Mandaragiri Hill and Jain Temple, Tumkur

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Currylines

March 16th, 2025

Peacocks have always fascinated me with their regal bearing and vibrant and iridescent plumage. Hence I was quite delighted and intrigued when a few years ago I came across the captivating photograph of a beautiful temple which was built in the likeness of this exquisite bird, complete with its vivid blue, green and gold facade, draped over like a gently flowing peacock tail and ending in a skirting of pink lotus petals.

With a bit of online hunting, I learned that this was a part of the Mandaragiri Jain temple complex, which is a Jain pilgrimage center located on Mandaragiri Hill in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, India.

I had tucked away this information in the back of my memory, hoping that I would visit this place someday and savor its visual beauty.

So when my friend and I planned a trip to the Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve, it was with excitement that I realised that I was going to be close (literally) to fulfilling my desire to visit this location, Mandaragiri being almost enroute to our destination.

So on our return to Bangalore, we made a short detour to take a quick look at the place, glimpses of which are available below for your viewing pleasure!

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Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve, Tumkur

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Currylines

March 16th, 2025

If your Black Bu(i)ck can attain such lofty heights of ground clearance, would you call it ‘More bang for your Buck’?

Well after a few bird photography jaunts with a friend of mine, this time we planned to quite literally ‘Buck the trend’ and focus our lenses on a ‘flying’ creature of a different kind! The current object of our desire was the Blackbuck, an animal which despite being wingless, can still soar impressively high in the air!

Hoping to spot these leaping mammals in large numbers, we set out on our expedition in the shrub studded plains of Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve, a vast grassland that lies in the Madhugiri Taluk of Tumkur district in Karnataka, India.  

So join us on this drive (not in a black Buick though but in a sturdy white Suzuki), as we embark on the quest for these hoppity skippety and very shy Indian antelopes and find out whether we got a bang for our buck or a run for our money!

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TGI Star Holiday Resort – Yercaud

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Currylines

March 7th – 9th, 2025

Do you have an inclination for the Incline? Then join me on this little trip high up in the hills of the Eastern ghats of South India.

The driveway slopes upwards, flanked by rows of pretty cottages coated in warm, earthy tones against which lush greenery speckled with colorful flowers creates a striking contrast as it faithfully clings alongside. Spring has burst forth in the hills and so have the bright blooms that adorn the clusters of shrubs and trees, creating a vibrant multicolored canvas for the eyes to feast on.

The avocado trees are at their peak potential with their prolific bunches of delicate blossoms, proffering the hope of branches soon to be laden with the bright green buttery fruit.

I breathe in deeply of the crisp mountain air and surrender to the melodious trilling of the resident Bulbul orchestra as these restless birds play ‘Catch me if you can’ with each other and of course with my camera too!

This is nature’s welcoming committee that greets me and invigorates me as I arrive all weary and jaded from the dreary and dusty city.

Snuggled in the folds of the charming hill station of Yercaud, lies the TGI Star Holiday Resort, where I have arrived to likewise snuggle in its hospitable arms for the next couple of days.

Perched on the rolling slopes of the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern ghats, Yercaud is a picturesque town that lies in the Salem district of Tamilnadu which is one of India’s southern states.

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Kabini Jungle Safari at Nagarahole National Park – Round 2

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Currylines

Feb 18th, 2025

The Kabini jungle is special for me because this was where I had embarked on my first South Indian safari in October 2023 and where I had the intense pleasure of spotting tigers in 2 out of my 3 safaris. In addition to that thrill, I had also encountered many other exciting jungle beings like dholes, barking deer, mongoose, innumerable spotted deer and langurs, several birds, elephants and many more.

I love going on safaris but unfortunately due to certain personal reasons I have not been able to give in to that indulgence too often.

So it was with great delight that I jumped at that chance when I was invited by the lovely people at the charming Fireflies Kabini jungle resort, with the carrot of a safari also being dangled at me.

So what trophies did I return with this time? Well to be honest, it was not as fruitful (or animal-full as I hoped) but it was exciting nevertheless to just get out there and travel through the jungle.

Kabini refers to a section of the Nagarahole National Park and this lies in the Mysore district of the Karnataka state in India.

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Fireflies Kabini

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Currylines

Feb 17th – 19th, 2025

A river runs alongside it!

Lush green sprawling lawns, multihued blossoms popping out startlingly from the monochromatic verdancy, glistening blue waters lapping the not-so-distant shores, all day long melodious background birdsong, tall shade trees with leaves softly rustling in the gentle breeze, fruit trees with literally low hanging fruit and of course the crisp fresh air (a rarity where I come from) … this is the idyllic Fireflies Resort where I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in a bid to get away from the craziness of Bangalore (where the dust and digging never seem to end)!

Tucked away in a little village in Kabini, the popular wildlife and safari destination which lies in the Heggada Devana Kotey (HD Kotey) taluk of Mysore district in Karnataka, India, this resort offers comfortably luxurious options for those who arrive in the quest of adventure in the surrounding jungles and also those who merely seek tranquility and rejuvenation in the refreshing environs of unsullied nature.

So meander along its quaint gravel strewn trails with me and let us peep into its charming nooks and corners to discover what it has in store!

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Kokkarebellur Bird Habitat, Mandya district

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Currylines

Feb 5th, 2025

A sense of déjà vu comes over me as I gaze at the huge trees studded with flocks of magnificent Painted storks. I am excited to be able to witness yet again, a phenomenon of human and bird coexistence which I had serendipitously experienced less than 2 years ago when I visited the Veerapuram bird sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh in July 2023. This was the first time I was witnessing a spectacle so fascinating, where thousands of these stately birds were clustered in this small, nondescript village, living in complete harmony with their human hosts.

Cut to the present, where an impromptu detour while returning to Bangalore from our bird photography jaunt to Hadinaru lake, led my friend and me to the charming little village of Kokkarebellur.

Nestled in the lush, verdant, farmland environs of Maddur taluk in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India, this is not just another ordinary village. Just like Veerapuram, its specialty too lies in its spectacular colonies of birds that share space with their host villagers in a remarkable relationship of coexistence, trust and mutual comfort.

Being a last minute decision to visit this place since it was barely 12 km out of our way, I was quite unprepared with my pre-research and also rather tired from the earlier activities at Hadinaru. This disclaimer is to exonerate myself in advance, since I have neither clicked sufficient photos nor have I done enough justice in gathering and presenting the details of this place in my usual detailed and long drawn way (or so she said). Well I leave it to you to decide whether that is a bane or a boon for you 😎

And speaking of bane, allow me to caption this story – The Stork’Home syndrome.

Once you are done rolling your eyes, you may continue further 😁

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Hadinaru Lake, Mysuru District

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Currylines

Feb 5th, 2025

In search of ‘Ansers’!

When exotic visitors fly in all the way across 4500 km from Mongolia, then driving down 180 km from Bangalore is the least I can do to meet them and imprint them on my lens so that I can impress you with them too!!!

Located around 23 km from the city of Mysuru, Hadinaru lake is a freshwater lake near the Kabini River. While it has its share of several species of waterbirds, it attracts many migratory birds too and is specially renowned for being the annual, temporary winter home of the Bar headed Geese (Anser indicus), which laudably fly all the way from Mongolia at altitudes of 27,000 ft over the Himalayas, to spend around 4 months here.

Hadinaru village lies in the Nanjangud taluk of Mysore (Mysuru) district, Karnataka, India.

So join me on this quest with a friend of mine who was kind enough to drive us all the way from Bangalore. I hope you enjoy finding my ‘Ansers’ as much as I did seeking them. And may you be tempted to go in search of your own and experience the adventure in person someday!

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Soul Nest at Pyramid Valley International

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Currylines

Jan 24th – 26th, 2025

You have probably heard of Rooms with a view but have you ever experienced a Room with a Wow?

Four giant swings dangle imposingly from the ceiling. A spectacular sight indeed, heralding my entry into a striking lounge which is open on all four sides and ensconced amidst equally enchanting environs of luxuriant greenery.

I am welcomed with a stark red concoction of kokum juice and as I sip the vibrantly hued liquid and gently sway on the swing, I feel my senses surrendering to the soothing aura of this picturesque space.

Furnished with an artistically harmonious blend of comfort and beauty with an eclectic plethora of seating elements with couches, pouffes, divans and their ilk, I could be forgiven for not wanting to move from here but move I must because as always I am on a mission to bring back memories for you and I have to get up to create them!

I am at Soul Nest, a luxury retreat located in the premises of Pyramid Valley International, a globally well known meditation center. This charming resort lies in the Kanakapura Taluk of Ramanagara District in the state of Karnataka, India.

So enter into this tranquil haven with me and heed their persuasive exhortation which urges you to ‘Relax, Recharge and Reconnect’!

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Pyramid Valley International

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Currylines

Jan 24th – 26th, 2025

 

The gigantic pyramid towers over the surroundings. Ensconced amidst lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, it stands silent and tall, providing a haven to all those who seek to meditate within its divine precincts.

All around, meditators and spiritual seekers go about their quest in environs that are soothing and peaceful and most conducive to their pursuit.

I am at the Pyramid Valley International, a globally well known meditation center. This gem of a place lies in the Kanakapura Taluk of Ramanagara District in the state of Karnataka, India.

So step into this serene sanctuary and get ready to surrender your cares as you lose yourself in its divine aura and also prepare to be delighted at the latest addition to the campus, a charming resort called Soul Nest which offers a luxurious stay to those who want a more comfortable experience.

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The Open Field – Ranchi, Jharkhand

Posted on November 30, 2024 by Currylines

There is an intense tingling in my being. My tongue has gone numb and I feel a sudden rush of saliva. My heart beats faster and I am nervous about what is going to happen next!!!

No, I am not off on one of my wildlife jaunts where I have come face to face with a large species of wildlife. On the contrary, it is a teensy weensy tame member of the plant family which is enthusiastically generating a similar level of excitement!

At the behest of my host Abhishek, I have just popped this little yellow flower into my mouth and that tiny culprit is creating a buzz on my palate!

I am concerned about the peculiar sensations that are playing around in my mouth but Abhishek reassures me that what I am ingesting is merely a natural digestive and that I have no cause for worry. I realise that I have just had the novelty of tasting the Jhanjhania, a flower whose name in the local dialect, literally translates to tingling (Jhann -Jhann … get it?)

A swift online hunt reveals that it is the well documented medicinal Acmella oleracea plant but more about that later, for my tingling has now turned into one of anticipation as this dramatic start to my evening at The Open Field seems to be just a precursor to the wonderful things I am going to imbibe, both orally and culturally! And if you follow me into the field, you will also partake albeit vicariously of this extraordinary learning experience that I was privileged to savor.

The Open Field is a space situated deep inside the rural region of the Khunti district in the state of Jharkhand, India. Established by its 3 co-founders Dr Manisha Oraon, her husband Abhishek Oraon and their friend Prateek Toppo, the venue is dedicated to showcasing the various facets of the tribal agro-tourism enterprise which they have set up.

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