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.