16/17/18th February

Moving further South we spent two nights in Auroville which is on the outskirts of Pondicherry before returning to Chennai. Auroville is a fascinating community based on the teachings of a Guru, Aurobindo and his partner Mirra Alfassa, known as 'The Mother'. The community requires a serving to the 'Divine Consciousness' and involvement in developing self sustaining 'Green Economy'. I'm sure that if you want more information Google will assist. They have developed a forest out of barren scrub and farm areas within, as well as 'craft' industries sold locally.There are guest houses where devotees from around the world can stay and volunteer on the various projects.
Pondicherry is a town of two halves, the old colonial french quarter alongside the beach and a more chaotic Tamil section further inland. Many of the buildings reflect this but overall the town has a different ambience from similar sized indian cities.
The whole time here was amazingly peaceful and restful and Martin's friends were great company and guides. Now we have three days in the big city before we head off for the lush green west.

Same day

Oops! Forgot this one to prove that Cath is here as well. The Shore Temple was very hot and Cath sheltered from the rays!! Even the fabled sun worshipper is finding it hot so Kerala will be fun

Just a small section of the breeding colony, mainly Open-billed Storks with a handful of Painted Storks at the front and a few Little Egrets mixed in there.

Another delightful Spotted Owlet that was in the trees behind the embankment we were standing on to watch everything else!

A fly pass from one of the Spot-billed (or Grey) Pelicans thatwere nesting on top of the biggest trees in the lake.

Here is the rock! They call it the 'Krishna's Butterball' I did not push it for the typical photo just in case I did not know my own strength.

Same day afternoon

Moved onto Mamallapuram and found the hippy trail of yesteryear. Amongst the dreadlocks and grey hair there were some fantastic stone carvings. Some of the huge rocks had been turned into Temples and others into bas-reliefs, all from the seventh century. The Temple close to the sea had suffered from some erosion and the Tsunami but those further inland were in fantastic condition. One large chunk (30m3) was left resting on a steep slope 5m from the bottom. How it stays there seems to defy the laws Physics.

15th FEBRUARY

We've become tourists and set out this morning for a bird reserve! I know it isn't on most peoples itinerary but Vetantangal is an amazing site. There are 30,000+ breeding pairs of waterbirds on trees and bushes in the lake. With the Open-billed and Painted Storks were 4 species of Egret, 3 of Heron, 2 different Cormorants and the Anhinga(snake bird) which Martin took as his favourite. The lake was obviously well fertilised and resembled 'pea soup' so how they found food was a mystery.
For those of you waiting for spring I can inform you that the Garganey are not ready yet as their moult has not finished.They are enjoying the 30+ temperatures we are having to endure instead of joining you in chilly England. (Photos to follow when we get back to Chennai)

Part of the group of thugs on the beach picking up the scraps. These House Crows replaced the expected gulls. Sorry these photos are back to front I uploaded them in the wrong order.

One of the myriad of butterflies seen in the gardens; no idea what it is called but it is about 3 inches across the wing span.

This Black-rumped Flameback male was starting to drill this season's nest hole; their raucous calls were very evident throughout the Theosophical Gardens.

Seen from Martin's balcony, the name is not too original--Large-billed Crow

As you can see we have finally caught up with Martin! The first three days were spent chilling out, getting over jet lag, sorting out glasses but most of all getting a real insight into Martin's life here in India. The Ashram is an oasis of calm surrounded by the ever growing city with high rise blocks and new IT centres. Chennai is most definitely India, with its manic traffic and noise, but it is very different from Delhi. The air to start with is clearer, being close to the sea, and there seems to be less poverty and rubbish. It is not really a tourist destination as there are very few temples etc., much better described as a centre of commerce.
Spent this morning, before it got too hot, visiting the Theosophical Gardens and then walking along the beach. The gardens were set up as a place for serene reflection and secular contemplation over a century ago and they were a delight. The beach failed the blue flag test but was nevertheless interesting for the local fishing boats, five bent planks tied together.
I'll reduce the size of the photo files and add some pictures of the local wildlife tonight. Being cleaner there are far fewer birds, only a handful of Kites and Mynas, but there are hordes of butterflies none of which I can name.