tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-518382272166954602024-03-08T15:41:54.652+05:30Exploring the SahyadrisThe Sahyadris in the Western Ghat of India are some of the oldest rainforests and are one of the two Bio-diversity hotspots of India. it is also a UNESCO World Heritage siteAvihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980192325521727741noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51838227216695460.post-76085580478977062712014-10-21T12:35:00.002+05:302014-11-15T10:35:54.543+05:30Kaas revisited<span style="font-size: large;">Sept 12-14, 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After a gap of 3 years, I again revisited this spectacular plateau. The difference was I was better prepared, knew what I wanted & had the right camera lens - a macro 100 mm. Since then it has also been awarded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique bio-diversity. The rain gods were not so bountiful to India this year which translated into fewer carpets of flowers. But the positive side meant I could use my camera more to take back memories of the beautiful flora of this region. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wildflower watch is a great way to look at some of the minute beauties at your feet. Some of the photos that you see below can defy our imagination of what a typical flower should be like. Understanding the mechanisms that they use for pollination or even for nourishment is so varied that it can open our mind to the way survival takes place in the wild. So here is the catch of the 3 days. For more details on Kaas, please refer to the older post</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bESsULrgsUs/VCJsybs4cYI/AAAAAAAAVUU/npOsYbhP9v4/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bESsULrgsUs/VCJsybs4cYI/AAAAAAAAVUU/npOsYbhP9v4/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Walking in the rain at Chalkewadi</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NPungFPlSw/VCJs5hp-cJI/AAAAAAAAVUc/xxB0D7SguCY/s1600/IMG_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NPungFPlSw/VCJs5hp-cJI/AAAAAAAAVUc/xxB0D7SguCY/s1600/IMG_2558.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carpet of <i>Neonatis lancifolia</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-morNox7Gtzc/VCJs-4fxzkI/AAAAAAAAVU0/1SO6BT8iPB0/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-morNox7Gtzc/VCJs-4fxzkI/AAAAAAAAVU0/1SO6BT8iPB0/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">named after a Norwegian botanist, Carl Peter Thunberg, this is the <i>Thunbergia fragrans </i>which is found on the slopes of the Western Ghats</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-Rp6Cw9zis/VCJtBKG0YzI/AAAAAAAAVVE/KHfP6q2III0/s1600/IMG_2584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-Rp6Cw9zis/VCJtBKG0YzI/AAAAAAAAVVE/KHfP6q2III0/s1600/IMG_2584.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This interesting piece of natural architecture is the nest of the Harvester Ants</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1TUQa46OUc/VCJtCM9-zmI/AAAAAAAAVVM/Z7nlmbxCYFk/s1600/IMG_2590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1TUQa46OUc/VCJtCM9-zmI/AAAAAAAAVVM/Z7nlmbxCYFk/s1600/IMG_2590.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A very interesting flytrap - <i>Ceropegia media</i> which traps insects & smothers their bodies with its pollen before it wilts & releases the insects which then leads to pollination</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQi-U4kkOHA/VCJtDn-4LxI/AAAAAAAAVVU/1WS-JTzLXCo/s1600/IMG_2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQi-U4kkOHA/VCJtDn-4LxI/AAAAAAAAVVU/1WS-JTzLXCo/s1600/IMG_2592.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another interesting example of pollination is this flower - <i>Vigna vexilatta. </i>Once the insect lands on the petal it has a mechanism to push out its antlers where pollen is released - some mechanical engineering indeed!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5LYFm6YbXro/VCJtKXR-8QI/AAAAAAAAVVc/KsGTmQQAZ8U/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5LYFm6YbXro/VCJtKXR-8QI/AAAAAAAAVVc/KsGTmQQAZ8U/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorites - <i>Gloriosa superba </i>- this is an unfertilised flower, once fertilized it turns a bright red</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3IV-U7BDEo/VCJtLya24YI/AAAAAAAAVVk/LWlxKmZOUrA/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3IV-U7BDEo/VCJtLya24YI/AAAAAAAAVVk/LWlxKmZOUrA/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">amidst all the flora is this intricate web of life</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hI5CSqWj4Iw/VCJtMwJZzdI/AAAAAAAAVVs/sSlR-n-rZic/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hI5CSqWj4Iw/VCJtMwJZzdI/AAAAAAAAVVs/sSlR-n-rZic/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Dioscera pentafyla</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgkHIZQFrCw/VCJtN5m25tI/AAAAAAAAVV0/HJy6h9DFgNw/s1600/IMG_2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgkHIZQFrCw/VCJtN5m25tI/AAAAAAAAVV0/HJy6h9DFgNw/s1600/IMG_2614.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Smythia bigemina, </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">Upto mid September, you will see vast carpets of this beautiful Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck (whichever way you like!). after which the Grahams Groundsels (<i>Sencio bombaynsis) </i>will take over</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_BdIRkX58U/VCJtOxDhfbI/AAAAAAAAVV8/oC7j_GlsznY/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_BdIRkX58U/VCJtOxDhfbI/AAAAAAAAVV8/oC7j_GlsznY/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Neonatis lancifolia</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13WhGzjKD8g/VCJtQrRjkEI/AAAAAAAAVWE/WgQchYJAAHs/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13WhGzjKD8g/VCJtQrRjkEI/AAAAAAAAVWE/WgQchYJAAHs/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Topli Karvi has begun to flower, but it is likely to bloom & form beautiful violet carpet next year i.e.Sept 2015 - scientific name <i>Pleocaulus ritchii</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLZw4ZnCXmI/VCJtS-me1VI/AAAAAAAAVWM/rqkiuchwYOE/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLZw4ZnCXmI/VCJtS-me1VI/AAAAAAAAVWM/rqkiuchwYOE/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" height="320" width="223" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Cyanotis tuberosa</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__plOnt76VM/VCJtTjboaFI/AAAAAAAAVWU/aQGL8k411cs/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__plOnt76VM/VCJtTjboaFI/AAAAAAAAVWU/aQGL8k411cs/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Impatiens balsamina</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjKIH_B-SCo/VCJtcI4cchI/AAAAAAAAVWc/DMvUS43Z4MY/s1600/IMG_2631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjKIH_B-SCo/VCJtcI4cchI/AAAAAAAAVWc/DMvUS43Z4MY/s1600/IMG_2631.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Senecio Bombayensis</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmk5SyLYiSc/VCJtdKklC_I/AAAAAAAAVWk/-thVseH8uL4/s1600/IMG_2632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmk5SyLYiSc/VCJtdKklC_I/AAAAAAAAVWk/-thVseH8uL4/s1600/IMG_2632.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plant of the Topli Karvi - called because of its inverted bowl like appearance</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpmjtGR6Obg/VCJtfFzjCaI/AAAAAAAAVWs/_9W8NQeREgk/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpmjtGR6Obg/VCJtfFzjCaI/AAAAAAAAVWs/_9W8NQeREgk/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">an interesting Weevil</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcuudFQGWg4/VCJtit-CYeI/AAAAAAAAVW0/JYZrvbFORdQ/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcuudFQGWg4/VCJtit-CYeI/AAAAAAAAVW0/JYZrvbFORdQ/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Lkb" style="font-size: large;"><i>Flemengia nilgiriensis</i> local name is Jartari</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9B0w6vVaF28/VCJtkMO9grI/AAAAAAAAVW8/ySLCGqNR6K8/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9B0w6vVaF28/VCJtkMO9grI/AAAAAAAAVW8/ySLCGqNR6K8/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">above & below is the <i>Hitchenia caulina</i> surrounded by the Topli Karvi</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPzYyFZi-9s/VCJtlBq0exI/AAAAAAAAVXE/_2b3MOSoPq0/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPzYyFZi-9s/VCJtlBq0exI/AAAAAAAAVXE/_2b3MOSoPq0/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7jFEtSMAZE/VCJtmKeqKHI/AAAAAAAAVXM/9_KtAGgSdOw/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7jFEtSMAZE/VCJtmKeqKHI/AAAAAAAAVXM/9_KtAGgSdOw/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another view of <i>Cyanotis tuberosa</i> called Cat's ears</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCG3M4prC0w/VCJtpUG8kAI/AAAAAAAAVXU/YkfQlW8BOsM/s1600/IMG_2660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCG3M4prC0w/VCJtpUG8kAI/AAAAAAAAVXU/YkfQlW8BOsM/s1600/IMG_2660.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Adelocaryum coelistinum - </i>locally called Nisurdi <i><br /></i></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ctohk7YB7c/VCJtsirEtfI/AAAAAAAAVXc/E_Ab9Je-1-s/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ctohk7YB7c/VCJtsirEtfI/AAAAAAAAVXc/E_Ab9Je-1-s/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another view of <i>Flemininga nilgirinensis</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHjFjfBXr-c/VCJt1d8VM0I/AAAAAAAAVXk/viA1bN9bbYY/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHjFjfBXr-c/VCJt1d8VM0I/AAAAAAAAVXk/viA1bN9bbYY/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and again my favorite for which I revisited Kaas & may do so again - a close up of the Topli Karvi</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzaL97shNz8/VCJt2jIjE3I/AAAAAAAAVXs/288xFAq-JHI/s1600/IMG_2666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzaL97shNz8/VCJt2jIjE3I/AAAAAAAAVXs/288xFAq-JHI/s1600/IMG_2666.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carpet of <i>Impatiens Lawii</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYXFz8PEN4s/VCJt4eZXK4I/AAAAAAAAVX0/WGEsmDd4bLU/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYXFz8PEN4s/VCJt4eZXK4I/AAAAAAAAVX0/WGEsmDd4bLU/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Aponogeton satarensis - </i>A very rare flower that grows near streams or damp areas, this is the Vayture - called because of its Y shape crest. endemic to this area & is the major reason why Kaas got its UNESCO world Heritage status</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBPj8T6Q2A4/VCJt5gfd1yI/AAAAAAAAVX8/BqfJrsfYXJM/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBPj8T6Q2A4/VCJt5gfd1yI/AAAAAAAAVX8/BqfJrsfYXJM/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">close - up of <i>Impatiens lawii</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh705XSBwp4/VCJt7SQQ0_I/AAAAAAAAVYE/phS-I0BZIFY/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh705XSBwp4/VCJt7SQQ0_I/AAAAAAAAVYE/phS-I0BZIFY/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Habenaria heyneana- </i>this is a ground orchid also called toothbrush plant.<i> </i>beware it is known to damage your gums!<i> </i>so see admire & leave alone!!!<i><br /></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7z9ZRnomb7A/VCJuAIF1u-I/AAAAAAAAVYU/MdFSRYVkUu0/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7z9ZRnomb7A/VCJuAIF1u-I/AAAAAAAAVYU/MdFSRYVkUu0/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lagascia mollis</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUwOCWdmqnI/VCJt-weIbLI/AAAAAAAAVYM/9cP30LkC4Rc/s1600/IMG_2688.JPG" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Impatiens Lawii</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUwOCWdmqnI/VCJt-weIbLI/AAAAAAAAVYM/9cP30LkC4Rc/s1600/IMG_2688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this tuber was found uprooted. We must learn to refrain from damaging our surroundings!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mJCFzgdiU0/VCJuIo8gmHI/AAAAAAAAVYc/-jrHTG9qFlA/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajnIiKYRETY/VCJuK0-T_zI/AAAAAAAAVYk/kmcpPXe_TP4/s1600/IMG_2704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajnIiKYRETY/VCJuK0-T_zI/AAAAAAAAVYk/kmcpPXe_TP4/s1600/IMG_2704.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The soil in this area has limited nutrients which is why most flowers are ephemerals & many of the are insectiverous - this is <i>a Utricularia</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHiKol5YESw/VCJuL3bF3HI/AAAAAAAAVYs/I0-pSbXjL9s/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHiKol5YESw/VCJuL3bF3HI/AAAAAAAAVYs/I0-pSbXjL9s/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A very interesting flower that observes our Office time - blooms at 10 a.m. local name is Abolima. Scientific name is <i>Murdannia lanuginosa</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bAQQJFHpPi8/VCJuQYXdS0I/AAAAAAAAVY8/XA02bEnTKbc/s1600/IMG_2731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bAQQJFHpPi8/VCJuQYXdS0I/AAAAAAAAVY8/XA02bEnTKbc/s1600/IMG_2731.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A real insectivore tucked away under the foliage, You really need to search for this - <i>Drossera indica</i></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWyQyoZP0h4/VCJuRpIorGI/AAAAAAAAVZE/uJzh6yuC_9k/s1600/IMG_2739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWyQyoZP0h4/VCJuRpIorGI/AAAAAAAAVZE/uJzh6yuC_9k/s1600/IMG_2739.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another view of the <i><span class="Lkb">Flemengia nilgiriensis </span></i></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zC5uaF6d0e8/VCJuSr-MsxI/AAAAAAAAVZM/pcZtoEwIH6U/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zC5uaF6d0e8/VCJuSr-MsxI/AAAAAAAAVZM/pcZtoEwIH6U/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A dainty flower <i><span class="Lkb">Paracaryopsis coelestina</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IyJXUW_6rgI/VCJuUSF4gvI/AAAAAAAAVZU/F3pspMjcPGc/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IyJXUW_6rgI/VCJuUSF4gvI/AAAAAAAAVZU/F3pspMjcPGc/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the beautiful <i>Neonates lanciflolia</i><span class="Lkb"></span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5orpAp-NLpw/VCJuVXZ6-2I/AAAAAAAAVZc/FMeS_G5LwzE/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5orpAp-NLpw/VCJuVXZ6-2I/AAAAAAAAVZc/FMeS_G5LwzE/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Persicari glabra</span></i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SX5_OyueTN8/VCJuWj_MBUI/AAAAAAAAVZk/OncBYhjII7o/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SX5_OyueTN8/VCJuWj_MBUI/AAAAAAAAVZk/OncBYhjII7o/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">While viewing the floral beauty, here is a view of Satara town from the Ghats</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-r-wfykT1I/VCJuZ3XLAvI/AAAAAAAAVZ0/Vdzq6aRVa8Y/s1600/IMG_2777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-r-wfykT1I/VCJuZ3XLAvI/AAAAAAAAVZ0/Vdzq6aRVa8Y/s1600/IMG_2777.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Indigofera cassoides</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMrxk_VjueU/VCJudiCjZRI/AAAAAAAAVaM/I-3dOY8ynHE/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lavendula bipinnata</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMrxk_VjueU/VCJudiCjZRI/AAAAAAAAVaM/I-3dOY8ynHE/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykSDqyDfR48/VCJufcrZhlI/AAAAAAAAVaU/J__3x7V2V8g/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pinda concanensis </i>- this is endemic to the Konkan region of India & hence its species nam</span>e</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykSDqyDfR48/VCJufcrZhlI/AAAAAAAAVaU/J__3x7V2V8g/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYGTRWsHBug/VCJuhAPSuvI/AAAAAAAAVac/X9Hl7p_PHP0/s1600/IMG_2810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYGTRWsHBug/VCJuhAPSuvI/AAAAAAAAVac/X9Hl7p_PHP0/s1600/IMG_2810.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Growing on the rocky slopes this is <i>Chlorophytum glaucoides</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A surprise visit to a small town called Sajjangadh where the Guru of the renowned Maratha King Shivaji had his ashram (abode for meditation in India) brought up some interesting old structures. it is a short and interesting climb over the hillside</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_JPpeyvh_8/VCJuiaekHVI/AAAAAAAAVak/xQF-_UUTb6M/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_JPpeyvh_8/VCJuiaekHVI/AAAAAAAAVak/xQF-_UUTb6M/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RTMXO_J9Ju4/VCJukYGXXlI/AAAAAAAAVas/fv2xVs9GrWw/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RTMXO_J9Ju4/VCJukYGXXlI/AAAAAAAAVas/fv2xVs9GrWw/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">massive entry to the ashram that forms a bustling township today</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4KHsPICSi0/VCJul1mMWwI/AAAAAAAAVa0/Trnh4tn2zgM/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4KHsPICSi0/VCJul1mMWwI/AAAAAAAAVa0/Trnh4tn2zgM/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiN63jdIuM0/VCJunlY0OaI/AAAAAAAAVa8/EXRXNO895q4/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiN63jdIuM0/VCJunlY0OaI/AAAAAAAAVa8/EXRXNO895q4/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSyDJQkrRZg/VCJupmxBzpI/AAAAAAAAVbE/Q5qZfREq-3w/s1600/IMG_2836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSyDJQkrRZg/VCJupmxBzpI/AAAAAAAAVbE/Q5qZfREq-3w/s1600/IMG_2836.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">a common species of the region - Crested Bunting</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XVjNOOBlWIw/VCJutggMFcI/AAAAAAAAVbM/j7MmFhZVov8/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XVjNOOBlWIw/VCJutggMFcI/AAAAAAAAVbM/j7MmFhZVov8/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" height="320" width="275" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Lkb" style="font-size: large;">Aesclepias curassavica</span></i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2QYZJHeSpI/VCJu8hC9IHI/AAAAAAAAVbc/4c5blpMH7DM/s1600/IMG_2844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2QYZJHeSpI/VCJu8hC9IHI/AAAAAAAAVbc/4c5blpMH7DM/s1600/IMG_2844.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">feeding on <i>Smythia bigemina</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BfHJFToLUK0/VCJu_eG-fEI/AAAAAAAAVbk/XVpdUY3NeEQ/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BfHJFToLUK0/VCJu_eG-fEI/AAAAAAAAVbk/XVpdUY3NeEQ/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">While driving towards Kas lake, you can smell the foul odour of this tree <i>Mappia</i> <i>foetida</i> at some distance. It is illegally exported as it contains a remedy for cancer. the remaining photos are taken at Kas lake situated 2 kms downhill from the plateau.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3n-b8D5CUg/VCJvDdVG7xI/AAAAAAAAVbs/qw8D9MB03e4/s1600/IMG_2876.JPG" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Habenaria digitata</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3n-b8D5CUg/VCJvDdVG7xI/AAAAAAAAVbs/qw8D9MB03e4/s1600/IMG_2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HeFGwHaIXz8/VCJvEbtr5KI/AAAAAAAAVb0/EO6-RmLLy3M/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HeFGwHaIXz8/VCJvEbtr5KI/AAAAAAAAVb0/EO6-RmLLy3M/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another lantern flower which is a creeper & hidden in the canopy of a tree - <i>Ceropegia vincaefolia</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYHLXYUpPoE/VCJvGf0fe0I/AAAAAAAAVb8/q7uhRKBRvsQ/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYHLXYUpPoE/VCJvGf0fe0I/AAAAAAAAVb8/q7uhRKBRvsQ/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">an interesting orchid</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wEPz9T840yY/VCJvOaNQVSI/AAAAAAAAVcM/fdO1L9O8avY/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wEPz9T840yY/VCJvOaNQVSI/AAAAAAAAVcM/fdO1L9O8avY/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Euphorbia latea</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmrKvXsX1QI/VCJvQKLF-YI/AAAAAAAAVcU/34SMQFEhngE/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmrKvXsX1QI/VCJvQKLF-YI/AAAAAAAAVcU/34SMQFEhngE/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">a very rare & small species of Smythia that is endemic to the area <i>Smythia agarkarii</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Kaas is 25 kms from Satara which is the point where you can find hotels to stay.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Satara Bombay is 250 kms. Satara Pune is 110 kms.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Some tips for Wildflower Watch: Be a good role model for others to follow</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Be eco-friendly & do not consume eatables or throw your rubbish in the area. Collect it in a bag & throw it in the rubbish bin provided in your hotel. It is unfortunate that alongside the beauty, a large amount of rubbish needs to be regularly cleared from this area.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do not pluck or trample the flowers. Take back fond memories in your mind or on your lens to cherish. Remember this is a natural heritage for all to see and enjoy..</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Be observant of even the minute things around you; you never know what hidden beauty you will discover</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Use a knowledgeable guide &/or invest in guide books available locally or online. Learning about the flora & fauna will surely enhance your enjoyment. a good website is http://flowersofsahyadri.com/</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Avoid loud noise or music & try to avoid week-ends as this will help you enjoy the sights & sounds of nature better.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Carry rain gear, wear comfortable & dull coloured clothes & footwear. A pair of binoculars & magnifying glass will be a good aid. For the shutter-bugs, a great opportunity for macro photography of flowers. All the above photos have been taken with a Canon 100 mm macro lens. Macro photography is a great genre to pursue & opens the minute world of insects, flowers etc. in an entirely different view</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: large;">A very interesting and enjoyable trip which was a great leaning experience about the extraordinary wild-flowers of this part of India. Thank you once again to Adesh, Mandar & Sweedle for opening out the beautiful world of wildflowers.Also thank you to our ever smiling & cheerful driver, Sukhdev & the Management & Staff of Hotel Suruban at Satara.</span>Avihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980192325521727741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51838227216695460.post-31170453823853399432014-10-21T11:18:00.001+05:302014-10-22T20:50:52.001+05:30Kaas-Plateau of Flowers<span style="font-size: small;">Monsoon is just one of those times when people wonder
if it is worth traveling. And yet it is the time when nature is at its
bountiful with a riot of colours all round us. The countryside turning a
verdant green where it was once a stark brown. Flowers bursting forth
& bringing in varied colours; birds busy nesting for bringing the
next generation; all being springs to life - the brightly coloured
butterflies, their lesser appreciated and understood though equally
beautiful moths & of course all the innocous creepy </span><span style="font-size: small;">crawlies that many humans shrink from.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A must visit during a good monsoon is the
Plateau of Kaas situated 25 Kms from Satara in the Western state of
Maharashtra. more info at the end of this blog. the plateau undergoes a
magical transformation from a dreary land to virtually a carpet of
flowers at your feet. For miles around you see just a sheet carpet of
yellow, purple and a heady concotion of wildflowers that increasingly
draw us city folks from various corners of the country and overseas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Having signed up with Nature India tours
after hearing excellent recommendations about their 2 dynamic young
group leaders and resource persons, Adesh and Mandar, I joined a group
of 20 nature enthusiasts for the 1st batch to Kaas. I have always
considered myself an animal person; remembering the names of birds,
mammals, insects etc., is 2nd nature to me, but I have not been so lucky
with plants! this time I decided to overcome that mind-set &
believe me what a paradgm shift it was with Adesh - mandar duo
explaining the names especially the botanical names and with the help of
a checklist, plant names seemed that much easier to remember.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Really enjoyed learning about the whole new
world of wildflowers from 2 enthusiastic experts (who modestly claim
they are not experts). This blog post is to share some of the wonderful
sights. This time the rain gods were quite over-bountiful with their
largess which meant no taking out the camera to capture some of the
beautiful rare species many of them endemic to the Western Ghats
(Sahyadris). so many of the images remain as pleasant memories in my
mind. We looked at species which grew on the slopes, at the plateau as
well as near the Kaas lake. also made a visit to Thossegar falls but did
not dare to take out the camera or camcorder to record those beautiful
moments.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npwyz1cKypM/Tmhig4NnaWI/AAAAAAAAKMA/L7dh-d4OsRo/s1600/IMG_4373.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npwyz1cKypM/Tmhig4NnaWI/AAAAAAAAKMA/L7dh-d4OsRo/s320/IMG_4373.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Impatiens balsamina</i> a common flowering plant on the slopes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a6kh-2fFnQ/TmhiiWJB0OI/AAAAAAAAKME/fIFLNYK9CNg/s1600/Satara.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7a6kh-2fFnQ/TmhiiWJB0OI/AAAAAAAAKME/fIFLNYK9CNg/s320/Satara.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of Satara City from Kaas road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6WNu936oQQ/TmhijqeO1pI/AAAAAAAAKMI/x_9Cx5tnW08/s1600/Common+Lantana.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6WNu936oQQ/TmhijqeO1pI/AAAAAAAAKMI/x_9Cx5tnW08/s320/Common+Lantana.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Lantana - <i>Lantana camara</i> a common invasive species</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adW2HgglxrE/TmhilWsBcSI/AAAAAAAAKMM/WAt6BuLEwf0/s1600/Un-id.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adW2HgglxrE/TmhilWsBcSI/AAAAAAAAKMM/WAt6BuLEwf0/s320/Un-id.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Indigofera cassioides<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'luxi sans',Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZXcu3beRq8/Tmhimvs4lyI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/4dvx9nP6qII/s1600/IMG_4383.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZXcu3beRq8/Tmhimvs4lyI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/4dvx9nP6qII/s320/IMG_4383.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Indigofera glandulosa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFPsZN90jjQ/TmhioRXHZZI/AAAAAAAAKMU/tSh0IQtIFGI/s1600/unId.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFPsZN90jjQ/TmhioRXHZZI/AAAAAAAAKMU/tSh0IQtIFGI/s320/unId.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lavendula bipinnata</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oCY3zj7wXg/TmhipVCQU0I/AAAAAAAAKMY/a79NBW1zHeY/s1600/Graham%2527s+Groundsell.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oCY3zj7wXg/TmhipVCQU0I/AAAAAAAAKMY/a79NBW1zHeY/s320/Graham%2527s+Groundsell.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham's Groundsell - <i>Senecio grahamii</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fw64d5tmIoM/TmhiqGjG7QI/AAAAAAAAKMc/eSnyU-H-drs/s1600/ID.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fw64d5tmIoM/TmhiqGjG7QI/AAAAAAAAKMc/eSnyU-H-drs/s320/ID.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lavandula bipinnata</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gsjl0r4qhF8/TmhirVB-N1I/AAAAAAAAKMg/AcmlL3-DUjc/s1600/IMG_4393.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gsjl0r4qhF8/TmhirVB-N1I/AAAAAAAAKMg/AcmlL3-DUjc/s320/IMG_4393.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Micronea aculeata</i> - Spotted Swallowtail Moth with tortoiseshell beetle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyz_RLsR1H8/TmhisMWinPI/AAAAAAAAKMk/AZ-Y0GsIxBc/s1600/Coat+buttons.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyz_RLsR1H8/TmhisMWinPI/AAAAAAAAKMk/AZ-Y0GsIxBc/s320/Coat+buttons.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tridax Lily - <i>Tridax</i> <i>Procumbens </i>commonly referred to as "Coat buttons"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5I6CuTb0Is/TmhitbL_KrI/AAAAAAAAKMo/D1VSVb7y9mk/s1600/IMG_4398.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y5I6CuTb0Is/TmhitbL_KrI/AAAAAAAAKMo/D1VSVb7y9mk/s320/IMG_4398.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Impatiens balsamina</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qn1ZMIHzdig/TmhivSCNhDI/AAAAAAAAKMs/aWlPTZjRvy8/s1600/IMG_4400.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qn1ZMIHzdig/TmhivSCNhDI/AAAAAAAAKMs/aWlPTZjRvy8/s320/IMG_4400.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Senecio grahamii </i>(Graham's Groundsell or locally called Sonki)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ1ElQCTSQA/TmhizHkOoxI/AAAAAAAAKMw/8aw2GOWrOIY/s1600/Congress+Grass.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ1ElQCTSQA/TmhizHkOoxI/AAAAAAAAKMw/8aw2GOWrOIY/s320/Congress+Grass.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Congress Grass - <i>Parthenium hysteropho</i><wbr></wbr><i>rus</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2ZTOvMVnS4/Tmhiz-S-uUI/AAAAAAAAKM0/ZWwxFdRTF3o/s1600/Lagasca+Mollis.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t2ZTOvMVnS4/Tmhiz-S-uUI/AAAAAAAAKM0/ZWwxFdRTF3o/s320/Lagasca+Mollis.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Soft head - <i><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Lagascea mollis</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5ezaikDyyE/Tmhi2D4Fs0I/AAAAAAAAKM8/8ItNuVGIUic/s1600/Nicandra+physaloides.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5ezaikDyyE/Tmhi2D4Fs0I/AAAAAAAAKM8/8ItNuVGIUic/s320/Nicandra+physaloides.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="gphoto-photocaption" id="lhid_caption">
<div class="gphoto-photocaption">
<i><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Nicandra physaloide<wbr></wbr>s</span></i></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLthGcEba-4/Tmhi3cMtp0I/AAAAAAAAKNA/lKUwpxvAJDQ/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLthGcEba-4/Tmhi3cMtp0I/AAAAAAAAKNA/lKUwpxvAJDQ/s320/IMG_4411.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'luxi sans',Arial,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><i>Asclepias curassavica </i>(Haldi-Kunkoo, Blood Flower)</span></span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'luxi sans',Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><i> </i></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-343qClPG8T4/Tmhi4FU_JrI/AAAAAAAAKNE/R7GrRVIXzY0/s1600/IMG_4412.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-343qClPG8T4/Tmhi4FU_JrI/AAAAAAAAKNE/R7GrRVIXzY0/s320/IMG_4412.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'luxi sans',Arial,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><i>Asclepias curassavica </i>(Haldi-Kunkoo, Blood Flower)</span></span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'luxi sans',Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><i> </i></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTn-y2c2Gyw/Tmhi54eKPyI/AAAAAAAAKNI/XUsk_baawGU/s1600/IMG_4415.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTn-y2c2Gyw/Tmhi54eKPyI/AAAAAAAAKNI/XUsk_baawGU/s320/IMG_4415.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="gphoto-photocaption" id="lhid_caption">
<div class="gphoto-photocaption">
<i><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Thunbergia fragrans</span></i></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAcVGpJSkk0/Tmhi-sM2w4I/AAAAAAAAKNQ/M6jlso0AVrI/s1600/IMG_4419.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAcVGpJSkk0/Tmhi-sM2w4I/AAAAAAAAKNQ/M6jlso0AVrI/s320/IMG_4419.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'luxi sans',Arial,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><i>Dioscorea bulbifera </i>(Toran)</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAHzULxYLfk/Tmhi_2kyIzI/AAAAAAAAKNU/ULvQaIJpiSM/s1600/IMG_4421.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAHzULxYLfk/Tmhi_2kyIzI/AAAAAAAAKNU/ULvQaIJpiSM/s320/IMG_4421.JPG" height="289" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildflower watch in the rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXO6TgV8KZk/TmhjBXchklI/AAAAAAAAKNY/Y1pbGv_Dlmk/s1600/IMG_4422.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXO6TgV8KZk/TmhjBXchklI/AAAAAAAAKNY/Y1pbGv_Dlmk/s320/IMG_4422.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue fountain Bush - <i>Clerodendrum serratum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl_SHNrlKFc/TmhjnZ0lKaI/AAAAAAAAKNc/kHCZ3aEbCZM/s1600/IMG_4428.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl_SHNrlKFc/TmhjnZ0lKaI/AAAAAAAAKNc/kHCZ3aEbCZM/s320/IMG_4428.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> these charming flowers are jokingly called mickey mouse or donald duck - <i>Smithia bigemina</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBXH0RmRxuE/Tmhjqf4p_dI/AAAAAAAAKNk/g3DztS_cQ9w/s1600/IMG_4431.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBXH0RmRxuE/Tmhjqf4p_dI/AAAAAAAAKNk/g3DztS_cQ9w/s320/IMG_4431.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK4uulvga6w/Tmhjq3S845I/AAAAAAAAKNo/ueyVepmwKGA/s1600/Indian+Burroughing+Frog.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK4uulvga6w/Tmhjq3S845I/AAAAAAAAKNo/ueyVepmwKGA/s320/Indian+Burroughing+Frog.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adesh has just found an Indian Burroughing Frog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOx2OdsOKIc/TmhjsdM-fDI/AAAAAAAAKNs/QVYq8wOZzmY/s1600/IMG_4436.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOx2OdsOKIc/TmhjsdM-fDI/AAAAAAAAKNs/QVYq8wOZzmY/s320/IMG_4436.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W49S_iC3SSg/TmhjvsAfYWI/AAAAAAAAKN0/riH8Jjz1h6I/s1600/IMG_4447.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W49S_iC3SSg/TmhjvsAfYWI/AAAAAAAAKN0/riH8Jjz1h6I/s320/IMG_4447.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful carpet of <i>Smithia bigemina</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CV1fHGIopMc/TmhjwruRAmI/AAAAAAAAKN4/VlEylBT-DN4/s1600/IMG_4448.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CV1fHGIopMc/TmhjwruRAmI/AAAAAAAAKN4/VlEylBT-DN4/s320/IMG_4448.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">enjoying the yellow carpet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hGsymilQCk/TmhjxeE7awI/AAAAAAAAKN8/wL_IzPZG0Xo/s1600/IMG_4455.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--hGsymilQCk/TmhjxeE7awI/AAAAAAAAKN8/wL_IzPZG0Xo/s320/IMG_4455.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mist covered hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkKvFIeyfos/TmhjyhN22tI/AAAAAAAAKOA/TuVda1tNOM4/s1600/IMG_4463.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkKvFIeyfos/TmhjyhN22tI/AAAAAAAAKOA/TuVda1tNOM4/s320/IMG_4463.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ipomoea triloba</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy0llV6M8Ao/Tmhj0f0BcSI/AAAAAAAAKOE/NrmVzokOV_o/s1600/IMG_4470.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy0llV6M8Ao/Tmhj0f0BcSI/AAAAAAAAKOE/NrmVzokOV_o/s320/IMG_4470.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rains-washed & wind blown, I could not help posing with Mickey Mouse all over!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUKVMwbc9d8/Tmhj5yaAMzI/AAAAAAAAKOU/ay1PBPgzvb4/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUKVMwbc9d8/Tmhj5yaAMzI/AAAAAAAAKOU/ay1PBPgzvb4/s320/IMG_4483.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain and mist all over</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt2ec9bYjpQ/Tmhj65JAmAI/AAAAAAAAKOY/J_J7ru9mHtY/s1600/topli+karvi.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt2ec9bYjpQ/Tmhj65JAmAI/AAAAAAAAKOY/J_J7ru9mHtY/s320/topli+karvi.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carivia callosa - </i>These plants flower once in 7- 8 years locally called "Topli Karvi" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPIsHZ3wAmQ/TmhkVv1IT4I/AAAAAAAAKOc/JkONuRWSrAU/s1600/Bar+Swallowtail+Moth+orudiza+protheclaria.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPIsHZ3wAmQ/TmhkVv1IT4I/AAAAAAAAKOc/JkONuRWSrAU/s320/Bar+Swallowtail+Moth+orudiza+protheclaria.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"><i>Orudiza protheclar</i><wbr></wbr><i>ia</i> - Bar Swallowtai<wbr></wbr>l Moth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAXQQLvKgEE/TmhkW_xBMuI/AAAAAAAAKOg/o3Xg7nki0CA/s1600/Yellow+Monkey+Moth+Eupterote+lineosa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAXQQLvKgEE/TmhkW_xBMuI/AAAAAAAAKOg/o3Xg7nki0CA/s320/Yellow+Monkey+Moth+Eupterote+lineosa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="gphoto-photocaption" id="lhid_caption">
<div class="gphoto-photocaption">
<span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"><i>Euptorote lineosa</i> - Yellow Monkey Moth</span></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sDw90W-Szs/Tmhkr-7B5cI/AAAAAAAAKOk/_iI4BEKfKpU/s1600/Greater+Death%2527s+head+hawkmoth+side+view.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sDw90W-Szs/Tmhkr-7B5cI/AAAAAAAAKOk/_iI4BEKfKpU/s320/Greater+Death%2527s+head+hawkmoth+side+view.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Greater Death's head Hawk moth (side view)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRVqVtey1AU/TmhktEVmjOI/AAAAAAAAKOo/xLKS_NW3qU8/s1600/Greater+Death%2527s+head+Hawkmoth+Acheronitia+lachesis.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRVqVtey1AU/TmhktEVmjOI/AAAAAAAAKOo/xLKS_NW3qU8/s320/Greater+Death%2527s+head+Hawkmoth+Acheronitia+lachesis.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"><i>Acherontia lachesis</i> - Greater Death's head Hawkmoth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaVvIjV4SHY/TmhkuECjlKI/AAAAAAAAKOs/VB_XS7sgVRI/s1600/Lichen+moth.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaVvIjV4SHY/TmhkuECjlKI/AAAAAAAAKOs/VB_XS7sgVRI/s320/Lichen+moth.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lichen moth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dredzht0Cmw/TmhkvWEfRII/AAAAAAAAKOw/wKIvnv3nGjo/s1600/which+beetle.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dredzht0Cmw/TmhkvWEfRII/AAAAAAAAKOw/wKIvnv3nGjo/s320/which+beetle.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pls ID this Beetle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJjllQopI-0/Tmhkv6lhXlI/AAAAAAAAKO0/9AxbMBdFwL4/s1600/IMG_4514.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJjllQopI-0/Tmhkv6lhXlI/AAAAAAAAKO0/9AxbMBdFwL4/s320/IMG_4514.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scenic walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_P0qhQbW6A4/Tmhky-rdUnI/AAAAAAAAKO8/ocI4R8ddTS0/s1600/IMG_4527.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_P0qhQbW6A4/Tmhky-rdUnI/AAAAAAAAKO8/ocI4R8ddTS0/s320/IMG_4527.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"><i>Erebus macrops</i> - Owl Moth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKifrjFU4bE/Tmhk0pEFkXI/AAAAAAAAKPA/a_BJ9cYEFWg/s1600/Habenaria+heynaena+Tooth+brush+flower.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKifrjFU4bE/Tmhk0pEFkXI/AAAAAAAAKPA/a_BJ9cYEFWg/s320/Habenaria+heynaena+Tooth+brush+flower.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'luxi sans',Arial,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Dipcadi montanum</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44xD7ssJFIg/Tmhk4RwnWQI/AAAAAAAAKPE/_btglBssEU4/s1600/Impatiens+oppositiflora.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44xD7ssJFIg/Tmhk4RwnWQI/AAAAAAAAKPE/_btglBssEU4/s320/Impatiens+oppositiflora.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"><i>Impatiens lawii </i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSiofhWDd58/Tmhk5gj0KUI/AAAAAAAAKPI/z6hAJL9ZMQk/s1600/Hitchenia+caulina.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSiofhWDd58/Tmhk5gj0KUI/AAAAAAAAKPI/z6hAJL9ZMQk/s320/Hitchenia+caulina.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"><i>Hitchenia caulina</i> - Indian arrowroot</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMM81KPq4kg/Tmhk7KXouYI/AAAAAAAAKPM/qAV_zXqfsV8/s1600/IMG_4535.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMM81KPq4kg/Tmhk7KXouYI/AAAAAAAAKPM/qAV_zXqfsV8/s320/IMG_4535.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: 'luxi sans',Arial,sans-serif;"><i>Habenaria panchganenisis </i> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fSWiUNhp-k/Tmhk8XE8xzI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/d7YgfnbQL70/s1600/Cyanotis+touberosa.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fSWiUNhp-k/Tmhk8XE8xzI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/d7YgfnbQL70/s320/Cyanotis+touberosa.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"><i>Cyanotis tuberosa</i> - Greater Cat ears humoursly referred to as Laloo Prasad's ears! (Laloo prasad is a maverick Indian Politician).</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYu_vmkT7F8/Tmhk-Ze6c1I/AAAAAAAAKPU/yAuiD-GxXx0/s1600/flower+of+Banana+tree+at+hotel.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYu_vmkT7F8/Tmhk-Ze6c1I/AAAAAAAAKPU/yAuiD-GxXx0/s320/flower+of+Banana+tree+at+hotel.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana flower at Hotel Suruban</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
besides the above, saw a number of other rare/interesting species as <i>Vigna</i> <i>vixella</i>, <i>Ceropegia media, Drossera indica, Cyanotis fasciculata, Euphorbia laeta </i>and my favorite<i> Gloriosa superba</i>. Unfortunately it was raining heavily and hence the camera was safely in the bus.<br />
<br />
A
handy reference guide to apprecaite the bio-diversity is "Kaas Plateau
of Flowers" by Dr. Sandeep Shrotri available at major hotels in Satara.<br />
<br />
Birds seen included Pied Bushchat, Malabar Crested lark, Crested Bunting etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Information and Acknowledgments</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The nearest town for visiting the Kaas
Plateau is Satara 25 Kms. Satara is 265 kms from Mumbai via Lonavla -
Pune (110 kms). The roads are good and the drive really scenic,
especially during the monsoons. Along the ghats (hills), you start
seeing the <i>Impatiens balsamina</i> & <i>Thunbergia fragrans</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A special thank you to Adesh Shivkar &
Mandar Khadilkar for opening the wide world of Kaas to all of us. Your
passion was infectious and you did a wonderful job of getting us all
breathing the world of wild flowers. Besides, your attention to detail
and your personal touch in all the arrangements added greatly to the
enjoyment of the trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And of course, the enthusiastic
co-participants who sportingly enjoyed the walk in the heavy rains -
makes a world of difference to be with the right people while enjoying
nature!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Happy nature viewing!!!</span>Avihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980192325521727741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51838227216695460.post-51764961796237062014-10-21T11:15:00.000+05:302014-10-22T20:51:47.491+05:30Amboli - hanging out with herps<span style="font-size: large;">July 2012 was the time when I could finally make it to this small & verdant hill station on the western Ghats with the Nature India. Monsoon is the best time to meet up with the Herpetofauna - amphibians & Reptiles - those innocent creatures we humans love to say eeks yuk! But once your eyes open to the beauty as well as their unique place in our eco-system, these creepy crawlies can be some of the most varied & fascinating creatures to watch. So here is a selection of some of these crawling jumping wonders.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWDZjII-WVk/UHBQ1uny_BI/AAAAAAAAMp8/hKjXXcMXLAY/s1600/4-2103EAAA-448741-480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWDZjII-WVk/UHBQ1uny_BI/AAAAAAAAMp8/hKjXXcMXLAY/s1600/4-2103EAAA-448741-480.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VMcrOD1yK8/UHBQ0DTtjeI/AAAAAAAAMp0/d5Ixe1__okY/s1600/4-E1583964-537161-480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VMcrOD1yK8/UHBQ0DTtjeI/AAAAAAAAMp0/d5Ixe1__okY/s1600/4-E1583964-537161-480.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl3E5xDxau4/UHBRa0FcRHI/AAAAAAAAMqw/UZZFixXLT_c/s1600/IMG_9269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl3E5xDxau4/UHBRa0FcRHI/AAAAAAAAMqw/UZZFixXLT_c/s1600/IMG_9269.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a beautiful Malabar Gliding Frog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyObswoSvd8/UHBUJbk5YDI/AAAAAAAAMts/zjcIaswoLpA/s1600/IMG_9423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyObswoSvd8/UHBUJbk5YDI/AAAAAAAAMts/zjcIaswoLpA/s1600/IMG_9423.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs of a Frog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BttPOuDhB7M/UHBUL9SrLjI/AAAAAAAAMt0/YZRAtTkqy3s/s1600/IMG_9432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BttPOuDhB7M/UHBUL9SrLjI/AAAAAAAAMt0/YZRAtTkqy3s/s1600/IMG_9432.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amboli toad - one of the endemics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llv4PVNfhH4/UCk1EgSg2pI/AAAAAAAAMrk/EhBsVdC5vpo/s1600/IMG_9331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llv4PVNfhH4/UCk1EgSg2pI/AAAAAAAAMrk/EhBsVdC5vpo/s1600/IMG_9331.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man-faced Bug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-169JUcWkPlg/UCk1TUzn_mI/AAAAAAAAMJM/Obd0HAEtsUI/s1600/IMG_9441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-169JUcWkPlg/UCk1TUzn_mI/AAAAAAAAMJM/Obd0HAEtsUI/s1600/IMG_9441.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar of Lymantiridae</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-go7tfizRgXM/UHBSTuQo0LI/AAAAAAAAMrs/QsCgjWJSiFk/s1600/IMG_9333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-go7tfizRgXM/UHBSTuQo0LI/AAAAAAAAMrs/QsCgjWJSiFk/s1600/IMG_9333.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chlorophytum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ab8B2zQBiAc/UHBSa5XxhAI/AAAAAAAAMr8/dda662ARu7Y/s1600/IMG_9336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ab8B2zQBiAc/UHBSa5XxhAI/AAAAAAAAMr8/dda662ARu7Y/s1600/IMG_9336.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monsoon magic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZex6ypeTsA/UHBS6i1n38I/AAAAAAAAMsU/N7TMSssZN6Y/s1600/IMG_9353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZex6ypeTsA/UHBS6i1n38I/AAAAAAAAMsU/N7TMSssZN6Y/s1600/IMG_9353.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malabar Pit Viper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bs2jjx2ifv8/UHBS_n1pKXI/AAAAAAAAMsc/OkVT0Rc-QW8/s1600/IMG_9355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bs2jjx2ifv8/UHBS_n1pKXI/AAAAAAAAMsc/OkVT0Rc-QW8/s1600/IMG_9355.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-th4G-E1CUhg/UHBTHXKiScI/AAAAAAAAMsk/JvElK4e1b_Y/s1600/IMG_9362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-th4G-E1CUhg/UHBTHXKiScI/AAAAAAAAMsk/JvElK4e1b_Y/s1600/IMG_9362.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQfe1uRQjNA/UHBTeeUNODI/AAAAAAAAMtE/iHDY2zPs2YA/s1600/IMG_9390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQfe1uRQjNA/UHBTeeUNODI/AAAAAAAAMtE/iHDY2zPs2YA/s1600/IMG_9390.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Shieldtail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SFxaghtnjo/UHBTl01ZYOI/AAAAAAAAMtM/iPZ9LP2ZZZs/s1600/IMG_9399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SFxaghtnjo/UHBTl01ZYOI/AAAAAAAAMtM/iPZ9LP2ZZZs/s1600/IMG_9399.JPG" height="190" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungoid Frog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EqNGtchF5Y/UHBTq32HPcI/AAAAAAAAMtU/9m5JWVHs518/s1600/IMG_9410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EqNGtchF5Y/UHBTq32HPcI/AAAAAAAAMtU/9m5JWVHs518/s1600/IMG_9410.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common vine Snake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-va4gjDXGE4s/UHBT4LAdTWI/AAAAAAAAMtg/U5M-McKGJO8/s1600/IMG_9415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-va4gjDXGE4s/UHBT4LAdTWI/AAAAAAAAMtg/U5M-McKGJO8/s1600/IMG_9415.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the Shield Tail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Amboli is 30 kms from the nearest railhead - Sawantwadi in Maharashtra. Trains on the Konkan railway from Mumbai's CST all have a short halt at this station. A good place to stay is Whispering Woods run by a local naturalist Hemant Ogale.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">thank you to Adesh, Mandar & Hemant for making this such a wonderful learning experience. For those who have a fear of creepy crawlies, this trip will surely help you overcome it & enable you to enjoy nature's gifts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some tips:</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Be nature friendly & do not litter the surroundings, this is one of the pristine forests that need to be preserved</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Go with an open mind. The stay is simple yet comfortable with a good ambience for being in nature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ensure protection against the leeches; Yes they do latch on to you but are not harmful. Leech Socks along with salt or tobacco powder acts as a deterrent</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the date with Herps!</span></div>
Avihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09980192325521727741noreply@blogger.com0