Old Magazine House, Ganeshgudi- The Bird Paradise!

Bathing Beauty- White rumped Shama at Old Magazine House Ganeshgudi

A peaceful place where one can relax body and mind, little birds sing for you! Do you love birds? Just birds? No craze for tigers, no rushing safaris! Only colorful little winged wonders- birds and butterflies. The place is Old Magazine House in Ganeshgudi, Karnataka, India.

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!

National Parks- Anshi-Dandeli, an adventure destination of Karnataka

Just 85Kms from my childhood hometown Hubli, Dandeli has been a frequent destination for me and my family. I had been to this place many times in the past, like pre-2005 years. I have done extensive trekking and wildlife viewing those days. In the last decade Dandeli has emerged as a destination for adventure activities around Kali river. For me Dandeli is synonymous with 'river rafting'. For bird watchers it means Hornbills and much more!!!

Neglected Past- Temples of Karnataka, Nadkalsi

Nadakalasi twin temples are fine examples of non-ornate Hoysala temple architecture. Located near the Sagar-Sorab road these temples attract very few and genuinely interested visitors only. That could be because they are remote, away from the public transport and there are no autorikshaws. I happened to visit these when I visited Jog Falls in the month of August this year. 

Neglected Past- Temples of Karnataka, Ikkeri

Here is the continuation of my trip to ancient temples around Jog Falls. Earlier I had posted about the Keladi Nayakas and Keladi Rameshwara temple. Keladi was the first capital of Keladi Kingdom and later it was shifted to Ikkeri by the subsequent ruler. It remained as the capital for around 120 years. And so here is another beautiful temple dedicated to Aghoreshwara (Lord Shiva).

Off the beaten track- Temples of Karnataka, Keladi

During the month of August after few storms I visited Jog Falls one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India. Many who visit these waterfalls are mostly unaware of the historical and architectural treasures around. There are many functioning temples dating back to 16th century which are now protected monuments. These temples of immense architectural beauty in the not-much-happening villages silently tell the stories of grand bygone era. During my recent trip to Jog Falls I visited three of these many temples- Keladi, Ikkeri and Nadkalsi.

Waterfalls- Jog Falls, The pride of Karnataka, India

Recently I received an email from one of the readers and he addressed me as a Non-American blogging on America. Well, it reminded me to write on India too! So here is one post on India- a destination from my own Karnataka. Jog Falls (830ft), one of the tallest plunge waterfall in India is located in the state of Karnataka. This is one of the major tourist attractions that comes to life during the monsoons. River Sharavathi plunges down 830ft in four segments to create this magnificent beauty.

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.

Around Bangalore- Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple in Nandi

Well, Nandi Hills is a very popular day-long excursion from Bangalore. But, have you heard of a village Nandi at the foothills of Nandi Hills, home for a 9th century Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple? I hadn't until I joined Bangalore Ascenders (BASC) for a day-long photography tour. BASC is a non-profit organization interested in outdoor activities and adventures organized by its-own volunteering members. If you are in Bangalore, want to get out but, don't know where? then just go ahead- read their website! You will definitely meet enthusiastic and friendly people of all ages :)

Neglected Past- Temples of North Karnataka, Gadag

My host state- Karnataka. I love every part of it because, I was born in Karavali area (coast), brought up, educated, worked and living in the cities of Bayaluseeme (southern plains of Deccan plateau) and have visited and trekked the Malenadu (hilly reagion- parts of Sahyadris). Good people, great food and fun places make my state Incredible! But, when it comes to development it is very evident that most of the northern part of the state is very much neglected. So, protecting the past in this area is a far away thing.

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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Food Odyssey- Ganesh Darshan Dosa Camp, Bangalore

A few days ago (11th July) I read an article on Deccan Herald Weekly which says masala dosa is among ten dishes to try before you die! How true? I was tempted to have a post on dosas from my favorite eatery in Bangalore. Here it goes ...

Back on Memory Lane- My first encounter with Sherkhan

When I say my 'first' encounter- it was few years ago. First time is always special! It was month of August and me with friends planned a trip to Kyatadevara Gudi Wilderness Camp- A unit of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited, Karnataka. Located in the heart of Biligiri Rangaswamy Hills (BR Hills) wildlife sanctuary the resort arranges for different wildlife activities.

Initiatives- Save Tiger in India

Project Tiger is one of the successful wildlife conservation initiatives in India. This project was launched in the year 1973. The project formulated a plan with an ecological approach and constituted many Tiger Preserves in various bio-geographical areas all over India. These preserves have core areas where there is no human activity.

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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Lifetime Event- Venus Transit

Venus Transit ... we have been reading and hearing this for past one week on TV, news papers and magazines ... Today was the day! The cloudy days of Bangalore had never bothered me so much as they did today. Since morning I was running in and out to my apartment balcony and up and down the terrace. I had dreamed of a huge orange sun and then the beauty spot Venus! Nah! As the Sun rose up the horizon behind the thick sheild of clouds I was okay with whatever pic. Then, I was so disappointed and hoping ... God! I just want to see it! God heard me!! And I saw ... and got okay-ish pics. I am very happy with them.

Off the beaten track- Beautiful Banavasi

I have been posting so much on distant places ... forgotten about my very own Karnataka. In our own place we are ignorant of most of the interesting things! Well, I have travelled throughout Karnataka during my pre-blogging days with my parents and a "film" camera. Also, I have trekked with friends Saihadris (Western Ghats), mostly Karnataka and Kerala part ... That was more than a decade ago ... I am trying to explore more and revisit some places to relive some of the past experiences ...