Madras Crocodile Bank

                        The 'Madras Crocodile Bank' situated on the East Coast Road, enroute to Mahabaliburam, is a non government environmental organisation, started in the year 1976 by Rom Whitaker. It is a sanctuary for different species of crocodiles and the first crocodile breeding centre to be established in asia. The centre has a huge number of crocodiles, some turtles and snakes, a hard task taken with passion, to conserve the  endangered reptiles, that are on the verge of extinction.

                         The Irula tribe who once hunted snakes for a living and have a good knowledge about snakes , have now been employed by the government to catch the snakes to breed and extract venom which is used to make anti-dote. The venom extraction is demonstrated to the public in the centre, established by the government,  which is also situated in the Crocodile Bank.

                         The biggest salt water crocodile named Jaws III, the main attraction in the centre, failed to show its face and stayed immersed in the water. Crocodiles, Gharials, Alligators, see them basking in the sun like rocks or if you are at the feeding time, then be lucky to watch this exciting moment, when all the crocodiles from the land and from water emerge and move towards the feeding place to get their first catch. Addition of a green anaconda is on the cards, another bold attempt by the centre, to attract more visitors.

                 

Feeding time

                                                                                       Python

Aldabra  Giant Tortoise - native of aldabra atoll

Under water Gharial in a see through glass window

Happy outside the bars

Snakes in pots

Out comes the cobra

Venom extracted

                                               'Jaws III' (?) Can’t even spot its teeth

                                                    'Croc shop' 

Chennai Snake Park

                    When young, a visit to the snake park used to be very exciting and a bit scary too, to see that many number of snakes in one place, always wondering if there’s any creeping above our head. Back then a demo was done in an open shed where people were allowed to touch the snakes, but now it is done protectively within glass walls. A king cobra which was the main attraction in the park for years, caged in that small enclosure, robbed of all its glory, is no more.
                     The Snake park houses some snakes, turtles, giant lizards, crocodiles, Iguana and some spotted deers. Some fortunate deers can be seen outside the park too, in the car parking area roaming around like stray dogs, seeking food from the visitors. Since it is an offence to harm deers, they happily (?) stroll around, providing some fun for kids and grown ups as well, who spoil them by feeding the salty snacks they carry. The park also has a display of a good collection of snakes floating in formaldehyde, well preserved in glass jars.
                     Personally, I feel these unfortunate reptiles need a better environment, rather than being caged for years. A good picture or a video, will work fine in educating the people and that will save these reptiles from this kind of torture, a deed, I think Discovery and Animal Planet channels have achieved doing it.

                         Entrance to the snake park

 Deers found relaxing in the shade just outside the park in the car parking area! ( There are three of them)

 

Python made lazy

Hoping to find some freedom

Can you spot the lizard?

             
                    A cobra on display or rather forced to perform.

                           Care for some snack Mr. D?

A glimpse at the world, far beyond Chennai

 Some interesting shots taken across a few European countries will be shared here for a change.
Cold wind and the unpredictable weather in London was initially threatening but never hindered our quest to explore this clean and expensive city. Clutching our cold jackets tight and creamy ice creams melting in our mouth, we walked on the London streets, not wanting to miss a thing, window shopping,  watching beautiful women dressed in the most fashionable clothes, stopping now and then to grab a bite,  and had a spectacular view of London, from the London Eye wheel. The brick buildings reminded me of the houses in hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, a trace of the English colonisation in India. Feels like Lovely London beckons me again.

Wax models

Netherland  famous for its Tulip garden, wooden shoes and Wind mill, was enchanting

 Cute looking ponies in the garden

                

The male bird fetching something

Getting closer

           Delivered, back to work

              Cozy and comfortable, lovely pair.

 Wooden shoes

 Beautiful   Brussels

              
 STILL AS A STATUE: Taking both of them to be statues, I was too happy to take a shot, but was startled when the one sitting suddenly clapped his hands and made a noise. The other one is a statue.

Manneken Pi

Romantic Paris: Lover’s paradise and a lively city

Relaxing by the river side

Sun bathing by the river side

One Happy father and a Jolly ride

Music on the river side

Tranquility by the river side

And finally, romance by the river side

APPLE CANDIES IN DISNEY LAND

GERMANY

A PIECE OF CAKE

ONE OF A KIND CUCKOO CLOCK. THE LAST REMAINING CLOCK, OF THE TWELVE CLOCKS MADE, THAT COSTS ABOUT A LAKH AND HALF.

RHINE FALLS

CAPTIVATING SWITZERLAND

MAJESTIC LOOKING KAI

ROCK ART?

 ITALY

ADAM AND EVE INSIDE THE DUOMO - SANTA MARIA CATHEDRAL

PULPIT

INSIDE VIEW OF THE CATHEDRAL

BAPTISTERY

NETTUNA - A ROMAN SEA GOD -  FLORENCE

HERCULES AND NERO

SCULPTURE DEPICTING ABDUCTION OF SABINE WOMEN

STATUE OF PERSEUS WITH THE HEAD OF MEDUSA - DEPICTING A WARNING TO THE ENEMIES

HERCULES AND CACUS

St. PETER’S BASILICA

TREVI FOUNTAIN

VENICE

MURANO GLASS

REFLECTION OF THE SHIP BEHIND US

CLOSING THIS EPISODE WITH MOUNDS OF ITALIAN ICECREAM