On the drive to the start of the trek we passed through an 11th century gate.
The landscape was surprisingly varied from low brushes, to sandy patches to vast expanses of dried mud.
The guide we have who is a biologist who is doing his phd tells us that this sanctuary is home to around 300 species of birds. As we walked we saw numerous birds including some who have migrated from europe for the winter.
We were also saw a lot of wild indian ass (no snickering please) and some antelope.
As we walked we came across some interesting sights like a couple who were making charcoal to use as fuel and a number of motorcycles traveling at speed across the plains.
It was hard work with the temperature peaking at nearly 39 degrees we finally go to camp at 2.30pm. It was a very welcome sight with chairs waiting and cold juice and best of all the tents set up!
In the afternoon we were treated to a short jeep safari to get even closer to the indian ass. we also visited the agaria (the salt makers) who get paid18-25 rupees for 100kgs but the final cost to consumer is 100 times more. 90% of the work they do for months on end is manual labor and they have to lease the land and run a disel pump to bring water up so they make some money but almost all goes in costs for them so they make almost nothing. All their family are involved and kids cant go to school. They are one of the poorest people in india. Once again making me think about the things we consume.
We then watched the sunset over the desert.
Those poor people. What a tough life. Criminal that they dont get paid more.
ReplyDeleteTents set up - now thats not right!
That's a very cool gate too.