Bhimashankar - The Sacred Forest (12th to 14th Dec'08)

Date: 12^th December , 2008 morning 6.30 am to 14^th December, 2008 eve 8.00 pm

The bookings for Bhimashankar bird-watching trip have started…..book your seats now (see the details at the end).....

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THE SACRED FOREST - BHIMASHANKAR

The beauty of the Western Ghats, the majesty of Sahayadri mountains, and the blessings of lord “Shiva” make this place a real treat for the nature lovers. The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in India rich in birds and insects, butterflies and wildflowers, reptiles and medicinal plants.

Bhimashankar Sanctuary has always been my favorite forest and on more than 30 occasions that I visited this place, I always had magnificent experiences of nature’s wonders. The tranquility that this place offers, far from the maddening human world, is something that will make you visit this place again and again and again……such is the magic of Bhimashankar – the Sacred Forest.

This forest was declared by the govt. of Maharashtra on 10th Oct 1985 as a reserve forest for the Malabar Giant Squirrel also called as “Shekru” in Marathi, the state animal of Maharashtra and a huge number of other animals and birds. It covers a forest area of 130.78 sq. km.

The Sanctuary is positioned at an altitude of 2,100 feet to 3,800 feet. It is located in the Ambegaon taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, in fact it spreads over Pune, Raigad and Thane districts of the north-western part of Maharashtra. The Bhimashankar temple situated here is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva and is visited by hundreds of devotees. However, due to the long distance and poor facilities, this is also one of the less visited “Jyotirlingas” ……. which is good for the forest :-)

The valley found beyond this temple is a wonderful combination of shrubs, medicinal herbs and plant life and serves as the catchment area for the Bhima, Ghod and Arala rivers, which empty into the Krishna. It receives heavy monsoon rainfall of approx. 6000 mm annually.

This is one of the best habitats in the Western Ghats for the Malabar giant squirrel and there are confirmed sightings of tigers too. However, tourism projects which seek to build in the heart of the forest threaten the arboreal ecology of these creatures. Proposed roads also threaten the forest, as do development projects designed to cater to the needs of pilgrims who visit the nearby temple complex.

Flora: It contains relic forest with a high diversity of endangered evergreen tree species many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats. The main forest type of this sanctuary is the southern tropical semi evergreen forest. A wide range of plant life, medicinal herbs, and shrubs can be found here. The major flora found in Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary includes Bamboo, Palash, Babul, Bija, Salaia, Tendu, Dhawda, Zizyphus Helicteris, Khair, Sal, Terminenalia sps, Casia auriculata, Bel, Hiwar, Teak, Hirda, Behada, Jamun, Fig, Anjan etc. The commonly found shrubs include varieties of Ixora, Vitex Nigundo, Lantana etc. and many species of herbs, climbers, grass and ferns.

In the monsoon season, one can spot bioluminous fungi growing on some trees. The fungus gives out a faint glow that makes the tree trunks shimmer gently in the darkness of the night.

Fauna: The area is rich in fauna since there are various forest types found in the sanctuary. The wild life found here includes Malabar Giant Squirrel (of the ssp. Ratufa indica elphinstonii), Leopards, Barking Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Langur, Hares, Pangolin, Civet cats, and occasionally Hyena. More than 150 species of birds are found in Bhimashankar WLS and the surrounding areas. Among the birds that one encounters here include White-Bellied Blue flycatcher, Puff-throated babbler, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Brown cheeked Fulvetta, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black Bulbul, Indian Black Bird, Black Eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Emerald Doves, Oriental turtle dove, Grey Jungle Fowl and many, many more. One might get to see the great butterfly and moth brigade including several species. The Insect life is tremendous here and the reptiles are in plenty.

There are several well defined trails in the sanctuary to experience the amazing birdlife of this forest …some of them include the Gupt-Bhimashankar trail, Machan trail, Nagphani point, Forest quarters trail, Koli village, Ahupe forest trail etc….

For Details of these trails and much more….please click on my blogs below

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2008/05/bhimashankar-wls-fact-file.html

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2008/05/bhimashankar-sacred-forest.html

I am very happy to organize a Birdwatching trip to Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary from 12^th December, 2008 to 14^th December 2008……for details, please see below.

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Trip Details:

Date: 12^th December, 2008 morning 6.30 am to 14^th December, 2008 eve 8.00 pm

Mode of Travel : Minibus (a journey of about 6 hrs…..approx.250 kms)

Meeting point: Mumbai, from Bandra station east near the foot over bridge, near the rickshaw stand on 12^th Dec.mor. 6.30 am departure.

Route: Bandra– Sion -- Thane (Eastern express Highway) – Kalyan (Near Bhiwandi Junction)- Murbad – Malshej Ghat – Junnar - Ghodegaon – reach Hotel Blue Mormon (Bhimashankar) by 1.30 pm.

Rough Tour Iterinary:

1) Friday 12^th Dec, 2008 : Travel to Bhimashankar – Check-in Blue Mormon resorts– Lunch and proceed for Birdwatching on Machan Trail – return back to Hotel – Evening activities and Dinner – a Short night walk

2) Saturday 13^th Dec, 2008 : Early morning Birdwatching in Gupt Bhimashankar trail – Return to resort for lunch – Rest and Proceed to Nagphani point (the highest point in Bhimashankar) – Return back to hotel – Evening activities and dinner – a short night trail…

3) Sunday 14^th Dec, 2008 : Early morning Birdwatching on Ahupe forest trail till Kondhval village and surrounding area - afternoon return back – Pack-up – Lunch and proceed to Mumbai.

A more detailed iterinary will be given to those who register.....

Trip charges : Rs.3850/- (Includes Stay in Hotel Blue-Mormon Resort, Bhimashankar on sharing basis, Travel by 27 seater minibus, Park entry charges, food , Information articles & on board snacks and mineral water)…….

This does not include any charges other than the above.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.2500/- …..the remaining amount will be collected in the bus on the day of travel.

Stay Arrangement: Hotel Blue-Mormon resorts, approx. 9 kms from Bhimashankar. The Stay arrangement is on a sharing basis (each room has 3 beds or 5 beds each). The Hotel Premises and toilets are clean and the food is lip smacking……The resort is situated in a picturesque hill top plateau, overlooking a forested valley and visited by plenty of birds.

Resource Person: Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c (Please send a mail for details).. please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.2500/- as advance amount to the following address

Name: Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Address: D/8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Opp. Hotel Shangrila, Sion(East), Mumbai-400022

Please Note:

1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 2500/- is strictly non-refunadable

2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

Please revert on natureindiatours@gmail.com ID, in case you need any clarification …..
For any other queries I am available on 9321463362 or 9820455713

Thanks for your patience.

Looking forward for a very rewarding trip with you all !!

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar

Nature India

Appreciate, Respect and Conserve

Birding in the Land of GIB, Nannaj - 29th to 30th Nov, 2008

Bookings for Nannaj trip from 29th to 30th Nov 2008 are on...for details see at the end.

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BIRDING IN THE LAND OF GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD

GIB & Grey Francolin Image: Courtesy: Mr.Nayan Khanolkar

India is blessed with a variety of habitats that hold varied birdlife. However, most of these habitats are under threat from something or the other. From these, the Grassland habitats in particular are the first to be encroached upon, on the pretext that these are wastelands. However, they are one of the most bio-diversity rich habitats that hold an amazing variety of birdlife. Once, there were far stretching areas which had grasslands throughout India, but sadly very few remain now (apart from the Terai Grasslands)……notably amongst them are Banni grasslands, Naliya, Velavadar and LRK in Gujarat, Rollapadu in Andhra Pradesh, Ghatigoan & Karera Bustard sanctuary in M.P., Sorson and Sonkhaliya in Rajasthan, Rannebennur in Karnataka, Rehekuri, Ozhar, Mayureshwar & Nannaj in Maharashtra.
(Participants of the 1st trip- 15th to 17th Aug, 2008)

Here's a link to the report of the 2nd trip (6th-7th Sep, 2008)

http://green-indians.blogspot.com/2008/09/nannaj-getting-high-on-grass.html

With the exploitation of grasslands, the flagship species namely the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Indian Wolf, Blackbuck are also threatened. In fact, it is believed that there are less than 400 GIBs in the world and they are critically endangered.Not many know that this majestic bird was once a strong contender for the position of our national bird……but the tricky name got him out of the race.

Nannaj GIB Sanctuary : One such amazing grassland / scrub land is the famous Nannaj GIB sanctuary, approx. 22 kms from Solapur.

Nannaj is a small village approx. 22 Kms away from the main city Solapur, Maharashtra.The total area covered under sanctuary is approx. 600 hectares. However, it is not a continuous stretch, but a discontinuous area which is divided into various plots, some of which are owned by Govt. and some are Private lands.

The area called "100 hectare" is a plot of 100 hectares, and it is a core area of the sanctuary where the breeding pairs have been observed. Recent census estimates over 20 Great Indian Bustards.... However, the GIBs are spread over vast areas in the sanctuary and nearby cultivated fields depending on the availability of food.

Nannaj GIB Sanctuary also holds a very good population of Blackbucks that stroll over leisurely but cautiously around the park and the surrounding area. The main predators of these Blackbucks and the Black-naped hares which abound here are Indian Wolf and Indian Fox. There is a resident pack of 8 wolves in the core area of the sanctuary, that are regularly seen scanning their area with a dominant "Alpha pair".....

Apart from the above flagship species, Nannaj is a great place to see a number of other grassland and scrub land species like Larks, Pipits, Quails, Francolins, Sandgrouse, Lapwings, Raptors, Coursers, Munias, Doves etc…..

Click some of these links to know more about Nannaj

http://addithebirdie.blogspot.com/2005/10/birding-in-land-of-great-indian.html

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2008/07/tiger-in-nannaj-solapur.html

http://krishphoto.com/trip-reports/nannaj-wildlife-sanctuary-aug-06.html

http://nannajthegrassland.blogspot.com/

http://nannaj-wls-our-own-indian-savanna.blogspot.com/

http://bnhsornitho.blogspot.com/2006/09/photo-essay-of-nannaj-trip.html

Though the GIBs are nomads and move about in a large area. The month of August is the best time to see the bustards in Nannaj when they seek a safe abode to display and breed in the core area.

Breaking News: Apart from very good sightings of GIB in Nannaj, the migratory birds have arrived in good numbers including Montagu's and Pallied Harriers (Nannaj is a huge roosting site )....Greater Short toed Lark, Common Kestrels, Shrikes, Wheatears etc.....

The Hipparga lake is a staging ground for plenty of migratory ducks including Northern Pintail and Shovellers, Eurasian Wigeons, Common Teals, Gargeny ducks etc....

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TRIP DETAILS

Date: 29^th Nov 2008 eve. 10.30 pm to 30^th Nov 2008 mor. 6.30 am

Mode of Travel : Train uptil Solapur and local travel by Jeeps.

Tour Iterinary:

1) Friday 28th Nov, 2008 : Departure from Mumbai by train at 10.30 pm

2) Saturday 29th Nov, 2008 : Arrive at Solapur early morning - Refresh & Breakfast (really fast) - Birdwatching in Nannaj - Lunch at Hotel - Visit to Eurasian Eagle Owl area - Evening Birding at Nannaj

3) Sunday 30th Nov, 2008 : Morning Birdwatching in Nannaj - Sumptuous lunch consisting of the typical Solapur delicacies -Evening visit to Hipparga Lake near Solapur city for watching migratory water birds - return to the hotel - Dinner and proceed to board the train at 10.45 pm

4) Monday 31st Nov, 2008 : Reach Mumbai (Dadar) in mor. by 6.30 am

More details on the iterinary will be given to those who register.....

Trip charges : Rs.3550/-

Includes Stay in Hotel at Solapur on a twin sharing basis, Mumbai-Solapur-Mumbai train travel (Sleeper Class), Local transport by Jeeps, Park entry charges, vegetarian food, Articles on Nannaj and Nannaj bird checklist, on board mineral water and snacks……

This does not include any other charges and also any individual camera charges ....Individuals will have to pay additional charges if any to the forest dept. as per the rules.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable Advance of Rs.2500/-…..the remaining amount will be collected in train on the day of travel.......Please Register before 29th Oct, 2008.

Resource Persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c : (please call me for my A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.2500/- to the following address

Name: Mr.Adesh Shivkar
Address: D/8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Opp. Hotel Shangrila, Sion(East), Mumbai-400022

Please Note:

1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 2500/- is strictly non-refunadable

2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

Please contact me, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries I am available on 9321463362 or 9820455713 or natureindiatours@gmail.com

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Care for Nature

Incredible Diwali Trip (Phansad, Alibaug, Murud, Akshi- 27th to 29th Oct'08)

Bookings for the 'Incredible Diwali" trip from 27th to 29th Oct 2008 are on...for details see at the end.

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INCREDIBLE DIWALI TRIP

The Diwali holidays are approaching and we all will be subjected to the modern celebrations in the form of loud fire-crackers and the intoxicating air. Celebrate this Diwali with a difference…….Explore the wonders of Birdwatching and amazing beaches of Alibaug and Akshi.

Nature India organizes an Incredible Diwali trip to Phansad / Akshi and Murud from 27^th Oct, 2008 to 29^th Oct, 2008.

Some of the places that will be covered in this trip are as follows.

PHANSAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Phansad is a semi-evergreen / mixed deciduous forest that is located approximately 143 Kms from Mumbai (Sion) and about 42 kms from the town of Alibaug. The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is an amazing revelation. Primarily a bird sanctuary, it is also home to a whole array of insects, amphibians and mammals. Spread across 52.71 sq. km., Phansad is located in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad District in Maharashtra.

The gentle hills of this protected area are located between the northern Sahyadri range and the western coast of India. Though these hills are not directly connected to the main Western Ghats range, the species found here are quite similar. The forest is mainly moist teak, southern moist mixed deciduous forest and west coast semi-evergreen. Ain, teak, kinjal, dhavada, jamba, hirda are some of the main species found here. Mango and ficus are found along the stream. There is also a patch of mangrove vegetation to the southwest. A number of endemic flora and fauna species are found here including the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Blue flycatcher etc. It is also a heaven for reptiles and insects.

http://forester15.blogspot.com/2006/10/wanderings-in-coastal-woodland.html

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2005/01/phansad-sanctuary-jan05.html

FORT “JANJIRA”

The Fort of Janjira located off the sea is the only one of its kind. Janjira Jal-durg (sea fort) was constructed by Malik Ambar, an Abssinian minister in the service of the Sultan of Ahmednagar, who belonged to the famous Nizamshahi dynasty. The fort, built at the end of the 17th Century, is almost entirely intact even today, despite the ravages of wind and tide, a testimony to the marvels of ancient engineering.

According to all accounts, the sea fort of Janjira could not be conquered by any of the kings ruling the neighbouring territories. Surprisingly, not even Shivaji could acquire it despite 13 expeditions to conquer the fort. His son, Sambhaji, tried a unique approach to capture the fort: digging an underwater tunnel to enter. But he too failed in his attempt.

http://www.boloji.com/places/02416.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murud-Janjira

http://www.murudjanjira.com/

AKSHI BEACH

The Akshi Beach is a beautiful white sand beach. Belt of suru trees can be seen along the coast. The water is very clean and it renders safety for swimming. The beach is also a favorite among the birdwatchers and nature lovers.

The hamlet of Akshi is just 5 km away from Alibag. The inhabitant of this village are fishermen and is not crowded at all. The beach at Akshi is a favorite tourist spot. One could slug around the clear beaches and step inside the warm and unruffled Arabian Sea. It is a perfect getaway for a weekend.

KORLAI FORT

As we cross the Rev-danda bridge, to the right is Korlai fort within the sea and attached to the mainland by a narrow land strip through the Korlai Village. It is said that the fort was built by the Portuguese in 1521. The main gate has an inscription which means 'no entry without a fight'. The fort has seven gates, a fresh water well, a church in disuse, a Hindu temple and a Lighthouse. This village is also credited with its unique ‘Kristi” language and only a few hundred of them remain to speak.

http://dgllnoida.gov.in/history/korlai.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristi_language

SRI DATTA TEMPLE, BHOVALEl (CHAUL)

Chaul is a former city of Portuguese India, now in ruins.18 kms from Alibag on Alibag-Revdanda road, this is another very famous hill shrine.Hamam Khana and a temple. It is famous for its Portuguese ruins, an old church, a synagogue, Buddhist caves, Formerly known as Chaul Fort, it is now popularly called as Revdandakot because the Revdanda village lies within the fort walls. One has to climb around 700 stairs to reach this shrine which surrounded by vegetation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaul

http://www.hikesandtreks.com/mahseaforts1.html#chaulfort

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TRAVEL & STAY ITERINARY.

Trip Details

Though the trip will be focused on Bird-watching and to learn more about them, we have also planned some historical site-seeing like Janjira and Korlai fort along with Chaul village which is a famous shrine ….

Date: 27^th Oct, 2008 morning 6.30 am to 29^th Oct, 2008 eve 6.00 pm

Resource person: Mr. Adesh Shivkar.

Mode of Travel : By Minibus (considering the extensive travel to cover the area)

TRIP ITERINARY

1) Monday 27^th Oct, 2008 : Depart from Bandra (E) at 6.30 am…..a brief birdwatch in Karnala Bird Sanctuary …… have breakfast at Hotel Karnala….. Reach Ramdhaneshwar near Alibaug for a Raptor watch…. Lunch in Alibaug and proceed to Akshi for stay in a bungalow….. proceed to Chaul near Revdanda…..Come back by 4.30 pm to spend the evening at the wonderful Akshi beach which is just a 4 mins walk from the Bungalow…..Enjoy the home cooked dinner…….

2) Tuesday 28^th Oct, 2008: Start early morning at 6.30 am for bird-watching at Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary……. Visit the Grassland patches and Waterholes (Gunyacha Maal, Chikhalgaan & Phansadgaan) …… Lunch at Murud…… Visit Fort “Janjira” …… Visit Korlai Fort and Beach for a lovely evening……Return to Akshi to celebrate Diwali by lighting “Diyas” (No fire crackers please) …….

3) Wednesday 29^th Oct, 2008: Start early morning at 6.30 am for bird-watching at Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary (visit the Sacred Groves)…….visit the Periphery of forests and the “Sacred Groves” for Birdwatching ……visit “Therunda Village” to have a glimpse of a skeleton of “Whale”…….Lunch …..pack up and proceed to Mumbai….. Reach Bandra (E) / Thane by 6 pm.

More details on the iterinary will be given to those who register.....

Trip Charges : Rs.3100/- (10 % discount for children below 12 years and Students)

Includes Stay at a Bungalow in Akshi Village on a dormitory basis , Travel by 27 seater minibus, entry charges for Phansad WLS, veg / non-veg food, Articles on the places to be visited & on board snacks and water…….

This does not include any charges other than the above.

Stay Arrangement: In a Bungalow (of Mr.Atul Bankar) in Akshi Village (5 kms from Alibaug) on a dormitory basis (2 separate dormitories)…..The Bungalow is situated in a serene location surrounded with coconut plantations. The premises and the toilets are clean and the beach is just a few mins walk from here. .

Food : Home cooked vegetarian food will be served in the bungalow.

Registration: You can register by sending a confirmatory mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and by paying a non refundable full advance of Rs.3100/-…..

Resource Persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar

Mode of Payment: You can either
1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c : (please call me for my A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.3100/- to the following address

Please Note:

1) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 3100/- is strictly non-refundable

2) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

Name: Mr.Adesh Shivkar
Address: D/8, The Adi Janata Society, Behind HP Petrolpump, Opp. Hotel Shangrila, Sion(East), Mumbai-400022

Please contact me, in case you need any clarification …..

For any other queries I am available on 9321463362 or 9820455713 or natureindiatours@gmail.com

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Care for Nature

Kaas - 29th to 31st Aug'08

By Mrs.Carolann Pias

Hi Everyone,

Just returned from a glorious trip to Kaas Plateau. Even tho' I normally am more attracted to birds, I was fascinated with the feast of flowers this time. The carpets of smithia were mesmerizing and the vast expanses of karvi were a sight to behold. There were many other beautiful stretches of balsam, pinda, sonki and others that took our breath away. The lush green Sahyadris were just too beautiful to describe. Everytime we headed towards the plateau we just gazed in awe at the breathtaking views ----------- numerous shades of green, some hillslopes with terraced effect looked awesome when enhanced by the dazzling sun. The 3rd misty moisty morning was yet another wonderful sight!

With Adesh's "eagle eyes", on every trip we encountered a pleasant surprise. All of a sudden our vehicle would screech to a halt to avoid a jungle bush quail or he would stop or reverse to show us a well camouflaged dusky crag martin's nest or a baya busy with its nesting activity or some unusual flower species. On the plateau malabar crested larks were everywhere, singing away to glory. We even saw scaly breasted munias, little brown doves, red rumped swallows, spotted doves, loads of bulbuls and a family of macaques at one wooded spot. An inquisitive group of langurs glared at us at another halt.

A walk up Sajjangad was most rewarding despite the light drizzle - crested buntings calling melodiously, blackbirds, Indian robins, ashy prinias, tailor birds, flower peckers, grey tit, dusky crag martins, swifts and swallows. Even descending from the top in the fading light, some feathered species or the other would pop out just to bid us goodbye. Along the way we came across several pied bush chats, long tailed shrike, jungle prinia, alpine swifts, palm swifts and house swifts. We even sighted a couple of white cheeked barbets. Breakfast by the lake or on the rocks was what we all looked forward to - sometimes accompanied by the cry of the crested serpent eagle or the spotted, Quaker or Scimitar Babbler and once a white eyed buzzard right overhead.

On our 1st visit to the plateau we had an unexpected 'snake show'. Some guys brought with them a bagful of snakes which they had captured from the village and freed into the wild once again - a cobra, Russels Viper, Krait and Rat snakes. A black shouldered kite hovered over us for quite some time.

All in all, I must say "3 cheers to Adesh" for one helluva trip!

--- Carol

A Trip to Remember-Kaas

By Ms.Katie Bagli

Hi friends,

Last weekend, 23 of us joined Nature India's trip to Kas, led by Adesh. The Kas plateau, a short distance from Satara, took us by storm, both literally and metaphorically. It was a sight to behold, thousands of flowers of all hues, dancing away in the strong gusts of wind and playing hide and seek amongst the moisture laden clouds that had descended on the scene. Adesh made it a point to show us every flower and Ms.Medha Karkhanis, the knowledgable resource person who had accompanied us, imparting her knowledge with her ever-smiling face and soft, gentle voice. Indeed, the joy of seeing the best of nature put us all on a high.

"Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance,
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought."

These words of William Wordsworth resounded in my head.

Even with the sun hidden by the clouds, the carpets of Senecio grahami (Sonki) shone out like little golden bulbs greeting us on the hillside, en route to the plateau.

Here and there stood out the solitary stalks of Lavendula bipinnatas. The purple Hill Karvis - Carvia callosa - with their blushing pink buds, embraced the hill slopes. Interspersed amongst these along the road were the Tridax procumbens or Coat buttons, there seeds bearing whorls of hairs like dandelions. The spikes of tiny flowers of Indigofera astragalina or Phulzadi and Indigofera cassoides with their cassia-like leaves appeared like little pink sparklers.

Two species of Justicia - procumbens and betonika were amongst the lilliputian flowers trying to prove that small is beautiful. In contrast the much larger flowers of the climbers Abhai or Canavalia gladiata and Vignia Vexillata (Sweet pea) showed off their pink petals that seemed to be folded one inside the other following the art of origami. Their smaller version in yellow were the Vignia radiata or Wild Moong.

Various species of Cyanotis or Cat's ears (in a lighter sense but more appropriately like Lallu Prasad's ears) were spotted: C. cristata, C. fasciculata and C. tuberosa.
The American Softhead or Lagascea mollis intrigued us with its spherical inflorescence. The Nightshade family of Solanums had spines on the veins of their leaves - a peculiar feature. The Undhiphuls or Trichodesma indicum or Indian Borage, had upside down flowers their calyx being winged.

The Ranjire or Pimpinella tomentosa carried its tiny specs of white flowers on umbels having reddish stalks. The pale pink flowers with a red spot - Sopubia delphenifolia or Dudhali, were found growing along the grasses, as it is a root parasite on them.

What took our breath away were the fields of Topli Karvis (Pleocaulus ritchei) that indeed posed a spectcle - baskets of purple flowers swaying in the breeze.

We even saw at one point a patch of white Karvis. Not to be outdone, were fields of the yellow Smithias, both sensitiva and bigemina with their two red spots, making them appear like Mickey Mouses.

In the pools of water growing gregariously were the Bearded Marsh Stars or Pogostemon deccanensis (Jambhali-manjiri). The nutrient deficient soil of the plateau induced the growth of intriguing insectivorous plants like the Seetachi-aswe or Utricularia purpurascens found in the company of Gend (Eriocaulon sedgewickii).

Similarly, the presence of the royal purple Exacum indicated that we would find here its companion the Sundew or Drossera indica. Adesh even showed us the tiny insects that had got trapped on its sticky dew-like secretions.

Another interesting insectivorous plant was the Devil's Claws or Martynia annua, whose petals and leaves felt very soft and adhesive like, a sure trap for insects. Amongst the ground orchids were the Habeneria heyneana or Kangwa since it looked like a comb, H.crassifolia and H.digitata with its greenish-yellow flowers.

The fields of Balsams were impatiently awaiting our admiring glances - Impatiens balsamina, I. oppositifolia which had tiny leaves and no spurs, I.rosmarinifolia, I.lawi and the bright yellow I.dalzelli. We got the thrill of watching the seeds flying out impatiently from its capsules, when applying a slight pressure; thus the generic name.

The only peach coloured flower was that of Murdania lanuginosa or Abolima, its beauty accentuated by a sheen of gold dust on its petals.

On the last day we were lucky to sight the highly endangered Gloriosa superba or Kad lavi - known to induce labour pains. After getting pollinated, the red twirling petals of the corolla turn yellow. The apex of its leaves are modified into tendrils for twining around the support. Bunches of violet and white stars stood out against the dark rocks - the Taragucha or Neonatis lancifolia.

Also found on the moss-covered rocks were the Begonia crennata, the male and female flowers being separate. The leaves are edible, so we tasted them.

There were many more such jewels. The list seems to be endless - our sightings in two days having totalled to 104. The above descriptions are intended just to give an idea of the diversity and richness of this plateau.

Very fortunately for this plateau of flowers, there are several factors that have contributed towards its remaining in its pristine form.

The laterite soil cover is minimal, just a few inches, and as mentioned before, depleted of nutrients. Thus trees and other bigger plants do not grow here and the herbs and shrubs do not face any competition for sun and air. Since not much grass grows, there is no grazing. Several insectivorous plants grow here to make up for the lack of richness of the soil. This area is not so well known to picnickers.

Let us hope such beautiful spots showing the best of nature remain untouched in their entirety for the future generations.

Cheers,
Katie Bagli