IT Nature Club

Exploring Anini: Our Journey to a Less-Traveled Destination for Birdwatching

2023-02-04T19:27:00.003+05:30

For years, Anini had been a dream destination for us at Indian Terrain Nature Club. Despite the fact that only a handful of travelers had ventured there before, we were determined to make our mark as the first birdwatching trip to the area.

We presented our idea to a select group of our most adventurous guests who have been regularly travelling on IT Nature Club's tours, and to our delight, they eagerly agreed to join us on this exploratory journey. With limited information about the destination and no prior knowledge of available accommodations, we embarked on a journey of discovery in the year 2016.

Despite the challenges, our trip to Anini proved to be one of the best adventures the IT Nature Club has ever embarked on. The rough roads and basic stay options were a small price to pay for the memories we made and the stunning birds we observed.

We are grateful to our guests for putting their trust in us and for embracing the unknown with open hearts and minds. The experience was not for the faint hearted, but for those who relish the thrill of adventure, it was truly unforgettable.

When we began our tour to Morocco - Day 1 in Morocco

2020-01-20T22:47:00.000+05:30

As the ticket was cheaper, the guests from Bangalore; myself, Gayathri, Ambika, Roopa and Rohini, who though from Mumbai decided to join the gang in Chennai. The Gulf air was to fly via Baharain and the short flight was easy and comfortable.

We did not have much hassle at the transit too as it was fast and quick changeover. I only wish Baharain airport had better arrangements near the boarding gates. We were flying into Morocco a day earlier before the actual tour was to start before meeting up with the rest of the members. Dolores from Mumbai joined us in Baharain and as usual, the girls' gang had usual fun travelling together 😊

The girls gang on landing in Casablanca, and here is IT Nature Club's first departure tour to Africa!

Just outside of the immigration point, we realized how popular Bollywood is in Morocco. An officer greeted us with Namasthe.

It was cold as we landed in Casablanca and we huddled into a big van to be transferred to our hotel close to the airport - Relax Hotel.

Relax Hotel is a neat, clean and comfortable hotel to stay close to the airport. Day 1 was also the realization that it is gonna be a difficult task to get pure vegetarian dishes in Morocco as except for three in the group rest were all pure vegetarians. Here are the few photos of our time in the hotel.

We also decided to explore the city around the hotel and also visit the largest mall in Africa, The Morocco Mall .

Best part of the day was when we got to hear our elderly taxi driver trying to sing old Bollywood song and all of us joining in the chorus 🎵🎵

Morocco Masti

2020-01-18T23:04:00.000+05:30

Group at Al Kasaba, Chefchaouen

There was always that exotic feel of colours, aroma and culture when one thinks of Morocco. So we decided to celebrate the onset of the new century with a group tour of Morocco. Though it wasn't planned to be an All Women Tour, we ended up getting only women travellers signing up for the tour. And what a fantastic tour it ended up with ( Like all our tours so far 😉 )

Also for some reason, I was off posting on the blog for the simple reason of not getting time to write and post. Constant goading by travellers and friends to restart writing is the only motivation to be back on the blog and I hope to continue the journey here as well as on the roads ...

Keep reading .....

Leaf Music - The Toto Tribe

2017-08-24T12:40:00.000+05:30

The Totos - A tribe which is supposed to be smallest in number are also one of the primitive tribal group , going through the transitional phase of modernity into their life and culture . Their number is said to be not more than 1500 or so and are still rooted in Totopara , a small village close to Madarihat, at the edge of rivulet Huari along the Titi Forest in West Bengal. The heavy rains in Bhutan swells the river during the monsoon season , when Totopara gets disconnected from the world. The promised bridge to Jaigaon is still a dream though the govt has given them the facilities like a school, a primary health centre , a hospital and a bank. According to Anthropologists Toto culture and language is unique to the tribe. Medical research has also proved that Totos have a high carrier rate of Thalassemia due to community’s age-old tradition of endogamy because Totos are very conservative and marry within the tribe to preserve their ethnicity. This means marriages take place between cousins too.

During my visit I was lucky to be part of a marriage reception and was introduced to this musician from the tribe. A native skill slowly disappearing as the younger lot trying to bridge the gap between the tradition they grew up with and modernity that is being exposed to them through the mobile handsets and dish antennas that one sees everywhere in Totopara.

And here is the aspiration of the Third graduate from the village which reflects the transition the tribe is going through.

http://www.countercurrents.org/chanda190915.htm

Lacquerware of Kutch

2017-03-22T22:53:00.001+05:30

During our recent Kutch tour,the guests were exposed to the beautiful art of making designs using the Lac, a highly specialized art practiced by the Vadha Community of the Nirona region.

Articles like rolling pins, legs for beds, chairs and tables are made from Lac, a material taken from insect resin.Lac is applied to wood by heat through turning with a hand lathe. In the process, the artisan maneuvers the lacquered colors to create patterns by hand in geometrical designs, an art form that is found only in this region of Gujarat.

Most of the process of making lacquer-ware is done on a manual lathe.Babool wood, which is found locally, is mostly used for the products. Once the wood is cut into basic forms, each piece is individually put on the lathe and smoothed using wooden tools.Here is a short video clip I shot during our visit.

It was amazing to see the patterns emerge in a ziffy !

The vibrant colors that are mixed with the lac are from the natural ingredients from the surroundings like turmeric, indigo, charcoal and stones etc.

It was nice to see the entire village is contributing to preserve this art form. Some of the NGO's too are actively involved in marketing their products to the outside world.

It was a memorable moment to pose with Bachai Bhai ,the oldest and much respected artist from the village.

The world should be grateful to this village for keeping alive a cultural tradition with such determination and a smile on their face

Khui Mangsor

2016-03-08T03:03:00.000+05:30

Khui Mangsor (cave) is located within the area of village Kangkhui around 15 km from the beautiful town of Ukhrul

The approach to the road is through a picturesque trail through the village

The cave comprises of two large chambers and five tunnels.

Many legends and folklores are associated with Mangsor Caves

Khangkhui Cave is a remarkable natural lime- stone cave. During World War II, the villagers sought shelter in this cave.

During our Manipur tour we will be hiking to the cave.

www.itnatureclub.in/manipur

THANAKA

2016-03-06T17:20:00.000+05:30

The striking visual delight when you are on the other side of the border from Manipur into Myanmar is to see beautiful Buremese women with a paste on their cheeks. This is known as Thanaka paste. Thanaka is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark of Thanaka tree. Traditionally, the bark is ground on a stone slab called Kyauk Pyin. As Myanmar is opening up to the world, with modern times here, one can get the packaged powder form of Thanaka everywhere in Myanmar. The benefit of applying the Thanaka is multifold but foremost is for sun protection as it also gives a cooling effect to the skin.

Wiki link about Thanaka is at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanaka

Our next trip to Manipur will be in August www.itnatureclub.in/manipur

Winter is In and Pula is Out - Grass footwear from Himachal Pradesh

2015-12-02T17:09:00.001+05:30

My pair of Pula

' Cannabis sativa ' not only sounds exotic, it also means a bit devilish for many for its obvious reasons. The palmate-leaflet plant though in fact ,is a big contributing product to the thriving cottage industry of Himachal Pradesh in the form of Pula Chappals.

Himachal Pradesh was known as the land of the gods , hence footwear made of cowhide ( leather) was considered inappropriate to wear around the religious places.Hence, the Pula came to evolve as an alternative for the Paharis of Kulu region to be worn during the religious ceremonies and to walk on the snow.

Dried trips of grass or Bhang as it is popularly known are converted into rope form and are strengthened by a process of twisting and stretching to make these colorful footwear.The upper exterior are stitched using the wool of contrasting colours.

Chad, a village near Banjar is the main market for these chappals. On an average you can buy it for around Rs.60 /- . I bought mine from Manali near the main bus stand area. A great souvenir for oneself or to gift to your loved ones, dont forget to pick a pair when you are in Himachal .

Wangala Festival of Garo Hills

2015-11-19T13:20:00.000+05:30

The Wangala is a Garo post-harvest festival that marks the end of the agricultural year. It is an act of thanksgiving to the sun god of fertility, known as Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa. A nagara (a special drum used for calling the people on solemn occasions) is beaten. The social aspect of the Wangala Festival goes on in the villages for a number of days, with eating, drinking and merrymaking. This is the most popular festival of the Garo Hills, and is held in November, the precise date being fixed by the headman. The men and women dance in mirthful gaiety with the beating of drums, blowing of the buffalo horn trumpets and bamboo flutes. The men wear dhotis, half-jackets and turbans with feathers. The women wear colourful dresses made of silk, blouses and a head-wrap with feathers. The highlight of the festival is when 300 dancers and 100 drums descend on the field in all their splendour in celebration.

This year we were lucky that the dates coincided with our South Garo Hills Tour and off we went with our guests to enjoy the festivities of Wangala.

Few images clicked during the event.

Varanasi : The soul city where the game of birth, life and death plays on...

2015-08-14T01:20:00.000+05:30

They say, if you want to experience the essence of India, then spend a day in Varanasi. Until I did that few years back, I was wondering how can this be possible. My two short days in Banaras as it was known in ancient times, not only made me believe in that saying but also opened up a different perspective about life. The popular Doha of Kabir goes like this “Rand, Sand, Seedi, Sanyasi, Inse Bacche to Sevai Kashi.”..which means Widows, bulls, stairs and saints, escape them all to reach salvation here..and so aptly describes this city as you see all of them and much more here.

Banares helped me to look within, outside of my own existence. And for the first time look at death from close quarters and accept it as part of the inevitable to look forward to..

Here are few photo glimpses from my visit...

The train landed in Benares late evening and when you step out of the station, these red flags don't let you forget that you are in a holy city.

My hotel on Assi Ghat gave a lovely morning view from the balcony.

As the day begins, flurry of activities starts and one can see pilgrims taking a boat ride to view the ghats.

The king of Darabhanga (Bihar) built this Darabhanga Ghat in 1915. Temple of Kukutesvara lies on the top .

Most of the Varanasi ghats were built after 1700 AD, when the city was ruled by the Maratha Empire.The quieter of all the ghats , this imposing structure was made of sandstone. It is interesting to note the Greek Pillars here. Also known as Munshi Ghat, it gets its name from Sridhara Narayana Munshi, who was a finance minister from Nagpur and was in charge of the creation of this palatial building. Later on the King of Bihar bought this Ghat and named it as Darbhanga Ghat.I wonder as to how much this Ghat would cost if someone has to buy it now. The palace behind the ghat was indeed bought by one of the leading hotel chain , and were in a major controversy for their utter disregard towards keeping the heritage structure in its original form.

Maanmandir Ghat was earlier known Somesvara. It was renamed when in the year 1585 Raja Savai Maan Singh (of Amber) made his palace here.On the top floor is a Observatory built by Savai Jai Singh.The other places where he established such observatories are Jaipur, Delhi, Mathura and Ujjain. There are four main astronomical instruments and renovation were made in 1850s and again in 1912 under the patronage of the Jai Singh.

On the way to the observatory such scenes reminds you that Varanasi is also famous for its 'Akhadas'. He seemed to be seriously practicing on his skills.

Amazing to see these ancient frescoes still intact on the ceiling.

The Sun Dial works so perfectly well and one is amazed to note that its calculations are almost in alignment with any modern gadget !

Prayag Ghat or Prayaga Tirtha as was known earlier together with the shrine of Prayagagesvara is one of the important and crowded ghats of Varanasi . Prayaga, also known as Tirtharaja or king of Tirthas, lies at the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the invisible Sarasvati rivers. It is commonly believed that doing rituals and taking sacred bath here provide exactly the same religious merit as those at Prayaga which is around 80 km away from here. The temple and the ghat area were reconstructed by queen of the Digpatia state (West Bengal). For the whole month of Magha (Jan-Feb.) devotees congregate here to take bath.

Life and death seem to co-exist in clock-wise manner in Varanasi.I was told that on an average everyday around 200 cremation takes place at Harishchandra and Manikarnika ghat . If life is a process, death seemed like one routine transaction here.

Varanasi surely is a place where , when you are there , gives you a feeling of being one step closer to Nirvana...

As the evening sets in, the preparation for the Ganga Aarati begins on the Dashashwamedh Ghat.The ghat is located close to the main temple of Kashi Vishwanath. Hoardes of pilgrims and tourists start descending here to book the boats and reserve a seat to get the best glimpse of the Aarti. This indeed is one of the most spectacular ghats of Varanasi. The whole energy of the place and experience of being alive among a huge humanity of unknown people is difficult to explain.

Ma Ganga , all decked up and ready for the Aarti.

Seven young good looking boys, who are students of Vedas and Upanishands perform the whole Aarti ritual in a well choreographed manner with a great synchronization. Met one of them the next day with designer Jeans , a total contrast to their silken Dhoti clad avatar during the Aarti.

The whole experience can leave a mesmerizing effect on you and it will stay on throughout for sure.

At the end of the ceremony the priests and the pilgrims go to the riverbank and pour the water in the Ganga while chanting the ritual hymns. This marks the end of the ceremony.

Oh ya, its always nice to sit on the bank late night and pop in that Chana Jor Garam .Tastes heavenly on the ghat. Spirituality of the tongue type ..:-)

Those solitary moments on the bank also gave me enough time to reflect about the " the great cremation ground" (Mahasmasana) or Manikarnika Ghat which I had passed-by on the boat ,prior to the Aarti. According to the legend,the name Manikarnika derives its origin from the dropping rings of Siva during his transcendental dance here. The ghat was rebuilt and repaired in 1730 by Bajirao Pesava, and in the year 1791 Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt the entire ghat.One is not allowed to click photos here if you are on the ghat but then these days you have super zoom cameras, so I really don't know how the restriction works. Nor did I see any sign board anywhere stating that you can not take pictures there..at least I didn't see any..its few hooligans seem to have laid down these rules who I am told also take few dollars from the foreigners and let them take the photos.This picture was shot from the boat not for anything else but as a reminder to myself that death is a simple fact of life , to help me to choose the right path and make the right choices while I am alive.

Ganga in Varanasi takes a lot in her stride which she has been doing for centuries now.Its not only the bones and ashes, these everyday chores of life around the ghat also pollute the water.Not sure where the ambitious Ganga Clean Up project is headed to, but yes, needs a drastic clean up drive for sure.

Such ads too spoils the beauty of the ghats.Though I must say ,I liked that ad -

" Learn for Life, Another World is Possible ".Philosophy at its best in the holy city !!

Varanasi has much more to it than the temples and the ghats. A visit to the wholesale flower market can take you on a different high a tourist.

Lot to sell and lot to buy in the vibrant market area

Desi Dentists and Desi Doctors are very popular and highly sought after in Varanasi.

This Desi Dentist had a long queue of patients in spite of the fact that his "on the footpath shop " was right opposite to a MDS dentist's dispensary

Banarasi Paan : A must eat when you are in Varanasi

I splurged on the famous Ittars. And the row of shops will give you ample opportunity to do that.

Smart Marketing. He was selling waterproof watches!

I really admired the iconography on this cycle rickshaw.Truly Banarasi !!

I had to miss out on visiting so many places due to shortageof time, but did visit this "Lonely Planet" listed famous Blue Lassi Shop and enjoyed the Lassi too.

If you are a foodie, then you will love this city for the choice it offers you.

Not to forget the famous Banarasi silk saree, the must in every Indian bride's trousseau.

Hotel Ganeshaa where I spent two nights was a charmingly cute little hotel tucked away on Assi Ghat.

As my trip ended ,I saw this Bank Myna calling as if to chorus along with the thousands of pilgrims : " Om Namah Shivayah ".The journey made me realize that I was one among those thousands , on a path of the unknown , uncharted journey ahead..

In the land of the spectacular terracotta temples

2015-07-31T18:11:00.000+05:30

Bishnupur , the heritage town of West Bengal is 5 hrs drive away from Kolkata .It was also known as Mallabhum or the Land of the Wrestlers. Thanks to the patronage of art and architecture by the local rulers , the entire region has derived its beautiful landscape of temples built in terracotta style of architecture.No wonder , the famous Bengal District Gazetteer wrote in 1908 that 'Bishnupur is more beautiful than the house of Indra in heaven'.!

This new form of temple architecture was also due to the short supply of stones in the vast flood plains of Bengal.The easily available clay resulted in burnt clay bricks, which became a good substitute to stone leading to the construction of elaborately decorated terracotta temples.

There are at least 32 temples that are considered noteworthy , out of which 22 are under the protection of ASI. Thankfully this is one of the beautifully landscaped, well maintained sites under ASI.

A must visit site if you are planning to explore West Bengal ! Its really worth it !!

It took us five hours by road to reach Bishnupur from Kolkata

The beautiful terracotta panels on the facade is very typical of all the temples here

The temples can be classified into mainly the "Chala", "Ratna" and "Dalaan" styles. The first has the curved "Bangla" roof and the curved cornice. The second is characterised by the towers, while the "Dalaan" has the flat roof

According to famous art historian Percy Brown 'the somewhat indeterminate curved effect of the upper portions conveys the impression of people bending before the elements, of yielding to them rather than defying them in view of their relentless power'

The temple walls were decorated with terracotta plaques with the intention of covering the plain laterite blocks with ornamented panels narrating stories from Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Motifs on the outer walls, door jamb and pillars depict stories from the Krishna legends, floral and faunal motifs, geometric patterns as well as glimpses of social life

The temple of Madana-Mohana is built in brick. This temple was erected to enshrine the tutelary deity of the Mallas in c. 1694 CE. The façade of the temple was decorated with scenes showing Krishnalila episodes, scenes showing dancers and dancing party and a row of ascetics. The area upon the arches are found covered with scenes depicting war while the lower parts are found decorated with figures of animals and birds, Krishnalila, Dasavatara (ten incarnation of Vishnu) scenes, legends and stories from Puranas

One of the exceptional motif in Madana Mohana Temple is this one.An elephant formed by varied positioning of nine women with a couple seated on the back of this elephant in an amorous posture also known as Naba-Naree-Kunjar

Yes , you can see them everywhere

Rasa-Mancha with its unique architectural manifestations was built by Bir Hambir in c1600 AD.The temple stands on a raised square laterite plinth with a pyramidal superstructure.There are three successive circumambulatory galleries,arches of which are capped by " Chala " Motifs. During the Malla rule, all the idols that are worshiped in all the other Bishnupur temples were exhibited here during the Rasa festival.

It is also said that Rasa-mancha is very unique from the point of structural formation, having no similar structure anywhere , not only in Bengal but in the whole of India

This canon known as Dalmadal made of wrought iron must have been the largest cannon made by the Malla rulers.It is 3.8 mtrs long and the muzzle is 29.2 cm in diameter

This Canon is supposed to have protected citizens during the Maratha raid

You will see these famous Bankura horses in almost all the shops around the temple. Bankura horse is also the official motif of Central Cottage Industries Emporium.During the earlier days these long necked horses were made by the artisans of Panchmura village located around 10 kms from Bishnupur.It is hollow with few circular vents to facilitate uniform firing in kilns.Originally these horses were used for ritualistic purposes as they were offered as a token of devotion to Deities including at Dargahs

One of the most beautiful carving in Shyama-raya temple is this one.Rasa-chakra or dance of multiple Krishnas with Gopis on a full moon night

The inscription on the main entrance read that the temple was 'built for the pleasure of Shri Radhika and Shri Krishna'

Jor -Bangla Temple is richly decorated with exquisite terracotta panels on the facade of the porch and the three other sides.These depict scenes from the Krishnalila and scenes from daily life with breathtaking detail. The celestial kinnaras and gandharvas are shown in postures just as dynamic as mortal beings

Nearby is the temple dedicated to Chinnamastika , who is one of the ten Tantric goddesses and a ferocious aspect of Devi. Chhinnamasta's image conveys the eternal truth that "life feeds on death, is nourished by death, necessitates death, and that the ultimate destiny of sex is to perpetuate more life, which in turn will decay and die in order to feed more life. While the lotus and the lovemaking couple symbolize life and the urge to create life, in a way gives life-force to the beheaded goddess, the blood flowing from goddess conveys death and loss of the life-force, which flows into the mouths of her devotee yoginis, nourishing them

And while in Bishnupur, do visit the weavers and see there craftsmanship in weaving those beautiful Balucheri sarees to make your visit a truly memorable one !!

If you want to visit Bishnupur and other historical places in West Bengal mail us at itnatureclub@gmail.com

Eaglenest 2015 - Trip List ( 12th March 2015 - 19th March 2015 )

2015-03-19T09:09:00.002+05:30

Long-tailed Broadbill

IT Nature Club always strives to better itself than its previous trips to the same destination.

The Eaglenest trip of 2015 is a very satisfying trip with 273 species added for the trip. One could not have asked for more.

Looking forward to the next fixed departure tour of 2015 ..Bhutan

TRIP LIST

Rufous-throated Partridge
Kalij Pheasant (lathami)
Red Junglefowl
Lesser Whistling-duck
Bar-headed Goose
Tufted Duck
Gadwall
Ruddy Shelduck
Goosander
Asian Openbill
Woolly-necked Stork
Lesser Adjutant
Greater Adjutant
Striated Heron
Indian Pond Heron
Cattle Egret
Little Egret
Great Egret
Little Cormorant
Great Cormorant
Indian Cormorant
Darter
Peregrine Falcon
Black Kite
Black-winged Kite
Black Eagle
Slender-billed Vulture
Himalayan Vulture
Crested Serpent Eagle
Pallas’s Fish Eagle
Oriental Honey-buzzard
Common Kestrel
Himalayan Buzzard
Rufous-bellied Eagle
Purple Swamphen
Red-wattled Lapwing
Green Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Oriental Pratincole
Small Pratincole
River Tern
Common Pigeon
Mountain Imperial Pigeon
Green Imperial Pigeon
Spotted Dove
Barred Cuckoo Dove
Oriental Turtle Dove
Eurasian Collared Dove
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Emerald Dove
Vernal Hanging Parrot
Alexandrine Parakeet
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Red -breasted Parakeet
Large Hawk Cuckoo
Lesser Coucal
Greater Coucal
Asian Barred Owlet
Spotted Owlet
Grey Nightjar
Himalayan Swiftlet
Asian Palm Swift
House Swift
Common Hoopoe
Red-headed Trogon
Ward’s Trogon
Indian Roller
White-throated Kingfisher
Common Kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher
Green Bee-eater
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
Oriental Pied Hornbill
Great Hornbill
Rufous-necked Hornbill
Great Barbet
Lineated Barbet
Blue-throated Barbet
Golden-throated Barbet
Coppersmith Barbet
Yellow-rumped Honeyguide
Bay Woodpecker
Rufous Woodpecker
Great Slaty Woodpecker
Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker
Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker
Darjeeling Woodpecker
Greater Yellownape
Lesser Yellownape
Lesser Goldenback
Greater Goldenback
Black-rumped Flameback
Long-tailed Broadbill
Ashy Woodswallow
Large Cuckooshrike
Black-winged Cuckooshrike
Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike
Common Iora
Grey-chinned Minivet
Short-billed Minivet
Scarlet Minivet
Short-billed Minivet
Brown Shrike
Long-tailed Shrike ( ad tricolor)
Grey-backed Shrike
Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo
Spangled Drongo
Bronzed Drongo
Black Drongo
Ashy Drongo
Black-hooded Oriole
Maroon Oriole
Yellow-bellied Fantail
White-throated Fantail
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie
Rufous Treepie
Grey Treepie
Large-billed Crow
House Crow
Great Tit
Yellow-cheeked Tit
Sultan Tit
Yellow-browed Tit
Green-backed Tit
Black-throated Tit
Sand Martin
Sand Lark
Bengal Bushlark
Striated Bulbul
Red-vented Bulbul
White-throated Bulbul
Black Bulbul
Ashy Bulbul
Plain Prinia
Striated Grassbird
Common Tailorbird
Brown-flanked Bush Warbler
Blyth’s Reed Warbler
Chestnut-headed Tesia
Grey-bellied Tesia
Dusky Warbler
Buff-barred Warbler
Ashy-throated Warbler
Lemon-rumped Warbler
Blyth’s Leaf Warbler
Black-faced Warbler
White-spectacled Warbler
Whistler’s Warbler
Grey-cheeked Warbler
Grey-hooded Warbler
Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler
Rufous-throated Wren Babbler
Long-billed Wren Babbler
Pin-striped Tit Babbler
Rufous-capped Babbler
Golden Babbler
Grey-throated Babbler
Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler
Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler
White-crested Laughingthrush
Striated Laughingthrush
Bhutan Laughingthrush
Scaly Laughingthrush
Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush
Rusty-fronted Barwing
Streak-throated Barwing
Bugun Liocichla
Red-faced Liocichla
Red-billed Leiothrix
Blue-winged Siva
Red-tailed Minla
Bar-throated Siva
Himalayan Cutia
White-browed Shrike-babbler
Black-eared Shrike-babbler
Yellow-throated Fulvetta
Rufous-winged Fulvetta
Brown-throated Fulvetta
Long-tailed Sibia
Beautiful Sibia ( pulchellus + nigroauritus )
Rufous-backed Sibia
White-naped Yuhina
Whiskered Yuhina
Rufous-vented Yuhina
Stripe-throated Yuhina
Black-chinned Yuhina
White-bellied Erpornis
Black-throated Parrotbill
Grey-headed Parrotbill
Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill
Fire-tailed Myzornis
Oriental White-eye
Brown Dipper
White-tailed Nuthatch
Beautiful Nuthatch
Common Hill Myna
Great Myna
Jungle Myna
Asian Pied Starling
Common Myna
Chestnut-tailed Starling
Blue Whistling Thrush
Plain-backed Thrush
Scaly Thrush
Blue Rock Thrush
Long-tailed Thrush
White-collared Blackbird
Rufous-breasted Bush Robin
Himalayan Bluetail
White-rumped Shama
Oriental Magpie Robin
Indian Robin
White-capped Redstart
Plumbeous Redstart
Black Redstart
Hodgson’s Redstart
Blue-fronted Robin
Common Stonechat
Grey Bushchat
Taiga Flycatcher
Asian Brown Flycatcher
Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher
White-gorgeted Flycatcher
Verditer Flycatcher
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher
Small Niltava
Large Niltava
Asian Fairy Bluebird
Golden-fronted Leafbird
Orange-bellied Leafbird
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird
Mrs.Gould’s Sunbird
Green-tailed Sunbird
Black-throated Sunbird
Fire-tailed Sunbird
Streaked Spiderhunter
House Sparrow
Russet Sparrow
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
White-rumped Munia
Rufous-breasted Accentor
Maroon-backed Accentor
Yellow Wagtail
White Wagtail
White-browed Wagtail
Paddyfield Pipit
Olive-backed Pipit
Dark-breasted Rosefinch
Scarlet Finch
Grey-headed Bullfinch
Red Crossbill
Golden-naped Finch

Calls

Hill Partridge
Blyth’s Tragopan
Grey Peacock Pheasant
Common Hawk Cuckoo
Mountain Scops Owl
Collared Owlet
Pale-headed Woodpecker
Mountain Tailorbird
Greenish Warbler
Broad-billed Warbler
Yellow-bellied Warbler
Rufous-faced Warbler
Pygmy Wren Babbler
Bar-winged Wren Babbler
Spotted Laughingthrush
Blue-winged Laughingthrush
Green Shrike-babbler
Black-hooded Shrike-babbler
Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher

Colour and chaos around Kalighat

2014-12-11T22:35:00.000+05:30

The bustling city of Kolkata has many layers within itself which has its own flavor,colour and culture.Kalighat is one such locality which though had visited many a times earlier, never much explored. I got the opportunity to go on a slow paced evening trail around the Kalighat Kali Temple during the recent brief stay in the city. Here are few impressions clicked from my mobile Moto G.

This small shop was right below the Mamu's Homestay where we were staying and you get awesome tea served in Kulhars

Packaging industry is doing well thanks to these products !

The Shrrehari Mithai shop where you can savour mithais and namkeens

Beggars do have a choice of serious discussion :-)

Shops selling Sindoor are aplenty around the temple

Games people play for a relaxed evening and a bit of gambling

Winter is a time when one can savor the sweets made from Jaggery

Shanti enjoying the Luchi Sabji

Gughni with yummy Aloo Dum

Gughni which is made out of Yellow Peas , a meal in itself.

And what Kolkata still stands for Kolkata Tram

Mizoram to Myanmar - Crossing Overland

2014-10-30T00:31:00.000+05:30

Yes border crossing overland from Mizoram into Myanmar is very much possible. Its a drive of about 30 kms of back breaking road to the border village of Rihkhawdar.No doubt it is a very scenic drive and the urge to stop several times on hearing the chirping sounds of the birds along the way may actually delay your drive if you love watching avian beauties.As you reach the border post, you can see the River Tiau flowing along, which is sort of a porous dividing line between the two countries. Upon reaching the Indian side of the border post which lies besides the river bridge, we are issued a day pass against Rs.10/- per person and an entry is noted in the register book lest we dont return ..:-). There is a huge customs building on the Indian side, One can see the consignments being loaded and unloaded here. The pass is issued from 5.00 am onwards and you are required to be back by 4 pm during the winter and 5.00 pm during summer

The pass is valid for you to cross over to the other side in your own vehicle. We stopped again on the other side after crossing the bridge where the Myanmar border post is located again besides the bridge.The Burmese officials will welcome you with a broad smile so unlike the unfriendly faces one saw both in Moreh and Pangsu Pass on the Indian side. You show the pass to the Buremese authorities and the entry is made again. You pay Rs.100 for the vehicle and allowed to drive or walk upto 4 km where the Reh Dil is located. There are two restaurants near the lake and few cottages which one can rent out for a day use.You can also do boating in the lake We are told Mizos are allowed to travel upto Tahan with a special permission . This of course need to be authenticated. Nearly 90 percent of the people in this region of Chin state are of Mizo origin.

One of restaurant owner around the lake told us that if we manage to get permission from the army post located further three km away ,then we can travel upto the village Khawthlir which is another 10 kms away from the lake.We also saw huge sign boards of The Union Solidarity And Development Party around . So off we decided to explore and on our way to another adventure of sort.

No one was posted at the said army post. After a bit of wait and honking an Army man emerged at the gate. First he said no no..then he said ok ok after Maliana , my local contact from Mizoram managed to speak to him in their dialect. No entry is made .nothing got noted down ( this is to make sure that they are not responsible if anything happens to you :-)) and we moved on happily.We reached Khawthlir after passing through one more small sleepy village. One could see both Presbyterian as well as Baptist churches here. People are very friendly and we are invited to a villager's home. Green tea , coffee and jaggery was the welcome treat. And an invitation for lunch and stay over with them. Could not have asked for anything more from this trip.The only thing I could offer in return as a gift was the winding torch from Decathlon which was highly appreciated.

The village does not have any medical facility. Hence the villagers travel to Champai for the same. My new found friend had never sat in any vehicle before so we gave her a ride upto the village boundary. Little pleasures of life must say ..:-)

We passed by the army post again with a wave of hands that we are going back.Again nothing got noted down !! Had a quick lunch of tasty Sanpiau near the border and I spurlged a bit on shopping though there was not much of choice and hardly any other shop except the wine shops which make huge bucks thanks to Mizos. Though they are in for bad times ahead as Mizoram passed a bill few days back to lift its 17yrs old liquor ban.

We had to report at the Burmese side near the bridge where they made a note that we are leaving as well as at the Indian side where the pass was taken back.

Thus ended my happy little expedition to Myanmar through Mizoram..:)

Visit to Lapnan - Land of the Nocte Tribe

2014-06-16T16:29:00.001+05:30

I love visiting Aruanchal Pradesh for its ethnic diversiy.While on a visit to Khonsa , our friend's driver, who belongs to the Nocte tribe, invited us to his village.We lapped up this invitation. After all even today you are not allowed to just walk into many of this tribe's settlements in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh without prior permission.

As per the last census , there are around 33,000 Noctes settled around the Patkai range of Hills. Baptist missionaries have converted most of them to Christianity, mainly those living around Khonsa.

Lapnam is one of the traditional villages of Nocte , even though many of the residents are Christian now, not much has changed in their lifestyle , at least till few years back when we paid our visit.

Here is the photo tour of that visit.

Nocte will always proudly say that till 35 years back they were headhunting. The trophies are displayed in the community centre which is also known as Murung.

Chief of very village is highly respected and he has the last word in all matters concerning the village and the community. Even the chief of tribe of the hunted heads is given respect by keeping a strand of hair on the skull.

Trunk of the tree is used to make major announcements

Village of Lapnan

House of the Chief of the tribe

These are used for obvious reasons

Glad I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of Nocte. Next on the agenda is to know more about the culture and traditions of the tribe..May be one day soon..

Happy journeys

2014-04-30T20:28:00.001+05:30

The air from the fan above my head is hot. Evening does not seem to make any difference to the weather. Yet when I look back to my travels of the last twenty days through plains and mountains, an air of contentment passes through. Travels through Neora, Lava, Maane Bajang, Garibas, Singalila, Darjeeling, Jaldapara will always linger on....

Happy Entrepreneur Mother of Manipur

2014-03-13T12:59:00.001+05:30

Happy warm hearted entrepreneur mother of Manipur at the famous Ima market.

We visited the famous Ima Market in Imphal during our recent visit to Manipur. There was so much warmth on this entrepreneur mother's face that I could not resist but request her to pose for me and she happily did.

Khwairamnand bazaar or the popular name Ima market or Nupi Keithel is world’s only all-women marketplace and one of Imphal’s main tourist attractions.important feature of the market is that 4000 odd shopkeepers here are women signifying women’s equality and independence. Not a single man is found selling anything here . ‘Ima’ means mother and Keithel means market in Manipuri. Irrespective of communities and religion, any woman can set up a store here. This market is truly a symbol of women empowerment and women’s leadership in the economic development of this tiny state.

Kabiniscape

2014-02-13T01:01:00.000+05:30

Clicked while on a very very short visit to the beautiful Kabini, I was marveled at this sight when the safari vehicle stopped here . It was a beautiful sight see so many faunas thriving together at one single spot. However, the broken stumps made me think about the future of this site, which may have had , once upon a time, tall trees adorning the place , with birds chirping on them....a bit of googling brought me to the following link

http://www.terre-citoyenne.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Documentos_anexos/Guerande_2013/Ecadim_forests_Ananda_final.pdf

Interesting metaphors to think about for sure....

Journey To Menchukha

2014-01-07T22:08:00.000+05:30

Only the illimitable Permanent

Is here. A Peace stupendous, featureless, still.

Replaces all, – what once was I, in It

A silent unnamed emptiness content

Either to fade in the Unknowable

Or thrill with the luminous seas of the Infinite.

- Sri Aurobindo

Bird Estimate around the protected area of Pakke Tiger Reserve - 8th February 2014 - 13th February 2014

2013-12-13T17:37:00.003+05:30

IT Nature Club invites birdwatchers and theirfri ends for the second citizen participatory initiative in Pakke,-Arunachal Pradesh.An opportunity for the ordinary citizens who are also avid birders to take part in the scheduled bird estimate planned for the winter of 2013.

The first count was conducted inside the Pakke Tiger Reserve, wherein 25 participants estimated a total of 167 birds from around 4 different locations inside the park.

To check the status of habitat and protection of the avi fauna around the periphery of the park the scheduled bird estimate is planned between 8th February 2014 - 13th February 2014.This initiative is co-ordinated by Help Tourism, IT Nature Club and Ghora Aaabhe Society by involving the community living around the park.

The participation fee of Rs.9,500 per participant will be used for the conservation efforts in the park. This amount will be utilized by Ghora Aabhe Society for conducting regular livelihood programs for the community who are living on the fringes of the park to become partners in the conservation efforts.The amount is inclusive of picking up the participants from Guwahati and dropping off to Guwahati, fooding & lodging during the count and a cultural show by the Nyshis, the local community of the region.

Ghora Aabhe Society is a registered group of twelve village chiefs from around the park.Ghora Aabhe Society along with the forest department supports conservation efforts in and around the park.They enforce customary laws, institute penalties against hunting / logging and organize conservation awareness programs around Pakke Tiger Reserve. Representatives of the society also run the Pakke Jungle Camp - a community managed stay option in Seijosa under the guidance and support from Help Tourism.

Help Tourism is an award winning, reputed and pioneering rural tourism organization which has been regularly organizing capacity building and livelihood programs for the communities living around the protected areas in East & North East India such as Pakke Tiger Reserve.

You can request for Participation Form and more details by emailing us at itnatureclub@gmail.com OR calling us on +91 9845383882

Join us with your birding friends for an amazing birding and trekking experience in the Eastern Himalayas.

Bird Estimate in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary - 1st Feb 2014 to 4th Feb 2014

2013-12-13T16:33:00.001+05:30

Western Arunachal Pradesh is a biodiversity paradise. Covering an area of 218 sq. km, it is part of the Kameng Protected Area Complex, a 3,500 km2 of mostly contiguous forests.The Sanctuary got its name due to the Mountain Eagles, a regiment of the army that used this area in the 1950’s. The Bugun Liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum) was discovered here in 2006; and was the first new bird species to be described from India since Independence. Numerous other species have been discovered and rediscovered here, in some cases after as many as 125 years. Over the last decade over 525 species of birds, 180 species of butterflies, more than 500 species of moths, 33 species of reptiles, and 35 species of amphibians have been recorded here, testifying to the area’s biodiversity.

The Bugun Welfare Society has been the key organisation here ,in not only organising bird tours in an eco-friendly, economically viable and sustainable way, but also in fostering an ethic of conservation and awareness amongst local communities, community leaders and school students. To celebrate the awesome diversity of the park,the Bugun Welfare Society is planning to hold an “Eaglenest Birding Festival”.

The main aim of this festival is to:

a. raise awareness about Eaglenest, especially its unique wildlife and global conservation value amongst a larger global audience, but especially amongst local communities living around Eaglenest.

b. provide a common platform for participants to help advance biodiversity research and conservation in Eaglenest, and

c. build capacity amongst resident people in sustainable and eco-friendly wildlife tourism, so that the tourism enterprise can be an entirely community-run initiative.

As part of the festival, Bugun Welfare Society,Bugun Welfare Society/Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department and IT Nature Club will coordinate a bird estimate between 1st Feb 2014 to 3rd Feb 2014 around Lama Camp.

Pl also note that for the duration of the bird festival, the Bugun Welfare Society will provide food and lodging at non-tourist rates for volunteers, to encourage the participation of dedicated naturalists and motivated photographers.

If you are interested to take part in this bird estimate and be part of citizen initiative towards conservation, do mail at itnatureclub@gmail.com or call +91 9845383882

Come and celebrate pure joy of birding in one of the best birding destinations of India.

Memories of Pasighat

2013-05-28T19:57:00.000+05:30

As was instructed and discussed by Mr.Tashi Mize ,DFO , D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, who was invited to speak at a function organized by VHP, we were to accompany him to the function.It was the last day of nearly 10 days training program organized by VHP for the women around the villages in skill development as part of the livelihood program. You can see those dolls made by the trained women during the workshop.

We were introduced to the local representatives of VHP

We were welcomed by the local organizers

Oh ya ..that says it all...it was very very hot and humid that day

The function started with the beautiful Donyi Polo prayer.As I had entrusted my camera with someone else, I could not record it then.However here is a link I found on You Tube of the same prayer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9m4pPCdVEc

After the prayer, it was time for Mr.Tashi Mize to address the women about the imp. of conservation. He also stressed how they can influence menfolk from hunting the wild animals and birds.

After Mr.Mize's energetic speech , it was my turn to speak to the women and I was grateful for the opportunity given to share my advice and ideas with the women as to how they can be partners in the conservation efforts.

After the main event , few personal one to one personal interaction with the women gave me lot of insight into their lifestyle, their hopes, aspirations and most imp. their needs as women.

As a goodwill gesture, handed over a sleeping bag to the local co-coordinator of the program on behalf of IT Nature Club.

DFO had planned something more ahead. We had a long day ahead after the function in Borgoli.The next halt was to one of the villages on the fringe of the park - Sigar to talk and convince the relocated villagers to be partners in the conservation process using tourism as a tool.

The forest staff had built a watch tower near the entry point to the sanctuary. And it was time to officially " use " it . This watch tower will help the front line staff to keep watch on the poaching activities around the park..

There ....Mr.Tashi Mize gives a official stamp to the tower by climbing on it ... :-)

It was my turn now to prove that I can climb this very very tall n steep tower which I felt was very high indeed..And I did and felt Everest should be a cake walk for me now..:-)

Lovely view from the tower but the purpose of the tower was to keep a check on the poachers!

Community of Sigar and the forest staff had arranged a feast in celebration of the opening of the tower.Leaves were laid and all of us set to enjoy the feast!

We also took this light moment to have a serious round of discussion with the forest department and Gaon Boodas ( Village Chiefs) as to how we can involve the community of Aadis of Sigar in conservation efforts.

Lovingly prepared mutton cooked with rice wrapped in Banana leaf smelled yummy yummy!!

On realizing that I dont eat mutton, the boys ran back to the village , quickly gathered stuff to make daal and yummy yummy tiny fish-fry for me.

They quickly prepared the yummiest stuff for me ...I was really touched by their gesture.

And I happily devoured "merawala khana"

The place attracts huge flocks of migrants during winter

Its time for "Thanks Giving" when the "Gaaon Boodha" decided to adopt me as the "Daughter of Sigar ". I ,on my part assured that we shall promote home stays there , which will help them earning some livelihood in future. Time frame being winter of net year.

Thanked each of them for their wonderful hospitality and it was time to leave Sigar.

It was a wonderful day well spent and I left the place with a promise to oneself ,to be among those wonderful people one more time ...soon .

Sun was soon setting off fast..yet these small pratincoles were pretty active around a stream ..

Meanwhile Mullah's Bolero crossed one more stream bravely on our way back to Pasighat.

We made a quick dash to Renging village on our way. Spoke to the village head, who was more than willing to host guests in future.

The last photo of that day ...those endearing smiles ..:-) Missed Chinku a lot then ..hope she grows fast and can accompany me in all my adventures in the future..:-)

Road to Pasighat

2013-05-27T10:32:00.000+05:30

Whistling Teal

We started off early from Dibrugarh to our next destination - Pasighat.It was such a beautiful sight to see miles full of paddy fields and birds enjoying the morning Sun

Rufous Treepie

Cotton Teal

Open-billed Stork

Can you spot the Lineated Barbet on the tree?

Red Junglefowl

Lesser Adjutant

As always while crossing over to Arunachal Pradesh from Assam, you may require to cross the river on a ferry.In spite of having gone through this n number of times ,I always hold my breath while watching this

Ferry was chock a block with people and vehicles

Brahmatputra seemed calm and serene

As soon as we approached the bank people were all set to jump out...This always reminds me of Bombay local trains as everyone seem to be in a hurry to go somewhere..:-)

Time for Mulla's driving skill test!!

And Bingo!!! Mulla passes the driving test with flying colours..:-)

We were on the road again.On the way spotted this striated grassbird "god only knows why" sitting on the wire, whereas there were ample tall grass down below.

Nearby spotted this male bronze-winged jacana trying his level best to woo the female

The female was royally ignoring him as it should be..:-P

In the distance , the hills of Along were beckoning ..but our destination was Pasighat. We reached Pasighat by late afternoon. Had a quick lunch at the only cozy restaurant of Pasighat. Met DFO Tasi Mize, who briefed us about the schedule for the next day. Sounded very exciting . Spent the night at the NEPC guest house, where we were booked by DFO for the next three days

Final day in Wakro

2013-05-26T10:18:00.000+05:30

On the final day of the tour, decided to meet the lady with magic tea.Basamlu, the lady in Pink is also famously known as the "Tea Lady" of Wakro.She not only cultivates organic tea but also motivated many local youth including few drug addicts to go in for chemical free beverage farming.The tea made in her small mechanical factory has a distinct taste and believe me , even a hard core " Bambaiyya Cha i" drinker like me is now hooked on to it..

Her tea is processed manually and truly organic.

After meeting the lady we decided to proceed towards Pasighat

Checked into a stay option on our way

The Nepali caretaker was charmingly beautiful

And this sweet lil girl was shy to face the camera

It was a long drive hence, reached Dibrugarh and decided to spend the night in my regular Hotel Devika.

Notes from the North East - Wakro ( Day 3)

2013-05-24T10:46:00.000+05:30

Woke up early morning ( its always 4.00 am morning while in the North east ) hoping to do some birding and spotted this pair of Wedge-tailed Pigeons waiting for the Sun to show up!

A little ahead, it was a cute sight to see a male Thick-billed Green-pigeon busy flying around to get the nest material while the female was busy making the foundation

Tired, he was taking rest in between his parental task

Yes, Parashuramkund is 15 kms from this milestone

Oriental Turtle Dove seem to be in deep thoughts

Bronzed Drongo

Ice-capped mountains gave a inviting look in the distance

Lot of central govt schemes does get allotted to the north eastern states..how many of them really see the light of the day, is anybody's guess

Eastern Baya Weavers were busy making their nests across a small hamlet

Lesser Coucal

This spot is an amazing place for birding as well as butterfly watch!

Spent a while enjoying the winged beauties

Finsch's Parakeet ( Psittacula finschii) Also known as Grey-headed Parakeet or Eastern Slaty -headed Parakeet

We had to visit Kamalang, and for that we had to take the permit, so we were back in town and spotted this toddler happily crossing the road !!

With our permission in hand we decided to give a short visit to the sanctuary and on the way spotted this domestic elephant enjoying its feed

Kamlang looked very inviting for sure

Tiny wild mushrooms were sprouting on this old elephant dung

Butterflies were busy mud puddling

Forgot your cap while on the trek? Never mind...Poksham came out with an instant solution ..Look around the forest for a large leaf of Colocasia and here you go..your eco-friendly cap cools off your head literally...:-)

Marked the sanctuary for excellent butterfly watch for the future outing

It took lot of courage for me to stand on that rickety bridge

Both the boys wanted to pose too..

We did not venture too far as we were not having any forest watcher with us due to shortage of staff.This being a Elephant corridor we decided to backtrack

I decided to try out the eco-friendly cap..:-)

Winged beauties caught our eyes and time and we spent a lot of time soaking in their activities

Chestnut Angle

We decided to explore the road leading upto Deban..It was an awesome drive

We landed up at Bidyut's friend's house and asked him to cook a meal for us ..happily enjoyed the Maggi which he cooked with loads of masala and help from Mulla

This common kingfisher was waiting patiently for a prey

Spotted these boys with jugful of Roksy , a local ale

Look at their hands their hands and see what the other boy was hiding...Let them off with a stern warning and bit of a lecture...Not sure how effective it was!!

It was getting darker soon...and Mulla was anxious about the rising water in the streams as we were to cross couple of them

And he did it again ..successfully drove the vehicle to the shore

Back in Wakro, it was nice to meet the two students of ASSETSchool at Apne Library.They are the volunteers in running the library too. Felt a bit bad for making them wait for us for so long with Uncle Musa

Felt nice about gifting 100 books to the gifted children of Wakro and the lab kit by Savita

It was a tiring yet very fulfilling day...Look forward to spend more time with the students of the school