Wild date palm sylvestreis

 

Landscape

This is Trevor Tank, a local wildlife sanctuary that was established in the 1960's. Its purpose was preserve the local flora and fauna, which is still a goal today.

This picture was taken on a tractor with the villagers. We had to travel by tractor because the roads were not conducive to regular automobiles and it enabled us to take a closer look at shepherd life in villages surrounding Mt Abu.

This picture is of the Katchhi people from Gujarat (south-west of Rajasthan) migrating to the villages for food for their camels.

During our tour of the local village, we experienced women making purified butter from buffalo and cow. Locals call this "ghee." Our group had the opportunity to churn the butter with the villagers and were welcomed to participate in the daily chores.

The villages around Mount Abu



A nomad's campsite

The villages around Mount Abu are a snapshot in time. People still live in the traditional manner growing their own food and producing Rajasthani traditional shoes and clothes. Special features include the Rajasthan sand pot, the Marvadi turban, and corn chapatis and curries that are delicious to eat. Houses are still standing from the 13th century. Ghee is still churned by hand, and wheat is picked and milled freshly for the renowned Rajasthan roti. Mustard is grown for oil and for seeds. Many children will follow you around and play. A heart warming experience.

However these villages are often trapped in a cycle of poverty. Children are malnourished, contact with the outside world is limited and it is impossible for villagers to directly sell their produce. For the villages we visit, the treks provide an additional source of income for things like new wells and education.

Spectacled Cobra (Indian Cobra)

Snakes have a powerful hold over the human imagination. The first reaction most people have when they encounter one is fear. The fear of snakes, Ophidiophobia, can be conquered by knowledge. The vast majority of snakes are completely harmless to humans. Even those that are dangerous hardly ever attack unless provoked. The more we learn about these creatures, the more fascinating they become. Snakes are highly evolved predators, perfectly adapted for the lives that they lead. Some hunt in trees, some on the ground and others in the sea.

Spectacled Cobra (Indian Cobra)

Active by day and by night, the cobra is one of India’s most common snakes. A good swimmer, this snake is seen in trees and fields and near streams, rock piles and granaries.

An overview of my treks

Some of the highlights of the treks may include an ayurvedic tour of the healing plants of Mount Abu, and catching a glimpse of the stunning wildlife like the sloth bear, panther, mountain deer (Sambar), porcupine, jackel, hyena and wild boar. 
For bird lovers there are many species unique to this region including the Grey Jungle Fowl, Cuckoos, Kingfishers, Black Ibis, Great Indian Horn and Owls.
The treks range from an easy 3 hour walk, to a half day moderate trek, a full day adventure, and an overnight trek where you sleep in the caves that the "Rishis" (holy men or sadhu) used to meditate in. The views are stunning and the experience can be very unique and spiritual for many travellers. On the treks I will also give you the history of Mount Abu and the surrounding region. You will also hear about the festivals and religions of Rajasthan from a local.  
I cook pure vegetarian food and can accommodate special diets. After your meal relax with fresh chai or ayurvedic tea. Sample local seasonal fruits like chikoo, berries, pomegranate, wild blackberries and mangos. I will do my best to satisfy your needs!

On top of Mount Abu with the valley floor behind us. This pose was Todd's idea.On top of Mount Abu with the valley floor behind us. This pose was Todd's idea.

Very cool rock formation, doesn't it look like a face or a Picasso painting?

Todd and our Russian friend Andrey