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Ulakkai Aruvi falls, Kanyakumari: Part 2

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:04:02 +0000

Photos:

Hills:

Near the falls:

In the forest:

Near the falls:

View from top of the hill:

Photos contributed by my friend: Manikandan Rethnaswamy

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Ulakkai Aruvi falls, Kanyakumari: Part 1

Ulakkai Aruvi falls, Kanyakumari: Part 1

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:25:08 +0000

Ulakkai Aruvi is a natural waterfall situated in Azhagiapandipuram village of Thovalai Taluk. It is located at a distance of 40 Km from Kanyakumari. Water is available in this water fall in the summer season. Many tourists come here for bathing and to enjoy the nature. The pathway to this waterfall lies in the Reserve Forest.

Ulakkai Aruvi falls:

Ulakkai Aruvi falls:

Ulakkai Aruvi falls:

Ulakkai Aruvi falls:

Ulakkai Aruvi falls:

Ulakkai Aruvi falls:

Ulakkai Aruvi falls:

Photos contributed by my friend: Manikandan Rethnaswamy

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Trip to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram: Chapter 16: Madras Crocodile Bank Trust: Part 3

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:01:00 +0000

Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) and Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodylus) eggs:

Jaws III (Crocodylus Porosus): Salt water crocodile. Length: 4.85 meters (16 feet), Age: 30 years, Weight: 575kg

A salt water crocodilian has the rare distinction of being one of the largest living reptile species in the world and is also largest captive crocodile in India. Acquired from the CLRI in 1975 when it was a mere 5 year old and weighing just 15 kg. It has since grown to gigantic proportions. Characteristics:

Size: It is known to grow to lengths of 7 meters or more and can weigh more than 1000 kg (2200 pounds) in captivity.
Habitat: It is the most widely distributed of all living crocodilians- found throughout the tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific.

Crocodile nest in the pit:

Just where the eggs of the crocodiles were kept I saw a python for display. The watchman put the python around a woman’s neck. This was the first time I saw a python from so close. I took a video and a snap:

After that, I returned to the resort Sea Breeze. My colleagues were enjoying in the pool at that time. After having lunch, we started our journey to go back to Bangalore. Mahabalipuram trip was a nice 2 day trip. If you are looking for a two day trip near Bangalore, then Mahabalipuram is one of the best options for you.

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Trip to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram: Chapter 16: Madras Crocodile Bank Trust: Part 2

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:03:48 +0000

Caiman Yacare: Characteristics:

Range: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia.
Habitat: Savannas, swamps, large rivers and lakes.
Reproduction: 25-30 eggs laid in mound nest.
Grows up to: 2.5 meter. (8 feet)
Diet: Insects, crab and fish.

Large Gharial: There was a board near this huge Gharial with the title: The Madras Crocodile Bank presents the first ever under water Gharial exhibit in the country.

Several species of fish can be seen in the under water exhibit. Some interact with the large Gharial which is the Gharial’s only diet. However, as this particular Gharial is fed at regular intervals the fish play a role in controlling algae growth on the Gharial rather than becoming part of their next meal. After experiencing this new dimensions of watching Gharial at the Madras crocodile bank you will be able to say that you came face to face with a huge Gharial. As water is the natural element of crocodilians, you are viewing them in their own world, a chance to pry into the secretive under water lives of Gharial!

Video of Large Gharial:

Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus):

Habitat: Wide variety of fresh water habitats. Also, often found in coastal water.
Reproduction: Up to 80 eggs laid in whole nest.
Grows to: Over 5 meter (16 feet)
Diet in the wild: Juveniles eat insects, frogs and small reptiles. Older nile crocodiles eat mainly fish. The largest individuals eat antelopes, zebra, etc.

Photos of Nile Crocodile:

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Trip to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram: Chapter 16: Madras Crocodile Bank Trust: Part 1

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:27:23 +0000

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, founded in 1976 by Romulus Whitaker and few other like minded people is a public Trust managed by a Board of Trustees. The CrocBank is located 40 km south of Chennai city on 3.2 hectares along India’s east coast road with the Bay of Bengal as a backdrop. The high aquifer on the sandy coast provides sufficient water supply and the proximity to the major ancient temple complex and tourist destination at Mahabalipuram ensures annual visit. The Bank was initially established for the conservation and study of Indias three endangered crocodilians: the mugger, Crocodylus paluster, the gharial, Gavialis gangeticus, and the saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus.

Starting with 30 mugger adults, the Bank has bred over 5000 and now holds over 2400 crocodilians of 14 different species. By 1987 the CrocBank developed a much broader focus, and became the Center for Herpetology, Indias premier institution for herpetofaunal conservation, research and education. Currently besides crocodilians, the Bank maintains 12 endangered species of turtles and tortoises, five species of snakes, including the King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah, water monitor lizards, Varanus salvator salvator, two species of pythons and albino cobras. Housed in enclosures very similar to their natural habitat visitors can get a close view of how these reptiles live in the wild.

Mugger or Marsh crocodile (Crocodylus Palustris): Reproduction: Up to 35 eggs in hole nest. Photos of Marsh crocodile:

Mugger or Marsh crocodile:

Mugger or Marsh crocodile:

Mugger or Marsh crocodile:

Mugger or Marsh crocodile:

Mugger or Marsh crocodile:

A couple of videos of Mugger or Marsh crocodile:

King Cobra: The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world’s longest venomous snake, with a length that can be as large as 6.7 m (22 ft). This species is widespread throughout Southeast Asia and parts of India, but found mostly in forested areas. Its genus name, Ophiophagus, literally means “snake-eater”, and its diet primarily consists of other snakes, including size-able pythons and even smaller members of its own species. The venom of the King Cobra is primarily neurotoxic, and the snake is fully capable of killing a human with a single bite. The mortality rate from a bite can be as high as 75%. Characteristics:

Habitat: Near streams in dense or open forests, bamboo thickets, adjacent agricultural areas and dense mangrove swamps.
Natural History: Due to its broad geographic range a number of color/pattern variations apparently geographically distinct are unknown. The King Cobra is diurnal (active by day), actively hunting for its near exclusive snake prey. In addition to snakes, monitor lizards are known to be eaten.

Here’s a video of King Cobra:

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Trip to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram: Chapter 15: Tiger Cave: Part 3: Ancient Shiva Temple

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:40:06 +0000

Photos of Ancient Shiva Temple:

Shiv Linga:

Nandi:

Sculpture:

Shiv Linga:

Sculpture:

Sculpture:

Ancient inscriptions:

Sculpture:

A huge rock:

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Trip to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram: Chapter 15: Tiger Cave: Part 2: Ancient Shiva Temple

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:37:31 +0000

Photos which I took near Tiger Cave:

A huge rock:

Rocks:

Trees:

Trees:

Temple:

Ancient Shiva Temple:

Rocks near ancient Shiva Temple:

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Trip to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram: Chapter 15: Tiger Cave: Part 1

admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:58:19 +0000

Tiger cave is located near Salurankuppam. This is a coastal village of 5 Kilometers north of Mahabalipuram on the Chennai Road. The cave has sculptures of tiger all around it and hence it got its name as Tiger cave. This is a magnificent mandapa which contains a shrine dedicated to goddess Durga which has big beautiful figures in front. The deposition here is on the battle of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura. The figure of somaskanda is found in Athiranachanda Mandapa to the south of Tiger cave. There is also an ancient Shiva Temple near the cave. A lot of people come over here for picnic. Photos of Tiger Cave:

Tiger Cave:

Tiger Cave:

Tiger Cave:

Near Tiger Cave:

Tiger Cave:

Tiger Cave:

Tiger Cave:

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Trip to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram: Chapter 14: Thirukadalmallai or Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and Mahabalipuram Beach

admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:50:35 +0000

After the Five rathas, I went to see the Thirukadalmallai or Sthalasayana Perumal Temple. Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is located in the heart of Mahabalipuram. It was originally built by the pallava kings, but later on there have been many alternations to the temple. It is told that the pallava kings and the artists of their times discussed about art and architecture here. The temple resides as the first and foremost of Mahabalipuram sculptures. It is one of the 108 Divya desam. It is a small temple with two major Shrines for Lord Sthalasayana Perumal and Nilamangai Thayaar. This is the avatrasthalam (birthplace) of Bhoothathazhwar, the 2nd Azhwar. There is also a separate shrine for Lord Narasimha. The architecture depicts the pallava style. This shrine was built by Pallava kings. Bhoothathazhwar was found in a tank that is opposite to the temple. Photography is not allowed inside the temple so I could take the photos only from outside. Photos of Sthalasayana Perumal Temple:

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple:

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple:

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple: Top View

Then, I went back to the hotel Sea Breeze. My colleagues were playing in the beach. I took some photos and videos:

Boat at Mahabalipuram Beach:

Mahabalipuram Beach:

Mahabalipuram Beach:

Here are a couple of videos of the Mahabalipuram Beach:

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Trip to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram: Chapter 13: Five Rathas or Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots): Part 4: Dharmaraja Yudhishthira’s Ratha

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:34:59 +0000

Dharmaraja Yudhishthira’s Ratha is named after the eldest of the pandavas. Innovative and well carved designs can be seen in this Rath. This resembles the Arjuna’s Rath and it is a perfect example to the later built South Indian Temples. This Rath is also dedicated to Lord Shiva like that of Arjuna’s Rath. The ground floor is in complete. Above the ground floor stands minutely designed double floor. The peculiarity in this monumental construction is that there is no stair route from the ground floor to the first floor, but there in stairs from the first floor to the second floor. There are eight panels in the ground floor. One panel is carved with the portrait of the kind and the rest with gods and goddesses. On one particular wall the figure of shiva is named ‘Ardhanariswarar’ which is the mixture of Shiva and Shakti. This is very attractive as one can find the manly structure and the luring female charm. Other portrayals show lord shiva as ‘Bhikshatana’ – meaning cosmic designer and the god of death.

Twenty two carves are found on the first floor. There is no central pasteurization in the first floor. The portrait of lord Krishna dancing on top of the fierce Kaliya snake is depicted on the southern wall. Lord Vishnu’s portrayal is found on the Northern wall. Carving of a bearded ascetic holding a bell in his hands, a devotee with a tuft, holding a flower basket, a temple attendant with bunch of keys and carrying offering to god are marvelously inscribed. The second floor is well carved. Figures of Dakshinamurthy, somaskanda, the sun the moon and other worshippers all found in this floor. Photos of Dharmaraja Yudhishthira’s Ratha:

Dharmaraja Yudhishthira’s Ratha:

Sculpture:

Sculpture:

Sculpture:

Sculpture:

Sculpture:

Ancient Inscriptions:

Dharmaraja Yudhishthira’s Ratha:

Check out this video:

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