Russet Sparrow is a bird of sparrow family. It is generally found at Himalayas in India. It is very common at himalayan birding sites. House sparrow bird is now moved from city areas because of croweded area and pollutions and mobile towers. Russet sparrow i found during my trek to Manali and Har ki Dun trek also. So it is resident bird of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It is small size bird and very friendly bird even you get very close to it.
About Russet Sparrow :
- Russet Sparrow is seed eating bird.
- Russet sparrow has thick bill.
- Russet Sparrow length is about 12-15 cm.
- There are three subspices of it recognised. Rutilans, intensior, cinnamomeus.
- Rutilans and intensior breeds in eastern Asia and cinnamomeus breeds in Himalayas.
- Sparrow feed seeds of grains and hurbs.
- They lay 5-6 eggs at a time.
- It is warm rufous in color.
- Among all subspices the Himalayan Russet sparrow is little larger then others.
- Russet sparrow call is Cheep or chilp...
Sparrow is very familiar bird. House sparrow is very common in city areas. But now a days because of mobile towers and architectures and highrise building made them migrate from city. Russet Sparrow i found during my trek to Manali and also Har ki Dun trek. When i was on trek of Chandrakhani pass i frequently found russet sparrow in villages . Same thing during my har ki dun trek i found russet sparrow in small villages as a resident bird.
Har ki Dun and Manali both from differant state Uttrakhand and Himachal Pradesh. So it shows russet sparrow widely spread in Himalayas. Actually Himalays are heaven for birding. There are huge number of spices of different birds in Himalayan range. Most popular places for birding in Himalayas are Manali, Har ki Dun, Pangot, Sattal, Nainital etc.
Location : Har ki Dun trek, Manali Trek to Chandrakhani pass
Gear : Canon 6D, Canon 1000D, Canon 100-400 mm lens
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Har Ki Dun valley or Har Ki Doon valley whatever you say the valley is in Uttarakhand state. The har ki dun valley is in Garhwal Himalayas. The valley has beautiful scenic views of Himalayan Mountains. The har ki dun valley height is approx 3566 m up from sea level mean around 11700 ft. During winter October to march the valley fully covered with snow . So you can visit in both season to see different views of Har ki doon valley. In winter it looks full covered snow and in summer u can see snow mountains, dense green jungle, meadows, green patches with orchids etc. Har ki doon trek is moderate trek and it will start from sankri village. You can complete har ki doon trekking in five days from sankri - har ki doon-sankri. In winter trek will go harder because of snow.
Best Time for Har Ki Dun trek : Har Ki dun trek Best Time or Best season for har ki dun valley trek
Har ki dun trek can do in both season but i suggest do it in may to july in summers. Also beauty of winter season is also amazing but its very very cold in winter. In summer you can easily enjoy nature and walk through route. Also find beautiful birds during trek. Winter is challanging for this type of treks. Still some advanture lovers can do it in winter but they have proper guidence and good guide too.
Har ki Dun or Har ki Doon trek Package / Har ki Dun trek Cost :
Well i would suggest if you are going on trekking anywhere go with local guides. That is most cheaper your journey. Contact your trek local person with guide and porters which gives you a best price on your trip and also either or you support the locals. Local peoples has the only that income so you can directly help them . Most professional trekking tour operators book local guides. So ultimately you go with them only. My whole trek to Har ki Dun from Mehsana to Mehsana cost around 15k INR. With train and all . Now a days the price may increase. During trek to har ki dun it starts from sankri you have only homestay at sankri after that you will have to stay in tents only with sharing basis. Foods they serve at their best . My total Har ki Doon Itinerary you can see on my different post.
Har ki Dun Valley of Gods :
Har Ki Dun is also known as Valley of Gods. The local peoples says about the story that The PANDAVA'S goes in heaven through this way. And the Mountain where Pandavas go to heaven is called " SWARGAROHINI " . This peak is un- climbed till now as I know. The view of Swargarohini is really looks like heaven. On the way to Har Ki Dun you can continuously meet river named Rupin, Supin and Tons and after all its merge into Yamuna.
Is it Har Ki Dun or Har Ki Doon ?
Well you can say Har ki Dun or Har Ki Doon both are same in pronounce speaking. Also both are same place but spelling of Dun/ Doon are different. Most of says its Har Ki Dun valley and most say Har Ki Doon valley. Har ki Dun is a mountain of Lord Shiva as per local says. Mountain is untouch and not for climbing. Valley of Gods name because from here you can see a beautiful valley and at end of valley mountain " Swargarohini " where Pandava's Goes in heaven through this way. So this valley called Valley of GOD's.
Har ki Dun Trek : Har Ki Dun Trek Route
Har Ki Dun trek starting point is Sankri. Sankri is base camp of Har ki Dun trek and also for Kedarkantha trek. Also Ruinsara trek done from sankri base camp. So sankri village is best place for trekkers. From Sankri to seema and seema to Har Ki Dun trek of total 30-35 km approx. Its a moderate trek and you can do it easily just some few difficulties in between. Lots of Birds found here. So its good trek for birders too. For Har ki Dun trek Itinerary i write an article for full itinerary so you can follow that itinerary too if you want.
How Difficult Har ki Dun Trek Is ? : Har Ki Dun trek Dificulty Level (Moderate) :
Well Har ki Dun trek is moderate trek. If you can do easy treks about 5-8 km then you can do it . You can have some difficulties during trek when high step up at some places but not so difficult it. You can do this around 35 km trek in 2 days and also can do in 3 days as per your capacity.
Above images gives you some better idea for Swargarohini peak . Awesome scenery like a wallpaper. I like below image because there is everything in one frame which i want to capture ( Mountain with snow, Dense jungle, River, Sun rays , Dramatic sky ). That's why I love this photo much even it could better if professional photographer shoot it.
Amazing Himalayas :
Himalays is the best place for landscape lovers and also for trekkers. Lots of unexplore places where you can go in Himalays. Amazing beauty of Himalayan Mountains from above 10000 ft heights. Also easy to hard treks to be done at Himalayas. Amazing landscape photography you can do here at any place also you can do night photography , star gazing, star trails, longexposure photography and also a time laps photography which shows amazing beauty of Himalayas. Weather is variable but plesant during summers. During winter its too cold at some places.
Har Ki Dun Trek Panoramic Images :
The Valley of Gods the names tell everything about Har ki dun trek. Its really amazing view of Mountains, river, valley and also green layer of lands. The panoramic view of this trek is amazing and i capture it from my mobile at different location of trek.
Har ki Dun trek Mobile Photos :
I capture some good images from my mobile. Landscape photography at har ki dun trek is amazing and i also love to shoot landscapes most. We are looking for birds also in our route and get beautiful birds during our trek to har ki dun. We found good number of spices of birds during trek. Birds found in Himalayas are really challenging to capture because of dense forests. We found Birds at har ki dun around 15-20 spices actually i don not know actual number but more than it.
Gear used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400mm lens, Canon 50mm lens,Canon 1000 D, Canon 18-55 mm lens
Location : Har ki Dun , Har Ki Doon, Valley of Gods
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Asian Elephant or Indian Elephant found in Corbett national Park is one of the biggest park among india. Natural habitats of wild life is really amazing here. I visited second time in april 2014. This time i visit Dhikala zone and stay their for one night to catch Asian Elephant movement habitats and also their behavior. The grass land of Dhikala zone is really very good to catch lots of birds and mammals and also a landscape is tremendous. Elephants are largest land mammals living on earth. Asian elephants are in endangered as their population decreasing last 60-80 years.
The scientific name for Asian Elephant is Elephas Maximus . They live in grassland and open areas near river. Asian elephant habitat are grassland, forest, savanna and desert .Asian elephant mostly travel in crowd and in family. They have large family so they travel in a group. Only Tusker Asian Elephant found alone sometimes but female Asian Elephant found only in family or Group. The Asian Elephant population in India is around 25000 to 28000 approx. Asian Elephant is endangered in IUCN list.
Asian Elephant Facts / Things to know about Indian Elephant :
- They are largest land mammals living in Asia.
- Total population of Asian Elephant around 50000 individuals.
- Female Asian Elephants can live 60 years approx.
- Asian elephants are smaller than African Elephants
- Also Big differance is their male tusk is smaller than African Bush Elephants.
- Height of Asian Elephant is around 9-10 ft.
- Its weight is around 4000 kgs.
- Total body length with trunk is approx 18-20 ft.
- Asian Elephant trunk contains 60000 muscles.
- They use their trunk for feeding, breathing, washing, watering , defance and offence too.
- Elephant tusk is best weapon for them and they also protect trunk too.
- Skin color of Asian Elephant is mostly grey.
- Elephants can eat approx 120 -140 kg per day
Differance Between Asian elephant / Indian Elephant and African Elephant :
African elephant is larger than Asian elephant. Large in size and also ears are larger than asian elephant. While African elephant weight around 4000-7000 kgs and Asian elephant weight around 3000-6000 kgs. Also skin differance between them too as Asian elephant skin is smoother and African elephant skin is more wrinkled than asian elephants. African Savanna Elephant is the biggest elephants among all spices of elephants.
Asian Elephant cubs are really beautiful to see and they are very cute. Generally cubs are found with females and also in a group. If you are very near to cubs or elephant then they give you warning sign so beware don't go near further. Elephants are more dangerous if you go closer to them. In other way elephants are killed widely for its Ivory means their Tusks. There are lots of incidents of killing elephants by humans but very less incidents of killing humans by elephants. Elephants population is decreasing because of natural habitas , Fragmentation and poaching. Elephants generally found in groups and with family. You can get good photos of elephant family or elephant cubs and elephant mother and cubs.
Asian elephants lives in grasslands and in forests. In India they found in East of Himalayas. In Asia they generally found in China , India, Bangladesh, Shrilanka etc. Elephants found in India called Indian Elephants. Asian elephant has subspices like Indian Elephant, Shri Lankan Elephant and Sumatran Elephant. Elephant eat 112 different spices of plant.
Dhikala Zone at Corbett National Park :
Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is famous for Bengal Tigers but lots of mammals found here. Dhikala zone is inside of Corbett national Park and there is night stay facility at Dhikala which you can book online from forest department. Here near dhikala rest house a river passed so you can get beautiful landscapes of corbett national park at morning sunrise and evening sunset. In the evening Asian Elephant activities are high at Dhikala zone near the river. So you have to be prepare for Asian Elephant Family shot near the river by 4pm. You can get beaufitul Asian elephant family with cubs in a group. Amazing wildscapes you can take with Asian elephants and sunset at Dhikala.
Photos taken at Dhikala zone on safari during evening with Canon 6D and canon 100-400 mm lens.
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Indian Peacock or Indian Peafowl is National Bird of India. It is swan size bird and very colorful bird with long tail of feathers. There are two types of spices fo Peafowl found. In India and Shri Lanka Indian peafowl found and Green Peafoul found in IndoChina and Burma. The male is known as Peacock and female is known as Peahen. It is large flying bird.
About Peafowl Bird :
- It has large and colorful feather with blue and green color.
- Its body about to 35 to 50 inch long and the tail is about 5 ft long.
- It is the largest flying bird.
- It average life is 20 years.
- In plumage Indian peacock blue and green plumage but green peacock has green and bronze body.
- Females are smaller then male.
- The peacock is the mount of Lord Kartikeya.
- Peafowl are eat mostly plant parts,seeds,flowers and insects etc.
- They put their nest on ground but roost in trees.
- Baby of Peacock called Peachick.
Peacock is the symbol of Pride and Vanity. India declared Peacock as National Bird of India in 1963. Indian Peacock is one of the National Symbol Of India.
Two of photos are Peahen. Peahen photos taken at Thol Bird Sanctuary and Peacock photos taken at Jim Corbett National Park. Generally Peacock or Peafowl found at my village also near to me. It is very comman that you can found it in agriculture areas. The feather of Peacock is very colorful and it alwasy on Lord Krishna's Crown. Dancing peacock pictures are taken from far so low quality images but it is wonderful time that to see dancing peacock.
Camera Used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens.
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Kalij Pheasant is a bird of Phasianinae family.It generally found in forest area. It is a heavy body ground feeding bird which known as Galliformes in Order. It is also a game bird in Asia many years ago but now this bird is not use a s a game bird. Many years ago it spell also Kaleeje Pheasant. The Binomial Name of Kalij Pheasant is Lophura Leucomelanos. A beautiful bird found in India at Corbett National Park also found many other areas but i don't know all places. I shoot at Jim Corbett National Park during safari ride in the morning.
Subspices of Kalij Pheasant :
Total nine subspices of Kalij Pheasant
- White Crested Kalij Pheasant
- Leucomelanos - nominate at Nepal
- Black Kalij Pheasant
- Oates' Kalij Pheasant
- Lineated Pheasant
- Black Backed Kalij Pheasant
- Horsfield's Pheasant
- Williams' Kalij Pheasant
- Crawfurd's Pheasant
About Kalij Pheasant :
- Size of Male kalij pheasant is 24-30 inch and female about 20-24 inch.
- In plumage Kalij Pheasant is glossy blue back and underpart have white rump.
- Crest is white in all spices.
- In some subspices underpart and tail are white with feathers bunch.
- Female Kalij Pheasant is brownish.
- Underpart of female is black and whitish.
- Kalij Pheasant is Least Concern spices of IUCN bird list.
Jim Corbett National park is one of the best place where you can found birds, mammals, reptors and reptiles too. While i am at safari i was looking for Tigers but on the road Kalij Pheasant Pair are wondering and i don't miss the chance though they are far from me. The result of images is very low but it easily helps to identify it. A record shot for me of Kalij Pheasant at Corbett national park.
Camera Gear Used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens.
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Hill Stations Of Uttarakhand
Nainital Hill Station, Uttarakhand : Nainital is one of the most popular hill station in India. It is located in Kumaon hills Uttarakhand. Nainital is about 6350 ft above from sea level.Nainital city is set in a valley. In the valley there is a lake in eye shape approx 2 miles and surrounded by mountains. From the top of mountains you can see megnificent view of Himalayas. Best time to visit Nainital is March to Jun.
Myth About Naini Lake : Naini Lake is very famous in Nainital. Here Lord Shiva performed Tandav with Parvati's Body. Meanwhile the charred body parts fell out on earth and at Naini lake the eye of Devi Sati fell thats why the lake looks like eye shape. Naini lake is one of the 51 sakti peeths. Nainital is surrounded by mountains Ayarpata, Hanibani, Devpata, Chini, Ladiya Kanta, Alma and Sher ka Danda. Among all Chini mountain is heighest around 8560 ft. Famous places to visit in Nainital are Naini Lake, Himalayan Darshan, Eco zone, Naina Peak, Pt. G B pant High altitude zoo., Nainital Yacht club, Naina Devi Temple etc.
Lakes In Nainital :
There are total 7 lakes in Nainital.
- Sattal Lake
- Bhimtal Lake
- Khurpa tal Lake
- Naukuchiatal Lake
- Kamal tal
- Garud Tal
- Sariyatal
Sattal region is very famous for birding. Sattal lake is group of seven lakes. For birding in Uttarakhand sattal is very famous. Its a bird paradise place and found lots of different spices of birds. In lakes you can enjoy boat ride for one hour. In naini lake boating experience is amazing because its a clean water and also a surrounding mountain view is amazing. Poeple of Nainital are very friendly and co operative. You can also buy warm cloths from here with wide range.
Mussoorie Hill Station, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie is the hill station located in Dehradun District. It is just 35 km from Dehradun. Mussoorie is located in Garhwal Himalayan range. Height of Mussoorie hill station is around 6575 ft. There is snow range on Northeast of Mussoorie and to the south there is a doon valley. Mussoorie is also known as The Queen of Hills.
Well the road Dehradun to Mussoorie hill station is very hilly area. Mountain seekness is common here for tourist. Till today i go through that hills twice one when i go to mussoorie hill station and second when i went to Har ki Dun. The 35 km of hill road is very dangerous and i never seen these hilly area in my life. Its a snake walk like road zig zag . For places to Mussoorie hill station you must visit Camel's Back Road, Gun Hills, Kempty Falls, Nahata Estate, Lake Mist, Mussoorie Lake, Bhatta falls,Jwalaji Temple , Lal Tibba, Mall Road etc.
You can see amazing campty fall or water fall from heights. Thats the beauty of Mussoorie. Amazing view of water fall and look at the roads a zig zag road make this hill station one of the best.
You can plan Mussoorie and Nainital Trip together. Start from Mussoorie and end to Nainital. From Mussoorie to Nainital you can visit Haridwar and also Rishikesh the holy places in between. You can stay 2-3 days to Mussoorie and also 2-3 days in Nainital to cover all major attractions.
Nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar but you can take connecting flight from Delhi for pantnagar. Also you can take Train from Delhi. For Mussoorie nearest airport is Dehradun. Also you can take train from Delhi to Dehradun too. By selecting train from Delhi that cuts your expenses. But it may long your trip duration too.
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Moderate Trek Of India : Har Ki Dun Trek / Har Ki Doon Trek is most popular trek and moderate trek for beginner and pro. trekkers. The trek passed through Govind National Park. Here i am going to tell about my whole trek.Our trek was organised by my best friends Parikshit Acharya and Kailash Jani.Both are really good trekker and i join them mostly at Jessore.
Our Trek from Sankri - Har Ki Dun - Sankri organised by Yata India . Below image is taken from sankri base camp hotel.
Har Ki Doon or Har ki Dun valley is in Uttarakhand and it is too far from my home so long travelling i had to face. We are total 41 members group for har ki doon trek from Gandhinagar, Kalol, Mehsana and Palanpur. And the best thing is participants age starts from 8 years to 40/42 years around so all type of members children , teenager and middle age.
How to go Har Ki Doon / Har Ki Dun (manage your own trip)
Our Itinerary : Complete Guide for trek to har ki doon/Har Ki dun
Our Day To day Itinerary to Har ki Dun is as below.
- Day 1 : Mehsana to New Delhi via train (ashram express )
- Day 2 : Reach Delhi and get another train to Haridwar Night stay at Haridwar
- Day 3 : Early morning leave to Sankri via Massoorie ,Dehradun .(sankri night stay)
- Day 4 : Acclimatize at Sankri Base camp (nature walk,village visit)
Sankri Is base camp of our trek. Here we can acclimatize our body to cold weather for one day.
Now we start our trek to Har ki Dun on fifth day
- Day 5 : Sankri to Taluka via local transport about 10-12 km
Trek start from Taluka to Seema village about 12 km (Stay at seema camp site)
- Day 6 : Seema to Har ki Doon valley about 16 km (stay at Har ki doon camp site )
- Day 7 : Visit Maninda Lake (optional ) or Play at big ground at Har ki Dun Valley.
- Day 8 : Leave from Har ki Doon to seema ( Night at seema campsite )
- Day 9 : Seema to Sankri (night stay sankri )
- Day 10 : Sankri to Haridwar (visit har ki pedi ganga arti n leave at night 11 pm to delhi via bus )
- Day 11 : Reach Delhi Swaminarayan Ashram have lunch n leave via train to Mehsana
As we done trek about 28 km from Taluka to Har ki Doon into 2 days u can split it into 3 days by adding one hold at osla village. The trek from Taluka to Seema is very easy as not much hike.After seema trek is little bit difficult at 2-3 places where u have to take hike at 45-60 degree but it not so difficult . U have to stay calm and believe in urself that u can complete it .There are some stalls where u can refresh urself with Meggy noodles, Buttermilk ,Lassi and Eggs.
THINGS TO CARRY DURING TREKKING
3-4 trek pents,3-4 Full sleeve t shirts, 4 pairs of shocks,Bagpack,Water bottle, Mug, Lunch Box, Spoon, Torch with extra cell,Sleeper,Good quality Shoes,Raincoat, Woolen Jacket, Thermal,MonkeyCap,Goggles,Hand Gloves,Sun Cap,Toothpaste-brush,Cold Cream, Vicks, Band Aid, Diclofanec Sprey,Medicines,4-5 Big polythene,Money, Original Photo ID,Camera kit
Note: There is no charging option after leave Sankri until u get back to saknri so take Powerbank for ur mobile and atleast extra 2 batteries for ur camera . Also take ur original Id and one xerox of it with u always.
Important : Har ki doon trek route is passed through Govind National Park so u must have to follow National Park rules. You have to submit ur fitness form and one original photo id xerox to forest department so must carry Medical certificate about ur fitness and ID proof.
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Landscape Photography is one of my favorite subject. Corbett National Park is one of the most visited National Park in India. Its a Biggest Tiger Reserve in India and also large number of Tigers are here. Framing a landscape photo need good background and foreground. Well in corbett National Park Dhikala is the place where you can stay at night and also near to river side so you can visit Asiatic Elephant Family at Dhikala area.
Dhikala is situated at core location of Corbett National park. It is located about 30 km from Dhangadi Gate of Corbett National Park. Actually Dhikala is forest rest house where tourist can stay. Dhikala Forest Lodge is best place to stay in Corbett national Park. There are 6 different winges with different numbers of rooms in Dhikala. Dhikala is most popular to stay for wildlife photographers because in this area you can visit good river side sunset or sunrise and also a large number of Asiatic Elephants with Family.
Morning Golden Light :
While shooting landscape photography light is very important . When i was on my safari at Dhikala zone i saw morning golden light and a burned tree trunks standing on ground. Well i just capture is with good golden light. If you want good colors of sunlight then use white balance on shades in your DSLR camera. It boost your frame colors. And after then post processing with good color corrections. I also shoot it in Black and White landscapes at Corbett national Park.
Corbett national park is too big in area that Tiger siting possibility is too low. But there are another beautiful subjects to shoot their like elephants, crocodiles, birds etc. Also dont forget the Dikhala site where you can take landscape photos of amazing corbett. During sunset time here you can get elephant family and also magic of golden light.
Alone tree with golden light looks beautiful in frame.
A birds on top left branch of the tree .make my frame outstanding black and white photo with bird.
How to Reach Corbett National Park :
Corbett National park is located in Nainital District, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. Nearest Railway station is Ramnagar about 10-12 km from Corbett Tiger Reserve. Kathgodam Railway station is about 3 hours distance from corbett national park. Nearest Airport is Pantnagar about half hour drive from corbett national park. Also you can fly to Delhi and then hire a car for corbett national park for one way. Best time to visit corbett national park is winter season. Well you can also visit all over year but winter is better to visit Jungle. Only Registered vehicles are allowed inside the park so you cannot go with your own car inside park. Bijrani is the best zone after Dhikala to spot Tigers.
Gear Used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 6D, Canon 18-55mm, Canon 100-400mm
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Pallas's Fish Eagle is large brownish sea eagle. It is also known as Band Tailed Sea Eagle.It is Partially Migratory bird in central Asia. My first siting of Pallas's Fish Eagle Or Pallas's Sea Eagle at Corbett National Park in 2014 while I am participating Canon Wild Click organised by naturewanderers. Color of Pallas's Fish Eagle is light sandy brown. It face is white in color. Its Wings are darker than body color. Juvenile is dark brown in color.
About Pallas's Fish Eagle :
- It is known as Pallas's Sea Eagle Or Band Tailed Sea Eagle
- The length of Pallas's Fish Eagle is 70 to 85 cm .
- With Wingspan length is 180-210 cm.
- Male Eagle weight around 2 -3.3 kg and Female weight around 2.1 - 3.7 kg.
- Main Diet of Pallas's Fish Eagle is Fresh fishes.
- It also hunts water birds, small mammals, frogs and reptiles too.
- It breeds in Russia, Mongolia, India, Kazakhstan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan etc.
- Pallas's Fish Eagle is Endangered spices and listed in Endangered on IUCN Red List.
- Golbal population of Pallas's Fish Eagle is around 2500 approx.
- Pollution and overfishing lakes by humans is main reason for putting in endangered to Pallas's Fish eagle .
- A reason for low count in India is spread of water hyacinth so difficult to find fishes in lake water.
Killing experience of Pallas's Fish Eagle :
To see kill of pallas's fish eagle is awesome experience. It standing on a tree and below 100-140 ft down a river goes and i saw that eagle stand for while then just down in fastest speed n catch a fish OMG what a scene that was . I just sow his speed n accuracy is fantastic.
I m not lucky too much that i shoot that action but a kill n feast i can capture.
Here below picture u can see his neck can turn 360 degree. That specialty makes him perfect for kill , watch, and be accurate .
Location : Corbett National Park, Near Dhikhala , During safari ride.
Canon gears : Canon6D , Canon 100-400mm
Read moreThere are lots of Spider spices in the world. Spiders are good subject to shoot as a macro photo. Actually spiders are everywhere along to home and gardens. Jumping spider are group of spider constitute the family salticidae. This family contained over 600 described genera and over 6000 spices. Jumping spiders are easily identify from other spiders from their eyes and shape. The jumping spiders have faces that are roughly rectangular surface. The eyes are forward looking on flat face. The body length of jumping spider are around 1 to 25 mm. They generally found in forest , desert, scrub lands,temperate forest too. Toxicity of jumping spider is very less for humans. so jumping spider bite is not poisonous. Spiders are not insects because they belongs to family Salticidae and classified as Arachnids.
I found jumping spider during my trip to LRK ( Little Rann Of Kutch ). also its a live photography competition Name WILD CLICKS powered by canon in December 2019. Spiders in macro photography looks beautiful . For Macro Photography you need good light and good camera gears.
Some Facts about Jumping spider :
- The life of jumping spider is around 6 month to 2-3 years.
- Jumping spider are shy but you can easily catch them.
- They have 8 eyes.
- Once you will be familiar with spider then it enjoy your company.
- As per research of Miami university spiders like music.
- Generally they build their web in corners and dense trees , small plants etc.
- All spiders are predators.
- Jumping spider can change sudden blood flow in their body.
- Jumping spider do not use web for hunting.
- Jumping spider can dance also.
- Jumping spider can jump 10-50 times of their body.
- Jumping spider have 8 legs as all spider have 8 legs.
About Little Rann of Kutch :
LRK or little rann of kutch is a Wild ass sanctuary of Gujarat. Sanctuary for Indian Wild Ass but its also very well known for raptors and migratory birds. During winter some migratory birds like flamingos, pelican, bar headed goose, raptors, falcons, eagles, owls are regular visitors. So the sanctuary is more important for wildlife in Gujarat where you can find all birds, mammals and also 360 view of rann of kutch. Also some wetland areas near rann are beautiful for sunset and sunrise. You can also get some good macro photos of insects of rann for making good theme of COLORS OF RANN. I tried to shoot this spider with background of sun but its too hard for me . because it cant steady on one place for a second but got good pictures.
Gear used : Canon 80 D , Canon 6 D ,Canon 100mm Macro , Flash not fired
Location : Little Rann Of Kutch, Dasada
It is the largest species of Flamingo bird family and also a most widespread species of flamingo family.It is found in India ,south east , middle east and Africa. It is migratory bird. They also breed in India. In Gujarat they breed in Rann Of Kutch , Little Rann of Kutch also found in Thol Bird Sanctuary. I often visit Thol sanctuary so got good shots of them. Best time for shoot them is may-Jun at Thol bird sanctuary bcz of water level is too low . It is been recorded that some flamingo birds are resident in Gujarat at many places like LRK, Khijadia sanctuary, Nalsarovar and Thol Sanctuary. They also breed here and stay for all seasons. So you can find greater flamingo birds in all seasons in Gujarat at many places.
Flamingo bird facts and description :
- Greater flamingo bird is the largest living spices of flamingo.
- Greater flamingo has no subspices.
- Flamingo color most of pinkish white in plumage. Wings are red and feathers are black in end.
- Greater Flamingo bird call is like honking.
- The average lifespan of flamingo bird is 30-40 years.
- Main Difference between Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo is height . Lesser flamingo is shorter than greater flamingo. Also Greater flamingo has pale pink bill and black tip. In other case lesser flamingo has dark crimson bill. Lesser flamingo is also more red in color than greater flamingos.
Greater Flamingo birds In Thol Lake : Thol sanctuary is often i visit. Flamingo birds are stay here all seasons. I got good numbers of Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo bird images in a group when i visit Thol. This is my best time with flamingos. Also i got some beautiful pictures of flamingo birds with group and also in duo with some masti. Flamingos looks very good in frame bcz of their color. Thol lake is good place for birders because more than 150 birds spices found here. Also some mammals like Blue bull and black buck also found here. Lots of water birds and tree birds found here. Also sanctuary is not so big so you can find all birds in around 6 sqkm area. Best time to visit thol lake is November to March. All migratory birds are visit in winter so that is best time. Early morning is best for birders.
Timing And Fees of Thol Sanctuary :
Thol Sanctuary open at 6 AM in morning and close at around 5 PM
Fees of Thol Sanctuary is 50 INR per person and camera fees are 200 INR. Car fees are 500 INR.
Weekend fees may change that actually i don't know about it.
Two flamingos with little egret in between of them with down head all. The images of flamingo bird making a good frame. Because of its color flamingo birds images are very attractive and also their grouping make a perfect frame of flamingo bird picture.
A morning pared time for flamingo birds. A beautiful Greater flamingo birds are in a raw make image nice and show their unity.
Perfact wingspan of Flamingo bird looks great. Pink Wings make image more attractive.
Solo Greater flamingo bird
Some masti time for two flamingo birds .
Above image shows the discipline of Flamingo Bird and looks like a morning pared they are doing .
https://youtu.be/9dVBrR9NSOo
A group of Flamingo Birds at Thol Lake make your frame awesome.
Location : Thol Lake, Gujarat
Thol lake is just 25 km approx. from Ahmedabad. You can visit one day for Thol lake is enough. Also you can find another migratory birds like pelicans , bar headed goose, river tern and many more resident spices.
Ahmedabad to Thol lake distance about 25km
Common Kingfisher is also known as Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher. It is sparrow size bird with blue color on top of the body. It is widely distributed in North Africa and Eurasia. When rivers freezes in winter they migrate from their. In India common kingfisher also a widely distributed in all over region. They generally found near to the water areas like canals, rivers, river birdges, ponds etc. I took a shot of common kingfisher or Eurasian Kingfisher at Thol bird sanctuary located in Gujarat near Sanand.
Description and facts about Common Kingfisher :
- It is about 16cm long and 25cm with wingspan.
- Its weight around 35-44 gm.
- It has short tail as all kingfisher tail is short.
- It has green blue upperparts and it has green blue neck stripe.
- Juvenile is similar to adult but dull underparts.
- Main flight feathers moult between july to november and it will takes 90-100 days to grow.
- Kingfisher flight too fast on low water.
- It is widely distributed in Europe, Asia and North Africa ( winter visitor ).
- Common kingfisher eats 60% of its body every day.
- Common Kingfisher lays 2-10 eggs which are white glossy in color.
Common Kingfisher in Gujarat :
Common Kingfisher or Small Blue Kingfisher found in Gujarat at many places like Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird sanctuary, Velavdar Sanctuary and many other outskirts of Wetlands too. They are very small and cute in look. There are lots of kingfisher bird spices found in Gujarat also.
What is HORIZONS ? :: The horizon is the apparent line that separates Earth from sky. The true horizons can observed when it lines on the sea surface. Also many locations this line is made by Lands, Trees, Buildings, Mountains etc.The Horizon line divides all visible directions into two categories : those that intersect the Earth surface and those that don't. The horizon line is horizontal like to feel like end of earth no end of Earth surface . The Images of Horizons or skyline taken at Little Rann of Kutch . I tried to shoot many locations but sometimes not gonna happen that. Little Rann of Kutch is good place for Horizon photography bcz flat surface and 360 degree view. Above photo we passed thorough rann and i saw car trek on ground and line goes end of surface looks beautiful.
Horizon Height and distance calculation :
Well if you want to see horizon then you have to observe from 5-7 feet above sea level. Also you need clear land about 3-5 km distance then you can see clear Horizon line. In cities there are lots of disturbance like buildings, trees, towers etc so you can not see the clear horizons. For horizon line to see you need clear land area or water area. Best area for Horizon line is in between sea. In ocean there is clear Horizon line you can see easily. Also sunrise and sunset time horizons are amazing to see because of Twilight sky colors. Well all of these photos are not taken from 7 feet height and distance may not 3-5 km but its still you can see Horizons clearly. Photos taken from ground level but the rann area is clear so you can see horizons line from ground level.
For calculation of Horizon distance equation is :: Square root ( Height / 0.5736 ) and the result you get distance of Horizons.
Best Place To See Horizon lines :
The best place to see horizons are beaches. Because you can see clear line between Sky and Earth. Well where i live in Gujarat i have also one place name Little Rann of Kutch where i can see clear Horizon line as you can see in photos of Horizons. Little rann of Kutch is best place for me because its very near to me like about 2 hours car drive. Here there are huge number of raptors you can see in winter seasons. Lots of Migratory birds came here and the most important about Little Rann ot Kutch is Indian Wild Ass. Indian wild ass found only in Gujarat in this region only.
All Images taken at Little Rann of Kutch, Guajrat. Little rann of kutch known as LRK also famous for raptors and Indian Wild Ass. Lots of migratory birds coming here in winter. So never miss a change to visit LRK in Gujarat. LRK also very nice place for Star Gazing and Star Trail Photography, Time laps Photography.
Camera used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens, Canon 50mm lens, canon 18-55 mm lens
Spiti Valley located in Himachal Pradesh. It is a cold desert mountain valley of Himalayas. Spiti distributed in 2 parts Lahaul and Spiti. As per my last post of Spiti Valley Tour Itinerary there are lots of places to visit during spiti valley tour. It depends how many days you want to spend in spiti valley tour so you can much more places to cover in spiti valley. But i think 7 days are enough for Spiti valley tour to cover all major attractions. Most of time you spend in car during spiti valley tour. But definately the route is memorable for all. The view of Himalayas and the scenery is beautiful. Most people take 7 days tour from Chandigarh or from Delhi.
Best Places to Visit in Spiti Valley :
- Chitkul
- Nako
- Tabo
- Dhankar lake
- Kaza
- Chandratal Lake
Well in Spiti Valley Trip there are lots of places to visit but i will suggest you some of them to make shorter your trip. Also most attractions and must visit places i share here. If you want to spend more time then you can visit local village and enjoy village life too. If you want to know about Spiti Valley Tour Cost and Spiti Valley Tour Itinerary then i had written a post of it.
Honey Bee Farming :
From Chandigarh to Spiti you will have to pass Kinnaur District. It is very beautiful route with amazing greenery and scenery. During the route of Kinnaur valley there are lots of people do Honey Bee Farming on road. you can see the boxes of honeybee on roadside. They have different types of Honeybee and have different honey if you want to purchase pure Honey for home. They also saw you how they farming and do all procedure of making Honey.
Chitkul :
Actually we skip Chitkul because its out of our route and spend one more day. But Chitkul is must visit place. It is really beautiful place in the valley of Himalayas. Also Chitkul is known as India's Last village at Indo - Tibet Border. Border is about 90 km from Chitkul. Also civillian movement beyond Chitkul is prohibited. Best time to visit Chitkul is March to June. Also have a cup of tea at Hindustan Ka Akhri Dhaba at Chitkul. They also serve food with Rajma Chaval and roti.
Kalpa Or Rekong Peo :
If you visit chitkul and stay their then kalpa or Rekong Peo you can skip. Or if you do not visit chitkul then stay at Rekong Peo. Good to stay here very neat and clean hotels and also food is good here. Next morning you can see amazing sunrise in between of Himalayan mountains coverd with snow. Stay here for a night and leave next morning or you can visit local village and bazar.
Nako : Places to visit Nako
Nako village located near Indo-China Border. In Nako you can visit Nako Lake and Nako Monastery. Also you can visit some Buddhist chortens. Nako Monastery is must visit place with beautiful atmosphear at height. The Monastery founded in 11 th sanctuary .Monastery location is amazing where you can see 360 degree view of Himalayan Mountains. Spend some time at Monastery and go for Gue Mummy Stupa in the way to Tabo.
Gue is a village where 500 years old mummy preserved of Sangha Tenzing. Sangha Tenzing was Buddhist monk from Tibet. At stupa the mummy found in sitting position with his skin and hair intact. The road to Gue Mummy is out of Tabo route so you can take extra 1-2 hours time while leave from nako. At evening you reach at Tabo village.
Tabo : Places to visit Tabo
Tabo is a small village on bank of Spiti river in spiti District. Tabo is famous for operated continuously oldest buddhist enclave in Himalaya and India. Most famous attraction of Tabo is Old Tabo Monastery which is 1000 years old and also considered as one of the holiest by Dalai Lama himself. Also another monastery in Tabo in the center of village you can visit. Tabo caves you can visit while visit monastery and if you stay for day more then you can go at river bank to feel nature. That was amazing view of spiti river near to the village and other side the big mountain.
Dhankar Lake and Dhankar Village : Places to visit Dhankar
From tabo to kaza route you can visit Dhankar Village. In the village there is a capital of spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is at 3894 mt height. Here you can visit local village , Monastery and if you want to go for trek about 3 km then go to the Dhankar Lake. Dhankar village total houses are around 65-70 and population around 250-300 .
Dhankar Lake :
Dhankar lake is high altitude lake in himachal pradesh. It is located around 4140 mt height. From monastery you can go to Dhankar lake by trek about 3 km and it will take around 1-2 hours depends on your mountain skills. Trek route is very easy but its at more than 13500 ft height so high wind blows and low oxygen level make your trek difficult. Also here UV index is high so do not go in open skin or use sunscreen lotion. High UV index may damage your skin. At the end of trek you can see a beautiful green color based lake surrounded by mountains and open land. The view of lake is awesome and you can spend more time to make a peace to you mind. Crystel clear water in the lake. We take some photos and get back to village and drink lemon soda from local villager to get energy. Local peoples are so supportive and good nature.
Kaza :
In Kaza there are several places to visit so you visit all in a full day. Also kaza atmosphear is very cold in summer also so enjoy it.
Places to Visit In Kaza
- Sakya Tangyud Monastery : It is one of the highest altitude Monastery in India. It is at 4550 mt height. It is at komik village.
- Kaza Kye Monastery : Kye or Kyi monastery is a tibetian buddhist monastery. It is set on top of the hill and its height aroun 4166 mt. It is the largest monastery of Spiti Valley.
- Langza : Langza village is also known as Fossils village. It is believed that spiti was submerged under the tethys sea so that huge quantities of fossils found here. In Langza there is a 1000 years old Buddha Statue is major attraction. The Buddha statue at Langza located at 14500 ft height. It is serene golden large Buddha Statue. From the Buddha statue at Langza you can see 360 degree view of Himalayas.
- Hikkim : Hikkim is located at 14400 ft height in lahaul spiti district. Hikkim village remains cut off during winter due to heavy snow fall over mountain passes. The Hikkim village has a post office at 14400 ft height. So it is also on of the highest post office in the world.
- Kibber Village : Kibber is famous for Monastery, kibber wildlife sanctuary, the highest post office and the highest motorable road. Kibber is located 19 km from kaza. Kibber is also famous for Snow Leopard. There are almost 25-30 snow leopards In Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Komic : Komic is also one of the highest village in the world located at 15050 ft. It is also connected with World's Highest Motorable Road. So it is known as Highest Motorable village in the world. There is a restaurant their named World highest restaurant Komic. You can take rest have a cup of coffe or tea and have some snake, meggy etc.
- Chicham Bridge : Chicham bridge is highest bridge of Asia. Bridge is located at 13596 ft height. The Chicham Bridge connect 2 village one is Chicham village and Kibber. The bridge is suspension bridge and is situated across a deep gorge around 1000 ft. Chicham Bridge is one of the spectecular bridge in the world.
- Kumzum Pass : While return from Kaza to Manali you will pass through Kumzum Pass. It is one of the best route for enjoying nature very closely. The car speed is very slow due to bad road condition but at Kumzum pass we face fresh snow fall and fell zero degree temperature. Amazing view at Kumzum pass. Also Kumzum Mata Temple located at 4590 mt height. There is a myth about Kumzum mata temple you need to do a circle and after go through your journey to Chandratal Lake or Manali.
- Chandra taal Lake : As per Hindu Mythology Chandra taal is the place where Lord Indra came down with Chariot to transport Yudhisthira in his mortal from to Swarga or Heaven. Also local believed that fairies visit lake at night. Chandratal Lake is open in summer after may end or June start. So if you want to visit Chandra taal lake then plan in June. Also there are limited option for staying at Chandra taal Lake.
Things to know about Spiti Valley Tour :
While you planning for spiti valley tour you did not need to book hotels or homestays. There are lots of homestays and hotels every where. You can also book your homestays and hotels via Spiti Tourism or Himachal Pradesh Tourism. They will help you a lot for entire trip. Local peoples are so supportive and kind nature. They will aslo help and guide you to your destination.
Which Mobile network works in Spiti Valley ?
Most people have a question about network connectivity at Spiti Valley. I will take 2 simcards for my Spiti Valley Tour one is Reliance Jio and one is BSNL prepaid. After kinnaur vally pass all major networks are down but BSNL and Reliance Jio is connected to everywhere in spiti. Reliance Jio has better network connectivity even in internet also. So i suggest take Reliance Jio sim card for your trip. Only it fall down during Kumzum pass route. Otherwise in Kaza, Tabo, Nako all places covered by Reliance Jio network.
Best time to Visit Spiti Valley :
Well the Chandigarh to Kaza route open all year but sometimes landsliding may occer and also some heavy snowfall then it will take 4-6 hours to clear road. Road managed by BRO ( Border Road Organisation ) . Plan during mid of may in spiti valley because there is low crowd in May. But in May there may be return route block via Kumzum Pass and Chandratal Lake. June is more better for Spiti Valley tour to visit all the places. Some bikers may visit spiti valley in December for adventure too.
Road Condition In Spiti Valley :
From Chandigarh to Kaza there is a clear road. At some places road condition is not good but main road is very impressive and no hazitation during the entire trip. Some village route is not good but it will manageable. The Kaza to Manali Via Kumzum pass road condition is not good so you need to travel whole day for Kaza to Manali.
Star Gazing At Spiti Valley : Spiti Valley Night Sky
Well spiti valley is dark area where you can do stargazing verywell. Here you can see milkyway clear during no moon days. For milky way Langza is the best place in Spiti Valley.
Spiti Valley Food Option :
I will recommand The Himalayan Cafe in Spiti Valley for food. Well managed cafe and food options are amazing. Must visit place in Spiti valley.
You can visit my blog http://bit.ly/3zYFdVv about spiti valley tour itinerary and total cost with details. Also provide hotels and homestay options. You can write me if you need any help about spiti valley tour at nirajhack@gmail.com