Despite ny numerous visits to Goa in the past, I had never really paid attention to the nature and wildlife in the state. But a trip to Palolem in South Goa during the 2016 monsoons changed that for me. It was cloudy and the two hour drive from Panjim to Palolem was a beautiful one with lush greenery all around.
As it was the peak off-season, Palolem was dead. It was the opposite of everything you associate Goa with. The sea was rough and grey, no water-sports, no temporary shacks, very few tourists and not much life on the beach. But like we found out, the backwaters and the dense forest cover at the far end of the beach was where all the life was. It started with this serene view of lush green hills and a freshness of air that would make you question whatever it is that you have been breathing back in your city. After talking to some locals, we soon found ourselves going into the backwaters on a boat.
First, a massive rock emerged amidst all the greenery, making for a spectacular scene.
A closer look and it reminded me of a scene from the jungle book. Gray langurs, gigantic trees and boulders, and a beehive. Only Balu, the sloth bear was missing.
As we went deeper, the backwaters started to widen up and we had this black kite greet us into the mangrove forests.
A bit further in and all of a sudden, we were surround by at least twenty Brahminy kites. They were literally all over the place. It reminded me of the Sundarbans (also mangrove forests) where I had last seen a couple of these elegant raptors. But to be surrounded so closely by so many of them was such a great experience, We spent some time shooting these kites and then started heading back.
On our way back, we came across a well camouflaged Indian grey mongoose (nevlaa), a striated heron (it was the first time I had sighted one) and some gray (or Hanuman) langurs.
On stepping off the boat, not too far away from where I was standing, I noticed a hermit crab.
And finally, this extremely friendly dog was waiting to welcome us back from our unexpected and unplanned mini wildlife excursion.
Next time you are in Goa or Palolem, do try and go beyond the obvious. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Sashikant Dash 
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