One of the best highlights of my visit to Chennai, India this month is the 4-day trip to Wayanad with my sister. Wayanad, located in the neighboring state of Kerala is a lush mountainous and fertile region that receives nearly 3000 mm of rains annually. Cash crops such as coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and cloves are grown as much in the backyards of individual homes as in big plantations. The landscape is quite unspoiled even though Wayanad aspires to be a tourist destination. From the mountains to the lakes to free roaming fauna, there is a lot to delight the senses and lift the spirits.
The sketch above was inspired by the kingfisher I spotted from the balcony of my room at the resort. It stationed itself on the wood stump by the lake for more than an hour trying to catch a fish, alas without luck. So, I took the artistic liberty of giving it the catch.
Below are some of the photos of the fauna that I took. Enjoy.
This female elephant was placidly grazing by the roadside when it got spooked by the sound of her jeep. She lumbered off to join the calf behind the bush.
Male elephant.
Elephant herd from a distance.
Male and female Indian spotted deer.
Egrets, storks and herons by the mucky lotus pond.
I was very circumspect when I took these pictures of the monkeys at the park. These monkeys hang around humans and know their ways. I was worried that the monkey would get upset at my taking its picture and snatch my camera!
Finally, a few snapshots of the kingfisher that inspired the sketch above.
Thanks for visiting. Linked to Paint Party Friday.
Great photos. India is indeed, a great adventure!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos, how great to see those animals in their natural habitat- Moneys can be very cheeky, that's true. Love the blue bird, the photo and the lovely painting. Happy PPF, Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are so awesome!!! I love the little birdy you painted! ♥
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful. I loved seeing the elephants. Your sketch of the kingfisher is lovely, I recognized the bird right away.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing info and great photos from your Cennal. Flora and fauna seem to be wonderful there.
ReplyDeleteYour little bird is adorable with her lunch ;)
Happy PPF xx
Adorable bird art!! Wow fabulous wildlife photos and love the kingfishers true colours!!Stunning! Thanks for sharing this beautiful part of the world!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
The Kingfisher is such a beautiful bird, and I like your take on him. Thank you for sharing all these lovely photos too, it's like a fairytale.
ReplyDeleteincredible photos... the blue on the bird photos in the bottom ones blew me away... and your bird artwork is really delightful... beautiful post...xx
ReplyDeleteKingfisher!! Love those little birds. Love the pix--very cool. Thanks! xo
ReplyDeleteLove your illustration and oh my- what a beautiful, beautiful place. I would love to be able to see those magnificent animals up close like that. Thanks so much for sharing, and happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh what a beautiful post. I am so glad you had time with your sister. Thank you for sharing the photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful bit of arm chair traveling thanks to your wonderful photos and narrative.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing!
Your Kingfisher sketch is brilliant ... I can see why you were inspired.
Each summer here in the Washington DC area my husband and I look forward to visiting an aquatic garden that has Loti growing some taller than us. It is a wonder to behold each year.
Happy PPF
oxo Patty #47
Fantastic photos of the animals and birds. It must be so exciting to see an elephant in its own habitat.
ReplyDeleteYour sketch is great and I can see how you were inspired.
Happy PPF!
Really lovely! wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteWow! Wonderful photos of your trip,I really enjoyed them all. You are so kind to treat the Kingfisher to a meal in your painting! have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful trip! It is so beautiful there and I was happy to see the animals looking so healthy and at ease...
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