My World

This settlement in the middle of the forest in Coorg is famous for training elephants. In the days of the Maharajas, wild elephants were caught in an operation called Khedda, and trained by tame elephants. These days, the elephants bred in the camp are trained. Elephants are a part of Indian culture. They go in stately procession on special occasions. Some temples maintain a fleet of elephants, which are decorated during festivals. The forest department uses them to carry logs and to do other heavy work in the forests.

The habitat of wild elephants is dwindling at an alarming rate now. There are reports of herds of elephants going on a rampage in the villages bordering the forest every year.

Although the elephant is greatly loved in India, its population is decreasing.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Every Tuesday, 'My World' is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia. You can see pictures from all over the world at http://showyourworld.blogspot.com

Today's Flowers - Blooming Coffee

I am just back from a weekend trip to Coorg, the home of coffee. As we were driving along, the scent of the coffee flowers wafted across , wherever we went. The fresly opened flowers of coffee have a mild, pleasing scent , somewhat like jasmine.

Coorg is a hilly place, full of coffee plantations and spice gardens. It is unbelievably beautiful, with its balmy climate and gentle people.

Wherever the flowers had turned brown, the scent was different, slightly fruity.

This is my contribution to Today's Flowers.

Weekend Reflections

Early morning in a village.
More pictures can be viewed at James' http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com

Blooming Friday- Big and Small

The big flower of the bromeliad and the smaller white flower of Alocasia macrorhiza variegata. My thanks to Katarina of Roses and Stuff for hosting this fun meme.

Skywatch Friday- Beehive in the sky

I had not noticed the beehive on the roadside Copperpod tree just outside my gate until my neighbour drew my attention to it yesterday . The tree with its thick canopy and its formidable height gives the perfect place for the wild Apis indica bees to build their hive. Nectar supply is also assured for the bees in the neighbourhood gardens and the flowering trees planted on the roadsides.

Although I am very happy to see the beehive so close to my home, the neighbours are anxious. The sting of these large wild bees is very painful.

I hope the villagers will not destroy the beehive when I am away at work.

I thank the team of Skywatch Friday. For more pictures of the skies from all over the world see

http://skyley.blogspot.com

Butterfly Time!

Butterflies of all hues and sizes are visiting my garden now. The Common Sergeant is a frequent visitor.

The Glassy Tiger likes the flowers of the Plumbago.

I don'y know the name of this glamourous visitor. She favours my vegetable patch.

This Skipper has tawny wings with gold markings which are visible when it flies.

The other butterflies flit too fast for me to take shots of them.

My World- the Museum

Among the many ancient artefacts housed in the Museum, I like the Saluting Cannon the best. It was used in the time of the British rule, on formal occasions. The brass makes a good contrast against the red walls of the museum.

The gardens of the museum have been destroyed in the 'Road-widening' fever that is gripping the city.

The small museum is a beautiful structure.

My World Tuesday is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia. You can have a virtual trip around the world at http://showyourworld.blogspot.com