Colorful Skies- Sunset at Hampi

I was at Hampi few months ago. Me, my sister and my niece were sitting on the very popular Mahanavami Dibba, a huge and high platform used by the royals of Vijayanagara Empire to watch the festive processions in the medieval years. We watched this colorful sunset. The sun looked like a burning cannonball sinking behind the horizon while the silhouette of the watching trees said good night!

Birds- Beautiful Hoopoe

Bilikal Reserved Forest near very popular Hampi is the best place to watch birds. I had posted a report earlier on Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary which is a part of the Bilikal Reserve. This hoopoe was playing around. I waited and waited for it to open up its crest, but all in vain. The bird was just hopping over rocks but no show of little feathers on its head. Still it is beautiful!

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Heritage- Hampi, The ruins of Vijayanagara Empire

My host state -the incredible Karnataka! It is a blessing to see its beauty, lush green forests infested with amazing density of wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, ancient art and abundant history. I can go on and on ... But for now, I will post on one of the World Heritage Sites in Karnataka ... Hampi.

Call of the Wild- Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Daroji Sloth Bear Wildlife Sanctuary is less known gem of wild Karnataka even though it is near to much visited and world popular Hampi ruins. The sanctuary is part of Bilikal Reserve Forest which is abundant in  birdlife. A major water canal passes through this area habitating large number of aquatic birds.  Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is 15KM from Hampi. 

Birds- Ring Necked Parakeet

Indian Ring Necked (IRN) Parakeet- is a colorful and swift bird. They are one of the species that have survived deforestations and live in disturbed habitat. They are noisy birds. 

Also known as Rose Ringed Parakeets, these birds are popular as pets because they have the ability to mimic human speech. It seems ancient Greeks kept IRN as pets. They also show emotions like humans and adjust to family life. (info from Wiki).

I took this picture in Bilikal Reserve Forest near Hampi. It is lesser known birder's paradise. You will see more bird pictures from this place in coming posts.

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Birds- Red Wattled Lapwing

Red Wattled Lapwing or Large Plover is a common wading bird around the wetlands. Always seen in small groups and noisy in nature. It seems the bird sleeps on its back and with legs upwards, and hence in India there is a saying "Tithrise aasamaan thama jayega?" which means Can a pee-wit support the heavens?- popularly used in referring to a person who tries to do a task which is beyond his capability. (info from Wiki).

I loved shooting these birds at Bilikal Reserve Forest near Hampi, Karnataka, India.

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Birds- Woolly Necked Stork

Last year I visited Bilikal Reserve Forest in Karnataka. The nearest village is Kamalapura 10KM away from the forest. This area is a birder's paradise. Thanks to this Woolly Necked Stork who posed for an eye-level shot. The area can be covered as a half-day excursion from very popular World Heritage Site  Hampi.

Woolly Necked Stork- is a large wading bird which breeds in Africa, India and Indonesia. With a broad wingspan it is a soaring bird which flies with its neck outstretched. Its large wings are black with green and purple hue. Its habitats are wetlands with trees. (Info from Wiki)

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