With the onset of autumn or fall, as it is lovingly called, the trees all around us start to play with colors. The leaves turn yellow and go through various shades of reds and brown before falling on the ground.
Cascades & Waterfalls
With the onset of monsoons, the rainy season, Kumaon hills get dotted with small cascades and waterfalls. The gurgling clear water flowing over the rocks is a sight to enjoy.
(Mountain stream cascading over a bed of rocks)
White Clovers and Ladybirds
White Dutch Clover is a wonderful cover crop that we use in our orchard. Apart from making the ground look green and beautiful it has its benefits. Ladybirds, which are also some of the most beautiful insects in nature also love to make these clover patches their homes. Various other insects also love these patches of white clover.
(Ladybird trying to avoid a fall from a clover leaf)
Wild Fruits
Himalayas have their own kind of wild fruits which are rarely found in other parts of India. These are not cultivated varieties but what nature has blessed the region with. Some of these fruits are quite common during early summers whereas for some others, it requires a bit of searching around. Take a walk in our garden and in the right season, these fruits can be found growing in plenty.
Kaphal / Box Myrtle / Bay-Berry
(Kaphal or Box Myrtle is one of the tastiest fruit found in the region.)
Wild Flowers
Summers brings with itself all the colors of mother nature. Leaves cover the trees, fruits start to form. The flowers start to blossom everywhere. Every nook and corner has different types of flowers peeking out.
(Flowers growing wild)
Driving on the Hills
Hills have their own charm when it comes to driving. Winding roads with their twists and turns are full of surprises. Sometimes there are deep valleys and tall mountains that can be seen and sometimes there are dense forests surrounding the road. If you enjoy driving, then go slow and soak yourself in the natural beauty of these hills.
Frost
With the onset of winters, frost starts to set in. Every night, the temperature goes below zero and on the following mornings, the nature shows itself in a wonderful way.
Glimpse of the Peaks
Himalayas consists of various ranges. Students of geography divide them into three major ranges. The lowest range is the one that is present in Kumaon region. For many others, Himalayas is synonymous with snow covered peaks of the other two ranges in the north. On a clear day, these snow covered peaks can be viewed from our cottages itself.
(Captured in the morning hours when the peaks were visible but the valley was still in shade)
Saim Devta Temple
A short walk away from the cottages, there is a small temple. Nested on a hill top, the temple is dedicated to Saim Devta. Worshiped as one of the guardians of village, Saim Devta provides prosperity. Some of the local folk consider Saim to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
(Early morning view of the hills from the temple)
Lichens & Pure Air
Lichens are a nature’s wonder. These are one of the oldest living things. Lichens are composite organisms that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi in a symbiotic relationship. These are dependent on pure air for their survival and whenever any pollutants are present, these tend to absorb them and as a consequence die down.
(Lichens growing on apple trees near the cottages)
