A trip to Pichavaram

If you heading south of Chennai, on East Coast Road, and if you are not stopping at Mahaballipuram, then you are definitely bound for the land of ‘Brew’ and ‘Bread’ – Pondicherry or Puducherry, as its now called. A third reason could be the ‘Beach’ but I did not find it to be that alluring because it was more rock than sand. I am sure that there are hidden beaches in and around Pondicherry, which are pristine and un-crowded. But other than the three ‘B’s, what really caught our attention was the presence of a mangrove forest nearby and the second largest mangrove forest in the world at that. The place is called Pichavaram and is situated 60 km south of Pondicherry on the Bay of Bengal coast. For the uninitiated, a mangrove is a swamp like formation on the coastline consisting of plants and vegetations which are tolerant to saline water conditions. Mangroves shelter fish, birds, crustaceans and other marine life. Mangroves are also important because they form a buffer that defends coastlines from flooding, erosions and tsunamis. India has both the largest – Sundarbans and the second largest (Pichavaram) Mangrove forests in the world.

According to us the best time to visit, any place in and around Chennai, is between November and February. All other months are really hot and humid. And though Pichavaram is a so called forest, it’s on a beach and without much shade or cover from an unforgiving sun. The ideal time in the day to visit Pichavaram would be 9 am, when the place opens for tourists, and wrap it up before 12 noon. Make sure you carry caps, shades and water bottles. We started from Pondy around 7:15 am and reached Pichavaram by 9 am. Ideally one should start a little earlier, say 6:30 am, and then one can do a few stops on route. The drive is scenic in patches and traffic less early in the morning.

 

 

 

The ECR is good to drive, other than the road within the Cuddalore town limits. It’s a horrible patch and if you are driving your own car you definitely need to give it a good pampering after the trip is over.

Food is a challenge as there are no good restaurants on the way. We packed our breakfast from Pondy and had it on-route and had planned to come back to Pondy for lunch. But if one is able to pack a light lunch as well then you could spend more time in Pichavaram. There is a restaurant of the tourism dept at Pichavaram but we did not visit it and hence cannot give a review per se.

 

The ticket booking office is a non-discreet building, with the ticket counter like any old single screen movie theatre. There is ample parking space if one is travelling by car or taxi. To venture into the sea one has two options – row boat or motor boat. The row boat is a better option as compared to the motor boat as a row boat can easily negotiate the insides of the mangrove forest and there is no danger of the blades getting tangled in the undergrowth. We were two people on a single row boat but our oarsman, Mr Sarvanan, told that the row boat can take up to 10 people and more the people it’s better for him to balance the boat and navigate. The row boats can be hired on an hourly basis with the minimum charge being approx Rs. 200 for two hours. Then there are four and six hourly charges.

Sarvanan, our oarsman, started rowing the boat and showed us the route we would be taking in the next two hours and it seemed like we were in for a boat ride in a lake. We didn’t drive this long, early in the morning, for just a boat ride. Bhujji started conversing with Sarvanan in his native tongue and told him that we wanted to go deep into the forest and see the place where a scene for the movie – Dasavatharam was shot. Sarvanan got all excited and started talking about places deep within the forest where there is very little sunlight, places where the branches tangle around you like snakes, place where there is a beach within all this and more. He said he could cover all this within the two hours that we had, at a price of Rs. 400 more. And this is what people usually do, buy a normal ticket and then negotiate with the oarsman for a better ride.

After the deal was set, Sarvanan changed course and started rowing with a purpose. Within no time we were in a new world, it was surreal and exciting at the same time. We had so far been to places where the plantations or woodlands were really tall, like trees, or were shrubs, like in gardens.  Or like a sugar cane plantation were the plants would be just a foot or two above you and have really dense growth on the ground level, where little light would penetrate. This was something like the later.

 

 

 

 

But what made it much more bizarre was that we were rowing through it and there was three to four feet of water beneath us. The water was murky and had no visibility. Had the water been clear it would have added to the surrealism. For now we just had to concentrate on the world above the waters. Bhujji was right in mentioning that it looked just out a scene from the movie - Anaconda.

 

Often at places we had to bend our heads, when we were passing through the undergrowth, to save ourselves from getting hit by a root, or was it a stem? We followed a small stream for some time, with vegetation all around and over us, and then it would open up into a small clearing of sorts, where the water was deeper, and the foliage was a little spread across.

 

 

 

Then Sarvanan would choose another maze and row us inside of it. Baffled we asked him if he knew the route and he told us that there are over hundreds of such labyrinths in the whole stretch of the mangrove and it took him more than two months to memorize all of them.

 

 

 

 

Often in between we saw other boats and fishermen going about their daily chores.

 

We were hoping to see a lot of birds, as it was early in the day and it was also the migratory season in south India, but got a little disappointed at that front. We only captured a lone Kingfisher.
 

 

 

 

Sarvanan mentioned that there are options to catch mud crabs and go fishing within the mangroves. I am sure there might be arrangements made, similar to the ones seen in National Geographic, to catch and cook, for if we are ready to spend the right moolah. Again if negotiated properly, one can carry a little brew and proper lunch and have a hearty meal on the boat with family and friends, within the mangroves. But I don’t want to give ideas here to the Indian tourist lot, who are unruly in general and disorderly at best.  But for those who appreciate nature and the wonders around, plan this trip well and experience something which is not your usual boating in the lake or a visit to the beach, for sure.

 

So for next time, we are thinking to get Bhai along for little fishing, which he completely loves to do, and crab fishing as well. Maybe an extended trip into the still unknown and definitely the beach within the mangroves. Then there is Mahabalipuram too, which was looked over in this trip, to be visited.

  
Until then, there is Bhujji getting ready with a post on all the gastronomic outing we had in Pondy. Not sure if I can wish you Bon Apetite!

                       
P.S: Our Oarsman, Mr Sarvanan’s, number is 09626616204. Keep your Tamils skills handy for a meaningful dialogue.

Animals are beautiful people - Candy

I was not brought up in a pet friendly family or a better way to put it would be to say ours was a pet agnostic family. My folks were not animal haters though any idea of bringing home a pet would be met with negative responses like, “if the dog bites you then you will get fourteen injections in your stomach” or “the cat would steal the milk and fish in the house”. And with no pet owners in and around our colony there were no positive reinforcements either. So with the breadwinners not opening up to the idea we were always in want of a pet through our childhood years. The closest we ever came to owning a pet was to catch some minnows from a pond or a stream and putting them in Horlicks or Bournvita bottles.

Compare that to Bhujji’s childhood and one would wonder if she was growing up in a zoo. Her father – Pappiachayan, was a true animal lover and kept a wide range of pets. If a sulphur crested cockatoo was not exotic enough, he had a piranha and miniature blue frogs for company and the list was endless. All these happened to be in a two bedroom flat, with wife and kids for equal measure. Pappiachayan would spend hours cleaning, feeding and petting these animals, often getting rebuked by Kochu that he spends more time with the pets than the kids. Bhujji’s favorite was the guinea pig and a daschund called Rachael.

We have had always liked the idea of having a pet after we got married. We did a few trips to pet shops in the city but did only window shopping so far. But because of us not being in the same city was not letting us materialize the idea. Then suddenly one Saturday afternoon we found ourselves in Shivaji Nagar and we just gave into the temptation and brought home a kitten. Or to tell you the truth it was her eyes, her blue eyes which took our heart away. We have named her Candy, with the hope that there would be another pet on the way later and we would name it Sugar and thus we could keep calling out Sugar Candy.

Though I think it’s difficult for us to ascertain whether it’s a queen or tom, as its just maybe a month old, but I am sure it’s a girl because – it doesn’t eat anything and looks size zero, keeps meowing all the time and seeks attention and the best thing she like to be done to her is to keep caressing her all day. Also I have had a few scratches already. I am sure Bhujji might be sharpening her claws reading these lines but again she should be elated that the family has a female majority now.

Though my initially fears about leaving her alone all day still remains, I am hoping that she would device ways to keep herself occupied once she’s older. She doesn’t do much of cat stuff now, like scratching the sofa, running behind insects, sleeping all day but with a little initiation I think the instinct will kick in. I hope she would turn out to be a very well mannered cat and not something my parents feared for. By the way, my folks are visiting us for Easter in the coming weekend. Fingers crossed.

Animals are beautiful people- Meerkats

The cutest resident of Mysore zoo. Of all the zoos we have been to, Mysore turned out to be the best in terms of maintenance, cleanliness and health of animals. We also discovered a couple of animals we had never encountered before or maybe had only seen in animation movies. For those of you who have not seen a Meerkat before remember Timon and Pumbaa from Lion King ? They look even cuter than their animated self in real.

Animals are beautiful people

Animals are beautiful people and beautiful are the people who take care of them

Given a choice between helping old age people, entertaining children or being with animals, I think I would go with the last. There were lots of other options in the CTW 2011 (Community Team Work), organized by my company, but I had made my choice last year itself, that next time it will definitely be something to do with animals. And Wola! I got a seat to go to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC) this year.

The WRRC, a Sister concern of CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action) in collaboration with the State Wildlife Department of Karnataka has constructed the Bannerghatta Rehabilitation Centre (BRC) for the rescue of small wild mammals, birds and reptiles from the Bangalore city. Located at the northernmost tip of the famous Bannerghatta National Park, the seven acre facility houses and treats displaced injured and orphaned urban wildlife. The BRC has modest but adequate housing for veterinarians and other staff, a small clinic and surgery room, post-operative care enclosures, and outdoor accommodation for birds, primates and reptiles.

Despite it being a week day, we didn’t face the dreaded Bangalore traffic and reached the center at around 9am. Our activity for the day was to white wash the staff and clinic rooms and also the kitchen and surgery theatre. After a quick round of introductions over tea, we got the introductory tour of the centre. From here on I will let the pictures speak for themselves and more.


We were a contingent of 13 people, from different departments, with a few people already involved with some sort of animal rescue or rehabilitation. I could sense a reason for happiness in everyone from being there or maybe if the reason was because of a day away from work, I am not debating.


Our tools of the trade was already set right before we arrived and took charge. Buckets of paints and brushes and specially for us - the Corporate types - masks, latex gloves and aprons.

We got to the business without any delay and even though most of us has never got our hands dirty this way, the enthusiasm made us move from wall to wall and from room to room. There was nothing special for me there to do, dip spread and then dip spread. All the while my mind was somewhere else- with the animals.

The largest number of animals or birds that get rescued is the Kite. Bangalore city has a large population of these birds and they seem to be found everywhere. Coincidentally we have a few that come to roost in our apartment building in the night and they make a weird noise similar but not same as the pigeons.

The animals are provided a healthy dose of fruits, vegetables and beef to the lucky ones - the kites. These plantains looked very inviting but I asked the animal in me to behave.

Despite the centre having a few acres of land, so can save a lot by not buying fruits, they detest from planting fruit tress because the elephants come calling after.

I think the most exotic of the animals in there is the Barn owl. People might say otherwise but for me period. I like owls because we share a lot in common - lonely, reclusive, brooder, procrastinator etc. I am sure they are great thinkers and planners. Magnificent creatures.

Found this hanging in the surgery room. I was just hoping that this guy left that room to fly many few feet up in the sky and not a few feet below the ground.

we also met the vet who was kind enough to let us disturb her with our questions when she was bandaging a pigeon or nursing a Kite. She displayed this special warmth towards animals which usually comes from a mother towards her child.

He was the old hand at the centre, the wise one , who had seen many a kites and crows take to the sky and many a snakes pass by.

And as luck would have it, there came a small van filled with rescued animals from the city. Let me take the roll call - one monkey, a green barbet, two crows and many a kites.

Majority of the kites had injured their wings and come to the centre in a flightless condition. The vet then examines them for superficial injures, fractures etc. and provides them with first aid. In other cases of serious injuries shes operates on them or applies casts.

A jab of glucose does good to birds as well.

Iwas the one who you saw flying high; Now you look , standing close by.

I was the one who rode the mighty air; the same wind now only tickles my feather.

I am at this place and getting fine; until my talons grip and my wings shine.

So this then I suppose is - Goodbye; See you soon from the sky!

Once the Kites get healed and shows signs of flight they are moved to a big cage. On that day there were around 25-30 kites recuperating from there injuries. Once the kites recover fully, say about after a month of observation, they are released into the wild. To our surprise, we found out that day there were four kites to be released.

I can only guess who was more joyed. I was over joyed!!!!

Animals are beautiful people

We went to a seminary today to get our car blessed. After the official business, Fr Jojy took us around their huge place. Tucked in the corner there was a rabbit hutch and look at what we found. There were lots of adult rabbits and as many small and cute cotton balls.

We are now debating on whether we should bring one home or be happy with visiting them once in a while.

I miss you Becky

When I decided to name our first dog ' Rebecca' all our animal hater friends asked me why was I naming a dog after such an elegant name. I remember saying its the title of my favourite book ' Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. I saw this book lying around my bed for few days and decided it was time it was shelved especially after my hubby declaring it uninteresting to him. I mused for a while at its cover page and my love for the name. I often joked with my friends that had I not named 'becky' I would definitely name my daughter 'Rebecca'.

I assumed Becky would live forever. I assumed she could take care of herself being the oldest of our three dogs back home. But, she proved me wrong and left us all today morning. It surprises me that I cry for her. I always loved our dog 'Rachel' and my partiality was candid even among my family members. Becky ceased to exist to me since Rachu arrived. I often felt like a step mom to Becky even as I fed her, bathe her I felt guilty of loving Rachu more.

But I loved Becky for her responsible and mature nature and cool temperament which Rachu never acquired and never would. I could write on and on about my dogs and though I stay away from home I feel close to them than I have to many human relations.

It could sound crazy writing an euology for a dog but sometimes animals teach you to reflect on human emotions. Beck suffered from sores for more than 6 years and there are times you felt she would scratch to her death. There are times my mom wanted to kill Becky because she could not stand her suffer. But in all those moments when we spoke to Becky in her eyes I saw love for us. Despite the fact we caged her , despite the fact we seldom touched her because of her sores, she wagged her tail with all her vigour. She loved her baths and suffered patiently through her illness.

She is our second loss following our dad and her absence shall always hurt. Like every death of a known one does to me I for once wish if I could talk to Becky and touch her once again and I believe her death has taught me to make most of everything, every relationship today for once you shut your eyes tonight you never know if you wake again to mend the fences or greet the world.

Thanks for awakening my soul .

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”- Anatole France

Animals are beautiful people

I have never had the opportunity to watch a chameleon this close and this guy seemed so friendly that he did not show his true colours or run away. Found him at Dakshichitra. Maybe the art and ambience has made him a relaxed soul. But then we humans aren't so after the harrasment by few kids who threw bottles at the chameleon, he resorted to climbing a tree for his meditation. I wonder what animals think of us humans.

Animals are beautiful people

Recently, we were in for a pleasent surprise when we visited the 'Guindy National Park', next door to IIT. Surprised, because we never expected that there was such a beautiful place just next door, full of animals and the care takers there were really very warm and accomodating in letting the visitors come close to the animls.

Here we share with you our winged friends.

Animals are beautiful people

Here we welcome our first animal friend in the family - 'Pappy'. He gets his name from daddy dear- Pappachayan Augustine. We are still confused if its a he or she and if it's a Common Musk or Yellow Bellied turtle.

Till now he has not responded to our call to sit, stand, roll or walk. In the water or outside, he just sits comfortably inside his shell, with eyes shut. We are planning to introduce some ice-breakers very soon. Will keep you posted here on the progress.

Animals are beautiful people

Moni aunty's convent is our jungle in Bangalore. We often visit her to watch her garden and animals. This time we were delighted to see the piglets- 3 months old. They were 7 initially but 3 died due to some illness. The spotty was a new sight to us it's like a dalmatian pig. The little fellas were hungry all the time . WHO was superexcited and even lifted one foregoing the filth around. Animals indeed are beautiful people :)

Animals are beautiful people

Bangalore has been a bird watcher's paradise for me, except for the fact that the bird I watch around is the mighty Eagle. We have eagles next to our apartment who rest in our balconies often. We sleep soundly familiar to their cries and late night discussions. This pic is from a tree next to clay station. I was always fascinated by the eagles soaring high near BTM and HSR layout and it was a wonderful surprise to watch one on the tree next to clay station. So here's an eagle in the animal pics section.

Animals are beautiful people

We had been seeing a lot of his land cousin for years now and so when we saw this little guy sticking to our room door in Kamshet, we knew instantly that this was a tree frog, only seen on Discovery and Animal Planet so far. His long fingers and slender body helps climb trees. Though we have seen a few tree snakes and now we know why the snakes make it to the trees. He stuck to this pose until we had a heartul of pics.

Animals are beautiful people

A white black buck spotted at IIT Madras. Black buck is an endangered species and there are around 20 of them in IIT. Mostly brown in colour with leaf like imprinted ears and curved antlers galloping gracefully evading passerbys and photographers, Black bucks are the pride of IIT's wild life. I have been trying to capture this rare one for the past 2 years. This one must be a product of some catastrpohic mutation like the white crow .WHO managed to get a few good shots recently for me. So here is the white black buck. How metaphoric!!!!

Animals are beautiful people

I have been trying to write this post for so long that if I would have waited any longer I would have become as old as I was young when I first saw this thing. To say the least, it’s a cocoon. And I was really surprised at the detailing that went into creating this little thing. It was usually found clinging to shrubs, made of dried stems of the same shrub, I guess, and glued together with a high tensile gossamer like substance. I used to like the dexterity with which the thing was made: neat piles of dried small stems, of equal length, held together in a cylindrical fashion, with space for life inside. The cocoon was not stationary but kept moving from branch to branch. I used to wonder if this thing was made on the ground, using the dried branches fallen on the ground, and then carried upwards or was it made on the shrub itself, but then it would be difficult to pluck dried branches and glue them in mid air. Whatever be the method, the execution was perfect.

More often in the struggle to prize this thing open I used to squash the insect or caterpillar inside. Many of these were sacrificed at the altar of my curiosity though I was never able to see the whole life cycle of the insect: how it got there, how it made this cocoon and who flew out of it eventually.

So when I found it again at Moni’s convent recently I was filled with joy, similar to finding a childhood toy in the attic. I went through the whole exercise of opening it but found nothing inside. So this lucky one took wings before it could meet me or its end. I took a few pics to share it here. So if any of you have any idea of what this thing is then please let me know.