hampi

Indian Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis), also known as the Rock Eagle Owl or the Bengal Eagle Owl is a large, horned owl found across the hilly, rocky scrub-forests of the Indian Subcontinent. The cat-like long ear tufts, those big glowing eyes and the majestic size are unmistakable. Quite widely distributed across India, this species is found all over. However, the place I most love to see them in, is the amazing capital town of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire, Hampi....

Chameleons are those beautiful reptiles which, as all know, have the ability to change their skin colour. Their independently moving eyes are truly a marvel of nature and captivating too. Their slow, bobbing movement is very characteristic as well. It has always been a wish of mine to see one in the wild. It had been eluding me for all this while. Early this December, I was leading a bird photography tour to the fabulous place of Hampi....

Hampi, in Karnataka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is very well known for the unearthed ruins which serve as a testament to the exemplary skill, exceptional planning and amazing grandeur of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire. A place that was very prosperous, wealthy and a major trading hub, attracting people from far and beyond. The many hillocks around Hampi also offer a grand view of the sunset and sunrise. A visit to one is always on the itinerary of every traveler to the place....

Sunset is surely an everyday, common place phenomenon. However, whenever I see one, I seem to get drawn in. There is something peaceful, blissful, and relaxing in admiring the beauty of a setting sun and the gorgeous motley of colours and shapes that emanate from the same. If one were to sit and enjoy the moment, it triggers a wide range of emotions. It brings out a romantic in an otherwise bourgeois mind....

My previous post was on the amazing sunrise and sunset one gets to experience in Hampi. Here is a quick glimpse at a highly rewarding nature activity one can and should do, while there - taking a short drive on a narrow road that runs alongside the canal. The canal, fed by the mighty Tungabhadra river, forms a deep gorge and the rocky cliffs on either side, along with their scrub growth are home to a multitude of animals and birds....