When interviewing locals to learn about their knowledge of swamps, Rohan and I stumbled across the legend of the krishnasarpa. But what is the krishnasarpa?
In Search of the ‘Krishnasarpa’
Torme: A Swamp Under Threat
Deep in the heart of lion-tailed macaque country lie multiple hidden Myristica swamps. Rohan and I spent hours driving the (surprisingly) well-maintained roads, past faded signposts and countless towering arecanut plantations, past colourful houses and dry brown paddy fields, past patches of dry deciduous forest interspersed by cool, wet evergreen forests, until we finally reached…
A Monkey Amidst the Monsoon Mountains
The landscape of the Sharavathi river valley is unparallelled in its beauty. Lush forests line the tarred roads, descending deep into the valley to where the mighty Sharavathi roars. From the winding road, the wind whipping through my hair, I can smell the river and its rich soil from kilometres away. I close my eyes,…
Return to the Forest
A dramatic return to the magical wet evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, heralded by the birds and wildlife that call this landscape home.
A Morning at Kannamangala Kere
A morning cycle ride in Whitefield always leads to the lap of nature. Today, my journey took me through countless emerald fields, on bumpy dirt roads, and past a serene temple, right to Kannamangala Kere (lake), a hidden gem in the outskirts of Bengaluru. Kannamangala Lake is not particularly easy to access, nor is it…
A lot of things Myristica
A tryst with freshwater swamps....and unfolding projects surrounding these rare systems...keeps me on my toes!
Trailing Tigers
Cloaked in sleek night and windy stripes, Slinking, barely rustling, an arrow taut in the string of a bow, A heady scent on the breeze, old blood and rotting flesh, Cheetal bark, tails flashing, legs leaping, Fangs flash silver, hunting knives, Rounded pugmarks pressed into the moist earth, a promise. Whiplash! A snake-like tail flashes…
My Lockdown Reading List Pt. 1 – Nature and Wildlife Books
Finding yourself bored at home during the lockdown? Check out my series of reading lists based on books I love. My first reading list includes books on nature and wildlife, with links to purchase books on Amazon.in and Amazon.com!
The Fire Tree
A reminiscing piece on my favourite tree, the gulmohar or Royal Poinciana, which lines the streets of Mylapore, Chennai...
To Whom Do Our Forests Belong?
The rights of forest dwelling communities have long been disputed and discussed by the conservation community in India. Here's my take on this nuanced issue on World Wildlife Day 2021...
On Life and Wildlife 