Demoiselle Crane is migratory bird in Gujarat. It is spices of Crane family. It is Winter visitor bird for India. In Gujarat it found in many places and sanctuaries. Demoiselle crane found in Gujarat in Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar bird Sanctuary, Velavadar National Park and also outskirts of these sanctuaries. When we are travelling to Nalsarovar sanctuary some local people tell us about Vadla village Wetland area and they told us about thousands of birds here. So we cancel nalsarovar and go their. And look what we found thousand of Demoiselle cranes are their. Very difficult to choose in your frame what to shoot. Also flying shots and group shots and solo shots of Demoiselle cranes we got.
Description of Demoiselle Crane :
- Demoiselle Crane birds similar to Sarus Crane only difference of color and its also a smallest crane too.
- Demoiselle crane bird is about 100 cm long and its weight approx 3 kg. It is small from Sarus crane.
- It has long black on fore-neck and white strip on neck side.
- It can live different environments.
- They migrate from Siberia to china.
- In India they spend winter for rest .
- It migrate over Himalayas from India. Demoiselle crane can fly over Himalayas in high altitude about 25000 Feet.
- They generally found in low water wetland area where they can fishing easily.
- Demoiselle crane's Gujarati name is Karkaro and also have another name in Hindi is Koonj in North India.
Flying Demoiselle Crane looks awesome in frame. Also black and white photo of bird in flight looks beautiful. A group of Demoiselle Crane migrate and stay in Nalsarovar , Thol, LRK in Gujarat. Birds in flight in black and white looks like abstract image of birds.
Crane is very shy bird and if you want to go close to them they run away faster than you. You must have patience to capture photos of Demoiselle Crane or Sarus Crane bird.
Location :: Near Vadla village
Near Nalsarovar lake,Nearest place Ahmedabad.
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For macro photography or abstract photography at your home you have to be creative. Me and my son done lots of things during lockdown and done lots of experiments too. Some experiments are for joy and some of science experiments. In science experiments you need to be careful in some experiments. I and my son use KMNO4 ( Potassium permanganate ) and H2O2 ( Hydrogen Peroxide ). This experiment is fun to see and do.
In a lock down I and my son and my wife had a great time together. Me and my son done lots of science experiments at home. We do slime, some water experiments,some fire experiments etc. Everyday we had done something new to challenge and experiments. My son is happy with experiments and i need some subjects for macro photography or abstract photography at home.
KMNO4 AND H2O2 HOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENT::
In lock down my son eagerly waiting for some experiments and I am waiting for photography. We do experiments together and after it i take a photos of it. So One day we do a good experiment of chemistry. In this experiment we take KMnO4 (potassium permanganate ) and H2O2 ( Hydrogen Peroxide ) and also some pure water. We mix KMnO4 with some water and dish soap . Looks that color of water going changed with Violet . Add just little of KMno4 like a half spoon in a glass of water. After it mixed with water add H2O2 in it. Remember one thing keep distance while adding H2O2 in mixture. when you add H2o2 you can see some Volcano type bubbles came out from glass. It was amazing too see. You can add some dish sope in water too to get more bubbles. So after this i am always ready to shoot. I like Macro photography so i do it when i see bubbles of violet color. I got some good images of bubbles. Black and white image make macro abstract subject. So guys you can also do it at your home for get some macro bubbles image . I will share with you some good macro photography ideas at home later on.
The above black and white image looks like spider web. This type of image make good Abstract image . You can put it into Abstarct Photography category too. Macro photography you can do at your home too. There are lots of things in your home which you can use and photograph of it in macro category.
Gear Used : For this macro photography i used Canon 80D with 100 mm macro lens ,external light, KMnO4,H2O2,Water and Dish sope.
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Plumbeous water Redstart is pesserine bird and also old in Flycatcher Family. Generally it founds in Asia and China. This spices also have two subspices Phoenicurus fuliginosus fuliginosus and Phoenicurus fuliginosus affinis. In India it found in verious places in Himalayan range. Generally it found near to river in search of food. It found on stones which are in river water. I found it during my trek to manali chandrakhani pass. Also during Har ki dun trek i found it.
Description and Habitat Plumbeous Water Redstart :
- Male Plumbeous Water Redstart are slate blue in color and females are grey.
- Total length of Plumbeous water redstart is 14-15 cm approx.
- Weight of Plumbeous water redstart is around 20-23 gms
- Male Plumbeous Water Redstart color in slate blue and tail is rusty red.
- Female Plumbeous Water Redstart are grey and white rump.
- Plumbeous water redstart found in India, China, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Taiwan etc. It covers all Asian country almost.
- Plumbeous Water Redstart feed small insects like mayflies.
- Plumbeous Water Redstart lives in between 2000 meter to 4000 meter height.
- Plumbeous Water Redstart is very protective in its habitat.
- Plumbeous Water Redstart flies above 20ft from river to catch flies.
- Plumbeous Water Redstart population remains stable within last 10 years.
Manali is very good place to visit during winter and also during summer. Both season weather is different. In winter you enjoy snowfall and in summer you can play with snow. I visited manali in good hotels during winter and also by trek in summer. Both time i enjoy lot. During manali trekking i found more than 30 spices of birds and also amazing himalayan landscapes. At that time i had not good enough camera but still i got good images of birds and landscapes.
Gear Used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 100-400mm lens
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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
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Spiders 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.
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Goa 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.
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The 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.
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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.
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Verditer 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
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Diwali 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 moreAccentor is a small bird of prunellidae family. In India it is generally found in East Sikkim area. It built its nest low in a bush. When i was on a trip to Singalila National Park. I found at sandakphu area. Sandakphu is high altitude place in Singalila National Park located in West Bengal. From here you can see Mt. Kanchenjunga very clear which is highest peak of West Bengal. Lots of Birds here. To visit Singalila Park November to February you can found lots of snow and good landscapes too with snow on Mt Kanchenjunga. Also if you are going for birding you can visit March to May/June Month is the best . It is very cold weather during winter November to February at Singalila National park.
About Alpine Accentor Bird :
- Alpine Accentor bird is robin size bird. Length of bird is around 15 -17 cm.
- Bird just like similar to house sparrow in color with brown back streaked.
- Adult Alpine Accentor have red brown spotting on underparts
- Also adult have grey head too.
- In Asia Accentor found at 2000 m above height. Specially at Himalayas.
- It build nest in bush.
- It laying 3-4 plain (not spotted) eggs of sky blue color.
Singalila National Park :
Singalila national park is located in West Bengal. There are lots of birds in this sanctuary. Also its good for trekking at Sandakphu. From here you can see Mt. Kanchenjunga easily and very closely. Also a beautiful Himalayan Mountain range with snow. Amazing weather very cold in winter and moderate in summer. Summer season is the best for birding at sandakphu.
Alpine Accentor bird Binominal Name is Prunella Collaris . Total 9 subspices are recognised of Alpine Accentor bird.
Gear used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 55-250 mm Lens.
Road To Heaven is named to the road from Khavda to Dholavira in Kutch Gujarat. The road is so wonderful and scenery so it known as Road to Heaven . Khavda to Dholavira distance is around 58km but from Khavda there is a single line narrow road passes through small villages around 15-20 km approx. The main road starts after it and it is around 30-35 km approx. strait to Dholavira. Road is under constriction but almost 70-80% work done. The road heading to the city of Harappan Civilization Dholavira which is one of the largest site of Harappan Civilization and Indus valley Civilization.
Kutch is a largest district of Gujarat and also of India. Main City or Headquarter of Kutch District is Bhuj. Kutch is famous for White Desert or White Rann. In Every winter season from December to February celebrate “ Rann Utsav “ to attract foreigners and also locals. Tent City made in white desert to stay and also cultural programs arranged in it. The main Rann Utsav held in Dhordo of Kutch.
After visit White desert people also visit Dholavira which is nearest destination from Dhordo and also Kalo Dungar in between. From Dhordo you will have to go Khavda first and then from Khavda to Dholavira which is connected through “ Road To Heaven “. Dholavira is located at Khadir Bet. Khadir bet is separated because after monsoon the water filled outer side of bet. So the Road To Heaven is the way to connect Khadir bet to main city Bhuj.
About Road To Heaven Dholavira / Road to Heaven in Kutch :
- · It connected from Khavda to Dholavira.
- · Road to heaven distance around 30-35 km.
- · After monsoon the rain water on the both side of the road. You can see beautiful Greater Flamingo birds in between. Water level is low but muddy.
- · After winter in January –February the water on both side of the road is evaporated and turn into salt. Not all water but some areas during the road.
- · Water on the both side of the road or Salt/ white layer on both side of the road make the beauty of the road and that’s why it name as “ Road To Heaven “
- · When you are on the road there is hardly some traffic you face the open road with both side water or salt at morning or evening make the scenery like a Heaven.
I must suggest to visit Road To Heaven in Kutch while you visit Kutch. Also Visit Dholavira which is one of the largest Harappan Civilization site.
Places to visit near Road To Heaven :
Dholavira, Kalo Dungar, Dhordo, White Desert
Places to Visit near Bhuj : White Desert , Kadiya dhro, Chhatardi, Mandvi beach, Vijay vilas palace, Bhujyo Dungar, Smriti Van, Vande matram memorial
Camera Used : Canon 80D, Canon 6D, DJI Mavic Air2
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
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.
Mt Kanchenjunga or Mt Kangchenjunga both spellings right and whatever you say located in west Bengal India. When i was on my Singalila National park trek i visit it. It was really gesture to see Mt Kanchenjunga from own eyes. A beautiful Mountain surrounded by snow and little bit clouds looks like you are in Heaven. The view i capture makes me very happy to see first time snow mountain in my life. When i was at my last location of my trek at Sandakphu we go for birding and v had a clear mountain view of Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga is also spelled Kangchenjunga. Height of Mt. Kanchenjunga/Kangchenjunga is 8586 m . The view of Mt Kanchenjunga from India is amazing as you can see in photos. This Mountain range in wide angle as shown above image looks like Sleeping Budda so this mountain range also known as Sleeping Buddha Mountain Range too.
The name Kanchenjunga is derived from sanskrit kanchana ganga . Kanchana means gold and ganga is the river which flows in the region. The river shines like gold and hence the name Kanchana Ganga was given to this mountain.
Things to know About Mt. Kanchenjunga/ Mt. Kangchenjunga :
- Kanchenjunga Mountain is about 28,169 ft height and located along the Nepal-India border in the Himalayas.
- It is the third highest mountain in the world.
- It contains 5 peaks and four of them above 27,700 ft of heights.
- Kanchenjunga is also name of surrounding section of Himalayas and means THE FIVE TREASURES OF SNOWS .
- Joe Brown and George Band was the first climber of Kanchenjunga mountain on 25 may 1955.
- Kanchenjunga mountain boundry shared by Nepal, India, China and Bhutan.
- Total 5 peaks of Kanchenjunga are Kanchenjunga Main ( 28169 ft ), Kanchenjunga West ( 27904 ft ), Kanchenjunga Central ( 27828 ft ), Kanchenjunga South ( 27867 ft ), Kangbachen ( 25928 ft ).
- Kanchenjunga Main is the highest elevation of Brahmaputra River.
- There are four climbing route for Kanchenjunga among them 3 are from Nepal and one from Sikkim India.
- It is also known as Sleeping Buddha Mountain range.
When i was on a tour to Singalila National Park we have a terrific view of Kanchenjunga mountains and also other Himalayan mountains. The best view of Kanchenjunga i saw from Sandakphu located at India-Nepal border. I also saw Mt. Everest from here. Everest is on a long distance but if weather is clear you can see it very clearly.
In above picture the mountain shows in left side ( Triangle 3 peaks ) of Mt Kanchenjunga is Kumbhakarna Mountain.
Sandakphu trek is one of the beautiful trek among India and also of Himalayas. During summer lots of trekkers go for these trek and also Phalut trek. At Sandakphu you can stay a night and just see at night the sky is full of stars. I was never seen such stars in my life. A milky way you can see and it was amazing experience of star gazing at Sandakphu. Also after dark a sunrise is beautiful as enough. At 4 or 4:30 am sunrise time and we were ready to see first light of sun rays on Himalayan mountains. The color of rays are red orange color looks beautiful on snow mountain of Kanchenjunga. Thats the beauty of Himalayas.
For climbing Mt. Kanchenjunga you can go from Nepal only because Indian Government has been closed Northeastern Sikkim route of Kanchenjunga since 2000. To See Mt. Kanchenjunga from India Sandakphu is the best place. You can go to Sandakphu via Trek or via Range Rover car hire at manebhanjan village. Nearest airport is Bagdogra or you can go to Kolkata and go for overnight train from Kolkata.
Gear used : Canon 1000 D body, Canon 18-55 mm lens, Canon 55-250 mm lens.