Kalinga-Mane

My brother was gifted a DSLR about half a decade ago. Like many others, he is now an avid self-trained lens-man. Shooting wildlife has become an enthusiastic hobby and everybody tagging along on photography escapades has become customary.

One such escapade was to Agumbe rain forest in Southern Karnataka, home to the ruler of this region, the King Cobra.

Lens-man and his playground

Deep in the heart of the jungle is the Kalinga Center for Rainforest Ecology, a facility dedicated to scientific conservation of the Wetsern Ghats. Named after the Kannada word for "Cobra", the center welcomes people from diverse backgrounds to learn about the ecosystem & understand the essence of existing harmoniously amid nature. Not to be confused with an adventure getaway, workshops & camps are taken seriously here and taught only to those who want to practice their beliefs of 'LIVING GREEN'.

Into the jungle...Lens-man's picture

Mushrooms mushrooming..

Started in 2012 by conservationist & multiple hat-wearer P. Gowri Shankar, the base is managed by unassuming caecilian-expert Mr. Prashanth; a native trekker & veritable knowledge base. These 2 make a formidable team on reptiles and insects that populate the region.

Activities to do here : Read, observe, trek, eat, photography, night trail, eat, card games, star gaze, observe, eat, sleep, repeat. It is quite simple, really.

Lens-man's picture of some random people...and the majestic expanse of green

We were introduced to several critters, creepies and crawlers during our stay. Some of them did make eye contact but the rest carried on, with an attitude that made it clear how less they cared about saying 'Hi'.... It's funny, I wouldn't be half as unbothered to spot a lizard tottering away on my turf!

The vine snake loves to strike poses...Lens-man's picture

Waiting for the right moment I guess..Lens-man's capture

This is a haven not only for a thriving ecosystem of flora & fauna, but also to those humans that need to isolate themselves from civilisation for the greater good - 'Roughing it' is not just a word here, it is the only way to live.

I can now attest to the glorious experience of falling asleep in the lap of nature, under the naked sky, away from the constant hum of technology. Mankind was made to live in the wild; my guess is as good as anyone's as to why we have built concrete walls & digital barriers between us and the natural environment...

LOOOOOOOONG exposure by Lens-man

More details here : https://www.kalingacre.com