Glimpse of the Mangrove @ Sunderbans

Sunderbans is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. It has over 50 varieties of mangroves, out of the total of over 60 species.
Near the shores, it's always a sequence of low-tide and high-tides. During low-tides, the complex system of the roots is visible. These roots move out of the grounds, appearing as thousands of spikes, to breathe (due to the highly saline water and the soil, these roots have evolved to breathe from the air itself)

Random - Water Lilies

Random - Neem leaves

Hitch-hiking to the Sunderbans

Before landing in Kolkata, Sunderbans was on my mind. Finally, the idea materialised into a trip last weekend (24th Oct). Thought of having some fun in the travel, so showing the finger to packaged tours, I went hitch-hiking :)... The road took me first on a local train, then across a river on a flat rickshaw, to the next stop on a "auto" and then to the final destination (Pakhirala) on a "van". 

These are the flat rickshaws which carry "affluent" passengers across the river in low-tide conditions. Every-day commuters do not use these but just wade across the thigh-deep mud and river. Tried it too, but two early slips convinced me to take the "affluent" carrier service.

These are called "autos" - sturdy old cruiser bike-fronts and engines fitted to flat rickshaws. Apart from these improvised carriers, I did not see any cruiser bike there. Do not laugh, but these are called "vans". I tried a lot to understand the reason, but the origin of this term was lost. I just know that the ride was one of the most enjoyable I have had.

Serenity @ Hooghly

Street seduction :P

These are called jalebis and are an awesome sweet treat. I love them best while they are hot and with ice-cream - but you will never complain even when they are alone :) .. Got this shot on the streets of Kolkata, near Dakshineshwar Kali Temple.

Contrast

A street lamp against the evening sky

Roadside Sweeties @ Kolkata

at Kolkata,I can safely say that 'sweets will follow you', at least during the festive seasons. Here, you see a man preparing the much loved Gulab Jamun - now with such open temptation, why wont the sales go up?

Durga Puja @ Kolkata - the collage