A Walk through the Wild
The Mhadei region, part of the Western Ghats, is home to an extraordinary diversity of life.
On 3rd and 4th September 2026, Brinda Upadhyaya and the Upadhyaya Foundation team, along with Mitesh and Dipal Damania from Nature Future, joined Nirmal Kulkarni, Director of the Mhadei Research Centre, for a nature walk through the region.
We discovered a world of fascinating creatures, many hiding in plain sight. The biggest lesson for us was that coexistence begins with learning to observe without disturbing.
The photo walk offered us a chance to slow down and look closer, discovering the remarkable creatures hidden along the forest trails. Here are a few photographs I captured along the way, from tiny insects and camouflaged reptiles to birds and mammals, each offering a glimpse into the fascinating wildlife that makes this region so special.
Snakes
The Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta), almost invisible among the leaves. A tiny droplet on its snout made this moment even more special.
The Malabar Pit Viper (Craspedocephalus malabaricus) rested quietly on a branch; its rich colours made every sighting memorable.
Toads
Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), Rugged, warty skin and a wonderfully textured appearance.
Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus), another fascinating amphibian spotted along the walk. We were amazed by the size to which they could grow.
The Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris)
The mornings were filled with hornbills flying between the trees. Their silhouettes were beautiful. Their calls? Let's just say the soundtrack was more memorable than melodious.
Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica)
Without a doubt, one of my favourite captures of the walk. She leapt between the trees, paused just long enough for a photograph, and proved to be quite the poser.
Insects
The forest floor and foliage were full of colour, patterns and surprising characters. Some were beautiful, some intimidating, and all were worth a closer look.
Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra hardwickei) - A striking red-and-black body and a bite best avoided. We heard enough about its bite to keep our distance!
Common Mime (Papilio clytia), large, graceful, and beautifully patterned, this butterfly was one of the memorable sightings.
Tobacco Grasshopper, perfectly at home on a leaf, blending into the greenery.
The Orange Leaf Beetle: Its bright orange body and bold black spots made it one of my favourite photographs.
Flatid Planthopper, an easy creature to overlook until you stop and really look.
Other sightings: Red-necked Longhorn Beetle (Aromia bungii), stick insect and Indian bark mantis.
Slugs and Snails
Slow-moving, quietly fascinating, and found along our forest paths. The intricate patterns on a slug, or the delicate spiral of a snail's shell, remind us that even the smallest encounters are worth pausing for.
The Plants and Fungi
False Guava (Catunaregam spinosa): Resembling a guava, but not a fruit to eat. Its roots and fruits have been associated with toxic effects.
The Green Orchid, A quiet splash of green among the forest vegetation
Striped Bladderwort (Utricularia striatula), a tiny insectivorous plant growing on wet, moss-covered surfaces.
Bracket Fungi, growing from tree trunks, adding another layer of detail to the forest.
Lizards and geckos
Hidden in plain sight, these encounters revealed just how much life was tucked away in the trees, on the rocks, and along the forest floor.
Keeled Skink (Eutropis carinata)
South Indian Flying Lizard (Draco dussumieri) (Both 2 & 5)
Prashad's Gecko (Hemidactylus prashadi): a reminder of the remarkable ways reptiles can recover and adapt.
Banded Gecko (Cyrtodactylus deccanensis): its dark body and striking yellow bands made it stand out in the dark.
The Amboli purple forest crab (Ghatiana atropurpurea)
An unexpected highlight. Emerging from a carpet of moss, this little crab was a spectacular surprise. Its deep purple colour against the vibrant green moss made for one of the most beautiful encounters of the walk.
In conclusion, the walk itself was about learning to coexist. Beyond the photographs, what stayed with us was the way Nirmal and the MHADEI team helped us see the forest differently. The animals were not there for us; they were simply living their lives. Our task was to slow down, pay attention, and let them be. The walk to the nearby delta offered another glimpse of nature on its own terms: The best way to experience wildlife is to leave it undisturbed.
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