Mount Abu freezes at -2

                    Greeting from the Abode

Most of last week the night temperature hovered round zero, yesterday it went to -1 and this morning it hit -2. If anyone heading this way carry your woolies. 

Temp this morning

Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar. Gujart.[ 26/11/2015 ]

Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbuck_National_Park,_Velavadar

A Day at Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar: A Hidden Gem

On November 9, 2015, Eddie and I embarked on an exciting journey to the Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar, a serene wildlife haven near Bhavnagar. Joining us was Ajay, a fellow novice wildlife photographer eager to explore the beauty of this lesser-known sanctuary.  The Journey We left Chandkheda at 8 a.m., fueled by anticipation and armed with our cameras. Taking the Sardar Patel Ring Road, we hit NH 8A toward Bagodra, then transitioned onto GJ SH 6 leading to Dholera. A turn at Adheli onto the Adheli-Velavadar Link Road brought us to our destination.  A Slight Hiccup  We learned from the sign on the park gate that entry was prohibited before 3 p.m. Rather than wait, we made the most of our time by exploring the park’s periphery. The unplanned diversion became a treat as we saw various birds and a few elegant blackbucks in the area’s periphery.   Essentials for Visitors  Here's a pro tip for those planning a visit: “Come prepared.” The park’s remote location means you won’t find eateries or shops nearby. Carry plenty of drinking water, some fruits, and a light meal to energise you during your adventure.   Into the Wild  Our official exploration commenced at 3 p.m. after we returned to the gate and paid for our vehicle and cameras. To ensure a safe and informative visit, visitors must share their vehicle with a park guide who will help with navigation and wildlife identification. Inside, the park was a breathtaking masterpiece of nature. Our breathtaking photos of birds, Nilgai, and blackbucks, moving, showcased the park’s unspoiled beauty. Velavadar’s tranquillity is its charm—far from the crowds of more famous parks, it offers a serene escape for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.  The Wrap-Up  Around 5 p.m., we departed the park, pleased with our two-hour visit. and started our journey back home, cameras full of memories and hearts full of contentment.  Sharing the Experience  I’ve included some of my favoured snaps from the trip below—hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed capturing them!  Unlike more popular national parks, Velavadar’s charm is in its peaceful isolation and the subtle magic of its animals. If you’re seeking a serene yet thrilling wildlife experience, this hidden gem is well worth the visit.

Tourist Information

Tourist Information

 Birds in and around the Park

To see amazing bird's head over to 

Birds of Velavadar

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra - Mature male

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra  Female

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra 

Shuel Braganza still on the missing list Mount Abu

Search for Shuel Braganza: Mount Abu Community Still Holds Hope

 It’s been almost a month since Shuel Braganza went missing on October 21, 2015, during what was supposed to be a solo climb of Plummy. Despite the passage of time, the Mount Abu community remains united and hopeful as they search for him.

Tomorrow, November 17, 2015, the Forest Department, local Scouts, police, and volunteers will undertake a significant combing operation. This coordinated effort is a testament to the dedication of those involved, determined to bring Shuel home.

The uncertainty is difficult for everyone who knows him, and we can only pray for his safety. You can expect updates on the search efforts and any progress through my Facebook account.

Let’s keep Shuel and his family in our thoughts as this critical search continues.

Shuel Braganza an update Mount Abu

After three days of intensive searching and combing the areas around Plummy and Sargent Plummy, the volunteers last evening called off their search. A skeleton team of forest officials has been left to observe the area for any signs that may lead to the presence of Braganza.
There are many conflicting views going around as to his disappearance, apparently no one does know as to what actually happened.
Last evening Charles guide who was also a member of the volunteer team met with an unfortunate accident. While taking his mother to town on his motor bike he was rammed by an SUV on the wrong side of the road, his mother sustained a broken leg and he a fracture.

Received this photograph via my WhatsApp

Shuel Braganz

An appeal to to All if any one has seen or knows of the whereabouts of Shuel Braganza in the last 48 hours are requested to contact the Authorities in Mount Abu.

Plummy in the front & Sargent Plummy in the background.

Just received this appeal via my whatsapp 

Dear friends,this image is of my brother who is missing from Mt Abu.He is the resident of Pune,Kalewadi.If any body find him plssss contact on...

9623095784,9881018992.

Plss help to reunite one family.

Hoping for ur kind cooperation.

Shuel Braganza Goes missing batch 1995 St.Mary’s Ex-student Mt. Abu

Shuel Braganza Goes missing batch 1995 

Just got a call (7:53 am) from Charles Guide from Mount Abu informing me that he and about twenty others are on a rescue mission. Apparently, Shuel had decided to venture out alone to once again conquer the mammoth peak “Plummy”. He was last seen by Chandresh another ex-student who apparently was following him in the background. Chandresh said he had last seen Braganza on the field that leads up to Plummy. Hope he is found soon it’s a common mistake for many an ex-student to think of climbing Plummy is a piece of cake. Yea 30 years ago, as students, it used to be a strenuous climb but the challenge was exciting. Braganza should have realized before venturing out that the heavy undergrowth and the familiar tracks of yesteryear would have long been covered. He should have employed a native guide since he was going solo. It’s 10:17 am I just phoned Charles in Abu to find out the latest on the combing operation by 5 to 7 teams out searching for Braganza. The forest department, the local guides and the police are all out there. Will keep All posted on events as soon as I get updated. I only hope and pray he is found safe and sound.

Plummy