|
Young World
On the snake trail
A. B. SUDHINDRA
|
Snakes and other animals were the highlights of this trek.
|
Photo: S. Gopakumar
Highlight: Meeting the hissing King Cobra was scary.
A trek in the woods can be an exhilarating experience. Thirteen young nature enthusiasts had three days of unique break during the Dasara vacations. To camp out in the rainforests of Agumbe near Shimoga was an occasion not only for a get together but also to experience the amazing world of nature and wildlife.
Many animals
Humid weather gave a chance for the team to frolic in the water hole at Jogigundi. But the team had a company in the form of a chequered keel back. The snake was gracefully gliding at eye level of the unwary swimmers. While the ‘blood sucking’ leeches kept the team on their toes, the alertness level of each child was at the peak as every corner of the jungle had surprises. The children aged between seven and 15 years were awestruck at the sight of the four feet rat snake crossing their path and swiftly slithering in to the bushes. On the way back to the campsite, the children had a delightful lunch served on plantain leaf at “Dodda Mane”. The huge century-old wooden house once housed more than seventy family members. Next day at the campsite, the team found a common green vine snake. The thin, greennon-venomous snake was exciting to observe. “The teams were not disappointed. There were frogs, earthworms and crabs,” said Madhusudhan Shukla of Woody Adventures, who accompanied the team.
The team also encountered the king of Agumbe jungles – the Cobra. Though small, the cobra created a lot of exhilaration and fascination. The loud hiss scared the kids all the time. They were astonished to know that its main diet was feeding on other snakes. Children also learnt about tiger conservation at the camp. As the trip came to an end, the children pledged to conserve nature and resources in the manner they deemed fit.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
|
