Monsoon Rain Picture - 2013 ( Kerala )

Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.The rainforest areas of the state have humid tropical wet climate while the extreme eastern fringes experience a drier tropical wet and dry climate .Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm.    Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds . North East Monsoon in Kerala Also known as Thulaavarsham  hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains are in the months of October and November. 

Rain Video - Kerala

Bakarwal ( Bakharwal ) - Jammu and Kashmir

 Bakarwal ( Bakharwal ) - Photographed in Patnitop , Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir

Bakarwal ( Bakharwal ) is a nomadic tribe based in the Pir Panjal and Himalayan mountains of South Asia. They are mainly goatherds and shepherds. Bakarwals are spread throughout the northern part of the Himalayan Range. Bakarwals lead a lonely and tough life in the high-altitude meadows of the Himalayas and the Pir-Panjal. Every year, they take their sheep high into the mountains, above the tree-line to graze in the lush meadows. It may take them as many as sixty days to reach these meadows. During the summer, they move from one meadow to the other. They are accompanied by their dogs.

Captive elephants - Kerala

Elephants in Kerala are often referred to as the "sons of the sahya". As the State Animal, the elephant is featured on the emblem of the Government of Kerala state, taken from the Royal Arms of both Travancore and Cochin. Along with a large population of wild elephants, Kerala has more than seven hundred elephants in captivity. Most of them are owned by temples and individuals. They are used for religious ceremonies in and around the temples, and a few elephants work at timber yards. Most of the Hindu temples in Kerala own elephants, the majority of which are donated by devotees. The famous Guruvayur temple has more than 60 captive elephants. The world's only Elephant Palace is constructed in Punnattur Kotta, 3 km from the Guruvayur temple, to house the temple's elephants. A famous elephant, named Guruvayur Kesavan, belonged to this temple.

Saffron field - Kashmir

Saffron ( world's most costly spices by weight )  is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Saffron crocus grows to 20–30 cm  and bears up to four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas, which are the distal end of a carpel. Saffron is graded via laboratory measurement of crocin (colour), picrocrocin (taste), and safranal (fragrance) content .

Jawahar Tunnel ( Banihal Tunnel ) - Jammu and Kashmir

Jawahar Tunnel or Banihal Tunnel has been operational since 22 December 1956. The length of tunnel is 2.85 km (1.77 mi), its elevation is 2,194 m (7,198 ft) and it has one lane road in either direction. It is situated between Banihal and Qazigund on NH 1A . The tunnel facilitates round-the-year road connectivity from Srinagar to Jammu. After renovations, the tunnel now has a two-way ventilation system, pollution & temperature sensors, lighting system and with emergency phones for any assistance from Border Roads Organization. 

It is guarded by military round the clock, photography or videography inside or nearby the tunnel is strictly prohibited. Once the vehicle enters the tunnel, it has to maintain the same speed throughout the tunnel. CCTVs are installed in the tunnel for continuous monitoring.

Baglihar Dam ( Jammu and Kashmir )

Baglihar Dam also known as Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, is a run-of-the-river power project on the Chenab River in the southern Doda district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This project was conceived in 1992, approved in 1996 and construction began in 1999. The first phase of the Baglihar Dam was completed in 2004. With the second phase completed on 10 October 2008, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India dedicated the 900-MW Baglihar hydroelectric power project to the nation.

Annona squamosa - Kerala

Annona squamosa is a small, well-branched tree or shrub from the family Annonaceae that bears edible fruits called sugar-apples . 

Banihal-Qazigund rail ( Kashmir )

The Kashmir Railway in India is being built to connect the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. Officially termed the Jammu- Udhampur- Srinagar -Baramulla Railway Link, the railway line starts from Jammu and will travel for 345 km (214 mi) to Baramulla on the northwestern edge of the Kashmir Valley.

Cheera / Amaranth / Red spinach flower - Kerala

Spinach is an edible flowering plant in the family of Amaranthaceae. 

Wheatstraw Celosia

Hibiscus - Kerala

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family . Many species are grown for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs, and are used to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds .

Kids at Gulmarg , Kashmir

Gulmarg  is a town, a hill station, a popular popular tourist destination in Baramula district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg is located 52 km from Srinagar.

Village view from Gulmarg , Kashmir

Gulmarg  is a town, a hill station, a popular popular tourist destination in Baramula district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg is located 52 km from Srinagar.

Sky view from Pahalgam , Kashmir

Pahalgam is a town and a Municipal committee in Anantnag district in India's northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination, and every year, many tourists visit Pahalgam.This world famous hill station is 45 km. from the District Head Quarter at Anantnagand located on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level.

Chaliyar river in spate - August 2013

Chaliyar river in spate - August 2013 @ Areekode , Malappuram , Kerala

Video - Chaliyar River in spate -2-  August 2013 , view from Areekode

      
   

Video - Chaliyar Flood , 2-August 2013 , view from Areekode

Chaliyar is the fourth longest river in Kerala (169 km).  Nilambur,Edavanna, Areekode, Kizhuparamba, Cheruvadi, Mavoor, Peruvayal, Feroke and Beypore are some of the towns / Panchayaths  situated along the banks of Chaliyar. The river has two names -  Chaliyar and Beypore River. The river meets the Arabian Sea at the southern part of which is known as Chaliyam and northern part as Beypore. Thus the river gets the names Chaliyar and Beypore River.  The Chaliyar originates in the Western

Ghats range at Elambalari Hills located near Cherambadi town in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu and flows through Malappuram District for most of its length and then for around 17 km it forms the boundary between Malappuram District and Kozhikode District before entering the city of Kozhikode for its final 10 km journey and finally empties into the Arabian Sea. Some of the Chaliyar's tributaries originate from Wayanad District .Near the origin of river are the Meenmutty Falls at coordinates. Chaliyar is one of the rivers which doesn't get dried up in the drought season.Many other rivers in Kerala get dried up during march and April.

# Chaliyar Floods # Chaliyar Flood # Therattammal # Areekode

Chaliyar river in spate - August 2013

Chaliyar River in spate ( view from Areekode bridge) :

Chaliyar is the fourth longest river in Kerala (169 km).  Nilambur,Edavanna, Areekode, Kizhuparamba, Cheruvadi, Mavoor, Peruvayal, Feroke and Beypore are some of the towns / Panchayaths  situated along the banks of Chaliyar. The river has two names -  Chaliyar and Beypore River. The river meets the Arabian Sea at the southern part of which is known as Chaliyam and northern part as Beypore. Thus the river gets the names Chaliyar and Beypore River.  The Chaliyar originates in the Western

Ghats range at Elambalari Hills located near Cherambadi town in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu and flows through Malappuram District for most of its length and then for around 17 km it forms the boundary between Malappuram District and Kozhikode District before entering the city of Kozhikode for its final 10 km journey and finally empties into the Arabian Sea. Some of the Chaliyar's tributaries originate from Wayanad District .Near the origin of river are the Meenmutty Falls at coordinates. Chaliyar is one of the rivers which doesn't get dried up in the drought season.Many other rivers in Kerala get dried up during march and April.

Rainy season @ Kerala -2013

Monsoon Rain - view from Pookolathur , malappuram , Kerala

Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.The rainforest areas of the state have humid tropical wet climate while the extreme eastern fringes experience a drier tropical wet and dry climate .Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm.    Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds . North East Monsoon in Kerala Also known as Thulaavarsham  hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains are in the months of October and November.     

Rainy season @ Kerala -2013

A scene from Parakkad , Pathanapuram , Areekode , Malappuram , Kerala

Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.The rainforest areas of the state have humid tropical wet climate while the extreme eastern fringes experience a drier tropical wet and dry climate .Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm.    Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds . North East Monsoon in Kerala Also known as Thulaavarsham  hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains are in the months of October and November.     

Kerala Flood Picture 2013 - Taken From Therattammal, Areekode

Rainy season @ Kerala -2013

Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.The rainforest areas of the state have humid tropical wet climate while the extreme eastern fringes experience a drier tropical wet and dry climate .Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm.    Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds . North East Monsoon in Kerala Also known as Thulaavarsham  hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains are in the months of October and November.     

Monsoon Rain - 2013 ( Kerala )

                                                     a view from malappuram town , Kerala , India

Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.The rainforest areas of the state have humid tropical wet climate while the extreme eastern fringes experience a drier tropical wet and dry climate .Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm.    Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds . North East Monsoon in Kerala Also known as Thulaavarsham  hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains are in the months of October and November.   

Monsoon Rain Picture - 2013 ( Kerala )

A view from Pookolathur , Malappuram , Kerala , India

Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.The rainforest areas of the state have humid tropical wet climate while the extreme eastern fringes experience a drier tropical wet and dry climate .Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm.    Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds . North East Monsoon in Kerala Also known as Thulaavarsham  hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains are in the months of October and November. 

Monsoon Rain Picture - 2013 ( Kerala )

Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.The rainforest areas of the state have humid tropical wet climate while the extreme eastern fringes experience a drier tropical wet and dry climate .Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm.    Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds . North East Monsoon in Kerala Also known as Thulaavarsham  hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains are in the months of October and November. 

Cat Meets Scorpion - Kerala

Scorpions are predatory arthropod animals of the order Scorpiones within the class Arachnida. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by the pair of grasping claws and the narrow, segmented tail, often carried in a characteristic forward curve over the back, ending with a venomous stinger.

Scorpions are found widely distributed over all continents, except Antarctica, in a variety of terrestrial habitats except the high latitude tundra. The taxonomy has undergone changes and is likely to change further, as a number of genetic studies are bringing forth new information.

Scorpion venom has a fearsome reputation, but only about 25 out of almost 2000 species are known to have venom capable of killing a human being.

Dragonfly - Kerala

                                                           Odonata Picture - Kerala  ( Location: Vaalillapuzha , Areekode , Kerala , India )

Fauna in Kerala

 India has some of the world's most biodiverse regions. The political boundaries of India encompass a wide range of ecozones—desert, high mountains, highlands, tropical and temperate forests, swamplands, plains, grasslands, areas surrounding rivers, as well as island archipelago. It hosts three biodiversity hotspots: the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas, and the hilly ranges that straddle the India-Myanmar border. These hotspots have numerous endemic species.

Kerala consists of wet evergreen rainforests at lower elevations and highland deciduous and semi-evergreen forests in the east, is subject to a humid tropical climate. however, significant variations in terrain and elevation have resulted in a land whose biodiversity registers as among the world’s most significant. Most of Kerala's significantly biodiverse tracts of wilderness lie in the evergreen forests of its easternmost districts. Kerala contains 9,400 km² of natural forests. Out of the approximately 7,500 km² of non-plantation forest cover, there are wild regions of tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests , tropical moist and dry deciduous forests ,  and montane subtropical and temperate (shola) forests . Such forests together cover 24% of Kerala's landmass. 

Ixora ( West Indian Jasmine ) - Kerala

Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. It consists of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs and holds around 500 species.  It is commonly known as West Indian Jasmine. Other common names include: rangan, kheme,ponna, chann tanea, techi, pan, santan, jarum-jarum, Jungle flame, Jungle geranium, and many more. The plants possess leathery leaves, ranging from 3 to 6 inches in length, and produce large clusters of tiny flowers in the summer. It is also a popular choice for hedges in parts of South East Asia, like in Thailand. In tropical climates they flower year round.

Red ixora flowers are commonly used in Indian folk medicine.

White-throated Kingfisher ( Kerala , India )

                                                                   Location: Valillapuzha , Areekode , Malappuram , Kerala

The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) also known as the White-breasted Kingfisher or Smyrna Kingfisher, is a tree kingfisher. This is a large kingfisher, 28 cm in length. The adult has a bright blue back, wings and tail. Its head, shoulders, flanks and lower belly are chestnut, and the throat and breast are white. The large bill and legs are bright red. The flight of the White-throated Kingfisher is rapid and direct, the short rounded wings whirring. This species mainly hunts large crustaceans, insects, earthworms, rodents, snakes, fish and frogs. The White-throated Kingfisher begins breeding at the onset of the Monsoons. 

Wild Flower - Kerala

A wildflower is a flower that grows wild, meaning it was not intentionally seeded or planted.The term "wildflower" has been made vague by commercial seedsmen who are interested in selling more flowers or seeds more expensively than when labeled with only its name and/or origin.

Kerala's climate is very suitable for growing flowering plant. There are many type of flowers found in Kerala. Some flowers grown in home gardens and some are grown only on forest areas.

many flowers are common and some are very rare. Almost all type of flowers in south India are found in Kerala. 

Moon As Seen Through Coconut Leaves - Kerala

EXIF DATA

Camera Model: NIKON D3100

Exposure Time: 1/200 sec.

ISO Speed Rating: 1600

Metering Mode: Pattern

Exposure Program: Manual

Focal Length: 90.0 mm

Kerala is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956.The state has an area of 38,863 km² (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the south and southeast, and the Arabian Sea on the west. The city of Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital. The city of Kochi and Kozhikode are other major cities.

Kerala (Keralam) the land of kera (coconut) is also known as God's own country. Beautiful beaches, kettuvallams over enchanting backwaters… monsoon showers, misty mountains of the Western Ghats, fairs and festivals.....

Kerala lies along the coastline, to the extreme south west of the Indian peninsula, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the mountains of the Western Ghats on the east. The Western Ghats, bordering the eastern boundary of the State, form an almost continuous mountain wall, except near Palakkad where there is a natural mountain pass known as the Palakkad Gap.

There are 44 rivers in the state, of which 41 originate from the Western Ghats and flow towards west into the Arabian sea. Only three tributaries of the river Cauvery ( Kabani, Bhavani, Paampar ) originate in Kerala and flow east into the neighbouring States.

In the Midland Plains of central region, the hills are not very steep and the valleys are wide. The valleys have been developed as paddy fields and the elevated lands are converted into estates of rubber, fruit trees and other cash crops . Tea and coffee estates have cropped up in the high ranges.

The Coastal Belt strip is comparatively plain. Extensive paddy fields, thick groves of coconut trees and beautiful backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers. Alappuzha an old sea port town of this region is known as the 'Venice of the East'. 

Mysore- Coorg road (Karnataka)

Kodagu:  Kodagu ( Kudak ) also known as Coorg, is an administrative district in Karnataka, India.  It occupies  in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka.Madikeri (English: Mercara) is theheadquarters of the Kodagu. The district is bordered by Dakshina Kannada district to the northwest, Hassan district to the north, Mysore district to the east, Kannur district of Kerala to the southwest, and the Wayanad district of Kerala to the south. Coorg is famous for its enchanting landscape and its natural bounty. Madikeri is known as the Scotland of India. It is located 260 km from Bangalore , 120 km from Mysore , 110 km from Kannur , 108 km from Thalasseri , 180 km from Kozhikode and 100 km from Wayanadu.

Places to see in Coorg ( Kudak ) and around

Raja Seat: Raja Seat Located at Madeikeri. This spot was a favourite place of recreation for the Rajas and hence was permanently associated with them. the Kodagu Kings spent their evenings in this place. It is built on a high level ground with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west.

Dubare: Dubare is located near Madikeri in the Kodagu District of Karnataka , India. The rafting in river Kaveri is  major attraction in Dubare.  Dubare is known for its elephant camp, and is a forest camp on the banks of the river Kaveri in the district of Kodagu, Karnataka. . There are opportunities for trekking, elephant rides,and fishing. these activities are hosted by Jungle Lodges and resorts. The Forest Department also conducts some treks along well-defined routes.

Madikeri Fort: This fort was first built by Mudduraja in the last quarter of the 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. In the north-east corner at the entrance are two life size masonry elephants and a church is present in the south-east corner. There is a famous Lord Ganesha temple  just at the main entrance of the fort.

Omkareshwara Temple: Located at Madeikeri .Omkareshwara temple was built by king Lingarajendra in 1820. The temple has both Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture, built around a central pool.

Nagarahole National Park : Nagarhole National Park also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located 94 kilometers (58 mi) from Mysore in Karnataka . It is spread between Kodagu district and Mysore district. Located to the north-west of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls. The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Iruppu Falls : The Irupu Falls ( Iruppu Falls) are located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, bordering the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is a fresh water cascade and is situated at a distance of 48 km from Virajpet on the highway to Nagarhole. The Falls are also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, derived from the name of the tributary of Cauvery which starts from these falls.

Abbey Falls: Abbey Falls is in Kodagu, in the Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is located 8 km from Madikeri. During the monsoon season the water flow is very high. During the dry seasons the flow is considerably diminished.

Talacauvery ( Thalakaveri ) : Talacauvery is the birthplace of the river Cauvery and is located at a distance of 44 km from Madikeri.  It is located in the Brahmagiri hill  near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka.

Bhagamandala:  Bhagamandala is a pilgrimage place in Kodagu, Karnataka, in India. It is situated on the river Kaveri in its upstream stretches.The temples in this area are built in Kerala style which is also similar to the temples in Nepal. Bhagamandala is located about 33 km from the district headquarters Madikeri and is connected by paved roads from Madikeri, Virajpet and nearby places in Kerala. Government and private buses are available on all of these routes.

Tibetan Monastery : Tibetan Monastery in Bylakuppe is the Tibetitan Refugee resettlement, location of "Lugsum Samdupling" (established in 1961) and "Dickyi Larsoe" (established in 1969), in the west of Mysore district. The nearest town is Kushalnagar in Kodagu in the State of Karnataka.  This Tibetan settlement at Bailkoppa or Baylkuppe is the the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. There are over 10,000 monks and students at the Tibetan monastery. Golden Temple is the main tourist attraction in Bylakuppe. Stepping inside the temple feels like walking into another world. Three beautiful golden Buddha statues each of 40 Feet namely Padmasambhava, Buddha and Amitayus look down at visitors above the altar. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are imposing and unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans.

Nisargadhama: Kaveri Nisargadhama is an island formed by river Kaveri and is used as a picnic spot near Kushalnagar in the district of Kodagu in Karnataka. It is approximately 3 km  from Kushalanagara, off the State Highway and 30 km from Madikeri and 95 km from Mysore. The island is accessible through a hanging rope bridge.

Chiklihole dam: Chiklihole reservoir in Coorg is located in between Madikeri and Kushalnagar and is around 15 kms from Kushalnagar.

Harangi Dam: Harangi Reservoir is located near Hudgur village, in Kodagu district  of Karnataka.The reservoir is formed by a masonry dam built across Harangi River, a tributary of Kaveri River. The dam is located about 9 km away from Kushalnagar town.