tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46658210423341161472012-01-30T07:28:17.640-08:00A place to see what I see.Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.comBlogger891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-67761407888373350692012-01-25T08:25:00.000-08:002012-01-26T03:31:26.961-08:00

The sun hid behind the wavering leaves – light glimmering through a break in the woods, dancing upon the tumultuous sea. Two fishermen sat on ragged rocks, dangerously close to the rising sea, their fishing lines cast unto the furious waves. Any number of fishes caught would make a delightful feast. Two women gathered Hermit Crabs of just the right size to prepare dinner – their coastal village a

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-66166305693860770032011-12-31T02:09:00.000-08:002012-01-03T07:19:42.946-08:00

Dear friends, I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and a prosperous new year! It has been long, yet seemingly quick, as every year. It has been, as always, a year of tragedy and hope, yet I feel this year was a rather encouraging beginning of the new decade, for we learn from our own mistakes. We have seen things this year on global and personal level that we all can relate to,

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-75447738055831075192011-12-10T08:54:00.000-08:002011-12-12T08:40:20.598-08:00

He’s lived in this town long enough to forget the breath of the morning. Although he plans his escapades on practically every weekend, he longs for the smell of the warm summer air. In this town that he lives in, you can’t smell a thing. The first rains drips over the garbage dumps, restraining the petrichor from reaching your senses. The scent of Alstonia is overridden by the stench from the

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-90596392525208317182011-12-07T07:35:00.000-08:002011-12-07T07:36:46.735-08:00

7 AM SHARP, said the text on my phone. I calculated I’d have to wake up only thirty minutes early.  The alarm clock went off at thirty past six.  I saw myself wake up and, as I finished the routine in a blink, stood near the gas station. I sat in the car that approached from the highway connecting the messed up old city to the new unplanned one. The scene flew by swiftly, and switched to me

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-89842706862426877452011-11-18T10:10:00.000-08:002012-01-26T04:32:10.764-08:00

Its facades lie in ruin, its stone walls all but crumbling, its towers are frozen in time – looking out to the sea for the past 600 years, except that they are now headless, and palms now tower above them. I’m looking at Vasai Fort after about four years, and things haven’t changed a bit. There is that State Transport (ST) bus (which makes a fine bumpy ride on pleasant mornings) that I boarded

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-43076896616369247872011-11-06T01:26:00.000-07:002011-11-24T09:37:42.269-08:00

Monsoon officially came to an end with the end of September. What didn’t come to an end was the sheer variety of plants and animals that were born in this season. They grew through the rich season and became adults, and these adults mated and either sowed seeds or laid eggs. The tiny embryos will lay dormant until March, which is a short but amazing season with soaring temperatures and

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-959670772212955342011-10-22T07:43:00.000-07:002011-11-08T06:03:44.613-08:00

I had decided to take a break for a month, but now I’m taking a break from the break since I was compelled to write about my visit to this Sanctuary on 15, 16 October 2011. I woke up before the alarm went off and peered through the window into darkness. I did not sleep well that night – shifting restlessly in the bed, awaiting the break of dawn. With hesitation I looked, hoping that it wore the

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-80494754876466146972011-10-02T08:16:00.000-07:002011-10-02T08:16:58.288-07:00

When the clouds do not hinter the sun from baking the ground all day, it is said that the monsoon is set to leave. On one such day, we went to explore a nearby Protected Area, the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. I had not visited this place in three years, and I was waiting in anticipation for the time to come, which did come on the last weekend of the monsoon season of 2011.  Tungareshwar

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-24133090338463921282011-09-23T11:03:00.000-07:002011-09-23T11:17:08.436-07:00

My feet are happy. Scaling the tallest peak of Thane was no easy feat, but it was the most adventurous trek I’ve been on this month, and surprisingly my feet did not ache. Armed with only water that we weren’t sure will last till the end, but well equipped to document anything that we may stumble upon, we began our journey on one fine bright sunny morning, with the peaks hiding in the clouds.

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-59689658713319189782011-09-18T01:02:00.000-07:002011-09-18T03:26:36.945-07:00

This is the finale of the Saga (!) of the expedition we led to Manikgad in August, and came home defeated but satisfied with the findings. In order to achieve what was unachievable three weeks ago has now been dealt with – we successfully trekked through the adversaries Manikgad cast at us, and climbed with all might and glory that I could gather after hauling my mass up the hills – to where the

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-11386436779315524252011-09-10T00:18:00.000-07:002011-09-10T00:23:21.578-07:00

So my last post may have sounded very pessimistic, as if I had some personal enmity with the rain, but that’s really not the case. To make up to it I visited Matheran again. Well, not exactly Matheran but a village called Jummapatti on the outskirts of Matheran. Jumma is the name of the village, and patti means a settlement. Here is the account of the walk (that turned out to be pretty long),

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-31204115037159824422011-09-01T05:14:00.000-07:002011-09-01T05:14:06.104-07:00

I visited an old friend of mine last weekend. We met after a long time. He was furious and cold for our first meeting in years – that was not very welcoming. For the most part of my stay, we argued over petty things, like the weather. He was always the bully, though – and you shouldn’t argue him. He can lift you and smack you and throw you off the cliff without thinking twice. His name was

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-67082856393852310932011-08-26T09:40:00.000-07:002011-08-26T10:26:16.506-07:00

Like every conqueror, we’ve had our share of defeats. As we walked thwarted, beaten down and embarrassed; and looked back at Manikgad, and at the grimace it bore over its rocky terrain, we swore to return again. You may now have realized that we could not conquer, well, step at the top of Manikgad. And as disappointed as we were, I came home with not sadness, but sheer joy – all thanks to what

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-18516571357564346132011-08-20T06:19:00.000-07:002011-09-12T09:42:01.194-07:00

On the eve of Independence Day, we set on a long road trip to a really unique destination in the northern Western Ghats called Naneghat. Naneghat literally means Coin-passage. It has an interesting history behind the name. It was used as a trading route centuries ago between Kalyan and Junnar. In those times, coins were collected as toll to cross via the pass, and hence the name. An aerial view

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-75019494916377532702011-08-13T05:50:00.000-07:002011-08-19T22:16:53.875-07:00

I went on an expedition last Sunday to a well-known fort in the Sahyadris, the Lohagad, literally meaning Iron-fort. It is one of the few best preserved fortresses around this area, and attracts a lot of tourists to climb its fascinating ramparts. We had gone for this and another reason – to document as much biodiversity we can on the trek. We reached the base of the fort much after the

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-88380455006940070732011-08-06T04:04:00.000-07:002011-08-19T09:24:05.848-07:00

On the last Sunday of July, I went hill-topping with fellow trekkers and naturalists to Tung Fort. Our aim was only one, to reach the very top come what may. We braved against the torrential rains, rode through a horde of tourists at the much more coveted waterfalls around the fort, forged our way through loose rocks and narrow cliffs and came face to face with a thousand waiting soldiers

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-48981416235080871152011-07-30T11:24:00.000-07:002011-07-30T11:24:48.270-07:00

This month was so far the wettest. Since the 13th, it has only been raining. It was a great relief from the hot and humid clime but I can’t say the same for the animals and plants. Also, there are five Sunday’s in this month, so I have an extra day of getting out and away from the urban brawl! On the other hand, I have to stall the How to Point-and-Shoot articles until Winter since I’m occupied

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-41035864384363917432011-07-16T00:36:00.000-07:002011-07-29T10:47:33.584-07:00

This is the roundup of some observations made during the second month of this bountiful season. To avoid the overdose of pictures and text, I’m going to write this in two parts. On July 2nd, WWF-India MSO had organized a trail at Jijamata Udyan (formerly Victoria Gardens) for kids. I and a few friends tagged along to explore the urban fauna, and surprisingly, none of the fauna here is urban in

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-1957879487895157122011-07-01T06:40:00.000-07:002011-07-29T10:47:14.985-07:00

I went on some explorations this June, and this is the roundup of some observations and photographs made in the first month of this exclusive season. Looking at SGNP across Vasai Creek from Nagla Block I visited Nagla Block after two years, on June 11th. I’ve boasted about this place a few times, but I seem to fall short of words when I’m actually there. This small corridor is very different

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-83217554292280785502011-06-21T07:28:00.000-07:002011-06-25T08:04:56.125-07:00

The nights are getting louder in the Northern Hemisphere. Whether it is near a wetland or in the trees, there is a choir of clicks and croaks and ribbits all around. As these little chorus singers try to impress their counterparts, there are large, armoured, slithering creatures lurking in the waters or under the leaf litter, silently looking for their future partner. It is summer and the hearts

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-35164847925918628952011-06-06T00:52:00.000-07:002011-07-29T10:46:51.956-07:00

Leea inflorescence - Not all flowers bloom at the same time The clouds roared and rain poured in Mumbai on the evening of 2nd June 2011. The weather is still (extremely) sultry, but after a long summer, the cloud cover is beginning to take over the sun. As the pre-monsoon showers bathe the ground and wash the dusty leaves, many little flower buds will bloom into a grandeur celebration. While

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-3421149265037921412011-05-21T06:13:00.000-07:002011-06-06T11:30:49.981-07:00

The most sweltering summer that I have ever experienced is in India. The temperatures soar above 30C and humidity above 70%. Yet this did not bother us from exploring our backyard – Yeoor Hills, after almost two years. My last visit was in August of 2009 with a fellow botanist and a friend, and my first visit for 2011 was with this plant-addict as well. We met after two years too, and decided

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-85411556514372437432011-05-17T03:41:00.000-07:002011-05-17T06:35:16.463-07:00

Every bird watcher, amateur or expert, carries two key items while out birding – a binocular and a notepad. Without these, you cannot see a bird nor record it. If you do see a bird that you can’t identify without the aid of binoculars, it becomes hard to identify it later without noting the details on a paper. These were the primary tools used in the past by most famous birders, and are still the

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-78454976697757036032011-04-30T18:47:00.000-07:002011-04-30T18:48:39.119-07:00

Last year I was fortunate to observe a few Eastern Garter Snakes late in March. I had set out to track when and how life returned to Medway Creek, without expecting to find any snakes so early in the season. After stumbling upon many Garter Snakes and being amongst a few individuals that I photographed for the first time, I started following one unique fellow with a rather dark abdomen compared

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-38694147405132635252011-04-08T19:16:00.000-07:002011-04-08T19:18:42.230-07:00

Whenever I visit any natural area, I always observe the insects that call it home. My fascination with insects grew out of my passion for butterflies. Every naturalist shares such a beginning. It is often one organism that catches the eye, and that one organism becomes the inspiration to learn about many others. As I began photographing butterflies, I was introduced to a macro-world full of

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-91561893925696455172011-03-28T14:42:00.000-07:002011-03-28T19:40:15.613-07:00

Nagla Block (wikimapia) is the northern range of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), separated from the main park by Vasai Creek. It is one of my favourite destinations around Mumbai (read the 2009 article here). This article is about my visits to Nagla Block in year 2007, when my camera was a month old and my blog yet nonexistent. Let’s revisit this place and look at the pristine forest of

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-60385936043837815852011-03-05T10:25:00.000-08:002011-03-06T10:16:53.632-08:00

It all started on a trek when I saw a butterfly flaunting false eyes on its wings. I began the quest of identifying it, and discovered many more intriguing ones. Very soon, butterflies became a passion. As a kid I used to chase butterflies to capture them by hands – overlooking their splendor over sheer joy, but then I developed a hobby of capturing them through lens. This was the beginning of

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-39963705720960518112011-02-12T15:49:00.000-08:002011-03-08T08:23:12.947-08:00

It has been a long journey with my ever handy point-and-shoot camera. Not just in the number of days or places visited, but in number of pictures taken as well. It has been bruised and tortured in extreme climes – from the hot, humid forests of Western Ghats to the freezing cold of southern Ontario. It has been dropped on solid ground, splashed by river and rain, and been subjected to blowing

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-15839353151222782812011-01-12T09:57:00.000-08:002011-01-12T13:54:08.540-08:00

Moist Deciduous forests of Western Ghats When I first ventured into the pristine forests of the Western Ghats, I was astounded by the sheer variety of plants, from the simplest bryophytes to the complex angiosperms, forming one big single community. A nigh ten kilometres from the nearest human settlement, it is one of the few remaining megadiverse habitats around the world. There are large

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-81745580385125184122011-01-05T13:57:00.000-08:002011-01-06T17:58:29.378-08:00

There are fascinating activities going on in nature everywhere around us. Even right now, there is a small colony of Carpenter ants somewhere in your backyard working hard to find food during winter, but summer undoubtedly peaks in such activities, as the temperature rises and plants bloom and there is an abundance of everything for a short period of time. The struggle for survival, the game that

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-87293406232047097572010-12-16T13:49:00.000-08:002011-03-15T10:59:52.949-07:00

Co-existence or encroachment? As rapid urbanization advances, Sweri, one of the few remaining staging areas of Lesser and Greater Flamingoes in Mumbai faces a serious threat. The International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) has nearly come to an end. Like every year, many ambitious, successful projects were implemented this year – from community based conservation of backyards and watersheds, to

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-12822237651727003302010-11-21T08:07:00.000-08:002010-11-21T14:49:46.533-08:00

A 3D animation that looks into the daily life of bugs in a humorous, human perspective. It is a fine work of art by Thomas Szabo. Do check out his gallery!

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-37951232895982137272010-11-15T20:24:00.000-08:002011-11-02T10:27:06.457-07:00

A male Bluebill I wandered far into the woods, into the lakes and over the snow, and waited patiently for an approaching deer, or a turkey, or, if I am on the lake, a duck, in anticipation of shooting one. But I found myself sitting on a bus on the way to the railway station. I was wondering what exactly I was going to do in the following 24 hours. It took me 6 hours to reach London, where it

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-57890668269847098652010-11-13T18:24:00.000-08:002010-12-28T16:25:12.889-08:00

Wanderer's Eye: Medway Creek Reflections by Aniruddha H DI wanted to create a single document containing all the photographs and observations done at Medway Creek since a long time. For complete articles on Medway Creek published on Wanderer’s Eye:Autumn WalkMedway Creek – January ThawMedway Creek 2Sounds of SpringAmong the Garter SnakesStalking SpringLast Walk at Medway CreekA Walk by the River

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-45203110454952725612010-11-07T14:33:00.000-08:002010-11-07T18:24:46.321-08:00

Starting today, the 7th of November 2010, I will be posting interesting things that goes on around the world with respect to environment, wildlife and sometimes human-life. Here's a witty, satirical song parody of "I'm A Believer" titled "I'm A Denier" by M4GW (Minnesotans for Global Warming). Also visit their website! It is about the deniers of climate change (around the world), but I think it

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-36337436351124403112010-10-15T09:00:00.000-07:002011-03-15T10:57:02.078-07:00

With melting icecaps, rising sea level, flashfloods and severe droughts making news in the media every other day, the Blog Community has come up with an interesting idea “that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking a global discussion and driving collective action” called the Blog Action Day. In order to minimize our impact on water,

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-5294870627539485742010-10-06T16:47:00.000-07:002010-12-28T16:25:32.413-08:00

Cicindela sexguttata, photographed in early spring at Medway Creek, 2010 Patience is virtue, but if there is an insect that knows how to tests your patience, it has to be a Tiger Beetle. Belonging to the order Coleoptera, family Carabidae , subfamily Cicindelinae (all Tiger Beetles belong to Carabidae, but not all Carabidae beetles are commonly called Tiger Beetles; they were previously

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-84827590751476410352010-09-22T10:52:00.000-07:002010-12-28T16:25:46.595-08:00

The air now carries the remains of summer’s warmth and the early coolness of fall. It is pleasant, but the place I live in is devoid of natural woods and shrubs. Whatever grows are horticulture plants or weeds on wastelands providing ecological services to the scarce but valuable biodiversity predominated by bumble bees, bottle flies and cabbage whites. Soon the landscape will transform into

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-55832826326208870422010-09-04T13:06:00.000-07:002011-04-16T14:15:37.640-07:00

Grus canadensis, Sandhill Cranes on the lake “I’m not sure if this is related to the [study of] environment …” said a colleague with a shrug. I was talking about the project I assisted for in the past two months. According to him, studying Sandhill Crane study is not a part of environmental studies, or I may simply say wildlife study is not related to environmental studies. So what is

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-48851018140820529802010-08-08T13:02:00.000-07:002011-04-16T14:19:26.620-07:00

Looking over the Inner Bay, Long Point There are places on Earth where over thousand birds stage during migration and where birders and other experts flock to cherish this grand congregation, one of such places is Long Point. Situated in Lake Erie, Long Point Sand spit was created over the last 4,000 years due to the high shoreline availability of glacial till, strong winds, variations in

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-28344236629221111432010-05-28T13:29:00.000-07:002010-05-28T13:41:24.135-07:00

On the plains of Africa stands a tall man – well camouflaged in the dry grasslands – looking over a solemn landscape charred by the afternoon sun. He is backed by two of his colleagues who are looking as intently as he is. They are carrying loaded guns held cautiously over their shoulders, scanning the horizon. Sweat trickles down their brow, as they stand motionless in the simmering fields.In

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-49933703639318978262010-05-06T16:00:00.000-07:002010-10-21T14:03:00.205-07:00

Medway Creek, photo taken on 20th April, 2010The last two trails at Medway Creek have been pretty short. I was glad I managed to go there before I left London, probably forever. It has only been eight months since I discovered this little paradise known only to a handful of people who jog through the woods or walk their dogs. I started regular nature walks at Medway Creek late in the winter,

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-9479479609464470952010-04-23T20:48:00.000-07:002010-10-21T14:02:44.680-07:00

Medway Creek on 21st March, 2010No more salty shoes. No more blowing snow. No more frozen earth. The days are longer and nights shorter. The air is warm and humid. The winds of change have arrived. And with these winds come all the residents of this land. I spent quite some time in the woods during March and April, photographing and studying as much as I could. I came across some astounding life

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-12759423559715248652010-04-18T20:42:00.000-07:002011-04-16T14:22:59.349-07:00

Don’t be a photographer, be a photonaturalist - Steve Berardi A black-and-white photograph of Bloodroot - Sanguinaria canadensis, one of the few herbs to flower early in Spring. Early flowers attract insects that help continue the yearly cycle of life-and-death through all four seasons I came across a website called PhotoNaturalist, and I could quickly connect with it. The title is apt for

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-7346623987710974052010-04-04T10:40:00.000-07:002011-05-22T08:49:59.324-07:00

Eastern Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis I remember shuffling through pages of Childcraft as a kid, when I was more interested in pictures than the text. My father had bought a set of these books that further nurtured my interest in science and nature. After years, I forgot about these introductory books, although I obscurely remember the pictures and drawings in them. This amazing

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-6517844213344727112010-03-20T10:47:00.000-07:002010-10-21T14:02:08.342-07:00

“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush” - Doug Larson Slushy snow covering the woods at Medway CreekAfter four months of waiting and facing the last snowstorm, the weather changed its course within two days. The temperatures rose to above 10C after a long, long time and the snow started to melt. Today there’s hardly any snow around. In the meanwhile, the snowmelt

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-50205132285369818052010-03-14T19:21:00.000-07:002010-10-21T14:01:54.028-07:00

“The earth is shaking as the tree falls with a great thud.” – Boa Sr, Songs from the Great Andamanese6,808,300,000 – The number of people living on this planet. 3,000,000,000 – The number of people living in poverty. Over thousand tribes exist on this planet but no one knows how many tribal people live or how many die. It is disheartening to hear of someone you know pass away but it is

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-32506220492976015282010-03-05T11:22:00.001-08:002010-10-21T14:01:37.413-07:00

"If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?" - Percy Bysshe Shelley Medway CreekOn 21st February, the clouds unveiled a deep blue sky and let the temperature rise above 0 degrees – after almost a month. The sun shone brightly, melting snow away. The air felt warm for once. I went to explore Medway Creek again, which always amuses me and I like being in that little habitat by the bridge at the

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-91499074577559254072010-02-20T11:41:00.000-08:002011-04-16T14:11:32.209-07:00

...of Mumbai Lush green forests of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, during Monsoon There are times when we walk in the wild and find something interesting. We look at it, and forget. Then there are times when we remember seeing it but not photographing it. That’s when we regret. I have been through such times, apparently not photographing something that is very common, but then thinking back and

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-34740350720892453092010-02-07T16:35:00.000-08:002010-10-21T14:01:10.253-07:00

...a trail during January Thaw “Whose woods are these I think I know His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.” - Robert Frost, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Medway Creek - as seen from a bridgeI was growing impatient for the arrival of spring. This was a month ago, in January – a month considered to be the bleakest of all.

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-3526868640370609772010-01-22T23:12:00.000-08:002011-06-06T11:22:45.996-07:00

…think wasp is a stinging machine? Think again. It was a sultry day in 2008. The October heat had set in. We were in the field taking a break under a small Teak tree, sipping on the little water left with us. The grass was tall and green but the characteristics of a deciduous forest were already showing. There was no wind – which is typical of October and the humidity was at its peak. We were

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-68119827189772830062010-01-09T21:34:00.001-08:002011-04-16T14:37:25.148-07:00

“When we become a part of anything, it becomes a part of us.” - David Harold Fink Seedlings sprout from the dried fruit that is  still clinging to the mother tree during Monsoon A new year is something everyone looks forward to. 2010, however is not just another year, it is the end of a decade. 2010 is, most importantly, declared as an International Year of Biodiversity. Keeping this in mind, I

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-75616083210849827562009-12-29T14:20:00.000-08:002010-10-21T14:00:25.033-07:00

...exploring nature in winter. Another year comes to an end. It was a year of exploring different places, discovering new creatures and new life, and gaining knowledge based on the memories and the experiences built over a few years. It was a long year, and I began learning many more things that I seemed to overlook in the past. And the curiosity started ever increasing as I looked in the dry

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-58712244615896390172009-12-18T10:51:00.001-08:002011-04-20T10:03:02.340-07:00

“Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly, 'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."– Mary Howitt 1821 Moult of a Pisaurid Spider Introduction Spider is the most dangerous eight legged creature that walks the face of the earth. Who does not know what a

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-26916286177084631222009-12-02T17:53:00.000-08:002010-10-21T13:59:56.072-07:00

...on 17th of October, 2009“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,There is a rapture on the lonely shore,There is society, where none intrudes,By the deep Sea, and music in its roarI love not Man the less, but Nature more…”Lord George Gordon Byron I was staring at the wilting leaves through the window, and for every leaf that fell, I nagged myself to go out and explore before winter spread

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-15914769128607084332009-11-21T15:05:00.000-08:002010-10-21T13:59:43.854-07:00

...nature-trail along Thames river A cold breeze swept across the street and hushed the rustling leaves in the corners. Fall neared its end, and the breeze cleared the way for winter. It was a fine day, as the sun warmed the earth’s surface and the bright blue color spilled across a cloudless sky. What a day to explore, thought I. It had been months since I went on a proper nature-walk, so I

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-11394322535705638082009-11-15T13:31:00.000-08:002011-04-16T14:41:51.541-07:00

A brief look at the eyes Eyes of Bamboo Pit Viper staring straight at me Ever had the feeling of being watched – that uncomfortable sense which presses you hard against a wall, eating your mind inside out, and leaving you vulnerable and at god’s mercy? Often so, it is a game played by our mind. But there comes a moment when you see those eyes, staring right at you. And that’s when you feel it –

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-23159779496389038352009-10-30T15:31:00.000-07:002011-04-20T20:17:50.654-07:00

Harmonia axyridisThere are around 18 species of ladybird beetles in Ontario, all of which feed on aphids and mealy bugs. However, Harmonia axyridis was considered very effective in eradicating the pest problems associated with crops such as soya. Hence it was introduced into USA and thus entered Canada. Here is an account entailing general information and observations on this beetle.  Asian Lady

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-68396566242239996142009-10-11T12:42:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:58:47.959-07:00

Sciurus carolinensis A common mammal of the neighborhood in Canada, it is seen scurrying on parapets and on top of houses, on pine trees and maples. I spent a pleasant time photographing and video-shooting these squirrels.Here is one of her stance where she curiously and slyly gave me a glance. It is a squirrel native to Eastern and Midwestern USA and southerly Canada. It was introduced in UK and

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-74204149323396790322009-08-12T08:04:00.000-07:002011-03-28T07:52:16.709-07:00

Nagla Block – August 10th, 2009 A fine day to explore! Thought I, and headed to the ST stand on a Sunday morning. The day was bright, sky open and faintly blue. No cloud was in the sight, and the effect of the Sun was already setting in. The air was humid, scarce and smelled of fresh vada paav and chai. It was a busy morning, as usual, with beggars going about their business, students going to

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-43074682140905123602009-08-04T05:58:00.000-07:002010-12-27T11:04:31.496-08:00

Karjat - 31st July and 1st August, 2009 Sweat trickled down me brow as I awaited the coming of a train with the symbol ‘S’. An hour passed and the train arrived on platform 2, when it was to arrive at 5. Such things happen here that leaves the commuters fuming; nonetheless it did not bother me from being absorbed in the countryside, a dreamy world that shows up only during Monsoon. Aboard the

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-65197951102336245552009-07-28T22:50:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:57:54.582-07:00

Yeoor Hills - 24th July 2009 This was a fourth trail at Yeoor Hills. If you tread across all the four trails, you will find a considerable difference in the sightings. It was an interesting trail and as usual, we learnt more as we discovered. Photographs: Orthosiphon rubicundus: A tall herb with beautiful inflorescence, it is used in medicines in India. It attracts a lot of butterflies. Above

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-40087279716963688622009-07-21T22:55:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:57:42.574-07:00

Matheran - 11th and 12th July 2009 Introduction I have already written twice about Matheran during August 2008. I visited this place again this year, just to enjoy and learn what Monsoon brings with her. Matheran literally means “a forest on top”. It is a small hill station, smallest in the northern Western Ghats, about 7.2 sq. km in area. It is well connected from Mumbai as well as Pune – and

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-29437696627828822222009-07-21T12:42:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:57:29.645-07:00

Mahuli - 19th July 2009 A Nature Trail was organized by WWF MSO, India to Mahuli. Mahuli is a fort, the highest point in Thane district at 2815 feet. The forest surrounding Mahuli Fort has been declared as a sanctuary – Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. The place is dominated by semi deciduous forests, and gives a different picture in wet and dry seasons. It is near Asangaon – a station on the Central

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-58827112553151115632009-07-21T09:35:00.001-07:002010-10-21T13:57:16.236-07:00

Yeoor Hills, a trail on 17th July 2009 Yeoor is my backyard, where instead of discarding old goods I go to find some new goods. The goods include everything good, the Nature's work of art. Yeoor has taught me a lot of things - and butterflies were a beginning - back in 2006, with Krushnemegh Kunte's Butterflies of Indian Peninsula in one hand, I remember cautiously approaching butterflies to

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-14023749909934706052009-07-07T11:51:00.001-07:002011-01-30T12:19:07.196-08:00

Sanjay Gandhi National Park - 4th July 2009 A place like none other, SGNP is every naturalists' fantasy. It is the only known forest to be surrounded by a megacity - Mumbai. Being in the city does have many problems, like encroachment, illegal business of liquor etc., poaching and deforestation, but this is the last resort for the wildest of animals to be seen in Mumbai today. It is not a place

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-13341831796131829472009-06-30T05:36:00.000-07:002011-04-20T20:24:37.401-07:00

Uran 28th June 2009 "Uran has a vast wetland ecosystem and a naval base near Mora Gaon. It is known for fishing and the bird life that exists there – and all of these are at stake due to the SEZ that falls under 10,000 hectares of this wetland ecosystem."Introduction I went on a walk at Uran, a township in the Raigad district famous for its wetlands. It takes around one hour to reach this

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-12388237998405592322009-06-23T07:57:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:56:39.636-07:00

Yeoor Hills on 21st June 2009 I went Yeoor Hills again after a gap of 6 days. It rained on Saturday 20th, so visiting Yeoor on the 21st seemed like a good idea. The sightings had been different compared to last Sunday (previous Yeoor post). The weather was pleasant, overcast, drizzled a wee bit, and the breeze was cold and damp. All this is not favored by some insects such as butterflies so most

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-71881613901119339082009-06-16T07:52:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:56:28.779-07:00

Yeoor Hills - A Short Trail on 14th June 2009Yeoor Hills of Thane require no introduction - to see more on Yeoor, just google "Yeoor Hills" or go through my previous posts before September 2008 and wait for more in days to come. I went Yeoor after many months. Thus I "officially" declare the beginning of my favourite season of Monsoon! Officially I said, for it's about time for Monsoon to arrive

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-89621995534529830222009-06-12T08:06:00.000-07:002011-07-07T22:12:14.052-07:00

Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve from 16th May 2009 to 23rd May 2009, a ReportIntroduction Dandeli-Anshi Tiger reserve is an 874 sq. km area of a variety of habitats, situated in Uttara Kannada, the northernmost district of Karnataka. Karnataka has four tiger reserves including Dandeli-Anshi. This tiger reserve is a merged area of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park, along with

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-7733626762800197192009-03-22T22:01:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:56:04.431-07:00

These two Lycaenids cause much confusion in amateur butterfly watchers. Here's one note on how to distinguish them.Gram Blue on a Shrub Gram Blue, Euchrysops cnejus – is a common Lycaenid of India. Distributed throughout the southern and western regions, it is not found in the higher altitudes.Gram Blue male - upper side Male Gram Blues are smaller compared to the female counterparts. The males

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-30901374390431345452009-03-08T10:28:00.000-07:002011-04-20T20:29:52.346-07:00

The Charaxinae The Killer Moth or Charaxes of Batman may be a villain that everyone hates. But that does not stop the butterflies I’m in love with – commonly called Leafwings be named the Charaxes (Subfamily Charaxinae). Introducing the Nawab (Polyura athamas) and the Rajahs (Charaxes solon and Charaxes bernardus) from my backyard, who happen to be rather uncommon – if not rare – in the habitat

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-53334748087085533302009-03-01T01:31:00.000-08:002010-10-21T13:55:34.004-07:00

The Praying Mantis – An Insight Insects have not only adopted the status of pests –and – friends –of – everyone. There are many others that are, in true sense – predatory. And here I am talking of Mantids, commonly so-called Praying Mantis(es). An Adult Mantis rests in dried inflorescence with a "praying" posture Praying Mantises belong to the order Mantodea. They are referred to as “Praying”

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-82901239492387383812009-02-21T05:51:00.000-08:002011-04-20T20:42:04.197-07:00

Living in one of the biodiversity hotspots – the Western Ghats – has led its residents relish and preserve the rich ecosystems of their homes. It is here that I dwell, one among the many nature enthusiasts who wonder in awe at the rich biodiversity of this complicated and conflicted land. Out of all the varieties of mammals, birds, butterflies, beetles, ants and bees, et cetera; we have a good

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-35441433858971985252009-02-03T07:56:00.000-08:002011-04-20T20:48:42.826-07:00

A butterfly is seen as a personification of a person’s soul – whether they are living, or dead, according to a Japanese legend, and indeed it is for only those who marvel at their charm as they flutter by know well. A delicately crafted butterfly from a chrysalis is one of the finest creations of nature. Let us dive into a rational world of these marvels, far from the scientific mind-boggling

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-63248003656193979302008-12-11T06:46:00.000-08:002010-10-21T13:54:25.922-07:00

Been two months since I updated this space. I solely blame it on the pre-occupation to some prior commitments. Excursion to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Gokarn from 1st November to 6th November 2008. Dandeli panorama from Kawala Caves with Kali River in view IntroductionThe visit to Dandeli WLS was proved fruitful in all ways – thanks to our tour operator. The time of the year was excellent

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-67705078654695114222008-10-08T09:59:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:53:52.081-07:00

Monsoon Trails as of 5th October 2008 Hesperiidae 1. Grass Demon 2. Rice Swift 3. Indian Palm Bob 4. Chestnut Bob 5. Brown Awl 6. Common Banded Awl 7. Vindhyan Bob 8. Malabar Spotted Flat 9. Tri color pied flat 10. Golden Angle 11. Common Small Flat 12. Common Spotted Flat 13. Tamil Grass Dart 14. Indian Skipper 15. Dark Palm Dart 16. Unidentified Swift –Small Branded Swift (?) 17. Spotted

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-91452203581423104542008-09-08T07:26:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:53:40.142-07:00

With the beginning of September, the Monsoon is set to leave with heavy thundering and dangerous lightning. With animals dying of post-monsoon storms, its not just death, but a whole new life that it brings with it. The seeds sown in the pre-monsoon month germinate, mature, and reproduce, we see a lot of mature fauna around along with flowers that find it apt to bloom, for it may be first and the

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-1040810247561647732008-08-31T06:30:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:53:25.949-07:00

MatheranI spent the weekend at two different places, one in my backyard and the other atop a hill. It was not only pleasant - for me and the butterflies - but damn scenic too. Although we bagged few sightings, but those we sighted were pretty much uncommon! New species of flowers are blooming, and as the monsoon's reign comes to an end, the life seems to bloom at its pinnacle.Devil's Claw -

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-87640051406918307402008-08-24T06:55:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:53:11.950-07:00

Yeoor Hills BNHS had organized a trail to Yeoor Hills, lead by Isaac Kehimkar, Yuvraj Gurjar and Dr. Amol Patwardhan. We had an ‘official’ letter to be inside the protected area of the Yeoor Hills, and that’s something great! About 50 on and off BNHS members trailed through the green laden hills, scanning the undergrowth and the canopy. The trail was unusual in itself for we found exclusive

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-11818476114092788152008-08-19T09:52:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:52:59.273-07:00

Yeoor Hills needs no introduction now. It is a Butterfly Haven, a Paradise. But that’s not it. It is a Haven for all that is beautiful (Read Previous Reports on Yeoor Hills). I went Yeoor again, and came back with sightings all together different! Every new day brings out the life in it. We were there for not more than two hours, but that was sufficient for what was captured through the lens.

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-79842597212478033542008-08-17T09:06:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:52:43.668-07:00

Yeoor Hills, 17th August 2008 Yeoor Hills, a part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a semi-evergreen, deciduous forest that harbors a myriad of life forms. With life teeming in its every corner, Yeoor, being a land of constant stress from humans, still has places left that would righteously be called the untouched lands. The farmhouses are ever increasing, and so are cattle, but that has not

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-15733001699176285042008-08-09T00:29:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:52:27.797-07:00

Matheran, 8th August 2008 A hill station and an escapade from the urban chores, Matheran stands tall at 800 meters above sea level, and is only about 100 km away from Mumbai. Matheran literally means a jungle on top. With a million visitors each year, it sure is a hot spot for picnic-goers and honeymooners, trekkers and nature enthusiasts. And not just that, but it sure is an abode for a variety

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-47460684293995848362008-07-26T07:37:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:52:15.848-07:00

I’ve known the exact meaning of the word ‘wildlife’ since childhood. I’m not boasting myself. Who doesn’t know what wildlife stands for? But lately, I’ve been hearing a recent entry into the world of nature, the ‘urban wildlife’. This is a vast topic – as vast as the wildlife, and it is ever expanding as we encroach; and with its expansion, the real wildlife contracts. Think about it, and look

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-20891947656208692762008-07-15T06:56:00.000-07:002011-03-23T09:08:30.472-07:00

Kanheri Caves, 13th July'08 The Borivali National Park, officially known as the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, is a unique National Park in that it lies within borders of a city. The park lies on the northern fringes of suburban Mumbai, India. It encompasses an area of 104 square kilometres and is surrounded on three sides by the world's 5th most populous city. It is one of Asia's most visited

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-56772430113226380012008-07-06T02:02:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:51:42.460-07:00

Karjat, at the LakeKarjat is an extended suburb of Mumbai. It is located on Bhor ghat, Sahyadri, Western Ghats as well as at the end of coastal plains of Konkan region near Deccan. It has an average elevation of 194 metres (636 feet). It lies on the banks of the River Ulhas. Many farm houses and residential colonies are situated here with all civil amenities and a municipal corporation. People

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-40591002086532664162008-06-29T20:36:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:51:22.242-07:00

Yeoor Hills, 21st June '08Yeoor Hills, the Eastern side of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a gateway to heaven, in your backyard. A place where people come to party, get drunk and fight. No, that's not what we're going to be talking 'bout here. Yeoor Hills is approx. of 40 sq. km. Easily accessible, within city limits, and full of activities. Birders, insect lovers, all kinds of nature

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-10807829307937552932008-06-28T05:02:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:51:10.353-07:00

Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, 13th June 2008Tungareshwar was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2003. It is about 85 km sq of forestland. It is located on an altitude of about 2177 ft. It is well known amongsts trekkers and nature enthusiasts and must be visited in the monsoons and winters.For more information, visit here - http://www.wheremumbai.com/article_archives.aspx?id=265&catid=11I had

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665821042334116147.post-9560809305428122732008-06-28T04:53:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:49:58.601-07:00

Like last year, I thought I'd create anoter report on all the Monsoon Trails I been on. Unlike last year, where I had created an 'offline' report, as a pdf; this year I thought I'd blog it down o'er here. That would be easy to access and to gather/ give more information. So as I go on with the trails, I would be updating this space, with photographs and stuff... I love going on trails and treks,

Aniruddha H Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04353702396880646873noreply@blogger.com4