Welcome to Mount Abu, the Oasis of Rajasthan. The city of Mount Abu has something in it for everyone. Come share our Abode of the Gods through my pictures, videos and tourist information. An insightful Mount Abu travel guide that will cover the best places to visit in Mount Abu, popular tourist attractions, things to do, how to reach, and the best places to stay in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.Ideal place for your summer retreat. It offers trekking, rock climbing and camping. Rajasthan Gem in Tourism
New Year’s Eve in Mount Abu. "The Abode of the Gods" is one of the best places in Rajasthan to be for the New Year Celebrations.
Never one to miss its Winter Festival held every year. Abu prepares with loads of events for the locals and for our esteem tourists who make it up the hill. New year's last celebrations are held at Polo ground. For those who are not taking part in the Winter Festival, hotels, and other hotspots offer package deals to tourists to celebrate. The fireworks at the stroke of midnight are the beckoning call where the old year is booted out and we welcome the New Year. I from the abode wish all a brighter and stress-free year 2017.
"After a census exercise, this year, it was estimated that there are approximately 350 sloth bears in Mt Abu. These solitary shaggy, dusty and dishevelled creatures normally wander alone, usually at night, in search of insects and wild fruit. I have encountered them many a time especially on the Delwara circuit and in front of the air force station. I have snapped them in the Kumharwada area in front of the St. Anna Church. I have photographs of them at my previous residence at Kumarwada.
Sloth bears feed predominantly on termites and ants and employ a well-evolved method to dig them out. Their long, curved claws are used to penetrate nest mounds, which can be unyielding. Once they’ve opened a hole, they blow away excess dirt and then noisily suck out the insects through a gap in their front teeth. To do so, they close their nostrils and use their lips like a vacuum nozzle. The sound they emit gives them away. I have seen them scale the trees in the vicinity of the BSNL office to get the beehives. Once they find the hive, they are least concerned about who’s coming and who’s going.
Today regrettably the sloth bear like most of our other creatures has been reduced to a second-class creature that has to depend on handouts offered by humans who have robbed them of their natural environment. Sloth bears are reviewed as vulnerable animals. Poachers think they're an easy target; their body parts fetch good prices. Claws, paws, teeth and gall bladder fetch a nice price on the poacher's market.
A female bear was trapped last week in Abu by some known offenders that have been poaching for years not only basic wildlife like the jungle wildfowl, spurfowl, hares, wild boar and of course the honey bear. The samba and porcupine have been hunted to such an extent that their population has dwindled to an alarming level of RED.
But who gives a dam? People rave and rant and always want to protect the environment! Well! Let me elaborate. It's useless NO one gives a damn!
(Caution some pictures are gruesome)
The Female bear victim of Poachers
Body parts removed and left to rot
B
Today a bear attacked a BrahmaKumari by Gyan Sarovar, in the early parts of the morning outside the complex on his morning walk. He was admitted to Global Hospital for treatment. He received surgery for about 5 hours because of his mauled condition. There has been a hue and cry by the public at large but what a contradiction in terms, a fortnight ago a female bear was trapped and killed by local poachers for her body parts, her paws, her claws, her teeth, her hair and other body parts were removed for aphrodisiacs and for charms to be sold to the traffic who indulge in the illegal trade of animal parts. There was just an investigation and two local poachers have been apprehended.
Ghanshyam of Gyan Sarovar Art Gallery
The operation performed at Global Hospital
Today I have confirmed that illegal trapping is still a very big factor in this Abode of ours look at the traps that have been retrieved for Tiger Path on Christmas day, which is the tip of the iceberg. These traps were laid for. it’s obvious the few animals that roam here are the leopard, the bear or any other unfortunate animal that happens to be passing this route. Poaching is rampant in quite a few spots in Abu. Professional poachers poach rabbits and the porcupine exercises the area below Gurushiker and right up to Vastanji. The sunrise valley, the area around Upper Khodra and the Aarna area should be scanned for traps as in these areas the jungle fowl and spurfowl are the primary targets.
Mount Abu Pristine streams are now Cesspools APPALLING
Every morning opposite my Abode, a White-throated Kingfisher wakes me up from my sound sleep with his shrill whistle chi-keeeee, the rattling calls are there to tell me it's come looking for its breakfast. It knows it must hunt in the silent and slightly cleared stream. It knows it must have a morsel or two of either a crab or some surviving fish before the rising sun or else look for food on the land to survive.
Water hyacinth has overrun the stream further down, and the tiny streamlet now choking with chemical affluence taking its toll on the teeming miniature living creatures will very soon be a cesspool where even misquotes would find it difficult to breed.
The weeds spreading over the surface of the stream, remind me of us human beings, they are as prolific, mobile, diverse and not fussy about where they live, adapt quickly and are a pain in the ass to do away with.
It pains one to see all our natural beauty and resources are not at the mercy of our corrupt bureaucrats, politicians blah, blah, but for us common denizens, who have lost our responsibility and reasoning to this modern way of living pursuing pleasure and entertainment away from wonderful nature. We LOOK but we do not SEE.
I’m posting some snaps of the fate of the fish in our stinking stream.
The weed spreads its tentacles
My morning alarm clock, the Kingfisher is at the stream at dawn,
Mount Abu's Battle Against the Green Enemy: Immediate Action Required to Save Precious Waterways.
Mount Abu, the tranquil abode of gods, is under attack by a relentless invasion of water hyacinth, which threatens the very essence of its immaculate streams. As this green scourge spreads its tentacles across once-renowned water bodies, local authorities must act quickly to avert permanent harm to the ecology.
Water hyacinth, an apparently harmless plant, has established a foothold in Mount Abu's freshwater ecosystems, posing a serious danger to the outlying areas, particularly up to the beloved Sunrise Valley. If left uncontrolled, the persistent proliferation of this plant might spell death for all Abu streams, undermining the entire purpose of the embankments and tiny dams built for rainfall gathering.
Consequences for the Environment: The influence of water hyacinth goes beyond its beauty, with potentially devastating environmental implications. The unhindered growth of this invasive plant might result in a significant increase in water transpiration, hastening the drying of streams. The hyacinth blanket over the water prevents sunlight from penetrating, lowering water quality and leading to environmental dangers as rotting portions collect.
Biodiversity loss: Once brimming with life, the once-vibrant streams now wear a smothering blanket of green. Water hyacinth is a direct danger to biodiversity because it suffocates native aquatic plant species, and forces bird species to seek alternate habitats. Silverfish and other aquatic species face an unclear future, while the approaching calamity threatens forest regions, putting wild animals depending on these crucial water supplies in danger.
A Call to Action: As the water hyacinth spreads unabated, the Lower Khodra Dam Abu, the major drinking water supply, is on the verge of a disaster that might endure for years. Urgent action by local authorities is required to halt the spread of this green threat and maintain the natural equilibrium that has distinguished Mount Abu for decades.
Mount Abu's battle against water hyacinth is a rallying cry for all participants. The moment has come to act, as the very core of this precious dwelling is under attack. Let us band together to conserve the precious streams, ensuring that Mount Abu remains a symbol of tranquillity, free of the invading green tendrils that threaten its natural beauty.
I will miss the many varieties of birds that I have clicked on these streams. Here are a few pictures over the years that I have clicked in this area.
Water Birds shot over the years at this stream
From top to bottom: White Throated Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant,
Little Black Cormorant, Little Grebe, Crested Serpent Eagle
Common Kingfisher, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Kingfisher
Mount Abu prides itself on being a nervous eco-friendly environment and a sanctuary. It has over the years enhanced the tourist facilities, and today tourists favouring it as one of the most favoured destinations in Rajasthan. The environment of this place has worsened due to commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, and encroachment on the hillsides. In the past, our streams were beautiful with clear water and fish, crabs, frogs, and snakes. I remember gathering rosary beads along the stream flowing past Pilgrim Road. Today all that is history with modern buildings, schools and farmhouses occupying the open places that once were the paradise of the birds and beasts. The Abu that had a magnetic pull on us while we studied here has lost a lot of its charm. It has eroded this Abode that held me captive with its primitive charm and beauty just like our lovely streams. Abu over the last decade or so has been the victim of thoughtless and poorly planned development and decisions. The mammoth project for re-filtering the stream water flowing down to Abu Road has been suspended for over a year and the crores spent on this project now seems a certainty that this white elephant will be another failed project to poor planning on part of the administration. Due to a lack of space for septic tanks, hostels and large institutions use underground pipes that lead to the streams of Abu for wastewater management. The streams near Delwara, Gyan Sarovar, and NeelKant Temple roads are polluted by cesspools that release untreated waste. The stream in front of my house is one of the worst affected by untreated effluents and chemicals. The stench in the evening is turning bad to untreated effluents that are released in Kumarwada has a drastic effect on areas close to the stream. If our local Municipal Board has an interest in the well-being of Mount Abu, it should immediately take action to rectify this problem. Failing to protect our ecosystem and clean water resources will have disastrous consequences soon. This will impact our eco-friendly environment. I’m posting a few photographs to illustrate how the stream has been affected by sewage and what is happening to the aquatic life, which also has a drastic effect on the bird and animal life dependent on the waters of these streams.
Foam forming from chemicals and effluents
Fish gasping for air
It's a matter of time
Will they be here tomorrow?
Need to be transported to a cleaner environment for survival
They have put huge Bins along the roadside for garbage disposal
Last night, like I do most evenings this time of year, I checked the Insat-3D Satellite Images to see if there would be torrential or regular rainfall over the night and the next day. I also consult the weather.com for forecasts. Until I look at satellite images to see if there will be rain during the night and the next day. The amount of water increased by the hour. Then, at about 6:30, the torrential rain subsided, and by seven o’clock, it had stopped. The creek in front of the home had turned into a semi-raging torrent, ready to consume anything that crossed its path
Weather reports are okay, but as climate changes, their dependability in the face of Mother Nature diminishes. I just glanced at the inset image, and it appears like we might get sunlight tomorrow. I went for a walk to look at the night sky, and for the first time in many days, I saw stars. We’re hoping for a restful night. I’d like to wish everyone a wonderful night by providing a few photographs taken with my phone. Goodnight.
I was supposed to publish this morning, but there were no lights for much of the day, and the internet was acting up on this end.
By the way, because Paddy Bridge was overflowing, the day pupils of St. Mary’s enjoyed a holiday. I recall how we yearned for our sunny vacation during our time together. That was back in the day.
Leopard of Bhadurpura Rescued (Foot hills of Mount Abu)
On the night of July 9, 2016, a female leopard prowling near Panchayat Bhadurpura had an unexpected mishap. While exploring the area, the leopard fell into an open well, startled by something nearby.
Rama Grasiathe, upon returning to his house, noticed pug marks outside his premises. Curious and concerned, he checked the nearby well and spotted the trapped leopard. Without delay, he informed the village folks, who gathered to view the animal. He alerted the local police, who arrived at the scene. They informed the forest official KG Srivastava about the incident.
Srivastava acted, notifying the wildlife rescue team in Udaipur. He instructed his men to maintain a night vigil at the well, ensuring the leopard’s safety until the rescue team arrived.
The following morning, the rescue team used nets to haul the leopard to the surface. After rescuing her, the team tranquillized the female leopard and transported her by placing her in a cage. They sent the cage to Mount Abu to ensure the animal’s well-being.
We expect to release the leopard tonight near Gaumukh. I am relieved and happy that the team has rescued this leopard, especially given the declining leopard population in Mount Abu.
Here are some snaps of the leopard, received via WhatsApp from Charles Guide of Mount Abu. Thank you, Charles, for your concern for Abu’s wildlife.
Brilliant Performance Board Results Class X and Class XII St. Mary’s High School.
Well done!
Boys, you nailed it! You chap have lived up to the expectations of our Alma Mater. Class XII, the first-ever batch of girls and studs have shown a brilliant performance. You have made the school proud of your results. Congratulations on your excellent results.
And a big hooray! “For the class X “ Well done, boys! I’m confident the students will appreciate the holiday that will be declared on behalf of your wiz- performance.
Congratulations go out to the Staff Teachers, and brothers who have made it possible with their dedication and determination to see that St. Mary’s High School remains at the top.
Hey guys, do you recall our triumphant call!
Soda lemon, soda lemon ginger berry pop St. Mary’s High School is always on the Top! Three Cheers Boys!
Will post the overall results as and when they become available till then Adios. As stated, I'm posting the results in kind favour of Principal Ms Mary Joseph.
Tragic Loss of Two Bear Cubs in Enclosed Well Near Ambika Palace Hotel
In a heartbreaking incident last night, two bear cubs drowned after falling into a well near Ambika Palace Hotel. While foraging on a mulberry tree that hung over the enclosed well, the curious cubs lost their balance and fell into the deep water below.
The haunting question makes this tragedy even more sorrowful: Where was the mother bear? It’s hard to imagine her distress, watching her cubs struggle for their lives, yet unable to intervene. Perhaps out of desperation, she chose not to leap into the well, but it’s a mystery that leaves a lingering ache.
The well, positioned away from the main road, likely muffled the cubs’ cries for help. Even if they made a commotion, their voices were unheard throughout the night. When locals came to draw water from the well in the early morning, they discovered their lifeless bodies.
The forest department received immediate notification, and their personnel arrived to retrieve the bodies of the two cubs. There have been reports of the mother bear being sighted in the area, searching for her lost young. While this loss is tragic, we advise residents to be cautious, as the grieving mother bear, who is likely on edge, may become aggressive.
This devastating event serves as a sombre reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife and human settlement, and the unforeseen dangers animals face in such an environment. Let’s hope this incident prompts action to protect the safety of both animals and people in these overlapping areas.
The Cubs were just a month and a half old.
A male and female cub.
(cub photographs per kind favour Kishore Singh Forest department)
Embracing the Beauty of an Early Spring in Abu - A Renewal Paradise
Spring arrives in most areas of the world in March, bringing new vitality to nature and symbolising a new beginning. However, if you are fortunate enough to find yourself at the lovely Abode of the Gods this year, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. I've noticed that spring has come early to this beautiful place, giving us a delightful sneak peek.
Just yesterday, I felt a warmth in this wonderful house that hinted at the impending approach of spring. I couldn't help but notice the small hints of spring when I stepped outside. The graceful Daman, a rat snake, appeared as an excellent sign in local legend. A mongoose hid nearby, watching the Daman as it moved into the warmth of the sun. As fresh shoots sprang, it painted the landscape with bright colours of green, a monument to nature's tenacity. A profusion of blossoming trees about to explode in a blaze of colour accompanied these comforting views. It felt as if the air itself was pulsating with anticipation of the approach of spring.
It overjoyed the occupants of the Abode of the Gods as the recent temperature increase leaves little doubt—spring is in the air. They slated it for the official celebration of this wonderful season on March 20th, which is a Sunday. By 10 a.m., local Abuites would have gathered to celebrate this momentous event with tremendous zeal and fervour, creating a spectacle you won't want to miss.
St. Mary's High School, an institution profoundly knit into the fabric of our town, chose to deviate from tradition in 2016 by opening its doors on February 14th. It has become a treasured ancient spring festival for the students, particularly the boarders and staff, a time of regeneration and togetherness.
A springtime visit to Abu is an opportunity not to be missed by those looking to renew their spirits and revitalise their beings. The location remains peaceful and enjoyable, unaffected by the overwhelming tourist crowds often found at popular attractions. Accommodations in nearby hotels are widely available, so you can fully immerse yourself in the calm serenity of this magnificent region.
Abu welcomes you with open arms this early spring, inviting you to experience the season of regeneration, indulge in its captivating natural beauty, and engage in the local festivals that define the Abode of the Gods. It's a piece of heaven on Earth, and it's waiting for you to discover and enjoy its own appeal. So, gather your belongings and let the spirit of spring take you to this wonderful spot!
To visit Bera in such a short interval of time was for me an absorbing and delightful break from my monotonous life of sitting in my garden reading and photographing the occasional birds that pop up in this outlying area of the Abode of the Gods. My grandson’s keen desire to see the leopards in the wild was all that I needed to visit the Leopard Man of India.
I immediately planned a flash trip to Bera, as Keith had to report to the Boarding on The 14th Feb 2016. I recall visiting Bera on Valentine's Day in the year 2012. Here I had the good fortune to click Zara, the mother of Zia, whose photographs I posted below. My 2012 Trip http://footloosenfancyfree.blogspot.in/2012/02/incredible-bera.html
Haunt of the leopard Zia and cubs Bera
Zia on the Lookout
Restless
The leopardess call to her cubs
Watching
The leopardess on the move
Click to view this feline beauty
24/7 on the lookout for the safety of her cubs
On the move
Stretching
Watching the photographers down below
Patiently waiting for her cubs
On the move
Moving with caution
Cub
If keen to see the leopards before their disappearance get in touch
