The Alluring Rainforests of Agumbe: Flora, Fauna and Adventure
Last week we were in the thriving, bio-diverse rainforests of Agumbe (in the Western Ghats of Southern India). My newly-minted 16 year-old was doing her summer internship with Kalinga foundation, at the Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology (KCRE).
These dense forests have a bustling population of reptiles and amphibians. That’s an adventure that will unfold in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, sharing a sneak-peak of our heart-thumping experiences from the rain drenched climes, of Agumbe.
The flora sparkled an emerald green, awash with rains. The colonies of frogs chanted together in a rhythmic symphony, as the crickets and cicadas broke out into a jarring, intermittent medley. At dawn and dusk, the Grey Hornbills crooned a medley, atop the giant tree canopies; camouflaged by the pregnant monsoon clouds.
Steam walk
The Areca fruits turn orange-yellow once ripe, and the seed/nut is used for consumption. Betle nut is a common chewing nut, popularly known as Supari, in India. It is extensively used by a decently large population of people, and also comes handy in religious ceremonies.
Peak Walk in Agumbe
The orchids of Agumbe are just beginning to bloom with the first flush of rains. Very soon they shall adorn the landscape in all their glorious splendour.
Night Walk by the Stream
#FactCheck: The Malabar pit viper, a beautiful venomous snake, is an ambush predator. Its hunting strategy is to patiently wait at one place for the prey to come to it, rather than actively chasing it down. They are mostly spotted in the rainy season and disappear into the tree tops, or canopies as the weather gets dry. They usually come in green and brown morphs.
Was lucky to spot both the morphs and found them beyond stunning.
Photo credits: The 16 year-old.
Into the Dense Rainforests
These tall trees literally kissed the skies. They have planked buttresses, that extends into layers (as you will see partially, in the first image and this one too). The thick roots, spread out widely above the ground.
They kept reminding and communicating to me in my interspecies communication lingo,
“Spread your roots far and wide, and while staying grounded. Reach for the skies”
*Rudraksha: Rudraksha is the dried seeds of the fruit of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree. The seeds are associated with the Hindu deity, Shiva and are commonly worn for well-being, protection and for chanting mantras.
Back to the Stream walk
#DidYouKnow: A group of all the fungi present in a particular region is known as mycobiota. We spotted multiple species of fungi in different hues, shapes and sizes.
I’m no expert, therefore couldn’t identify the names.
If you know what these are called, do shed some light.
Areca Plantation Walk
So long!
It’s a wrap-up for today, till I drop a two-part post of our adventures and learnings from rainforests of Agumbe. This one unboxes and showcases a whole new horizon of learning, especially on reptiles, amphibians and rain forest ecology.
Have you ever visited a rainforest?
If yes, what do you find fascinating about them?
What do forests in general do to your being?
Would you like to tell me, which image/moment did you like the best here in this post from the rainforests of Agumbe?
Waiting to hear from you.
Till then, adios, amigos!
Live, laugh and love.
Natasha
Feature image: A handsome Golden Backed frog (Indosylvirana aurantiaca) Credits: The 16 year-old.
Such a relevant song.
23 thoughts on “The Alluring Rainforests of Agumbe: Flora, Fauna and Adventure”
Wow, Natasha! What lovely photos and what a place! I am so looking forward to your next post.
No clue why I can’t see your comment on my post, but I see it in the dashboard, dear Poonam. I’ve missed you and it’s been forever. So lovely to have you swing by. I’ll be over to yours soon.
Hello again dear Poonam,
The next post is live too. Now I realised this comment was on the sneak peak post. lol! My bad. 🙂
So glad to see you. <3
So, so gorgeous! Nature is such a stunning force, and I never tire of being surrounded by the endless green, the smell of fresh air, and the constant orchestra of the forest creatures. Those orchids and fungi are such vivid colors! And wow, the shot of the pit viper is incredible!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story and taking us all along on the journey! Can only imagine how fascinating the sightings would have been. Love the imagery, the pictures and this song is favourite, too! Keep exploring and writing. Love always!
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I’ve never visited a rainforest. I’ve never experienced a monsoon. But you took me into a rainforest today, and I fell in instant love with that foxtail orchid. I also marveled at the yellow fungi. But I would draw the line at venomous snakes (and probably biting insects, too). Of course, our northeastern United States forests have their dangers, too. Our ticks that carry Lyme Disease are bad enough, and I am allergic to the antibiotics used if you get the disease. We have rattlesnakes. Perhaps the dangers we know are just more familiar than the dangers we don’t know, and I shouldn’t flinch at the chance to experience a rainforest firsthand. P.S. The 16 year old takes excellent photos.
Fabulous nature photos and descriptions, Natasha! The foxtail orchid is beautiful. Love the colour! And your song selection is a perfect accompaniment.
you words are so descriptive, you almost need not include pictures. but you did and your images are amazing. i have been to many rainforests in specialty garden and they are quite beautiful!! i enjoyed looking up here, into the tops of the trees. that was perhaps my favorite image but you told a wonderful story with both your pictures and your sentiment!!
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We have never been in the Rainforest, Natasha, but after seen the snake, better we stay at home 😀 Great pictures, all of them. Those sunshine fungies look like little umbrellas, we haven’t seen them effurr before. What a great time you must have had, it looks all so special. We have a Rainforest CD, now we can picture them clearly 😀 Double Pawkisses for a Happy Week ahead, dear furriend 🙂 ♥
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Sounds like you had a great time and a great adventure. The musics fits perfectly.
Your photos are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderfulday.
Interesting landscape! I don’t think I have much desire to go into a rainforest. The steam walk alone makes me say no. lol Then…that viper certainly is a definite no way Jose from me! I hate snakes even little green ones that are harmless for the most part. When I think of going into the woods, I like the thoughts of visiting the higher elevations of the mountains for those lovely, cooler moments in the warm months. It’s a real nice escape to the city heat. If money was no object, I’d have a cabin built in such a place. Perhaps somewhere near the Smoky’s or even in the western North Carolina mountains would be perfect places! Continue to enjoy your summer, Natasha and have a boogietastic week!
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Lovely post and images. I would love to visit a jungle rainforest.
I have been to the rainforest of the Pacific Northwest.
Congrats to your 16yr old. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.
A beautiful place teaming with life. Beautiful shots.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous day and weekend, Sweet Natasha. Love and hugs. ♥
Beautiful post. I love the pit viper. It is gorgeous and looks deadly.
Natasha, this is an enchanting glimpse into the rainforests of Agumbe!
Loved the stunning photos, especially the Malabar Pit Viper in ambush mode.
Your 16-year-old has a great eye for photography – kudos to her for the amazing shots.
Thank you for sharing this delightful slice of Agumbe with us, dearest friend.
Hugs and blessings
Wonderful! I’d love to visit a rainforest one day. I had no idea Betle nuts started out looking like that. Not only have I enjoyed your pictures but I’ve learned a thing or two as well!
Keith’s Ramblings recently posted…My six!
Absolutely wonderful what you show us here, what you tell us, dear Natasha!
The viper in the picture is very beautiful!
Love and light! Big hug! xoxo
What lovely photos Natasha looks like you had a lovely time thanks for sharing
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Your photos are absolutely amazing and what a fun adventure you had!
Absolutely stunning. My closest encounter with thick forests has been in the hills of Himachal or Uttarakhand. But the rainforests of Agumbe sound so fascinating.
Sonia Dogra recently posted…An Ode to Kitabghar
What an outstanding introduction to the fabulous rainforests of Agumbe!
Your narrative helped make this virtual visit memorable and has us anticipating the next chapter.
You asked to pick a favorite image/moment. Impossible.
All the best to you and your intrepid young photographer.
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