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Adventure

Maldives Animals

Maldives, an Archipelago and collection of 26 Atolls in Indian Ocean. Beautiful islands, coral reefs, fishes and beauty. I was able to snorkel in the house reef and spot some beautiful reef fishes. Spotted hermit crabs, butterfly fishes and blue coral while snorkelling.

Saw some parrot fish and reef sharks in the ocean later at night.

When I climbed aboard a submarine that took me 125 feet deep, to a beautiful coral reef, I saw something interesting. Some of the fishes merrily going about had gashes on their bodies. Some had small nicks. Some had two or three deep gashes. Teeth marks. So these fishes were attacked by something else, probably a bigger fish or a shark and escaped! These were survivors! It was fascinating for me to learn this.  I naively assumed that when a fish gets predated, it just gets swallowed full. Oh silly me!

 

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Adventure

Sumatran Adventure

Sumatra, a large Indonesian island west of Java and south of the Malay Peninsula, is known for its rugged tropical terrain, wildlife and smouldering volcanoes. You will find Gunung Leuser National Park and volcanoes Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung. It’s not easy to get to. And definitely not touristy. Home to Orangutans, Thomas Leaf Monkeys, Gibbons, 300 odd bird species and a rain forest that takes your breath away. Paradise!

Our trip stars with us chancing upon an Eagle Owl near the Gundaling Lookout.

Mount Sibayak

The next day we hike up Mount Sibayak in the wee hours. Hike is 310 Meters high. Took 1.5 hours from the entrance. Magical Volcano with sulphur plumes and boiling geysers. We didn’t see the sunrise, but we were greeted with magical mist.

Gunung Leuser National Park Jungle Trek

We were off on our overnight trek through the Jungle. Met the beautiful Orangutans, Thomas Leaf Monkeys, Gibbons, Macaque monkeys and a peacock that looks nothing like the Indian peacock. The trek was challenging as it was steep in places. The weather was hot and humid. A few leeches on the way as well. The hike is about 200 Metres in 2 hours of ascent and 1 hour of descent to the camp site where we stayed overnight.

Bat Cave!

We heard of a bat cave near Bukit Lawang. Heard it might be a bit of challenge to climb but little did I under estimate it. I barely made it to the first chamber. Karthik braved further to the second chamber. The cave, the animals, the experience is thrilling and terrifying! Check this out.

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Adventure

Out of Africa!

My first trip to Africa. To Maasai Mara in Kenya. I had no idea what to expect. I thought I’d see a lion or two if I’m lucky. A few wildebeest maybe. The Great Migration? I didn’t think I’d be lucky.

But I was surprised and delighted beyond my imagination in my first trip. Here is a compilation of short videos that capture the best moments of my trip:

  1. The Lions! From cute little cubs to large majestic lions, watch the amazing action here. Don’t miss the roar, the big cat walk and the king having his meal of wildebeest.

2. For some unexpected moments with animals in Africa. It starts with a Giraffe and Croc encounter that had me terrified!

3. Now for some herds of animals and the great crossing of wildebeest across Mara..you’d see one of them taken by a couple of crocs, sadly

4. Now for some Cheetah action.

5. And some Leopards.. don’t miss the leopard in the rain..

6. Finally Mongoose, Hyenas, Servel cat (yes more cats!) and beautiful Superb Starling bird