Blackbucks & a Peacock Temple

Three Sundays ago, a friend and I had planned a trip to the Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve. But fate, or rather a sudden bout of illness, had other plans, forcing me to cancel the 116 km drive. The following Sunday, the tables turned, and my friend wasn’t available.

This Sunday, however, nothing was going to stop us. Despite nursing a stubborn shoulder pain, my friend braved the journey, determined not to miss out again. And it was all worth it. We were rewarded with sightings of the majestic blackbuck, some beautiful birds, and even managed a detour to a stunning temple on our way back.

Here are the photos from our long-awaited adventure.

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We started off early at 4:30 AM, hoping to reach before the heat drove the blackbucks into hiding. Here’s a dashcam video of our drive from Bangalore to Jayamangali.

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Along the way, we couldn’t resist stopping to capture this mesmerizing sight. The moon, framed beautifully by the delicate branches, cast a serene glow before the first light of dawn.

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The sun came out, painting the sky in fiery hues, and we stopped to take in the breathtaking sight. A flock of ibises glided gracefully across the glowing orb, their silhouettes adding to the drama of the moment. 

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We reached Jayamangali and drove through the vast grasslands, scanning the terrain for blackbucks.

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In the misty dawn, we caught our first glimpse of the blackbucks as elegant silhouettes emerging through the haze.

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As the light improved, we could see them better but unfortunately, they could also see us. Keeping at least a hundred meters between us, they started walking away, their elegant forms blending into the golden grasslands.

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Although we were quite far away, the young ones began playfully eloping, leaping effortlessly over the grasslands as if floating on air.

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These young males were engaged in lekking, testing their strength in a gentle contest that would one day determine their place in the hierarchy.

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A black drongo momentarily stole our attention, its piercing red eye and glossy plumage gleaming in the morning light.

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We soon turned our attention back to the blackbucks. A herd moved gracefully through the dry grassland. Some grazed peacefully while others stood alert, their ears twitching at the faintest sound. 

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The younger ones, full of energy, occasionally broke into playful dashes, embodying the wild spirit of the land.

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The dominant male walked with a quiet confidence, performing its duty as the protector of the herd.

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The female remained alert, her large eyes scanning the landscape for any sign of danger. She paused mid-step, ears perked, sensing our presence. For a moment, she stood frozen, evaluating whether we were a threat. Behind her, the rest of the herd continued grazing, trusting her instincts. 

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Venturing deep into the heart of the reserve, we covered miles of rugged terrain in search of the elegant blackbucks. Here's a dashcam video.

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A quick pause at this rustic old gazebo, where we soaked in the views and crunched on some crackers and biscuits. 

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This golden beauty caught our eye, and we weren’t the only ones admiring it! Sunbirds flitted around, adding a touch of melody to the scenery.

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Golden blooms, golden hour, and a tiny acrobat on a nectar hunt! This Purple-rumped Sunbird was darting through the flowers, making sure no bloom went uninspected.

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When the golden trumpet tree decided to turn up the volume on yellow! 

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Perched among the branches, the female Asian Koel blended perfectly into the foliage.

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We continued deeper into the landscape. A herd of blackbucks, startled by something unseen, took off in synchronized elegance. The males, with their striking spiral horns, led the charge, while the females and juveniles followed close behind.

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Perched gracefully on a budding branch, the Long-tailed Shrike surveyed its surroundings with sharp focus. 

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After a long search deep in the forest, guided by a forest official, we finally found the waterbody late in the morning. There, as if expecting us, stood a trio a Black headed Ibis, a Red-wattled Lapwing, and a Yellow-wattled Lapwing each holding its ground like seasoned sentinels of the wetlands.

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A White-tailed Kite balanced effortlessly on the wire, its sharp gaze scanning the ground below.

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This tree stands as a lone burst of green in the dry grasslands.

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A Long-tailed Shrike, the masked bandit of the grasslands, perches with authority, ever ready to strike!

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As the sun warmed up the blackbucks moved to the shade.

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A Jerdon's Bush Lark looks right at home against the clear blue sky.

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As the sun grew warmer, we left the winding dirt road behind, but not before taking an 8km detour to Mandaragiri Temple.

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Here's the dash cam video of the detour.

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On the way, we stopped to see the Mandaragiri Digamber Jain Temple atop the hill.

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The Mandaragiri Digambar Jain Temple sits atop a smooth, rocky hill, its white walls standing in contrast to the earthy terrain. A long, winding staircase leads to the temple, where a striking metal tree sculpture adorns the roof, symbolizing spiritual growth.

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At the foothill stood the striking Pinchi-shaped Peacock Temple, its smooth, curved structure resembling the elegant feathers of a peacock. Painted in soothing shades of blue and green, the temple’s unique architecture added a touch of serenity to the landscape, making it a perfect complement to the ancient Jain shrine above.

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The peacock feather, or mor pankh, holds deep significance in Jainism.  Jain monks (sadhus) use a handheld duster, known as a mor pankh pinchi, made from peacock feathers. This sacred object is used to gently sweep the ground before sitting or walking, ensuring that no small living beings are harmed. This practice embodies the core Jain principle of non-violence, extending compassion to all forms of life.

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Our journey through Jayamangali was a perfect blend of wildlife, history, and unexpected discoveries. From the graceful blackbucks to the vibrant birdlife and serene temples, every stop had its own charm. Hope you enjoyed the post! Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

A Golden Dawn at Saul Kere

With the daytime heat creeping up, I made sure to set out at dawn, just as the world was waking up. The cool morning air, the golden sunrise, and a lake buzzing with bird activity made for a fantastic outing. Plenty of feathered friends showed up for the photoshoot, and some even posed like pros.

Here are the highlights from a productive morning at Saul Kere!

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In the pre-dawn darkness, the Indian Spot-billed Ducks quietly slipped into the water, their silhouettes barely visible against the floating vegetation. As the first light touched the lake, their subtle colors and markings became more pronounced, blending beautifully with the tranquil surroundings.

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In the dim morning light, a Taiga Flycatcher perched briefly, blending into the tangle of branches.

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The Taiga Flycatcher (Ficedula albicilla) is a small migratory passerine bird that breeds in the taiga forests of Siberia and migrates to South and Southeast Asia for the winter.

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The sun peeked through the leaves, casting a golden spell over Saul Kere. The birds had begun their morning chorus, and I was just lucky to be there.

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As the first light kissed the waters, the egret moved like a ghostly dancer on a golden stage.

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Proof that some clichés hold up — early birds (or kingfishers) really do get the worm!

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Watching the sun take a golden dip while the world rubs its eyes awake… some sights are better than sleep.

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Dressed in white, standing tall. This Cattle Egret knows how to strike a pose.

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Silence is rare, opinions are plenty. Meet the Yellow-billed Babbler, the loudest chatterbox with ruffled feathers and eyes full of judgment!

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Small in size but big in song. This Blyth's Reed Warbler knows how to make itself heard!

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With a tail this perfect, the Black Drongo knows how to steal the spotlight.

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Lush greens and golden hues, where nature fights to stand out despite the skyline’s intrusion.

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Tucked in its nest hole, the Spotted Owlet peeks out with a drowsy stare, unsure about starting the day.

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Its half-closed eyes may suggest sleep, but it stays watchful, ready to protect its nestlings. 

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A Rose-ringed Parakeet lands near the Spotted Owlet’s nest, unaware of the drowsy but watchful guardian peeking out from its hollow.

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The owlet blinked awake, its keen eyes locking onto the Rose-ringed Parakeet perched nearby.

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With a sudden burst of energy, the Spotted Owlet launched itself from its perch, wings flared and talons ready, startling the unsuspecting Rose-ringed Parakeet.

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The startled Rose-ringed Parakeet barely had time to react before the Spotted Owlet's sudden attack. With a frantic burst of wings, it dodged the oncoming assault and fled.

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The Owlet, satisfied with its swift defense, gracefully returns to its nest, settling back into its hollow perch. 

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With a final glance around, it fluffs its feathers and resumes its drowsy vigil, as if nothing had happened.

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This week's dash cam video captures the blue sky, puffy clouds, and the fresh leaves of trees in Bangalore.

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With the rising sun came a morning full of surprises—silent hunters, noisy chatterboxes, and dramatic aerial duels. From quiet foragers to fierce defenders, the morning at Saul Kere had it all. As the sun climbed higher, the birds retreated, and so did I.

What caught your eye the most? Drop a comment below!