Dwarf White Bauhinia is a garden growing plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. Its flowers are rich in pollen and nectar that attract various insects such as butterflies, moths and bees. It is also one of the host plants for many butterflies species and the larvas of certain moth species feed on the flowers.
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Part of the Nilgiri biosphere, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an area of 344.44 square kilometres formed by two discontinuous pockets, Muthunga in the south and Tholpetty in the North. Nearly one third of the area is covered by plantations of Teak, Rosewood, Silver oak and eucalyptus.The rest is covered with Bamboo groves, moist deciduous and semi- evergreen forests. The sanctuary boasts a rich fauna, with elephants and deer the most commonly sighted.
The Margaret Merril Rose is pearly white with a delicate blush of pink and brown stamens. The delicate double cup-shaped flowers are grown world wide due to their famously strong scent. In Kerala these roses are most common in the High Ranges, seen in gardens and parks.
Marigold is a long lasting bloomer bearing numerous single, yellow to orange flowers on each stem. It is commonly found in the high ranges of Kerala, but grows throughout India. These flowers are mainly used for garlands, Temple offerings and medicinal purposes.
Photo credit: Ramesh Kidangoor
Common Indian Crow is one of most common butterflies in and around the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The wings of the butterfly are brown in color with two lines of white spots on the lower sides. Continue reading
Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the richest biodiversity hot spot in the Western Ghats. In fact, of the nearly 252 species of orchids found in Kerala, 145 are seen in this region. Foxtail Orchid belongs to the Vanda family, a species widely growing above 800 meters of semi-evergeen and moist deciduous forests. Foxtail Orchid is the state flower of both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Built in 1268 A.D., Chennakeshava Temple is located in the Mysore District of Karnataka. This temple is famous for its elaborate artisanship. The temple stands on a raised, star-shaped plinth in the middle of a spacious enclosure containing sixty-four cells.
Periyar’s diverse ecosystems of evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous and dry forest makes it a reptile friendly habitat. Forty-five species of reptile make the reserve their home, including the charismatic Travancore Tortoise.
The Periyar Tiger Reserve is popular for its animal sightings, scenic splendour and biodiversity. The common Indian Monitor is the only known species of monitor lizard found in the reserve.
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Native to India and common in Kerala, Pink Water Lily is mostly seen growing in the fresh water ponds and back waters. The round floating leaves are a perfect backdrop for fragrant flowers are fragrant that open throughout the day and close at night.
Photo credit: Ramesh Kidagoor
The Mysore Flower Market is the perfect place to get fresh local flowers. Its bustling pathways are filled with roses, brightly coloured marigold and highly scented jasmine. This flower market is one of the city’s main attractions.
The Red Helen is the third largest butterfly in India. The wings are dark in colour with a creamy white patch on its prominent “swallowtail” hind wings. These butterflies are mostly seen in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. Citrus tress, evodia and roxburghiana are the favorite food plants for these butterflies.
Photo Credits: Remesh Kidangoor
Nandi Bull is one of the landmark tourist attractions of Mysore. The over 350 year old statue represents Lord Shiva’s vehicle and was created during the reign of Dodda Devaraja. The Nandi is the third largest in all of India, carved out of a single piece of a rock 15 ft height and 24 ft width.
The submerged tree trunks in the 26sq km Periyar Lake nestled inside the forest create a favorite habitat for a number of aquatic birds, especially Large cormorants.
Photo credit: Ramesh Kidangoor
One of the most colorful and oldest fruit markets in India, Mysore Fruit Market is famous for the freshness and purity of the produce available here. Just off the city’s main thoroughfare, this market is used by the locals daily. Continue reading
Wasp belongs to the Order Hymenoptera, which includes bees and ants also. It is in fact one of the largest insect groups. Tropical wasps build their hives in tall trees and steep corners of the mountain edges, all habitat commonly found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The wasps lay their eggs and hatch their young in beautiful hives made out of clay mixed with their saliva. Continue reading
Photo credit: Ramesh Kidangoor
With more than 100 years of history, Mysore city market is well knitted in the heritage of Mysore, which is the imperial city of Royal Palaces. This market is a good sample of a traditional Indian market; colourful, noisy and vibrant. Continue reading
photo by Ramesh Kidangoor
With a wingspan of 80-120 mm, the Crimson Rose Butterfly is one of the most spectacular species of swallowtail. It is commonly found along the Western Ghats, especially in small mountain tops and open plain lands. Ixora, lantana and pagoda flowers are favorite for this butterflies. The upper side of the wings are shining black with red and white markings that include a fine white line outlining the distinctive swallowtail wing shape. Its body is red in colour.
The heaviest of the 54 species in the family, the Great Pied Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is one of the main attractions in Periyar, among the most fascinating birding destinations in the entire Western Ghats. Towering old-growth forests are a must for their breeding. Ficus fruits are the main diet for the growing chicks. Continue reading
Kerala is an important fisheries centre with a 590 kilometre long coastline on India’s southwest corner. Additionally, multiple rivers and backwaters, and several lakes offer vast potential to the industry. Plywood boats with outboard motors, sailboats and canoes are dot the water, adding colour to the already scenic landscape.
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