Birding Near Peerancheru Lake APPA Junction

Birdwatching with GHAC near PBEL city

As the city develops more and more water bodies are getting under pressure from encroachment and silting. We at GHAC Nature regularly organize bird watching trips with  our members to various places in and outside city. A few days ago we visited the Peerancheru lake near APPA Junction for a early morning birdwatching session. I have been visiting Peerancheru Lake earlier many times as the last few years a lot of development has happened around the Peerancheru lake so the birds are used to humans, giving a good opportunity to  observe them.

We reached the lake around 6:30 in the morning and climbed down the lake bank opposite to PBEL city. It was appalling to see all kind of garbage thrown around by people and also a Ganesha Idol from the earlier Ganapati festival lying on the bank.

A Ganesha Idol on the lake bank: Pic by Raj Kumar Chabra

This is the irony of our society, once the festival is over we through the idols of the Gods in the lakes and not only pollute the waters, but also are not bothered about the very idols that we worshipped. Any ways our trip was about bird watching and after planning to come again specially to clean the lake we started looking for the birds. Initially we could not see any birds and were very disappointed. But soon the birds started making a comeback, after realizing we mean no harm to them.

First to show were some common pigeons, who were enjoying the water on a  hot day by dipping their beaks in water and occasionally even stepping in shallow waters near a rock.

Pigeons were the first to arrive

The pigeons were soon followed by Little Egrets, Bee eater, Indian Robin, white browed wagtail, grey heron, little egret, pond heron, painted stork, ashy prinia, rock dove, little ringed plover, river tern, stilt, common swallow. As more birds became visible the members became silent as to not scare away the birds and started talking in hush tones and sign language.

As we became silent, suddenly we could hear the bird sounds from every bush, tree and from the water where now the birds were looking for food without a worry in the world.

Egrets and Grey Herons : All want the same spot/ Pic by Santosh Kumar

A Purple sunbird was checking some flowers for nectar, an Oriental Magpie was slowly moving towards water, took a sip and flew away. The egrets were not happy to see a Grey Heron and showed their displeasure by making some threatening sounds. But the Grey Heron double the size of the egrets, did not even bothered and was more focused on challenging a cormorant for right to stand on a rock.

Grey Heron Challenges a Cormorant/ Santosh Kumar

               

A Red Wattled Lapwing was circling above us, making noises, only later we realized that there was a nest somewhere close by.

A Red Wattled Lapwing was circling above us: Pic by Santosh

                                                           

In the rocks nearby we found some Peninsular Rock Agama, basking in the sun some little frogs trying to blend with the drying mud on the lake bank.

An Agama Enjoying Sun/ Santosh Kumar

A Female Sunbird, looking for nectar

As the sun was getting hotter we decided to call it a day but not before we all posed for this group shot

GHAC Nature birdwatchers at Peerancheru Lake

If you would like to join a GHAC Nature event like Bird Watching, Nature Walk etc. then you can join our meetup group to be informed of future events.

About the Author: Prasad Np is a volunteer for GHAC Nature you can check his travel and wildlife articles and pictures on his blog desi Traveler. 

Pictures: The pictures were clicked by various GHAC members as mentioned above. We want to thank them for sharing the pictures clicked by them.

Maredumilli Trek – In the lap of Nature

Maredumilli – In the lap of Nature

Maredumilli is a small town in East Godavari district, approx. 81 km from Rajahmundry. In July 2013, I accompanied GHAC group of 20+ members along with organizers Rajani & Farida to this beautiful place. We started our journey from Secunderabad station and reached Rajahmundry early next morning. 

GHAC Team ready to board the train

We boarded a hired bus from the station and started on our journey. After stopping for a refreshing breakfast of idly, dosa along with amazing filter coffee, our bus meandered through the beautiful roads and the scenic beauty on both sides captured our attention. The monsoon season had rendered the countryside lush green and there were several small waterfalls gushing throughout the way. The undulating hilly terrain, silvery streams cascading down the rocks and the overcast sky made the entire journey mysterious and endearing.

Just one of the path we took

We reached the Eco-tourism resort Vana Vihari around 11 am. This is a community maintained resort in an excellent location with tall trees and big campus that provides different types of accommodation at very affordable rates. All the girls checked into one dormitory while the boys huddled in another. We quickly showered, changed and started for our hike around the forest. First we went to see the coffee and pepper plantations. It was a great learning experience as I had never been to a coffee plantation earlier. We enjoyed every minute of the cool atmosphere and the greenery around.  Another interesting watch were the different kinds of insects and moths that are huddled at one place – they don’t even fly away when you go close to click photos.

Wild Fruits

After that we went to visit the Jungle Star Camp Site which provides a unique opportunity to stay overnight in the deep woods of unexplored Eastern Ghats. The Jungle Star Camp site is located adjoining the Valamuru River with the stream on 3 sides overlooking the Vali-Sugriva Konda which is believed to be the battle ground of Vali - Sugriva during the Ramayana period. The remarkable variation of the Battleground with the presence of grass land, encircled by forests on the other hillocks makes it really an interesting place to be. Few of the group members decided to stay in the tents; however, since girls are not allowed due to security reasons, I couldn’t plan to be part of the adventure. However, we did light a camp fire and huddled around it for some time.

Campfire

We returned to our resort by dusk and enjoyed the evening with a game of tambola and debating the plan for the next day. Finally, it was decided that we would go to Amruta Dhara – a waterfall approximately 16 km from our resort. This would require 10 km of trek to and fro from the area and then from the Main road you need to climb down around 150 meters in Jungle and climbing up on return may be little strenuous for some. This would ensure that we return to our resort and then have enough time to visit the Rampa Falls as well. The plan was strenuous; however, GHAC adventurers were all game for it. Isn't that the spirit of GHAC all about!!

The night ended with a delicious dinner of  Araku tribal bamboo chicken - Marinated chicken is kept inside hollow bamboo piece and burnt in an open area. The smoky chicken taste was awesome.

Preparing  Bamboo Chicken

Yummy

Next day started with heavy downpour and no water in the rooms, due to which we could only start by 6:30 am. There was a heavy mist when we started. The group got divided into smaller groups of two’s or three’s walking at their own pace. The scenery was beautiful – lush green environment, mists all around and occasional showers. The terrain was uphill and muddy, however, the beauty of the surroundings made it easier.

Misty Mornings

With canopies of semi evergreen trees that drape the path everywhere you walk and with undulating terrain, which forms part of the Eastern Ghats, it sure makes your heart flutter with joy and brings a smile on your face when the sun plays peek-a-boo non-stop all through the day and sprinkles its incredible crepuscular rays (God’s rays) on you and giving out an impression of a panorama painted by God. The landscape is so breathtakingly beautiful that it chokes you up with emotion and that you’d wish you could etch it in your heart forever.

After we reached the spot for the waterfall, we had to climb down about 100 steps with side barricade supports. Although the path is very slippery and the forest around very dense, it is a must see as it is very good with water coming in from two different points. The falls is maintained by the local tribes. We spend some good time at the falls – clicking photographs, taking bath while some members of the group also climbed to the top of the falls along with the guide. They came back triumphant to tell us how beautiful it looks from above.

A Small stream in the woods

Soon it was time to leave this beautiful place though none of us really wanted to go back. We climbed up, panting and then started walking back to our resort. By this time, the rain had stopped and it was all sunny and hot. However, all of us enjoyed the walk, sharing the experience and talking excitedly about the future plans.

Our short stay at Maredumilli came to an end. We reached the resort on time for lunch and then we packed our bags to go to Rampa Falls which is nearly 36 km from Maredumilli (26 km to Rampachodavaram towards Rajahmundry and around 10 km on a Kutcha road to Rampa falls). All of us were exhausted by our morning adventure and were fast asleep during the entire bus journey. As soon as our bus reached, we were greeted by a heavy shower which stopped us from getting out of the bus. However, the shower stopped pretty soon and we walked around 10 min to reach the falls. This falls is equally beautiful and we spent some good time enjoying the water and trying to enter the caverns around.  It is truly a worth seeing waterfalls as there is no crowd at all and the water here tastes sweet.

GHAC Women Hikers: Ipshita, Saroja, Rajani and Farida 

It soon started raining again and we had to rush back to our bus and go back to Rajahmundry carrying with us the experience of a beautiful day that can provide the warmth of solitude.

In the end, I would say that this is one of the best places to visit if you are a nature lover and wants to experience local tribal lifestyle


Author and Photographer

Ipsita Mukherjee: Like the name of my blog-(Wanderlust-My travel diary), I love travelling and capturing images of the places I travel through my trusted camera. Given a chance I would love to travel 365 days of the year, however, my job in the corporate industry does not give me that luxury. I work as a Training Manager in a BPO. I have decided to start writing about my travels and share my experiences with others. My intention is to inspire people to travel

disclaimer: The views expressed in the post are of the author and not necessarily represent GHAC. If you would like to write for GHAC blog please check the contribution guidelines.

Hyderabad to Kodachari Bike Ride by GHAC

When travelling is in your blood, you want to soak everything thats an offer - the different cultures, various cuisines and the spectacular views. 

Wouldn't you secretly hope to get that window seat, so that nothing is between you and the new world you traveling too. So lets take out all the blind spots. Feel the wind on face, know the world you are traveling from a closer view After the cold breeze has penetrated into your skin, enjoy a hot sip of tea while the warmth faintly sends down a shiver through you

Enjoy the throttle and power while you climb the mountains, feel the push while riding downhill. Lets the straight highways test your patience, lack of roads test your skills. let the bike feel your undivided attention and love. Let the sceneries open up to you ... let the rain clouds play hide and seekh with you ... The cross winds swing you and if that was not enough .... laugh out at the funny world out there ... for you are the rider and nothing stops you !!  For there is so much to explore.... to discover to get amazed, to learn ..and when you are done for the day ... share the journey over the heartful meal 

Welcome to World of Riders

Kodachadri peak 120kms from the town of Shimoga is a paradise for off road bikers as there is a 4X4 jeep route till the temple. Amazing off roading route for bikers. 

We started on Friday morning around 5 am from Hyderabad. The very first greeting from nature's side was a heavy downpour slowing down our pace in our tightly packed schedule but made the rest of the day's heat bearable. Cruizing through the "so called" shate highways of karnataka, from Mahbubnagar - Raichur - Hospet - Harpanhalli, 500 kms was the max we could manage on the first day.

After a late start to second day, the hilly route in the western ghats and the "highways" of Karnataka we reached the base of Kodachadri at around 3.30 pm. This was the first time I was taking my bike off the road, still did good compared to Vishwam Anna, all credit goes to gigantic hulk ofcourse.

 The amazing weather at the top of Kodachadri, the night camp. And then the continous 24 hour ride back to Hyderabad added flavours of state "highways" of Karnataka. Who says biking is not an adventure, this definitely was one hell of and adventure 

more details on http://www.meetup.com/great-hyderabad-adventure-club/events/177652362/

- Mohit Kharb

Co-Org - GHAC

Exploring an Urban Forest

It was a bright sunny, summer day and my friend asked me if we could go to the small forest reserve behind Osmania College. I said yes and eventually met up with him and we set out to our destination. What I like about this place is its proximity to the city and some peaceful areas there to make a small barbeque. It was about 4pm when we reached, we put on our gear and started going in. On our walk inside we were discussing about general survival skills, starting a fire in rain and stuff like that. As we walked we saw fresh bursts of leaves as though almost adding a new lease of life to the dried up reserve.  We were welcomed by sounds of the barbets, peacocks & peahens, parakeets and glimpses of the black/brown kites. A little ahead we spotted feral cows. These were once domesticated & now returned to the wild. Understandably shy.  We spotted ants nests on a tree and squirrels nest on another. The pack of dogs was not to be seen though. Their numbers have come down probably because they were reduced to scavenge for food and died out of poisoning. 

The Path to the wild 

New Growth in the bushes

Anyways after two kilometers inside we reached a dried moat, now looks like a small trench. We decided to set camp there. We set up our small handmade aluminum stove and started collecting firewood. We carried our fire steel and cotton balls to use it to start a fire. Soon we had a good enough fire and used the charcoal to start cooking paneer and chops that we carried with us. 

Building fire to cook

Small Stove to Cook

Grilling Paneer

We usually we build a self-sustaining fire; on that day we made a really crude looking fire just to make the wood into charcoal.  As we started cooking the peacocks were also excited. Probably it was their way to communicate to each other that something was happening. The only thing that was difficult to endure was the humidity and the heat was sucking us dry.  We had electrolytes with us, so it was a little easy to stretch our stay. I climbed up the moat to get onto the other side while the food was cooking to have a look around. It was more like a monoculture of trees and plants. Specific areas had only one variety or two of the same species. What I’m trying to impress is that it was not like a garden of various trees and plants. 

Most trees were without leaves

Some had flowers 

Some trees had fruits

The Jungle in Summer is devoid of leaves

As it was summer it’s not possible to walk without making a noise. There’s always going to dried leaves that you step on. So if you want to spot animals walking is out of the question. Selecting a spot and lying down almost motionless or soundless would be the best way.  You could sprinkle grains and wait patiently if you want to photograph birds. It so happens that when we have something, the need to use it wouldn’t arise. That day I forgot the bandages and needed them. I got entangled in a thorny bush and had a very small bleeding episode. However that didn't stop us from having our fun. The best part of the trip was we left our watches back home and turned off our cell phones so we wouldn't be disturbed and keep looking at the time. We decided to use the sun for that. We experienced a sudden change of weather. Clouds and breeze out of nowhere. Almost like a rain warning. We were prepared to get wet and were not worried about our camera and other gear as well. 

We had the paneer & the chops that were cooked on coal. We were so full that we couldn't move. After a little nap we got our gear in place and packed everything into our backpacks and it was time to leave. We made sure that nothing was left behind so that it doesn't become an indication that the place can be used by others. Also because we don’t like to litter the place, or leave behind non bio degradable stuff. Once we made sure that we were all set to leave we slowly started out of the trench and walked back to where we parked our bikes. We then left and with good memories and plans to go there again soon enough. 

Author Bio:

Hi! This is Anshuman, I love the outdoors and have a great inclination to outdoor activities and sport. I am in Hyderabad for the past 13 years and was last working in a Human Resource firm. I like to keep updating myself with new things. I love camping and do a little photography. I take part in activities keeping in mind my fitness levels. I’m working on that as well. I’m a dog lover and love swimming.  You can connect with me on Facebook and Twitter

disclaimer: The views expressed in the post are of the author and not necessarily represent GHAC.  If you would like to write for GHAC blog please check the contribution guidelines.

Botanical Garden Kondapur : Some obeservations

An old man was planting a mango seedling. A passer-by was surprised to see it and enquired from him as to why he is planting mango seedlings in old age. He will not be there to relish its fruits. He smiled and said he is doing it for his grandchildren. He was not aware that in the coming years there will be a drastic change in the socioeconomic environment. Grandsons will not be interested in eating mangoes. They will use tree as timber and land for building concrete jungle. 

A visit to the Botanical Garden Kondapur in Hyderabad reminds one of this story. One can practically feel the efforts of the grand old man who planed this garden and planted trees in a systematic way. On some of the trees plates depicting genus and family are still visible. The dying teak tree in the very beginning of the garden near the toddlers play area is visible. 

The tree trunk is still doing its duty and supports an electric wire and a chord. Weeping Indian gum tree nearby is attacked by an insect Inderbella. Sandalwood tree has lost its glory and died. Ill kept roses forgot to bloom. Evan the Triumph variety has been overpowered by diseases, pests and weeds. Trees are doing their best to survive by producing new shoots from dried trunks but in the absence of support from human beings they will not be able to live.

Good place for morning walk

Not very well maintained

The grand old man must have thought of water shortage in Hyderabad and had provided huge water ponds which can collect rain water and this water reservoir can provide water to the plants in summer months. Still sign boards lying on the ground warn parents of the depth of the pond. But alas no one cared to keep them in proper shape. Still some water and birds are visible in the deeper tank. The shallow tank is now playground for the dogs.

The Pond

One part of the garden has been devoted to the cultivation of cacti. Very good collection and arrangement is visible. But probably there is a misconception that cacti do not require attention. 

Cacti with flowers

Some have died and the others are struggling. Their worth can be guessed from the fact that even in this neglect they are producing flowers. A beautiful glass house in the shape of a tortoise looks magnificent nearby. But please see it only from a distance. Inside there are only empty glass jars and boxes.

Tortoise shape glass house

Indian Gum Tree

 Indian Gum Tree attacked by Inderbella an insect

Dying Teak Tree

Some citizens are trying to save Botanical Garden

Succulent plants

Botanical garden is still serving its purpose. Visitors come here daily to breathe fresh air, do exercises, play badminton or escape from the city noise. An effort is being made to save the garden by hanging a signboard in one corner of the garden and collecting some money from the morning walkers for fighting court cases to save botanical garden. But is anyone worried about the upkeep of the trees and the garden? Someone should respect the dream of the man who planned and build this beautiful garden. 

About the author: Dr.H.S.Rewal Plant is Pathologist by profession retired as Head, Department of Plant Pathology from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. He is fellow Indian Phytopathological Society and Indian Society of Plant Pathologists. He is recipient of Narasimhan Academic Award conferred by Indian Phytopathological Society and Best Extension Scientist Award conferred by Punjab Agricultural University. He did research on the diseases of cereals, fruits and vegetables and gave recommendations for their management. He successfully transferred technologies developed in the university to the fields of the farmers . Many plant disease epidemics were thus kept under control in the state. At present he is working as consultant agriculture for the improvement of hill agriculture.  The views expressed are his personal 

Laughter Birdies at GHAC

Laughter  BIRDIES @ GHAC! 

30yrs of walking on this planet made me find that GHAC provides the natural pain-killer and best medicine aka Laughter.

In current times,The best gift of happiness is spreading laughter and that is what GHAC proved once again, spreading smiles across the miles.

we all just had a hearty laugh during the entire journey of  Bird race 2014 GHAC, a picture is worth 1000 words as they say. 

so look @ the pics.

Just looking at ourselves in the mirror and a polite smile with a loved one.

is a true bliss. And I did find that in my lens. 

Laughter can lower risks of a heart attack by a LOT. Laughter also reduces stress, therefore lowering blood pressure. That's a whole lot of health benefits just from laughing!

GHAC is all about being fit and fine with friendly like minded people.

I personally want to thank our team captain Aman Khatri and Virtual Captain Dr.Geethanjali ma'm and vice caption Manideep for true sense of team spirit.Its not winning all the time, its the smiling journey which we had been through.

It produces happy chemicals in the body called Endorphins which work in the brain to give an overall feeling of well-being. Laughing, however, does not have to be genuine. Fake laughter will also cause the body to respond positively.

So gotta a cranky day, Ask Google aunt for  jokes, first few may feel foolish, but as you read on and share it with others you become a sit-down comedian. 

About the Author and Photographer: Raj is a professional photographer and an active member of GHAC. You can check his work on his Facebook.