Rudy, Author at Whistling Trails

Bird-watching at Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Rudy Birding & Wildlife Hotspots June 29, 2014November 16, 2017birdwatching, Black headed Oriole, Indian Pitta, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, leafbird 2 Comments

The rains are still awaited in Pune, so it was yet another opportunity to go on a birding trip.. We decided to head to Karnala Bird Sanctuary this time.. I had heard mixed reviews about Karnala, still decided to give it a go.. We started early morning from Pune at 5:45 AM and reached Karnala bird sanctuary at 7:30 AM. Note that there has been a recent update in prices at Karnala, especially the fact that they have started charging 100 Rs for still camera (DSLR or Point-shoot) and 250 Rs for a video camera. I hope that will eventually result in making Karnala a better place for the flora and fauna. Read more

Trek to Sinhagad Fort

Rudy Travel blogs June 22, 2014November 16, 2017crested bunting, fort, pergernine falcon, shaheen falcon at sinhagad, sinhagad, sinhagad fort, trek, trek to sinhagad, trekking, trekking at sinhagad 3 Comments

With rain god ready to drench Pune with rains, it was the perfect time to go on a trek. After checking the weather forecast (Don’t rely on it too much though 😛 ), we decided to go on an early morning trek to Sinhagad.
We arrived at the Sinhagad foothills village where we parked our car. If anyone is not interested in the trek, one can drive right upto the top by taking a left Danje Gaon junction. However I would definitely suggest to trek as the distance it relatively less, and more ever its a superb experience. Read more

Drive to Pawna lake

Rudy Travel blogs June 18, 2014November 16, 2017Baya Weaver, Birds at Pawna, Jungle Bush-Quail, Shikra 1 Comment

I was wondering if I could explore a new place on Sunday and decided to go to Pawna lake. I haven’t read much about Pawna from birding perspective so thought of taking a chance. We started at around 6:30 am and it started raining like cats & dogs. I just dropped the idea of birding and thought we would just drive through and come back.

We entered the road to Pawna lake in another 40 mins and I could see the sky clearing up. I just hoped the sun came out, and it did!.. We saw lot of Baya Weavers.. such beautiful sights. These small yellow birds do look really beautiful. Read more

Birding at Kavdi Pat

Rudy Birding & Wildlife Hotspots May 11, 2014November 16, 2017Ashy Prinia, Common Iora, Kavdi Pat, Kingfisher, Purple Moorhen 2 Comments

Seems like I am getting addicted to birding with every passing day. This time it was an early morning trip to Kavdi Pat (On Pune- Solapur Highway – 28KM from Pimple Saudagar, Pune). I know its not the season but that’s the advantage of being near to these places.. one can make a trip once a month. Thanks to Sachin & Zafar for making it early morning :D.

If someone is planning a trip to Kavdi Pat, make sure you take the left after 500 meters once you cross the toll (Immediately after Manali Resort) and follow the road till dead end. Read more

Trip to the Nilgiris: Mudumalai – Ooty – Coonor

Rudy Travel blogs May 5, 2014November 16, 2017Bandipur National Reserve, Jungle Retreat, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Mudumalai 2 Comments

A trip to Bandipur forest was long time due, and we finally planned one. We started early morning from Bangalore (6:00 AM) for the Bandipur forest. 1st halt was at Mysore for breakfast at around 8:00 AM. As we approached Bandipur forest we noticed the drop in temperature. We crossed the Bandipur National Reserve at around 10:00 AM and were greeted by a herd of deers and lot of peacocks and few wild tuskers. It is a beautiful drive through these forest reserve areas as the weather is pleasant even at noon and roads are super smooth. Soon enough we were are the Karnataka-Tamilnadu border and we entered the Mudumalai forest reserve [It’s the same forest reserve across Karnataka (Bandipur), Tamilnadu (Mudumalai) and Kerala (Nagarhole)]. Read more

Trip to Mahableshwar and Panchgani

Rudy Travel blogs April 7, 2014November 16, 2017 2 Comments

A bike trip was pending since a long time and finally I planned one. We decided to head to Mahableshwar over the long weekend, thanks to Gudi Padwa. It was scorching heat in Pune and Mahableshwar / Panchgani seemed to be the ideal destination for a good weekend break provided it was cooler, and fortunately it was.

We started from Pune (Pimple Saudagar) at approximately 5:30 AM. Super wide and smooth roads ensured I was able to consistently maintain speeds around 90-110 kmph on my bike. 2 hours continuous ride and I saw a KFC board but unfortunately it was to be opened only at 10 AM. So we took a half hour break to have breakfast just before taking the right turn from the highway towards Wai. As soon as we started our drive on the Wai- Panchgani road, we could feel the coolness in the weather. Read more