-78020884963666138822013-10-14T15:58:00.001+05:302013-10-14T16:05:06.358+05:30A tribute to the Sachin Tendulkar era (1989-2013)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6KnZk3SKbthzI8c6FbHkwpMJ1A57hYYfgprojcLACU0JNmxay-v9q18ndOuGXfvRPRUQbd3lj5ydMCw6ck48h-Tpqq2aanMsZnZMbXfpjP5_mPA-_6RK4-WEATqy724QTbqCGBmuqGc/s1600/Sachin_at_Castrol_Golden_Spanner_Awards_(crop).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6KnZk3SKbthzI8c6FbHkwpMJ1A57hYYfgprojcLACU0JNmxay-v9q18ndOuGXfvRPRUQbd3lj5ydMCw6ck48h-Tpqq2aanMsZnZMbXfpjP5_mPA-_6RK4-WEATqy724QTbqCGBmuqGc/s1600/Sachin_at_Castrol_Golden_Spanner_Awards_(crop).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachin_Tendulkar" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The eras of nations are often
remembered by one single person or one act of greatness. When one says 'America
in the mid-1800s', the first thought that springs to mind is Abraham Lincoln.
Similarly we might qualify Germany between the wars as the period of Hitler;
and Britain's eras are often defined by the emperor or queen at their throne.
All of these happen to be politicians of some stature.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Years on from now, when we look
back at India at the turn of the millennium, we will be saying that was "<i>the
era of Sachin Tendulkar"</i>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It might be because of a weak political
leadership, or because the nation was going through a transformation during
these times; but even without that, no other person single-handedly ever captured
a nation’s imagination as this gentleman did.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There have been great sports
persons, there have been great people and then there was Sachin Tendulkar. In
the later stages of his career, his greatness was no longer dependent on
whatever he did on the cricket field. He was already immortalized.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We often wonder why? Why do we idolize this man so much? Why
are those two sixes off Michael Kasprowicz so legendary as compared to the many
that have been hit thereafter (admittedly Ten Sports had a big role to play
here making sure we won’t forget those two Sharjah innings). Why does that
upper cut six off Shoaib Akhtar at the Centurion make everyone go gaga? Probably
today, every IPL match must now be seeing at least one square cut for six.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">**************************</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Way back in 1994 (or thereabouts), like all kids playing
cricket with themselves, a nine-year old kid (me) had created an imaginary
scorecard. Sachin had scored 189*, poor Kapil Dev was the next highest with 24.
Somehow that memory stuck while I smile at myself in the years gone by at the
ridiculousness of that scorecard.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I look back now, that scorecard didn’t seem way off from
reality. It just epitomized the hope and prayers the nation had when Tendulkar
stayed at the crease and answered questions of why we idolize him so much.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Match after match in the late nineties, we waited for
Tendulkar to come in to bat, can we forget the mixed emotions when he was on
strike. One part of us, cheering every run or boundary hit by him; while the
other praying in agony for him to get off strike so that he won’t be out. We
used to showcase an absolute frenzy of emotion while he was batting and plummet
to the depths of despair once he got out.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We got attuned to the fact that the entire nation’s hopes
were effectively on Tendulkar and once he got out; there wasn’t much hope in
chasing a target. That thought was fed by the 1996 semi-finals, the 1999 test match
in Chennai against Pakistan and many others. While this seems disrespectful to
his team-mates in the nineties, it is not intended to be as such. That is just how
we remember those days.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is only in the new millennium we began to believe in the
possibility of winning after his dismissal. The colossal Laxman-Dravid
partnership at Eden Gardens and the destruction of English attack by
Yuvraj-Kaif were a couple of such instances.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">He got injured for a period after which he accepted his mortality
and played accordingly even whilst we yearned for him to play like old. No
other elbow has got more people asking ‘what is a tennis elbow’. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Over time, we accepted that Tendulkar now had excellent
support and was a good batsman in a good team. Time and again, he reminded
everyone of what he was capable of – the 2003 World Cup was his highest peak in
the new millennium, the destruction of Australia in a near-impossible chase at
Hyderabad (2009), the 2011 World Cup too where he was India’s highest
run-getter.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">With the emergence of the new generation – the Rainas, the
Dhonis, the Kohlis along with Yuvraj; we no longer absolutely imperatively needed
Tendulkar as a cricketer. Others could now win matches for India. However, we continued
to cling to him as an idol with the belief that once more we will see the
Tendulkar of yore. Still, get the same amount of joy when we see a straight
drive or a leg flick from his bat than any other. And that, while accepted to
be irrational, we millions as a nation continued to unabashedly idolize him all
throughout his career.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And as he announces his retirement, whether we weep or rejoice or ask questions about whether it came too late, it doesn't really matter to those who grew up worshipping him. We just understand this signifies the end of an era. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">**************************</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the last 24 years, people have grown from children to
full-fledged adults, got married and had kids. The number of cricketing careers
which started after Sachin and ended before his retirement would be an
interesting statistic to come up with. It might be a startling figure. India
saw a series of economic reforms; and also became a nuclear power in the
nineties. The man, who was finance minister two decades ago, is now the prime
minister. The triumvirate of Khans’ who started their fledgling career back
then, are now absolute veterans of the Bollywood industry. We as a nation became
much more consumer driven and got used to the world of colour TVs and mobile
phones. The internet grew till it became the most important thing in many of
our lives. All of this happened in <i>“the era of Sachin Tendulkar”</i>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And now what? Time will go on. The master will get a grand
farewell in his last two test matches and numerous felicitations after that. We
will get on with our lives. Dhoni, Kohli and the like would continue to play
cricket and evoke interest and enormous fan following from the audience. But
there is unlikely to be another to evoke the kind of emotion only Tendulkar
did.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Years from now, with frail limbs and
failing eyesight, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">somewhere some of us </span></span>will be sitting in our rocking chairs with a hint of a
crooked smile, reminiscing in old memories and telling our grand-children, “<i>I
saw Sachin Tendulkar bat</i>”.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">**********************************************************</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">PS: Here is a <a href="http://www.anecdotes.in/2009/11/of-idol-worship-and-gamut-of-emotions.html" target="_blank">link to a post</a> written after watching
his innings of 175 at Hyderabad in 2009 against Australia.</span></span></span></div>
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