Photography by Neville

The sun sets and colours the waters...

What better way to remember the place I come from… This image incorporates a lot of my dreams and hopes for the future. Enjoy!!!

Since my recent foray into the world of Bird photography I’ve been meeting a lot of birders on-line and also out in the field. One of the best places to meet like minded people is by joining the BNG Birds group on Yahoo Groups.  It’s a relatively simple matter of just signing in and joining the group. Once thats done you can see what birders in your area (Bangalore) are up to.

The group also has various trips on almost every weekend to places which are known for the variety in birds. I’ve been with this group to Nandi Hills, Shivanahalli and Anekal. In these trips I’ve basically learnt a lot more about birding than I would have going out by myself. I’ve seen and spotted many more species of birds and become better at identifying calls of certain birds.

There are a lot of great people who you can meet during these trips and its definetiely worth checking out. Catch you at the next BNG Birds trip!

View from the Hill

Very close to Bangalore and still one of Bangalore’s fave weekend getaways is Nandi Hills. There are various ways to get there but I prefer taking the government buses that go all the way to the top.

One step from the drop

Looking down

Pathway in the fort

You can catch a bus to the top of Nandi Hills from the KSRTC bus stand which is right opposite the BMTC bus stand. Go o platform number 10 and ask there.

Tickets are about 40 - 50 Rupees depending on which route the bus takes. Tickets to the fort cost 5 Rupees and you can stock up on food here or go all the way to the top and get your snacks and lunch there.

Living on the edge

Kodaikanal, located in Tamil Nadu is also known as the Princess of Hill Stations. A very popular destination for tourists and locals from the plains especially when the summer months come along.

Silver Cascade through town

The tourism industry is the most important part of Kodaikanal’s economy. Most people have their own tea and snacks joints, taxis or cottages which they rent out to tourists.

A view of Kodai's houses

Kodaikanal is situated around 2,100 odd meters (6,998 feet) above sea level. It is surrounded by mountains which crop up all around you no matter where you go.

Kodai's Lake and Sky

A very popular tourist attraction is Kodai lake. You can take a ride in the pedal boats if you are the energetic type or have some row the boat for a price.

The view from Kodai Lake

Robby's Farm in the plains

There are many organic farms in the plains which grow a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Flowers in Bloom

Bryant’s park has an annual flower show thats worth taking a look at for the variety on display and also for the fair that occurs at the same time.

The looming trees of Kodai

The hill station is covered all over with meadows and Shola forests. A variety of trees like Pine, Eucalyptus can be found here.

Diving into the mountains

Dolphin’s nose is a little cliff that juts out from a mountain and gives the feeling of being on a diving board which is about 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) above sea level.

Over the edge

The view from Dolphin’s nose is one of the best and gives one  a real feel for the beauty of Kodaikanal.

Shrouded in clouds

Dolphin's Nose

Clarity at 6600 Feet

Over the edge of the falls

Vattakanal falls isn’t very far from dolphin’s nose but is a little harder to find and you’ll probably need a local to guide you all the way to it. If you afraid of heights I’d suggest you stay far away from the edge.

Creeping Darkness

Clouded Mountain Vista

Jewels of the Night

Croaker’s walk has great views of the valley below during the day but the view at night is just out of this world. The villages and town below sparkle at night and the name “Jewels of the night” is perfect.

Shining through

Here are the final images of my trip to Ranganathittu almost a month ago. While there I discovered an interest in Bird photography. It was a new experience for me since the birds are so unpredictable and quick in flight.

Basking in the sun

Tending the flock

Stutting

the Kingfisher

The Race

Out on a limb

Searching

The lookout

Hope you all enjoyed the images, as always your comments are appreciated.