"Twenty-five thousand rupees, sir," the voice on the phone announced. "Actually, twenty-five thousand nine hundred, but I’ve given you a discount." The bill was for my Baleno, my trusty maroon hatchback, now seven years old. Just last month, I took it on a longish drive. It climbed the steep hairpin bends of the Dhimmam ghats... Continue Reading →
The Asian Koel is the kind of bird that wins the popular vote from a non-discerning public, like the homecoming King and Queen whom everybody cheers for on stage but nobody likes once they get off the stage. Asian Koels are brood parasites. They swoop down into unsuspecting host birds' nests, lay an egg among... Continue Reading →
I became aware of the existence of Indian Grey Hornbills (Ocyceros birostris) very recently. Until a few years back, whenever I thought of Hornbills, I thought of the Malabar Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis). These more recognizable cousins of the Indian Grey Hornbills are strikingly loud in plumage and vocalization. They have majestic casques and characteristically... Continue Reading →
Last year, we went on a vacation to Coorg. It was one of my most memorable trips. We stayed in Siddapur, in the middle of coffee country, undisturbed and very tastefully done. Every morning, I would wake up very early to soak in the peace and quiet of the surrounding jungles. The whole scenery was... Continue Reading →
We live in a post-Myna world. It took me a long time to realize it, and now I cannot unsee it. An incident occurred early yesterday morning, a telling sign of how much Mynas have imprinted themselves into our urban scenery. I was sitting in my study, casting about in my mind for a bird... Continue Reading →
The Jacaranda tree around the corner of the next block fizzed furiously with grape soda petals exploding in a million tiny floral bubbles. It is my favorite tree, and when it decides to bloom, I cannot walk past it without a stupid grin on my face. One day, it is an unobtrusive tree, a lone... Continue Reading →
Rose-ringed parakeets do not know how to make a subtle entrance. On evenings, when the dusty Bangalore sky finally ruptures and oozes cadmium red, shrill squawks rend the air. Crimson-nosed emerald torpedoes on wings scud into view, banking and weaving through trees and buildings at ridiculous speeds and with disdainful dexterity. As they come closer,... Continue Reading →
The Asian Green Bee-eater was perched on the tip of a low-hanging branch of the drumstick tree outside my house. It had warmed itself up sufficiently from the overnight chill and looked to be out to hunt. With quick sallies from the perch and purposeful, acrobatic twists and turns, it returns back to its roost... Continue Reading →
White-cheeked barbets make me truly happy. But first, let us get the visuals right. White-cheeked barbets have a bright green back. Their beaks are thick, sharp, and long, almost like the kingfisher family. Their beaks are orange mixed with pink. A brown head and a brownish chest complete the ensemble. You can spot the white... Continue Reading →
Travelling with Fabulosity
Author
This is about my trips and adventures.
Tales of humour, whimsy and courgettes
Games, Illustrations and Short Stories
The Reluctant Book Worm 
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