The Monkey And The Crocodile

We at India pride ourselves for "Unity in Diversity."

We world citizens take pride and are amazed at our diversity too.

Nature has gifted our world and there is amazing biodiversity. The world's biodiversity is truly mind-boggling.

As per the World Wildlife Fund (WWF):

Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.

There are borders between nations, but all this is our collective wealth.

I thought of all this when I saw today's Greentoon by Team Economic Times.

Ganjam Kewda Flower And Ganjam Kewda Rooh #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia #AToZChallenge

Odisha, a state in eastern India, has thirty districts. Each district has unique products.
Ganjam is a district in southern Odisha. As it is my native place, I have spent much time there.
However, there is a lot that I am still learning...

The following Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha have links with the Ganjam district:

1. Bomkai Saree & Fabrics - Handicraft
2. Berhampur Patta (Phoda Kumbha) Saree & Joda – Handicraft

3. Ganjam Kewda Rooh - Manufactured

4. Ganjam Kewda Flower - Agriculture

When I started working on the GIs of Odisha, I knew about many of the GIs of Odisha, especially the handicrafts and handlooms.
But, the Ganjam Kewda Flower and Ganjam Kewda Rooh were revelations.
I felt very ignorant.
Why did I not know of them?
This is not taught in school text-books, nor had I read about them in the news media.

Swosti Chilika Resort Odisha

We were excited to visit the Swosti Chilika Resort located near Asia's largest lagoon and the second largest lagoon in the world, Chilika Lake.

It was an exhilarating experience to step into the impressive eco-resort and experience the unmistakable aura of the resort spread across nine acres on the banks of the Chilika Lake.

After a traditional warm welcome complete with 'Mangal Tika' and welcome-drinks, we made ourselves comfortable on the battery-operated vehicle and set out for our room. The aesthetically-designed resort in the resplendent verdant locale made its presence felt.
   
Eco-Resort, Chilika Lake View, And Greenery
As we journeyed on our eco-vehicle, we soaked in all the sights, sounds, and smells that seemed to greet and transport us to another world... Birds were singing even in the afternoon! 

The gentle breeze and the lush greenery welcomed us as we crossed elegant cottages and presidential suites to reach our well-furnished 'Lake View' room in the 'Wind Chimes'.

The view from the common balcony leading to the room was great.

Bateswar Temple And Sea Beach, Odisha

Sri Bateswar Mahaprabhu Temple is an 8th-century temple near the Rushikulya rookery (of Olive Ridley turtles) and Humma village in the Ganjam district of Odisha. 

There is a sea beach near the temple.

Situated about 8 kilometres from the NH16, this temple is of archaeological importance. Devanagari and Kutila scripts are in the inscriptions at the site. However, they cannot be read due to the poor clarity of these inscriptions dating to the 10th Century.

Tampara Lake Odisha #AToZChallenge

Odisha has many lakes. Tampara Lake is one of them.
Humuri Tampara Lake is situated in Ganjam district.
It is located just 0.5 kms from a point at NH16. We had crossed the sign-board scores of times, but had never travelled that distance of  0.5 kms...

Humuri Tampara Lake is located about 15 kms from Gopalpur-on-Sea beach. After a quick trip to Swosti Resort, Gopalpur, we were thrilled to see the sign-boards on our way back.

The approach to Tampara Lake is a narrow road with hedges on the side. And then we reached!

Nirmala Jhara, Odisha #AToZChallenge

Nirmal Jhar or Nirmaljhar or Nirmala Jhara is a scenic spot with a perennial spring and a temple-complex near Khallikote in Ganjam district of Odisha, India.

Unique Monkey Play Pics

A few weeks ago, we visited the Maa Tara Tarini Temple in Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha, India.

We were treated to a unique sight.

Some monkeys had united to play together.

They had managed to catch hold of a Saree (an Indian costume worn by ladies).

They were finding the yellow Saree a precious plaything & a useful source of enjoyment!


It was evening and the light was fading.

Still, I couldn't resist myself & clicked some pics.