MASTERING DEEP NATURE CONNECTION
The sounds of birds & insects, footsteps of animals, the sound of wind rustling through the leaves & branches to the crunch of dry leaves or dirt underfoot its pure tranquil yet mysterious. Walking through dense forest is an ultimate experience of getting connected to deep nature. It always evokes a variety of sensations and experience.
Those stone blocks are typically known as “Janda”, a local or colloquial term for demarcation used by the forest department in South India.
1000 DOSES OF SUNSHINE
Radiance and resilience is a ‘hello yellow’ for all souls. Standing tall and bright, a sunflower field is worth calling Fields of Gold.
Sunflower originated in North America at least 4500 years ago. What we usually see as a single flower is actually 100s and 1000s of individual flowers called florets in the central disk which eventually develop in to seeds. Its considered as the most efficient natural arrangement for maximizing seed packing. Sunflower track sun throughout the day, and eventually stands still facing east when aged or fully matured.
GUARDIANS OF NATURE
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it later”
This post is my strongest appeal to emphasize the importance of our connection to and responsibility for the environment. Its about safeguarding our own mankind’s future, as I believe we don’t inherit earth from our ancestors but we borrow it from our children.
We have ONE HOME, there is no Planet B. Mother nature is not a canvas for human drama
ANTLERS ABLAZE
The speed, intensity and a flash of the movement matters in wilderness. Outrunning and outmaneuvering is the game here. A deer’s speed isn’t just about raw velocity; it’s also about agility and the ability to bound and jump over obstacles. This allows them to quickly navigate varied terrain, like forests and rocky areas, which can give them an advantage over pursuing predators. It’s the Swift Advantage. Yet the best tactics is still their Group Dynamics, living in herds increases their chances to spot threats and also makes difficult for predators to single out one easily.
Location: Thirunelli, Kerala
UNDERTAKER WITH WINGS
Originally a sub-saharan native, an immensely cunning & vigilant bird is recently seen increasing their presence in south Indian jungles. We were so curious what such a large wading bird doing in jungles. There are some interesting facts worth knowing:
- They adapted their food patterns to scavenging
- They are more interested in predator killings and remains.
- They are even seen along herds of large mammals’ movements where they can feed on insects and small animals like lizards or snakes disturbed by large animals’ movements.
- They even get along with grass fire in jungles and take chances on small animals fleeing
- Powerful beak to break any bones and wing spread of 8.5 feet are few other amazing features
GET LOST IN THE EMERALD EMBRACE
The frame is a tribute to the green canopy of Kerala. Blessed with vibrant landscapes, dense forests, misty mountains, rolling valleys, Serene backwaters and breath-taking costal lines, God’s Own Country offer to reconnect with nature at it best. The magical peace you gain while intentionally disconnected from everything and anything but Mother Nature.
Lets celebrate and take every initiatives to protect these serene havens
SIZE MATTERS
Wild Indian Gaur – The un beatable gentle giant of wilderness (provided you don’t mess around). Standing at 7 feet shoulder level height and up to 1.5 ton weight, this guy is un-doubtedly the hulk of jungle.
Just 5 feet away from us he was so settled and confident. Thanks to Jungle Lodge Resort team for their unique safari experience and hats off to the authorities for their well organized programs. We were lucky to have one of the best Naturalist Mr Mahesh with abundant knowledge about wildlife.
GOD RAYS – Wonders in Kerala
Captivating & magical display on the sky in the backdrop of Nelliampathy forest in Kerala. Light and shadows are most pronounced during this particular rainy day which was deeply magical. The feeling blessed me with an intimate connection with mother nature.
CYPRESS TREES: SYMBOLS OF ETERNAL LIFE
Slow growing but long lasting. At its natural state most of the trees live up to 600 years while some of them lived even up to 1200 years.
Cypress tree represents everlasting life, most precisely symbolizing eternal life. Cypress encourages us to see the natural transitions within the cycle of life. Cypress signals the end of a major phase in our life and the transition into a world of new possibilities. For centuries, Middle Eastern and European cultures have revered the cypress as a symbol of the transition between life and death, with cypresses symbolizing the uplifting of the human spirit and the possibilities of eternal life.
In Bible Isaiah 55:13 It has been mentioned that these trees will come up in the place of thorns and will last for forever. This will be the sign, a reminder of what the Lord have done.
GRACE, BEAUTY & ENERGY
“Strive for perfection in everything we do.” — Sir Henry Royce
‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ The Rolls-Royce car emblem. The Spirit of Ecstasy’s active and engaged posture symbolizes freedom of thought and bold action. It clearly represents the freedom of movement and exploratory desire
The Rolls-Royce – Word origin. named after its designers, Charles Stewart Rolls and Sir Henry Royce, who founded the Rolls-Royce Company (1906)
Some have joked that if you have to ask how much a Rolls-Royce costs, then you probably could not afford one
Capturing the Spirit of an Eagle
You’ve earned it the toughest way. Mastered your own resilience.
Now, Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you. Because it’s all about attitude that makes a big difference.
It took more than 20 mins for me to approach this mighty bird with all possible thoughts about what it can do to me in an unfortunate scenario. The way he sits, the way he looks around, the peace he maintained was admirable. But only to my surprise I learned he was half blind, yet a matured personality tamed with his age. He has won many hearts in tise village that takes care of him.
Trust me, eagles are always photographed from side. One way to see the reason is that its not easy to approach them from front. Second they look miserable from front. Pure bad angle. But, I was determined to capture the best of his attitude right from the front and thanks to him, I made it. One of my best shots ever.
SPECTACULAR KOLUKUMALAI
A small village in the southernmost part of India. Home to the highest organic tea plantation in the world with the tea grown here possessing a special flavor and freshness because of the fresh air and high altitude more than 7900 ft above sea level. Lush plantation and the old time-tested tea factory are truly adding to the old-world charm
An off-road safari which is very rugged through rolling tea plantations for about 2 hour can only take you to these mesmerizing views of those layers of mountains usually covered with clouds and mist. It starts from Suryanelli and is only accessible from Kerala. This route is not permissible for walking tours. An early drive to the top well ahead of sunrise is rewarding and is a must do at least once in your life time. The most breathtakingly beautiful sunrise and the magical golden cloud bedding is epic. Further down 300 meters your trekking trails will take you to the tiger-faced rock where you can capture the best of sunrise shots with the background of meesapulimala. The place is trekkers paradise covering all year around thrilling experience. The trek is fairly light and doable for everyone provided you be very cautious of slippery trails and the gush of wind.
Courtesy:
https://www.kolukkumalai.com/
https://www.keralatourism.org/munnar/kolukkumalai-munnar.php
Understanding Elephant Matriarchs: Protectors of the Herd
The oldest and largest female mother elephant who leads a herd of elephants are called Matriarch. She is usually the one who was the most closely related to the previous matriarch who may even possess certain personality traits respected by all others. She is probably well beyond her prime reproductive years. She stays in the group for her whole life. Just like our mothers, they impart a treasure trove of knowledge they have gained from their long lives
Matriarchs hold a pivotal role in elephant society, guiding their family groups to vital resources and shaping their responses to potential threats. A matriarch’s ability to make sound decisions, especially during stressful times, significantly enhances the group’s chances of survival. Thus, she could be the most dangerous one at times.
We met this herd in one of the dense forest in Kerala during a jungle drive. Usually sighting of these mighty creatures by the road poses a tense situation as we generally find them on a surprise right after a curve. The next thing we can expect is that the leader of herd in pure intention to protect their babies will chase you off where every driver would need to maintain his presence of mind, courage and pure luck to survive that ordeal. But, to our surprise we saw only couple of youngsters peacefully grazing without any botheration. I warned my friend not to stop the car so close to them (it was just 5 or 8 meters) as I was sure the Matriarch or Bull could be anywhere around watching us. While we were attempting to take some photos of young boys, here comes the mother out of the bushes head on. I told my friend not to move the car or get panic. This old mother elephant just stayed so close to our car yet at a safe distance and gave us a mighty look. Am sure it was a well matured confident bossy look. She was in 100% control of the situation and we gave her all due respect, in turn we got 20 minutes of peaceful sight of an amazing creatures up close.
To my experience with these gentle creatures, mostly they become aggressive when we pose ourselves a threat to them. No quick movements, never expose anything outside your vehicle (not even a hand or camera), do not talk or make any worried noise. Just stand still and everything will be alright. When you move inside your vehicle, the vehicle shakes or if you put your hands or head out, for the animal its just an act of advancement from your side and is definitely a threat.
A Hidden Gem: Sree Guruvayoorappan Temple in Tamilnadu
Peace of mind matters a lot to me. Simple & Pure nature, that’s my religion.
Less known, but surprisingly this is a Sree Guruvayoorappan Temple in India midst of wilderness and a loving community of Sheikelmudi – Tamilnadu. Sree Guruvayoorappan Temple dedicated to the youngest form of Lord Kirshna is in the most beautiful set up of pure nature.
CORE MEDITATION
Guardian of wild, God of alarms to all ruminants in wild. Demon of all alarms to predators in the wild.
When every inch of your world is thoroughly known, a nap may be the only wilderness that have left; Known as nature’s watchful guardian, Langur has excellent eye sight and awesome sense of hearing makes him a life saver for most of the animals in wild. Langur do not drink lot of water, but surprisingly it absorbs most of the water it needs through fruits, dew and water collected on leaves. Thus, it spends most of the time on trees.
Courtesy link for: Alarm Call Langur – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUmPIT6Y1FI
Most of the Safari drivers looks out for these calls and wait if heard, because most of the cases its a genuine alarm call and your chances to spot a Tiger or Leopard is at high.
Embracing Vulnerability: A Path to Self-Esteem
Allowing the most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, sounds like truth and feels like courage; but is not always comfortable. You are wired for struggles. The struggles which gives greater clarity and deeper meanings of you. Vulnerability is a unique path to self-esteem.
AM WATCHING YOU
Just because you haven’t seen me doesn’t mean i have never seen you.
Without us knowing, not even in our wildest imaginations, they’ll bang & crash in to the emptiest corners of our mind, patiently waiting for us to reach there… yes, then the game is on.
Courage and Strength: Bison, a Symbol of Resilience
Don’t give up, keep your head up. No matter how hard it is. Things are going to be tough down the life, but the more courage you put in, the better you’re going to get out of it.
Possessing incredible strength and beauty, with its distinctive appearance and fascinating behavior, this magnificent creature is yet another wild animal which deserves our utmost respect and preservation
POWER OF PRESEVERANCE
The power and the beauty you are admiring today, is what I have earned through years of struggles and hardships I fought through in wilderness.
Honor all living things, not destroy but preserve it at its true nature with all respect.
BEAST MODE
He was just ready and determined, just making sure his team is covered.
Its quite unusual in Kerala to site 5 tuskers happily feeding as one team, and the Alpha Bull staying back quickly picked up my admiration only to know that he was right on me. To be honest i wished to spend the whole day enjoying their feast, but this mighty gang leader demands respect.
HEAVEN ON EARTH
The trails could be crooked, winding and dangerous but ultimately leading to the most amazing view. The best of all surprises nature can offer you. Heaven on Earth…..just serene and magical
OUTDOORS
Real freedom is in nature, not in civilization. Becoming the best person by growing up in the open air
The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to accept changes, slowly and steadily making each day a better yourself.
MIGHTY
In life, inspiration can come from many different sources.
The moon, the sun, the stars and the clouds, all will speak directly to your soul. I have often experienced the watching the clouds fills our mind with optimism, peace, dreams, strengths above all it connect us with atmosphere and universe as a whole while our feet still on the ground.
WELL DONE
These days I sincerely try to work out. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I try to eat right, choosing diets………………..just before getting the steak well done, coz am working out my mind; not body. I need to prioritize taking care of my mind, having fun and doing things that make me happy.
OH BOY
You don’t raise heroes, let them test their wings. The years will rush by, and one day you will be watching your son as a man, and feeling incredibly proud that he is caring, safe, making a contribution, and hopefully going far beyond you in the scope of his life. Parenting is a blessing, enjoy every bit of it.
TITAN
You are unique, so your personality. Your lifestyle brands/accessories represents who you are, your values and your personal style
A joint venture of TATA & Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation, is the 5th largest integrated watch manufacturer and a legendry lifestyle brand in the World stands up by their philosophy which is ‘superior craftsmanship, innovative technology and trustworthy product quality’.
Its all about a beautiful blend of ethical practices, passion for excellence and value driven culture
Explicitly defining the superior craftsmanship, Titan logo have highlighted the T creating a circular hallow which reminds of a watch dial and the internal parts of its machinery. Simple and elegant in form, the logo beautifully elucidates the traditional ethos and modern identity of Titan products
THE ALPHA
For me wilderness is a place of encounter with the Creator, a place to get pumped up with inspiration, freshness & a place to satisfy my soul
This post is dedicated to the World Wilderness Day 3rd March
“The hardest walk you can make, is the walk you make alone. But that is the walk that makes you The Strongest & Toughest”
This Alpha bull elephant turned out during one of our safari in Bandipur Reserve Forest. His appearance was so magnificent, actions so intimidating and powerful. His message was so clear that nothing moves beyond his commands
BEAUTY OUTSIDE BEAST INSIDE
The first thing that should come in to your mind when you confront with a fly inside your house is to terminate it, they can be helpful outside the house but never inside.
If you ever thought its coming on our dishes to eat food, then you probably should know it lives on a liquid diet, simply because they don’t have teeth in mouth. Obviously they taste their interests with feet, and their tastes & interests are around rotting flesh, poops & garbage. Sadly it vomits certain acids on your food to dissolve your food so that it can suck it up. Yes unfortunately super disgusting.
Now how to deal with them:
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- A table spoon of liquid dish wash
- A jar
- Plastic wrap
- Toothpick
Pour the apple cider vinegar in to a jar, mix it up with liquid dish wash and stretch a plastic wrap and puncture it with toothpick. Place it you may find needed. Now let the strong fermentation smell and stimulus light do the magic, just wait until the jar gets crowded to clean it.
SPIRIT OF TUSCANY
There is a beautiful composition between nature & civilization in this unique part of world called Tuscany in Italy
Cypress-lined driveways, the lyrical landscapes, vine-clad hills, countless wineries, historic towns, medieval villages, rustic farms, country churches; there are no better components to cater to the beauty of Tuscany. But the rhyme of the region is not complete with the spirit of the people and their responsibility & commitment to mother nature.
Location: Tuscany, Italy
COMPACT BUT CONFIDENT
This tiny creature has a lot to teach us. Its important to stand confident. Survival tactics are not taught but learned. Faithful and diligent perseverance in a task against all odds and challenge will eventually bring success and significant reward
MISSION IMPIZZABLE…
There are no WE with PIZZA in hand.
At home my wife bakes 100% whole wheat cheesy pizza. Perhaps the only times we disagree on sharing. Yes its almost impizzable.
– The First Pizza Is Thought to Be Invented in Naples During the Early 1500s
– The First Documented Pizzeria in the World Was Opened in Port’Alba in Naples, Italy During the Late 1800s
– The most expensive pizza in the world, tastefully called Louis XIII, is in Italy. It’s topped with lobster, buffalo mozzarella, three types of caviar, squilla mantis (a Mediterranean shrimp), and pink Australian salt. Currently, this pizza costs €8,300
THE FREEDOM FLIGHT
Travelling is one expression of the desire to cross boundaries. Physical, psychological, personal and geographical whatever it is just don’t set limits. Keep pushing and challenge yourself. It’s definite that you will reach a state that is sincere, respectful and proudly you have attained the liberty to pursuit of happiness and self accomplishment.
7000 miles nonstop flight, 60 Miles per hour, at an altitude of 37,000 feet above sea level
Yes, certain birds do that. Because they know no boundaries and knowledge is all instinctive and natural.; the sun, moon, stars, earth’s magnetism and above all necessity.
MIGHTY CANVAS
I am inspired by anything beautiful. When I admire the wonders of a sunset, my soul rise admiring the divine stroke of a mighty creator. One of those awesome moments we feel so tiny & that BIG as we are one of his creations.
Our whole life is not enough to enjoy the beauty of life to the fullest, isn’t that weird we are all struggling to complete it with just achievements
Above is not an oil paint in canvas, i don’t use Photoshop in my images. This is pure nature at its best
Location: Ravenna; Cinque Terre – Italy
THE CALL OF MOUNTAINS
When you go to the mountains, you see them and you admire them. In a sense, they give you a challenge; you try to express that by accepting the call of nature and venturing on to them. And then deep inside nature set up the greatest magic happening for you to witness at its glory.
Location: Eisriesenwelt caves, Salzburg, Austria
BLACK FOREST
If fantasies, fairy tales, dense evergreen forests, thick woods, ferocious bear & wolf were all a part of your childhood stories; imagine the moment you happen to be in this place. The feel is so intense that you just can’t resist the deep but slow electric shock waves passing through your spine while getting to realize that experiencing and accepting the fact that our fantasies are sometimes entertaining, distracting & even frightening………….feeling the presence of a bear in those thick woods didn’t allowed me to share my state of dejavu to my dudes who were rather excited & busy exploring. Perhaps I allowed ourselves to get indulged to nature as true, original and thrilling it could be.
MISTY WOODS
That mist was magical, the wind was wild yet the woods were surprisingly still. Yes we were witnessing the awesome composition of nature at its best.
During our epic Europe road trip we came across this beautiful place in Austria on the way back to Italy. Although we were rushing to pass the woods before dark, this place pulled us back only to get lost in vagueness taking away all our worries and touched our souls so deeply. Yes it is important to pay attention to those Golden Moments in life where even time freezes in your favor.
LAKES & MOUNTAINS
This typical Alpine lake is so mesmerizing that you will love to get lost in a unique transition.
The lake is named after a tiny little village of Brienz in Interlaken, Switzerland. The lakes & mountains frames the perfect landscape of this cute village.
WILD GREEN LIZARD
What I learned from a lizard:
- Soak up some sun, I mean fun
- Snap up opportunities
- Be a colorful character
- Appreciate stillness
- Keep a low profile
- Shred your old ways
- Be dashing…..
Wild & aggressive, yet friendly same time the Green Anoles are more close to iguanas. They can change colors and move their eyes individually & independently like chameleons. It makes no sound and is considered as one of the most popular exotic pet but yet an expensive choice as they need utmost care.
FLYING HIGH
For me it’s not always those movies and nap during flight. Take off & landings are beautiful through window, between the clouds and above the clouds are gorgeous. Sunrise, sunset and the moon adds magic to the trip, hunt them down through your lenses.
Flying Tips:
• Always take your ideal seats well ahead of flight
• While dressing focus has to be comfortable on the plane, avoid many layers except a jacket in handy in case
• Keep your hand carry as light as possible
• Many prefer their shoes off once seated, hence wooly or thick socks and easy-to-slip-on shoes will make you more comfortable
• Hand Sanitizer, make good use of them
• Food table/tray & leaflets in seat pockets let those bacteria sleep
• The air in the cabin isn’t humidified; make sure to drink at least a quart of water for every four hours in the air
• Ideally a glass of wine could give you a good sleep after meal, in flight its not a bar to get knocked off
• Earplugs and an eye mask can be handy at long flights
• Finally, if you have a baby; Breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby on take-off and landing. The swallowing will help prevent that uncomfortable ear popping.
MIRROR MIRROR
Life is a mirror, and will reflects what we think about it.
This is the best logic you can think of, to make sure we move forward…
DANGEROUS & ENDANGERED
Perfected to be on charge mode…..
Rihnos are so defensive and notoriously edgy, rewarded with the title ‘indiscriminate attackers’. They have very poor vision and they heavily depend on sense & smell making them dangerously aggressive to head-on charges anything and everything moving in their territory considered a threat.
MYSTIC CLOUDS
For a second I was almost jealous on these dramatic clouds. Am looking to them for an escape, but then I was right there beside them.
Those times we could rise above clouds, comfortably climbing up to heaven and look down to our beautiful life.
From the Heights of Nelliyampathy
Thanks to Mr. Francis Moyalan & Team for the wonder stay @ Greenland Farm House
CATERPILLAR
Patience doesn’t mean ignoring our emotions and aspirations. It means being wholeheartedly engaged in the process that’s unfolding
There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.
EYES OF WISDOM
Until we have enough wisdom to see the goodness and beauty of life, we all pass through an age of blindness
Let our eyes be open, We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure.
WHEN NATURE CALL…
Nature will bear the closest inspection.
She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its beauty, that graceful & beautiful touch of God that we lost long time before…
FLYING
Birds born in cages thinks…flying is a disease !!
There is no harm in trying something new you really want to….. just try stepping out of the box!!
If stupid, enjoy the fun… 🙂 its important we keep moving
GRACE
Always have something beautiful in sight, just like this little daisy.
Perhaps its reminding us softly that sometimes loneliness adds beauty to life…
SUBMISSION
Death is glorified with a complete submission, keeping back nothing.
When our time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death,
so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Its more important we live up our life in full and die like a hero going home.
TRAPPED……but……SAVED
Many times human beings survived without love, but no one without water.
Dont waste even a drop of water otherwise you will be finished for a drop of water.
DARK FANTASY
Fantasy is an escapist, and that is its glory. I believe imagination is everything, even if its purely nonsense i believe it wakes up brain cells.
I admit that i lost great amount of time gazing at this wild backyard in the early hours of morning mist. But its all worth it 🙂
Thoughts framed from my constant quest to enjoy beauty of nature;
for i learned its the handwriting of GODI admire & respect mother nature to the fullest.
These are my sincere efforts to keep the life moving always in high spirits.
My aspirations are simple, be positive & enjoy the best moments. My glitters are just spur-of-the-moment, and definitely want to add a positive reflection and do the best to preserve nature at its best.
Smiles i shared around the world
Henry G L Photography 