I found two types of Bulbul Bird in trek of Manali. During my trek of manali i found more than 30 spices of different birds and among them i found two types of bulbul Black Bulbul And Himalayan Bulbul. Both bulbul are different from bulbul found near to my home red wented bulbul. Manali is heaven for birding and also for landscapes. Himalayas is my fevorite destination.
Himalayan Bulbul :
- Himalayan bulbul is resident in north pakistan hills and Himalays.
- It has white cheeks, brownish grey upperparts, and yellow went.
- It has brown crest, brown nape, smaller white cheek patch with black crescent at rear.
- Call of Himalayan bulbul is we - did - de - dear - up , who - lik - lik - leer .
- It feed small insects and invertebrates.
- Its size about 18 cm length and wing span around 25-30 cm. weight around 30 gm.
- It built nest in bushes and low branches.
- Female lays generally 3 eggs and they incubates in 12 days.
- Cheeks leave nest when they are 9-12 days old.
Black Bulbul :
- It is known as Himalayan Black Bulbul or Asian Black Bulbul.
- Slate grey to blackish bulbul with slight crest.
- It has bright red bill, legs and feet, pale fringes to undertail coverts and shallow fork to tail.
- Juvenile lacks crest, has whitish throat, grey breast band, brownish cast to upperparts, bill and legs.
- Call of Black bulbul is repeated series of three or four rising and falling notes.
- Length of black bulbul is 25 cm .
- They have black streak behind the eye.
- Black bulbul is also known as Malagasy Bulbul.
- It found in Himalays and Southeast Asia.
Himachal Pradesh Birds :
Himalayas is the heaven for bird watching and birding. During trek you can found lots of spices of beautiful birds. Himachal Pradesh is very good for trekking too. Manali is best for trekking in Himachal Pradesh. Chandrakhani Pass is the last destination for manali trekking. During the trek you can found lots of spices of birds very closely. It is also good to see their behaviour and understanding their life. Visit in april to july so you can find lots of birds. Best season is April to July for trekking to Himalayas.
Gear Used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens
Read moreSpiders are insects which you can found anywhere. They are beautiful subject to shoot in macro. In my farm i found Wolf Spider in large quantity. Wolf Spiders are member of family Lycosidae. They are very good hunters. Wolf spiders resembles nursery web spiders. They carry their eggs by attaching them to their spinnerets. They are very small in size and also camouflage in color. But generally they are easy to find because they regularly moving.
Facts To Know About Wolf Spider :
- Body size of Wolf Spider is about 10 to 35 mm .
- Wolf spiders possess the third best eye sights among all spiders group.
- Wolf spider inject venom also. Their venomous bite symptoms are swelling, itching and mild pain.
- They have total 8 eyes. Among them 2 eyes are big and 4 eyes below 2 big eyes and 2 are in back.
- Their Eyesite are excellent.
- They hunt alone and live in solitude and do not spin webs.
Spider with his egg. When i clicked this photo i dont have any idea that the white thing is Its egg. One of my friend told me that is an egg of spider and he protect it. Camouflage and baby wolf spiders on his back. I think that spider is healthy but after zooming image i realize that there are baby spiders on his back.
Gear Used : Canon 6D , Canon 100 mm macro lens
Photos taken at my farm during winter starting. Spiders are really good subject to take in your frame. I like also to shoot their web the amazing architecture of their home. But very small in size so difficult to catch and click them.
Read moreGoa is a state of India located in Western side and its beaches touch to Arabian Sea. In Goa 17th centuary's church you can visit. Goa is famous for beaches and its most popular and favorite beach destination in India for tourist for its pristine beaches.
Goa is one of outstanding place in India. Lots of beaches and historical places their. Visit to goa in summer may-June and also in December when festival occasion are best seasons. I visit in summer June 4th, a hot season in June but good. The beach u see above is Vagator-Chapora beach. On the second side there is a fort where the movie dil chahta hai shoots. I stay Alor grand hotel for 4 days a 1 km distance to beach. Tourism of Goa is best and well managed.
Goa Tour Package Price :
Hotels In Goa :
Goa is very cheap beach destination. If you are looking for 3 star hotels in Goa then average cost of hotels around 4000 INR and if you are looking for 4 star 5 star then cost will increase about 7000 to 15000 INR. We stay at Fortune Acron Regina Hotel at Goa in second visit and in first visit we stay at Alor Grand.
So cost for 4 night package of Goa is around 15000 -20000 INR for 3 star hotels. Flights rates depends on your origin destination.
Things not to do in Goa :
- Don't take taxi , hire a bike. Bike rent per day approx. 800-1000 Rs. Petrol you can fill up and you can max burn petrol around 200-300 Rs per day. So it is very cheap and you can enjoy bike ride.
- Do not Carrying too much cash with you. Use cards and keep less money with you.
- Going topless in Goa beaches is not allowed.
- There are too many chances to be looted in Goa. So be careful when someone buy you a drink, people who say you intimate scenes etc.
- Staring at people
- For photographers in Goa may be costly. You can not take a stranger photo without he/she permission. Its a legal offence.
- Drink and Drive.
- Littering
- Gambling on a beach . There are some beaches where some peoples play a gambling with money. Don't play their. First you can win but at the end you loose your money. If you want to play gambling just go for casino no where else.
Goa Beaches to visit : Famous Beaches of Goa
Goa is divided in tow parts as North Goa and South Goa.
North Goa Beaches :
- Candolim Beach
- Miramar Beach
- Vagator Beach
- Chapora Beach
- Fort Aguada Beach
Well there are more beaches in North Goa but these beaches are best to visit. Also Visit Fort Agauda in North Goa. All these beaches are in a same line so it is easy to visit in one day. Also some old churches you can visit like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral etc. Also there is a bird sanctuary in North Goa named Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. When i visit Goa second time I stay at Fortune Acron Regina from ITC hotel. It is good resort from ITC well maintained and good deal with a group. You can do water activities here also. Some beaches are good at night with music and liquor. Baga beach is one of them where you can enjoy at night with music and liquor.
Best Beaches of South Goa :
- Palolem Beach
- Agonda
- Bogmalo Beach
- Betul Beach
- Butterfly Beach
You can visit Dudhsagar waterfall at some distance from south goa. Also Vasco Da Gama Beach is beautiful. For Casino lover Delt In Royal casino is the best in Goa.
In India Goa is beautiful place where you can stay 4-5 days and enjoy beaches. Goa package is very cheap if you select you hotels on average. If you select you hotels some hire budgets then also its cheap too. A good quality hotel where i stay Fortune Acron Regina per day room charges i pay 6500 Rs. Also they give evening 7 -8 pm happy hour where all drinks and liquor are free for hour. So get the best deals as you can and also you can go with goa tourism and check and compare good hotels and rates. Hire a bike for transport. Train service from all over India is available for Goa. Also flight service too.
Night Life in Goa :
There are lots of clubs for night life in Goa. If you want to go for dance party and liquor party then clubs are best place. It may be costly but safe. Also in hotels and resort they provide weekend party and happy hour for 7 to 8 pm free liquor if your package includes it. Also you can enjoy casino at Delt in Royal for gambling and try your luck. Some people meet you at late night on beach and they ask you to provide girls but i suggest don't go and waste your money. They may be fraud too.
Churches in goa are very old and don't miss to see them if u are really interested. I take a boat cruise for 1 hour but don't waste your money in that. Also on each beach u find gambling so plz don't play that otherwise u loose your money. Weather of Goa is moderate cold and hot. Temperature is average around 25-30 degree.
Language Speak in Goa is Konkani and Capital of Goa is Panaji.
Read moreThe Time of the day between Daylight and Night or Darkness is Twilight. Simply means after sunset or before sunrise time you can see beautiful tri color sky with diffused and sometimes pinkish sky. At this moment The Sun is below the horizons but sunrays are disordered due to atmosphere of Earth and it make color of twilight.
Difference between Twilight And Dusk :
Time between Sunset and Dusk is called Twilight. At twilight moment there is little bit light in the sky. When the Sun is at 18 degree below the horizon that point is called Dusk. There is no sunlight at Dusk point.
Types of Twilight :
There are three types of Twilight
- Civil Twilight ( nearest to the Horizon )
- Astronomical Twilight ( fareast from Horizon )
- Nautical Twilight ( Fareast from Horizon )
About Thol Bird Sanctuary :
Thol Bird Sanctuary is located near Thol Village in Kadi in Mehsana District Gujarat. It was made in 1912 for irrigation tank. Later on the winter visitor birds and also lots of migratory birds came here it was declared as an Sanctuary in 1988. Thol Lake or Thol Bird Sanctuary is one of most favorite place for bird watchers. Here you can find lots of resident birds, Migratory Birds, Waders , Water birds, Serpents, Tortoies, Squirrels, Monitor Lizards etc. The different kinds of birds is the beauty of Thol Lake.
Twilight Sky At Thol Lake :
I oftenly visit Thol Lake for birding. During winter season i went for flemingos and pelicans specially. Winter is best time for Thol Lake. When my cousine came from USA we visited Thol Sanctuary. Generally i went early morning at 7 AM but my cousine was very exited to visit thol so we came early 5 AM at Thol Lake. There was a darkness at Thol Lake and also The gate open at 6 AM. so we wait for open the gate. When the gate was open and we just enter the lake we saw Twilight sky . A tri color sky looks amazing. I had never seen that type of sky before. Different shade of sky before 10 minutes of sunrise. That was experienced that we are in heaven. My cousine was very happy to see Twilight sky.
Gear Used : Canon 6 D camera, Canon 50 mm lens
How to Reach Thol Lake : Thol lake is near to Ahmedabad. Distance from Ahmedabad is around 25-30 km. So nearest Airport is Ahmedabad and Railway Station is Ahmedabad. You can go by road from Ahmedabad.
Read more
The Indian White Eye bird actually name changed from Orientle White Eye. It is small passarine bird from white eye family. This bird can easily identify because of its white ring on eye. A small bird with white ring on eye looks beautiful. Its a resident breeder in India. I found it at Himachal Pradesh when i was on trek to Manali. Small bird found in small trees and woodland.
Description About Indian White Eye :
- Size of bird is very small about 8-9 cm.
- Color is yellow on upper parts and yellow throat and vent and white ring on eye.
- Belly is white grey also yellow in some subspices.
- It feed nectar and small insects.
- Total 11 subspices recorded.
- Breeding season is February to september and April is peak.
- They build nest in very short time and lay pale blue eggs.
Birding At Manali :
Manali is one of the best place for birding. Bird watchers oftenly came here and do lots of bird photography. There are lots of birds spices are found here. Better you go by trek so you can explore more birding area of manali. Chandrakhani Pass is very good place at height of 9000 ft above where you can found Himalayan Monal. Also lots of snow at this place so you can enjoy the nature beauty of the place. Amazing Landscapes you can take from here of Himalayan Mountain Range.
Indian White eye is Least concern bird in the IUCN bird list. It found in many areas.
Gear Used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 100-400 mm Lens
Photo Taken at Dobhi Base camp outskirts of YHAI.
Read moreVerditer Flycatcher is summer visitor to Himalayas and North East India. I found it at Manali when i was on trek to chandrakhani pass. Flycatchers are really beautiful birds to see and to catch. The color of Verditer flycatcher is really amazing blue. Its attract to your eyes. Himalayan range is full of birds. Specially birds are migrated and also winter visitors.
About Verditer Flycatcher :
- It is blue in color and dark patch between the eyes and above the bill base.
- Male is Entirely greenish blue, brighter forehead and throat and black lores.
- It is not confusable with any other flycatcher.
- Female is similar but duller and greyer and dusky lores.
- Pale blue flycatcher is confusable with female verditer flycatcher.
- Voice song comprises series of rapid, undulating, strident notes ascending the scale.
- It found in open forest, tall trees in open areas, groves and gardens.
Himachal Pradesh Birds / Manali Birds :
Manali is very good to bird watchers. Go by trek from Dobhi to Chandrakhani Pass. Trek organized by many but i suggest go with Youth Hostel YHAI. From Dobhi you can get good birds and by moving to chandrakhani pass about 10000 ft height you can get lots of birds. I found more than 35 spices of different birds during my trek. Trekking is good experience to get in touch with nature closely. You can get amazing landscapes here of Himalayas and Himalayan Range with beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Gear Used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens
Read moreDiwali is the large festival of India. Diwali is celebrated on 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika. Mostly Diwali is in October or in November month. Diwali is Hindu festival but it also celebrated by Sikhs,Jains and many other religions too. Diwali is an important religious festival. More than 800 million people celebrate this festival.
What is the festival of Diwali : Diwali is celebrated by Hindu month Kartika on 15th day of calendar. Diwali festival is lasts for Five days. Diwali is also called Deepavali in Hindi word. It is also a Festival of Light or Raw of Lights or Raw of Diyas. 5 days festival starts New year for Hindu religion.
Facts and story about Diwali/Deepavali Festival : Diwali is festival of Joy. Also festival of prosperity. This festival is celebrated for the Victory of Good over Devil. Diwali is celebrated for Victory of Lord Rama over Ravan. Long years ago Ravan the king of Lanka Nagri kidnaped Lord Ram's wife Sita from jungle. Lord Ram attacked Lanka nagari and defeated Ravan on Dashera. Dashera is the tenth date of Navaratri. In this big war Lord Ram defeated Ravan and free his wife Sita from Ravan's custody. After defeated Ravan Lord Ram return to Ayodhya Nagari and when he returns Ayodhya that day celebrated as Diwali. People of Ayodhya decorated their home and city by lighting with Diyas ( lighted Lamp ) and welcomes Lord Ram and Sita.
Five Days Of Diwali ( Deepavali ):
First Day : On the new moon day of hindi month Kartik people prey Goddess Laxmi of wealth and prosperity. Goddess Laxmi appeared in Ocean known as "Samudra Manthan " by on one side Demons and other side Devataas. So the Laxmi Pujan is become tradition in Diwali. So The first day of Diwali known as " Dhanteras ".
Second Day: Second day is called Kali Chaudas. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed Narakasur so this day also known as Narak Chaturdasi.
Third Day : The day is actual Deepavali or Diwali. On that day Goddess Laxmi worshipped along with Lord Ganesha. People light their homes with Diyas on that day.
Forth Day : This day is celebrated in different forms across India. In Gujarat or western side it celebrated as Bestu Baras ( New year ). In north side it celebrated as Goverdhan Puja and Vishwakarma Day.
Fifth Day : This day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj. It is also called Bhai Beej and Bhai fota in bengal.
Tradition and Joy : There is a National Holiday on Diwali. In schools there is long vacation for students to enjoy Diwali. In tradition of Diwali people were Kurtas as traditional dress in many states of India. People buy new cloths and wear new cloths in 5 days of Diwali. There are lots of discounts in garments and all items used at home before Diwali. So in Diwali people get major discount in shopping. Kids are interested in wearing new cloths and fireworks or firecrackers. People make Rangoli on the entrance of their house to attract Goddess Laxmi. Lighting up Diyas is tradition of Diwali. Lots of different types of Diyas available in market. Ladies also clean their house before Diwali came. Business man starts new accounting books on Diwali. Different types of fireworks are available in market. Give gifts to relatives is also tradition in Diwali to start New Year and new goals of life. Now a days people send Diwali greetings via E-mail to relative who live in different country. Before trend of E-mails people send greetings card to relatives. For Diwali decoration some people make new color to their house, making Rangoli at entrance, decorate home door with TORAN for safety to their family.
Television Serial : For the story of Lord Ram, Laxman ( brother of Lord Ram ) and Sita the RAMAYAN Television serial is very famous. It describe full story of Ram and Ravan.
Letest news in India about Ayodhya Mandir : By the end of 2019 the judgement pending on Ayodhya land has to be ended in the history of India. The land dispute of Ayodhya Nagari has been ended by the Supreme Court of India. So the born land of lord Ram is now going to turn into big Temple ( AYODHYA TEMPLE ). The temple Bhumi Pujan has been done in 2020 and started to make historical Lord Ram Temple of Ayodhya.
Read moreWhat is Double Exposure Photography ? : Well Double exposure is a new technique of 2 photos combined and make a single frame. Simply Take 2 photos and make it 1 photo in camera. This technique is support in DSLR cameras ( not all Dslr cameras ) to click 2 different images and merge into 1 image. Actually you can do it in photoshop or some other software but in camera technique gives amazing experience of double exposure photography.
My first Double Exposure Photo : I just heard about this techniques from my friend and i was eagrly waiting to shoot good subject in Double exposure photography. Near days Sharad Punam Full Moon is coming and i plan for it to shoot Double exposure moon photo. I need good location so i choose Narmada Dam near Prantij village. I got good result but i could get better. That is my first time double exposure photography so result may be poor. I take 2 shots and camera merged it. First i take moon close up with 100-400 mm lens and then second image take in landscape and merged with first moon image.
What you need for Double exposure photography : Tripod, Good DSLR camera, Different Lenses like zoom and wide angle, Remote shutter
Sharad Punam : Sharad Purnima :
Sharad poonam is also known as Kojagiri poonam and Raas Poornima. On that day the moon was very bright. This day is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. In west Bengal this day is known as Laxmi Puja ( Lokkhi Puja ) . On the full moon day of the Lunar Month the harvest festival is falling. And its makes end of the monsoon season.
What Sharad Means :
As per Hindu calendar it contains six seasons. Sharad is followed by Hemant and preceded by Varsha. The seasons are Vasant, Grishma, Varsha, Hemant, Sharad, Shishir. Each season of two months. Sharad season is from September to October. In Sharad season the sky is very clear after monsoon season.
Sweets of Sharad Poonam :
After Goddess Laxmi puja it followed by some delicious sweets like Rice Kheer also known as Payesh or Doodh Pauha in Gujarati, Coconut Ladoo ( Narkel Naru ) offered as Naivedya to Goddess and Goddess Laxmi's Vahan Owl.
Full Moon Photo landscape :
On Sharad Poonam day me and my friends going to a good landscape location where we find good Horizon and Moon Rising of Full moon. We get good location of Narmada Dam near to my place and we get some good Full Moon Double exposure photos with River Dam location. Double exposure photography is really interesting and get some good but manipulated results in one RAW file of your camera. In one frame i got full Moon photo with 400mm zoom lens and in another shot i take 30 sec long exposure shot with 18-55mm lens of dam and the merge image results are stunning.
How to shoot Double exposure in Mobile and DSLR ? :
There are also some apps on mobile may be paid basis for double exposure photography named Image Blender, Double Exposure , Enlight etc... New DSLR camera of Canon, Nikon, Sony etc may support double exposure photography up to 9 stops. So you can combine 9 images into 1.
I will try with new subject next time and post it . If any query for Double exposure photography feel free to write me i am happy to help you.
Camera Used : Canon 80 D, Canon 18-55 mm lens, Canon 100-400 mm lens.
Read moreGreat barbet or asian barbet generally found in himalayas. It is the largest barbet in barbet family. It lives in forests above 3000 m height. I found it during my Manali trekking at 8000 ft height. There are about 80 spices of barbet. More than 10 spices found in India. It generally found at tall tree branches so difficult to see and take a photos. But sometimes you are lucky that you get better pictures too.
Description About Great Barbet :
- Size of Great barbet is 12-13 inch and weight aprox 190-290 gm.
- They eat fruits and insects.
- The adult has brown back ,blue head ,large yellow bill and red went.
- Nesting season is April to July.
- The color of this barbet is really a great combinations by god.
- They also found in Nepal , Bhutan and bangladesh.
- They generally found in lower to middle altitudes of himalays.
- Great Barbet male territorial call is kay-oh very loud.
- Also Great Barbet call is repetitive piou-piou-piou .
Birds of Manali :
Manali is one of the best place for birding. While you go with leisure tour you cannot get much birds but when you go in trekking then you get most of birds in unexlpored areas. Also trekking is good for your fitness too. Himalayas are really amazing for trekking and birding.
Camera Used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens
Read moreTiger is national animal of India. Ranthambore is located in Rajasthan at Sawai Madhopur. It really amazing feel to see tiger in its habitat. My trip to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, I was very lucky to see the Ranthambore Tigress Mala T-39 Named Noor in her habitats. During trip i want morning safari because its good time to see tiger during his/her movements. The Tigress Noor/Mala is resident dominant tigress who travels currently in Singhdwar - sultanpur - kala pila pani - khemcha kund. She found in normally Zone 1,2 and 6. She used to share is territory with male dominant Ranthambore Tiger T-24 named Tiger Ustad. Tigress Noor/mala has kid in 2012 name Sultan T-72.
Ranthambore Safari Booking :
For booking safari at Ranthambore National Park you can visit https://www.ranthamborenationalpark.in/online-safari-booking-ranthambore.html
from here you can book your safari. I suggest book Jeep safari morning or evening. Canter safari is cheaper then Jeep safari but there are more than 20 people in it. So by chance if you see Tiger then in canter its over crowd to see Tiger so i suggest book Jeep Safari. There are also some agents who can book your safari in canter or Jeep with taking extra money.
How Many Tigers in Ranthambore National Park ?
Well There are almost near to 80 Tigers/Tigress/Cubs in Ranthambore National Park. Among them there are 20 Tigres , 30 Tigress and more than 25 cubs and subadults approximately. Numbers may change after 2021.
Famous Tigers/ Tigress Of Ranthambore National Park :
T-39 ( Tigress Mala ), T24 ( Ustad ), T-28 ( Sitara ), T-41 ( Junglee ) and Bina 1 and 2 are most famous Tigers/ Tigress of Ranthambore national Park. Now a days T-19 named Krishna is the Queen of Ranthambore National Park. It is female cub of Machli ( T- 16 ) also Queen of Ranthambore. The King of Ranthambore is T-24 Ustad.
I am very afraid while shooting T-39 noor because she was very close to me and passed through our car. It was breathtaking experience a wild animal near you. Generally people says morning safari is the best for animals but we got it in the evening safari. So its all about your luck.
When Ranthambore National Park Open :
Question is When Ranthambore National Park is Open ? Well answer is - Ranthambore National Park safari is open for tourist from October to June every year. During monsoon it remains closed for tourist.
Ranthambore National Park Safari Prices :
For jeep safari in Ranthambore national park is 1700 per person as of now for Indian Citizen and 3500 for Foreign citizens. And Canter price almost 1200 for Indians and 2500 for Foreigners.
Identification of Tigress Noor/ Tigress Mala T39 :
- The first siting of tigress noor was in 2009.
- She is also known as Mala, Noor and sultanpur too.
- She is known for her beauty and amazing wavy pattern on her body.
- The identification of tigress noor/mala is diamond symbol on her body.
- She was in zone 1,2 and 6. Her age is around 14 years.
- For another identifications her left ear was broken.
- Above right eye inverted trishul like mark.
- Two prominent Y on right leg.
Is Ranthambore Worth Visiting ?
Definately yes Ranthambore is worth visiting. Ranthambore jungle is very nice to travel even you can not see the Tiger. There are lots of other spices to see in the jungle. Also travel in a jungle is one of most beautiful experience in a open jeep. Its really trilling experience.
Are Tigers endangered in India ?
Well Yes you can say the Tigers or Bengal Tigers are endangered in India. There are increase in their population during 2006 to 2018 from 1400 to 2900 approx. Tigers are poaching for its skins and other body parts. But Currently India has largest population of Tigers in the World.
About Ranthambore National Park Safari :
Ranthambore national park is good for tiger lovers. Tigers siting at Ranthambore National Park is high. You can book your Ranthambore safari online. Also tatkal booking before 24 hours via agents but its on your luck that you get your safari booking. So book your safari online first then plan your travel. For safari Jeep drive is best. Also kenter mini bus safari available but too much crowed around 20 peoples. So go for jeep drive. Morning time is best for game drive in Jungle all over India. Also evening drive is good. Its all about your luck to get seen tiger. I seen tiger in evening drive. After Ranthambore trip you can go for Jaipur or Agra for next destination. Ranthambore is the best place for wildlife in Rajasthan. Siting of tigers are also good here.
Ranthambore Resorts and Hotels :
There are many options at Ranthambore for hotels and Resorts. Hotels are quite cheaper then Resorts . Hotels and resorts at ranthambore national park are very good and aslo some popular resorts like Fern resort, Regenta resort Vanya Mahal ranthambore , Nahargarh ranthambore, Oberoi Vanya vilas etc are some luxury resorts in Ranthambore. Hotels starting price from 2500-3000 INR to 5000 INR approx. And luxury resorts price around 7000 to 10000 INR depend on season and Time. During diwali time the resorts price are at high. So if you are planning on Diwali time then plan to book early as possible. I stay at Vanya Mahal Resort and its beautiful resort to stay at ranthambore.
Ranthambore nearest tourist places :
Most people came ranthambore for Tiger Safari for 2 days but if you want to explore some nearest places at Ranthambore are Ganesh Temple, Ranthambore Fort, Trinetra Ganesh Temple and Kachida. At Ganesh Temple you can do some hiking at fort side . Also you can see Heritage fort of Ranthambore too. There are some local guides who want to guide to Ganesh Temple and charge high so please if you need guide then make sure about money what he takes first. Otherwise they are misbehaving with you and you have to pay money what he ask.
Location of Photos : Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, Zone 6 Evening Safari
How to Reach Ranthambore : Nearest Airport : Sanganer Airport is nearest Airport, Also you can go to Jaipur and from Jaipur you can go by road.
Nearesrt Railway station : Sawai Madhopur about 10 km distance
Camera Gear : Canon 6 D, Canon 80 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens
Read moreIt 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.
There 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
Thol bird sanctuary is located in Kadi Taluka in Mehsana District near sanand Gujarat. It is an artificial lake located near village Thol. In 1912 thol lake was built and it was declared as a Sanctuary in 1988. The main use of lake is use of water for irrigation. The Thol Bird Sanctuary or a Thol lake wildlife Sanctuary India is a habitat of more than 150 spices of birds. Also it is famous for migratory birds Flamingos and Sarus Crane which breeds here.
About Thol Lake / Thol Bird Sanctuary
Thol lake is located near Thol village and its area around 38000 acres. Lake faces all season winter , summer and monsoon. During winter temperature goes to 8 degree and in summer temperature goes to 43 degree. Thol lake is under control of Forest and Irrigation department of Gujarat. Thol lake water storage capacity is around 84 million cubic meters. Thol wildlife sanctuary is declared as Eco Sensitive Zone .
Flora and Fauna Thol Sanctuary :
Thol lake has many vegetation plants like Zizyphus, Acacia nilotica, Ficus, Capparis, Azadirachta indica etc. There are also some mix flora of Marshy and Aquatic plants reported in Thol Lake.
Thol lake is protected area and it is very good habitat for water birds. In thol bird sanctuary there are more than 150 spices of birds found . Among these more than 60 % of birds are water birds. Flamingo bird is most prominent bird of Thol Lake. Also Sarus Crane nest in large number here.
Famous Migratory Birds of Thol Lake
• Flamingos
• Sarus Crane
• Great White Pelican
• Mallards
• Bar Headed Geese , Grey Headed Geese
• Waterfowl
There are also some spices reported here like Dalmatian Pelican, Indian Skimmer, Greater Spotted Eagle, Indian Vulture and white rumped Vulture etc. In Mammals Bluebull, Blackbuck and Golden jackal reported here.
Thol Lake Timing and Fees :
Thol lake open everyday at 6 AM in morning and close at 5.30 PM in evening. Entry fees for Thol Lake or Thol sanctuary is 50 INR for per person. Also Camera fees extra at 200 INR and if you go via car then car fees also 500 INR. Foreigner fees are 10 $ per person.
Best Time to Visit Thol Sanctuary / Thol Lake :
Best time early morning for Thol Lake. In winter if you go before sunrise you can see Twilight sky amazing with lake shore and birds sound .During all season Thol lake has its own beauty. Every season you can visit at Thol Lake. But mostly during winter from November to March season is best for Thol Sanctuary visit. Because during winter lots of Migratory birds came here and stay for long time so for birding winter season is best at Thol Lake. Also during summer some of birds stays here like flamingos and pelicans, geese etc. So you can also see them in summer too. Also during summer water level of lake is low so may be the birds you can get in deep or sometimes closer. During monsoon most people don’t visit but if you like macro photography then you must visit Thol lake in monsoon. You can get some excellent macro subjects like waterdrops , Spiders, Insects etc.
What to do and What not to do in Thol Lake / Keep in mind while visiting sanctuary in India :
• Keep silence in sanctuary
• Maintain discipline
• Keep sanctuary clean
• Do not throw plastic waste anywhere in sanctuary
• Protect wildlife
• Observe birds, mammals etc and protect them and identify them
• Follow rules of wildlife protection act -1972
• Don’t disturb birds and animals
• Don’t enter in sanctuary with liquor and inflammable objects
• Don’t make loud noice.
• Enter in sanctuary with permit only and keep receipt till you leave sanctuary
• Don’t feed birds and animals
Where to Stay near Thol Lake :
Well near to Thol Lake there are not good places to stay at night but you can go near to destinations like Kadi, Kalol or Gandhinagar , Ahmedabad where you can get good places to stay at night. Nearest I suggest Kalol around 15-18 km or you can go Ahmedabad around 25 km.
Places to Visit near Thol Lake :
If you are staying at Ahmedabad then go for Ahmedabad Darshan , Pol area of Ahmedabad and Adalaj Ni Vav ( Heritage places ) etc. Also go for fast food test at night at Manek Chauk and SindhuBhavan road there are lots of option for food lovers like Urban Chauk, Freezbee etc.
If you stay at Gandhinagar then visit Mahatma Mandir at Gandhinagar, Sarita udyan , Akshardham Temple etc.
I would suggest Modhera Sun Temple if you had some more time which is around 100km from Ahmedabad. For bird lovers and bird photographer I would suggest visit Little ran of Kutch (LRK) during Winter season, Pariej Lake, Indroda park Gandhinagar, Jessore Sanctuary Banaskantha etc.
How to Reach Thol Sanctuary :
Nearest airport is Ahmedabad and from Ahmedabad thol lake distance is around 30-40 km
Also for Railway station is Ahmedabad because you can get all frequency and destinations from Ahmedabad railway station.
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