Wildflowers of the Rainforest

The rainforests of the Western Ghats have a rich biodiversity. But the wildflowers are few, probably because of the darkness of the forest.
This is my contribution to Our World Tuesday.

Orchids

 Orchids are no ordinary flowers.

Ornate and beautiful, they are an ornament to any garden.

 They can be observed one by one, or

 in a bunch.

 Our own Orchid Society had organized an orchid show last weekend.

My thanks to OurWorld Tuesday and ABCWednesday. The latter was started by Mrs.Nesbitt and organized by Roger.

Our World Tuesday - Billbergia

 Billbergia rosia is a bromeliad which gives spectacular inflorescence.

The bracts are a bright pink, and the flowers are pearl grey with jade green protrusions.
This is my contribution to Our World Tuesday, which brings joy to viewers all over the world.

Haldipur beach

The sunset at the Haldipur beach was fantastic. The beach has lovely golden sands and very few people visit it. A peaceful place.
This is my entry to Skywatch Friday.

Our World Tuesday-Yana

 We walked two kilometres on a trail in the dense forests of the Western Ghats (India) to come to Yana. The huge black crystalline limestone rocks look like something from outer space. Theydwarf the tall trees of the jungle around. There are large beehives of the vicious Apis indica in the crevices of the rocks. Signs are posted warning visitors not to use the flash in their cameras, so as not to annoy the bees!

 The smaller of the two rocks is supposed to be feminine. It is called Mohini.

 We came across this waterfall while trekking in the jungle trail.

 We had smeared a mosqito epellent cream on our legs to keep the leeches at bay. It really worked!

 The jungle trail ......

My thanks to the team of Our World Tuesday who do a great job week after week, so that we  see what is happening in different parts of the world.

The Sea and the Sky

 Last weekend was a great one for me - trekking up forest trails,getting bitten by leeches , lazing in the beautiful beach , and having a fun time altogether. The sea and the sky look the same colour.

My thanks to the hosts of Skywatch Friday.

Light!

 The sunset on the Arabian Sea is a magical thing, especially if you are watching itfrom the wooded hills of the Western Ghats. It seemed to me that the sun was at two places at the same time, until I realized that the play of light on the waves of the sea was creating an illusion of the setting sun.(Please click on the photo to enlarge it)

 My thanks to the hardworking team of OurWorld Tuesday, and

Thanks to the lovely Mrs.Nesbitt and the team of ABCWednesday.