#beetles of western ghats

[billionneuronscurious]

When I first saw this beetle closely, it was like somebody painted it and left it in the wild. Who else? Nature - The Greatest Artist!

As if a cross between Ladybug Beetle and Chafer Beetle... As if a Leopard of Beetle and Insect Worlds...

[twf2020]

Why are grasslands in India dying?

India is not just the land of jungles but a country supporting a huge variety of geological and geographical terrains. From the rainforests of the Western Ghats to the arid deserts of Thar, from the Mangroves of Sundarbans to the snowy hills of the mighty Himalayas. But one of the habitats that rather goes unnoticed among these are the grasslands of India.

Grasslands in India are broadly differentiated into three types — the wet grassland, the montane grasslands and the dry-arid grasslands. All three of these are extremely rich in biodiversity and are home to few of the most endangered species in the world.

Where are these habitats found?

Montane grasslands such as the Sholas in Western Ghats is home to one of the incredibly rare ungulates- the Nilgiri Tahr along with few of the bird species that aren’t found anywhere in the world. The wet grassland is a special habitat of northern India lying below the Himalayas which supports the mighty One-Horned Rhinoceros, the Hog deer, the Swamp deer and the elusive Bengal Florican which is critically endangered now. The dry-arid grasslands are the most abundant grasslands in India present in the states of Gujrat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and a few parts of the Deccan plateau.

Importance of Grasslands

Grasslands are far from being just a barren land with no ecological significance. In fact, they offer a range of economic, environmental, and ecological benefits. They serve as grazing land for livestock and domestic cattle, playing a vital role in the livelihood of shepherds and cattle rearers. Additionally, they act as a carbon sink, effectively reducing greenhouse gases. Despite appearing lifeless at a glance, a closer look reveals a thriving ecosystem of diverse flora and fauna.

These grasslands form a complex ecosystem with a healthy population of insects such as beetles, bees, and other crop pollinators. Any disturbance to the savannas can hinder these insects’ ecological functions, resulting in reduced crop yields.

The Indian grasslands support a wide array of admirable species. They are home to critically endangered species such as Blackbuck, Chinkara, Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, and endangered species like Indian wolf and Striped Hyena, alongwith other common species such as Nilgai, Jackals, Mongoose, Civets, and Foxes.

Destruction of these biodiverse habitats

Destruction of the grassland cannot be pointed to just a single reason, a wide range of factors plays a part in this. Habitat destruction by humans is one of main reasons, given that grasslands are still seen as wastelands, these areas are often converted into farmland or industrial areas due to their flat terrain, leading to a reduction in their overall area.

The construction of wind and solar power plants in the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard has had a detrimental impact on the species, as they are low-flying birds with poor eyesight and are prone to colliding with power lines. This has resulted in numerous deaths, and despite the fact that the species is on the brink of extinction with fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild, little has been done to address the problem.

Non Native Plans Wreck Havoc

Unnecessary plantation drives for the sole purpose of increasing the forest cover find these grasslands as a perfect spot to grow trees. But these tree plantations not only destroy these pristine habitats but also fragment them into smaller pieces of openlands by disturbing their continuity, thus affecting the wildlife adversely. Additionally, invasive species like Prosopis juliflora and Latana camara, which were introduced to the grasslands by humans many years ago, are now dominating the area, leaving no room for native grasses to grow due to the lack of nutrients and moisture in the soil.

Although these species are safeguarded by the “Wildlife Protection Act,” incidents of poaching and road accidents occur frequently in their habitats due to inadequate vigilance and protection.

Feral Dogs

One of the overlooked threats to grasslands is the presence of feral dogs that often accompany human settlements near these habitats. These dogs pose a significant danger to the wildlife in the grassland system and other habitats as well. They not only prey upon rare herbivore species like the blackbuck and the chinkaras but also act as carriers of the Canine Distemper Virus, which is deadly to carnivores. There have been reports of wolves dying from this disease in recent years. It is essential to address this issue and take appropriate measures to control the population of feral dogs to prevent further harm to the wildlife and the environment.

Importance of Grasslands and its Wildlife

The Indian grasslands and their inhabitants are in dire need of conservation to safeguard themselves. Government and the common public need to see these lands as biodiverse habitats rather than wastelands which can be achieved with the help of proper awareness.

The Government recently introduced ‘Project Cheetah ‘ which aims at bringing back this extinct spotted cat and thus implementing the ground level conservation and restoration of their habitat i.e. the grasslands which will indirectly aid the survival of other species. To conclude, grasslands are not just empty fields, they are vital habitats that support diverse wildlife and provide numerous ecological and economical services, making their conservation crucial for the health of our planet.

We at Think Wildlife Foundation recently launched our Livelihoods for Conservation project to provide alternative, sustainable livelihoods to the communities living with wildlife. This is with the aim to incentivize conservation while uplifting these communities economically. You can purchase merchandise from these communities here!

Written by: Samarth Jain

Originally published at https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com on May 14, 2023.

[vgopalakrishnan]

Kanavoor tales...

On a fine morning, Kanavoor, a tiny and a picturesque hamlet nestled in the midst of lush green paddy fields surrounded by the dense & thick forests in the foothills of the serene Western ghats appeared absolutely normal on the day break. Birds of all kinds started chirping and singing by making melodious sounds, providing a delightful listen for the people of the village. The pretty peahens in large numbers enchanted the watchers by spreading their beautiful bunch of feathers painted with charming colours. It was simply a gorgeous sight to see them dance with their feathers spread out. Uncared lazy cattle were loitering around the empty fields in search of their morning feed. 

The captivating pond in Kanavoor was brimming with fresh, pristine water adds life to the village. It has already become an enticingly natural habitat for the water birds and other species which flock the pond. The sight of the birds waiting for their prized catch in the pond appeared ecstatic. Colourful and beautiful lilies have filled up the pond, making it look like a woman draped in a magnificent floral saree. The quirky sounds of the beetles around the pond created an electrifying atmosphere. Beetles pestering the flowers for honey appeared like a naughty lover running around his sweetheart for his proposal. The soul stirring sounds of the folk songs sung by the women in unison in the nearby paddy fields have already started reverberating the environment. The bright flowers blossomed all over the village made it appear like a huge, flower decked garden. 

The local tea shop owned by chinnachamy, a place for debates and discussions about any topic under the Sun, is already filled with people for their morning tea along with the scanning of the daily newspapers. The blaring music of old film songs in Chinnachamy's tea shop is the first wake up call for the most villagers. Muneeswaran koil, the village's chief temple adjacent to the pond, with the tall life sized and imposing statue of village deity Muneeswaran decorated with flower garlands, had already started receiving people from nearby places. The loud devotional music played in the temple indicated the arrival of the auspicious season for the temple. 

It had just rained in the early morning in Kanavoor, with the muddy roads left with kissing the puddles of rain waters all over the place. And the Sun has been shy and barely stepped out in Kanavoor, keeping the place absolutely cool & cozy against the backdrop of towering mountains of the ghats.

All of a sudden, the quiet village turned chaotic with people running around in groups adding commotion in the otherwise sleepy village. Villagers were seen rushing towards Periya Ayya, the village's headman and whose family, for generations, have been donning the role of village headmen, faithfully solving the aspirations and the problems of Kanavoor. He is also a godfather for many inquisitive and obedient villagers who seek his wise counsel ranging from family disputes to career opportunities. Periya Ayya, a landlord lives in Muneeswaran Koil street adjacent to the temple with his family. He is also the hereditary trustee of Muneeswaran koil, which again was managed by his ancestors across generations. 

Periya Ayya's household was shaken by the sudden and loud cries of the agitated villagers who had gathered outside Periya Ayya’s house, "Ayya, ayya please come out”. The distress call of the people disturbed Periya Ayya, who had just finished his morning chores and was sipping his tea glancing through the day’s newspaper. People in his house were glued to the television when the noise thundered them. Periya Ayya rushed out of his house only to see a group of distressed villagers standing out to seek his audience. Looking at the visibly outraged villagers, he clearly gauged something grave to have struck the village in the wee hours.

"What happened, why are you all looking so disturbed in the morning? Anything wrong?" asked Periya Ayya, looking at the distraught villagers.

Kanavoor tales to continue... 

[girnationalpark]

Indian Fox, Gir Forest

Indian fox is also known by the Bengal fox, it habitats in the Indian subcontinental from the Himalayan foothills and southern portion of the Indian Peninsula (Western Ghat and Eastern Ghat are not included) and Gir National Park is one of them where it is found.

Diet

Indian foxes are omnivorous, the salient feeding is insects, small mammals, reptiles, small birds and fruits. The animals consist are termites, ants, beetles, spiders, soft-furred rats, little Indian field mice, Indian gerbils, Indian mynahs, grey partridge, and ashy-crowned finch larks.

Communication

Indian foxes are able to make wide range of vocalizations, ‘Chattering cry’ is a common vocalization, it indicates warning call.

[javatpoint]

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

The wildlife sanctuary is a conservation area that is administered for conservation & to offer chances for study or research. It is important for flora, animals, or characteristics of geological or some other interest. In India, protected areas can be created under the Wildlife Act, of 1972.

India's wildlife reserves are categorized as IUCN Category 4 protected areas. In India, 553 wildlife sanctuaries covered 119,776 km² as of December 2020. 51 of these are tiger reserves that are very important to the preservation of the Bengal tiger, and Project Tiger is in charge of managing them. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, located close to Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, is the oldest bird sanctuary and was founded in 1796.

1.Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett, a well-known author of animal stories, is honored with the name of this park. This park draws admirers from all around the world because of its beauty and solitude. In order to increase public awareness of the powerful and magnificent Bengal Tigers, this Indian wildlife tourist attraction has also been highlighted in numerous nature films.

2. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

This national park is proud of its gorgeous tigers. This park provides a perfect environment for the park's predators and other creatures because it is bordered by the Banas & Chambal Rivers. Some of the main creatures in this park include the nilgai, leopard, sambar, wild boar, and hyena.

3. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Elephants and many other endangered animals have a natural habitat here. This park is one of the most beautiful in India because of the dense jungle of that same Deccan Plateau as well as the Western Ghats.

4. Keoladeo Ghana National Park – Bharatpur, Rajasthan

This park, which is regarded as one of the finest national parks to watch exotic migrating birds and other species of India, is home to a massive amount of avifauna around the summer. This park is a major hub for ornithologists as well as other zoological studies, and it is situated in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district.

5. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

In the Karnataka state's Mysore district, Nagarhole National Park is a well-known site to see tigers. It also goes by the name "Rajiv Gandhi National Park." This park features a sizable population of Tigers, as well as considerable populations of Leopard, Indian Bison, Sloth bears, and elephants.

The park's forests are incredibly diverse and home to many species of highly valuable commercial trees. The main trees in this park are silver oak, teak, and sandalwood. This park features more than 250 different bird species, 96 different types of dung beetles, and 60 different kinds of ants in addition to the endangered Mugger Crocodile.

6. Sariska National Park, Rajasthan

In Rajasthan's Alwar region is where you'll find Sariska National Park.

The magnificent Royal Bengal Tigers successfully adapted Sariska National Park to serve as their natural home, making it the first national park throughout the entire globe.

7. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

The sole remaining natural home for the critically endangered One-Horned Rhinos is in India's Kaziranga National Park. It receives a lot of visitors as well. On your next trip to the Northeast, make sure to experience the majesty of this location.

The abundance of tigers as well as other wildlife species in this park is another point of pride. During the winter, the park also sees a lot of migratory birds.

8. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a ideal location for tourists to discover and appreciate the outdoors and the wonders of nature is here.

For a wide variety of flora and creatures, it offers a vast ecosystem. It serves as a nexus for photographers and wildlife explorers. Adventurers must participate in the park's wildlife safari to experience the variety of God's creations.

 Tiger, Bison, leopard, gaur, elephant, sambar, chital, boar, deer, porcupine, & muntjac are just a few of the numerous creatures that may be seen there. A number of species, including the great black woodpecker, southern green imperial pigeon, Malabar parakeet, emerald dove, and hill myna, are found in this region's bird kingdom. The terrifying Indian rock pythons & king cobras also live in the woods.

9. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

The uncommon and nearly extinct species of Swamp Deer, commonly known as "Barasingha," has been the focus of many studies since this park was founded in 1955. The Bamni Dadar sunset point is another landmark of that same Kanha National Park. The most arresting sights of the animals within their native habitat are provided by the national park.

10. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

This park, which is situated in the deltaic part of India, also borders Bangladesh. The magnificent Royal Bengal Tigers' original home is the Sundarbans, an area covered in mangrove forests.

Compared to other parks around the world, it has the highest number of Bengal Tigers. This park is also home to Salt-Water Crocodiles. Avifauna, aquatic fauna, and reptiles are incredibly abundant in the Sundarbans. The Hawks Bill Turtle, River Terrapin, Gangetic Dolphin, and Mangrove Horseshoe Crab are a few of the numerous endangered species found in this area.

11. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

This park was established here as a national park around 1968 and is home to a notable number of tigers throughout India. Also, deer and leopards are abundant in this park. The White Tigers are the most impressive feature of Bandhavgarh National Park.

12. Gir National Park and Sasan Gir Sanctuary, Gujarat

The best time to go there and see these gorgeous animals walking through their habitats is from October to June. The park was founded on September 18th, 1965, and is one of the most substantial and beautifully conserved places for Asiatic Lions. The inhabitants of the national park continue to use the rivers and streams that run through it.

13. Periyar National Park, Kerala

Periyar National Park is the only national park in all of India that contains an artificial lake that winds through the forests. This wildlife sanctuary, which is one of India's Tiger Reserve Forests, is situated on the evergreen Western Ghats highlands.

14. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

The majority of visitors will see their childhood vision come true while exploring this same Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Although tigers are the park's most prominent species, other attractions include leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and barking deer. This park includes more than 170 different bird species, making it one of the top locations for birdwatchers.

15. Manas National Park, Assam

The Manas National Park is one of the newest National Parks in India. It is home to several rare & endangered species. Some of the most endangered species in this park include the Golden Langur, Hispid Hare, Assam Roofed Turtle, & Pygmy Hod. On your upcoming Assam vacation, experience the greatest wildlife.

This park is proud of its 380 bird species, 55 animal species, and a sizable collection of reptiles & amphibians. The other inhabitants of this park are Asian Elephants, Indian Rhinos, Water Buffaloes, Leopards, and Assamese Macaques.

16. Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh

The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is located in Uttar Pradesh. This park's history dates back to 1958 when it was designated as a Swamp Deer wildlife sanctuary. Due to the great number of tigers there, it was later designated a Tiger Reserve in 1978.

17. Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh

One of India's best-kept national parks is Panna National Park. This park has designated as an Indian Tiger Reserve Forest in 1994. Poaching has significantly reduced the population of tigers in this park. Over 200 species of birds that make up its avifauna include the Bar-headed Goose but also King Vultures.

18. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Among this park's more prevalent carnivores are Stripped Hyenas, Leopards, Bengal Tigers, & Jungle Cats. Due to the topographical terrain of the park's location, its forests are consistently green. This park frequently has axle-wood trees, a species that resists fire.

19. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

The second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala just after Periyar National Park would be the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Annamalai Hills, which form the sanctuary's shared boundary with Tamil Nadu, is part of the Western Ghats. Tiger, Indian Elephant, Spotted Deer, Panthers, & Nilgiri Tahr are some of the 34 mammal species found in this sanctuary, and they are also among the most impressive.

More than 240 different types of exotic birds live there along with Mugger Crocodiles. This sanctuary is one of the most well-liked trekking and camping locations in Kerala due to the existence of Thoovanam Waterfalls inside the forests.

20. The Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

The emerald pastures in some parts of this park make it one of the most beautiful parks in India, despite the park's lovely setting. The most often encountered creatures in this park include the musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan Thar, and snow leopard. Along with 181 bird species, it is home to several reptile, annelid, amphibian, and insect species.

21. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

The second-largest wildlife refuge in Karnataka is the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of India's most popular wildlife sanctuaries and is situated on the shores of the Kali River. In this sanctuary, it's possible to see the Elephant, Tiger, Flying Squirrel, Black Panther, & Leopard.

Crocodiles are this sanctuary's main draw among the diverse group of amphibians. Additionally, it is a great location for hiking, river rafting, bird watching, and tiger and crocodile sightings.

22. Silent Valley National Park, Kerala

This Silent Valley National Park is a highly well-known wildlife refuge in India and is situated in the Kundali Hills close to the Western Ghats. This location offers a mesmerizing view due to its proximity to the Nilgiri, Nilambur, Palghat, and Attappadi Reserve Forests.

The said national park is endowed with a diversity of flora and animals and is situated at a height of around 3600 feet above sea level. Around 150 kinds of birds, 200 types of butterflies, and 1000 varieties of flowering plants all call it home. This park is graced by the majestic River Kunthi, which enhances its attractiveness and draws more and more tourists.

The white-bellied short wing, rufous babbler, Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar parakeet, broad-tailed grassbird, and great Indian hornbill are just a few of the uncommon bird species that can be seen. Tigers, wild boars, and gaurs also rule this area.

23. Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand

In the Rajaji National Park, you may see 49 different kinds of mammals, including Asian elephants, yellow-throated martins, Bengal tigers, leopards, Rhesus macaques, Himalayan black bears, goral, wild boar, barking deer, and many others. This park, which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a paradise on earth and one of India's most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries.

It includes a variety of tropical and subtropical woodlands, including subtropical pine forests, scrub forests, riverine forests, sal forests, and grasslands. Numerous tourists are drawn here to Rajaji National Park by the beauty of the wilds and the cool environment, which together have elevated the destination.

Around 315 different bird species have been identified in the area, including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, barbet, Himalayan pied kingfisher, pheasant, peafowl, & fire-tailed sunbird. From November to February, one can go on safaris and do birdwatching.

24. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa

In the Goa town of Mollem lies the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is encircled by beautiful trees and is situated in the Western Ghats. These are the kind of Indian wildlife preserves with both geographic as well as historical value.

Due to its unique vegetation and fauna, it is a mecca for bird lovers. The pythons, gaur, Malayan giant squirrels, jungle cats, sambar, leopards, slender toris, spotted deer, & cobras are found here. There is a Devil's Canyon Viewpoint where visitors can get a good view of the park's fauna.

25. Hemis National Park, Jammu and Kashmir

The Hemis National Park also referred to as the Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary, is located at a height that varies roughly between 3300m and 6000m above sea level. This park is encircled and beautifully landscaped by a variety of steppe and alpine trees, including caragana, Stachys, artemisia, and ephedra, as well as alpine trees including Gentiana, anemone, and Lloydia. Animals including bharal, snow leopards, shapu, Ibex, and many others are housed in the sanctuary.

There are 73 kinds of birds and roughly 16 species of mammals. This park is home to a variety of animals, and 73 different species of birds, including the red-mantled rosefinch, snow cock, magpie, chukor, and Himalayan whistling thrush.

[botanytoo]

Snails living the high life

Snails living the high life

We all know – or should know! – how important and impressive trees are as a life form. But all living things can’t aspire to be a tree. In which case the next best thing in life is to associate yourself with one. This ploy has been discovered and exploited by numerous plant species that cling precariously to branches of trees as they perch high above the forest floor. Such a lifestyle is termed…

[accuhunt]

Offbeat Getaways From Mumbai That’ll Inspire You to Rethink Life.

Lately, there’s been a lot of debate around whether travelling really has the power to change you – to question your beliefs, to throw you out of your comfort zone, to challenge your notions of the world, to mould you into a different person. Most of us like to believe it does.

But if I’m completely honest, my first fifteen or so trips as a young adult didn’t do much for me. Sure, I had some great holidays. But that’s exactly what they were – an escape from my regular life. I didn’t want them to challenge or mould me. So I stayed in resorts with the best deals, hung out with friends, drank and stuck to familiar food. I didn’t bother seeking experiential accommodations, having deep conversations with locals or tracing the journey of my food.

So when we ask if travelling can change us, we should really be asking, do we want our travels to change – or challenge – us?

If the answer is yes, I believe this list of long weekend trips out of Mumbai is a starting point. Over the course of my travels in India, these are environmentally and/or socially committed experiences that compelled me to rethink the way I travel – and live:

Maachli Farmstay: for pristine beaches

Where: Malvan Coast, Maharashtra

Sunset and solitude along the Malvan coast.

I fondly remember waking up to birdsong and a gentle breeze in my handcrafted cottage, reading Tolstoy in my balcony that opened up to cashew, beetle nut and coconut plantations, bathing with water out of a copper bucket (such a forgotten luxury), and feasting on delectable Maharashtrian food, cooked with home-grown or locally sourced ingredients. Even more fondly, I remember driving and hiking to pristine beaches all along the Malvan coast – soft sands, flanked by forested mountains, covered with palm trees, not another soul in sight. But the lovingly family-run Maachli Farmstay is not just about the untouched Malvan coast… it is about visualizing what the coastline of Goa must’ve looked like twenty or so years ago, and why we need to tread lightly as travellers.

Getting there: Take an overnight bus or train, or fly to Goa from Mumbai. Along the scenic coastal route from Goa, Maachli is about a 3 hour drive away.

Also read: Simple Ways I’ve Changed to Travel More Responsibly

Hideout Farm: for foodies and animal lovers

Where: Vikramgad, Maharashtra

Dates, nuts and coconut balls at Hideout Farm – vegan and delicious!

Hideout Farm is one family’s labor of love, who have toiled for years to convert a barren, rocky wasteland a couple of hours outside of Mumbai, into a gorgeous organic farm with alfonso mango trees, pineapple bushes and a kitchen garden full of herbs and salad leaves. Starry night skies, thought-provoking conversations and an ‘away from it all’ feeling aside, farm-to-table food – plant-based, oil-free, sugar-free and spanning Maharashtrian to fusion dishes – is at the core of the Hideout experience. As you nibble on what might be the most delicious pesto salad you’ve tasted in your life, or drink cold coffee that contains neither milk nor coffee, your notions of food, veganism, health and the environment are bound to evolve.

Getting there: State buses ply the route from Thane to Zadapoli village in the mornings. By car or taxi, Hideout Farm is about a two hour drive.

Also read: Why I Turned Vegan – and What It Means For My Travel Lifestyle

Malji Ka Kamra: for India’s incredible heritage

Where: Churu, Rajasthan

Amid old frescoes and ornate ceilings at Malji ka Kamra.

It is one thing to visit a royal fort in Rajasthan, quite another to rest your head under a hand-painted ceiling in an opulent haveli – with Rajput, Mughal and Venetian influences – built in the early 1900s by a wealthy merchant. The forgotten town of Churu in the Shekhawati region is a reminder of India’s incredible heritage – and its lost opportunities at heritage tourism – with ornate havelis whose plant-based paintings tell interesting stories of a bygone era (there’s even one of Jesus smoking up!) and whose architectural finesse (some have as many as 1100 stunning windows and doors) is fascinating. And you only need to go a few kilometers outside Churu town for brilliant desert sunsets and starry night skies!

Getting there: Take a flight from Mumbai to Delhi, from where Churu is a quick 4-hour train ride away. Malji Ka Kamra – a restored 20th century haveli to host travellers – has literally brought tourism to forgotten Churu.

Also read: How Responsible Tourism Can Challenge Patriarchy in India

Interiors of Goa: for culture seekers

The interiors of Goa – so much to love!

Many people swear off Goa, since its beaches are overrun with shacks, tourists and waste, and I totally get that. But the real Goa lives away from the beaches, amidst the rice paddies and forests and old Portuguese-era houses – and although things are changing fast, we can still steal a glimpse into the susagade way of life, ride a bike along the lush green paddies and pristine backwaters, and feast on authentic Goan food (no, Brittos doesn’t count). And as we ditch the coast for the interiors and get into the Goa state of mind, it is sure to dawn on us how our travel choices impact how we experience the places we visit.

Getting there: Goa is an overnight bus / train ride from Mumbai. My favorite restored Portuguese-style homestays are The Secret Garden and Cancio’s House.

Also see: Road Tripping in Rural Maharashtra

Purushwadi: for a million fireflies

Where: Sahyadris, Maharashtra

Stars and fireflies in Purushwadi! Photo via Grassroutes.

Imagine if you will: Thousands of stars in the dark night sky above; the valley below lit up with flashing Christmas lights – the mating signals of millions of fireflies! Just as the rains begin, fireflies descend upon Purushwadi, a charming fishing village in the Sahyadri mountains, and put on a show unlike any other for human eyes.

I was surprised to learn that until the 1980s, posh areas like Bandra in Mumbai were nothing but rice paddies and palm trees, and you could see shimmering stars in the night sky. The light pollution in our cities and towns is the worst enemy of stargazing – and turns out, also of fireflies, for light from human sources confuses their mating patterns and messes with their reproduction process. A night in Purushwadi was enough to make me question: is light indeed the greatest invention or an unnecessary evil?

Getting there: Purushwadi is about a 4-5 hour drive from Mumbai; it’s possible to get pretty far with the Mumbai local train. Grassroutes Journeys offers community-based tourism in Purushwadi.

Also read: Why Long Term Travel is More Like Real Life and Less Like Instagram 

Mangalajodi: for birding enthusiasts

Where: Chilika Lake, Odisha

A serene morning along the marshlands of Mangalajodi.

On a warm spring morning, I glided along silently on a rustic, wooden row boat on the gentle waters of Chilika Lake. The sun rose amid the clouds, migratory birds played along the shores, my guide spoke of how the marshland of Mangalajodi is different from the open Chilika Lake. Beautiful though it was, it was no ordinary boat ride, and Mangalajodi is no ordinary village – over tens of years, Mangalajodi has transformed from a village of notorious bird poachers to a village of bird conservationists; indeed, my guide and boatman were former poachers! The number of migratory birds in the village marshlands has grown from 5,000 to 3,00,000 per year, proving that no feat of human transformation is impossible.

Getting there: Take a flight from Mumbai to Bhubaneshwar, from where Mangalajodi is an easy 2 hour drive. Stay at the community-run Mangalajodi Ecotourism to get an insight into the transformation of the village.

Also read: A Traveller’s Guide to Gujarat’s Best Kept Secrets

Dehna: for monsoon love and village life

Where: Sahyadris, Maharashtra

People often say that travel broadens our mind – and it surely can when the place in question is an obscure little Maharashtrian village, just three hours from bustling Mumbai. Speaking to the village youth can put into perspective our life of privilege – access to good education, learning English at an early age, work opportunities online and offline. As you walk along the rice paddies and hike in the Sahyadris, indulge in the warm hospitality of local families, live a day in the shoes of a rice farmer and gaze at the starry skies by night, think of how it was by a mere twist of fate that we were born in a life of privilege. Chances are, you’ll change the way you interact with those less privileged, right from your house help to the server at the cafe you frequent.

Getting there: Dehna is an easy three hour drive from Mumbai. Grassroutes Journeys has developed community-based tourism in the village and organizes trips and stays in tents or homestays.

Also read: How Travelling Inspired an Indian Street Kid to Chase an Impossible Dream

Devrai Art Village: for artistic inspiration

Where: Off Panchgani, Maharashtra

A lost trail mapped by Devrai Art Village.

Mahabeshwar and Panchgani mostly evoke images of chaotic construction and sunset points overrun with obnoxious tourists. Until you find Devrai Art Village, an artistic accommodation and project that helps Naxal-affected families relocate to Panchgani and revive the lost Dhokra Art from the Bastar region as a source of livelihood. The art village has also been attempting to map forgotten trails in the Western Ghats that were first charted out by the British; trails that will have you hike in old forests and overgrown wilderness and deposit you at the edge of cliffs with stellar views of the valley below – and make sure the only images Panchgani evokes in you are of stunning natural beauty.

Getting there: Volvo buses from Mumbai take 6-7 hours to reach Panchgani; it is also possible to take a train part of the way, or drive. Read more about the lost art and lost trails at Devrai Art Village.

What are your favorite long weekend escapes from Mumbai?

I was hosted at some of the above places, and paid for the others on my own. I only recommend experiences I’ve truly loved!

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Offbeat Getaways From Mumbai That’ll Inspire You to Rethink Life. published first on http://ift.tt/2w0EToM

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INDIAs Biodiversity Riches Jump Up by 499 Species

According to the Animal Discoveries 2016, New Species and Records, brought out by the Zoological Survey of India and Plant Discoveries 2016, by the Botanical Survey of India, 499 new species have been discovered from various parts of the country last year. ** Salient Highlights ** Animals Of the new discoveries, 258 are invertebrates and 55 are vertebrates. Around 97 are insects, 27 are fish, 12 are amphibians, 10 are Platyhelminthes, nine are Crustacea, six species of reptiles, 61 species of moths and butterflies and 38 of beetles. The new species are known to occur in the four biological hotspots of the country, namely, the Himalayas, the northeast, the Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As per the Animal Discoveries 2016, the number of animal species in the country for the first time has crossed one lakh to number 1,00,693. Till last year, the number of animal species in India was 97,514. India is one of the 17 megadiversity countries and is home to 6.42% of the global fauna. Plants As per Plant Discoveries 2016 , 186 new species of plants have been discovered including seven new genera, four subspecies and nine new varieties taking the total number of species to 206. The publication lists 113 new records from India. The new species of the plant were discovered in the Western Ghats (17%), followed by the Eastern Himalayas (15%), the Western Himalayas (13%), the Eastern Ghats (12%) and the west coast (8%). Eight new species of wild balsams, five species of wild ginger and one species of wild amla has been discovered. In addition, 39 varieties of mushrooms have been discovered. BSI The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is the apex research organization under the MOEF for carrying out taxonomic and floristic studies on wild plant resources of the country. BSI was established on 13th February, 1890 with the basic objective to explore the plant resources of the country and to identify the plants species with economic virtues. More about this : http://ift.tt/2qZnqMp

From Blogger http://ift.tt/2rJKcEU via http://ift.tt/2aY4od2

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Anatona sp. Beetle.

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Turtle Beetles Mating.

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Chrysomelidae Beetles Mating.

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A Tiny Beetle Peeking out of Yellow Flower of Gnidia glauca.

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A Beetle and A Fruit.