Goa Gajah, The Elephant Cave- Ubud Bali, Indonesia

Build in 9^th century as a spiritual place of meditation is a UNESCO world heritage site. The entrance resembles the mouth of a big elephant which is the main reason behind the name Goa Gajah which means elephant cave.

The main temple is curved on a single big stone and inside there are idols of God Ganesh and Shiv. The premises have many other different temples revels Hindu influence dated back in 10^th century. It was built on a hillside and as two small streams met here forming a river junction, the site was considered sacred and was built for meditation and prayers. 

The premises is dominated by Buddhist is the south and Shivaite or Lord Shiva across the river. There is also a small pool with three idols.

Below is my photo blog

Main Temple

Amazing creation of nature

Small shops on the Exit

Bali Bird Park- Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger Aterrimus)

Palm Cockatoo also known as black parrot is from the family of Cockatoo. The red cheek patches makes him very beautiful.

Below are some of my clicks from Bali Bird Park

Bali Bird Park- African Crowned Crane

African Crowned Crane 

Biological Name- Balearica Regulorum

Another beautiful creation of Mother Nature, African crowned crane is close relative of black crowned crane but is different when compared genetically. They weight up to 3.5kg with a wingspan that grows up to 6.5Ft. A full grown African crowned crane is about 3.3 Ft tall.

This is the national bird of Uganda and printed on their flag. Their natural habitat is marshes, grassy flatlands near lakes of Uganda and Kenya. Generally found in a group of 3-150 and both sexes love to dance.

Their diet includes small fish, frog, plants, snakes etc. Their existence is in danger due to drainage, pesticide and over grazing. The total estimated population is in between 50000 to 70000 and in 2012 marked as endangered species. Enjoy the pictures from Bali bird park.

Bali Bird Park- Cassowary

After witnessing Earth's biggest reptile of lizard family, Komodo Dragon, my eyes were looking for the most dangerous bird Cassowary in Bali Bird Park. Soon I spotted a Southern Cassowary behind strong wooden bars, which are required not for the birds' safety, but for the visitors.  And that's exactly why this the most dangerous bird of the planet.

Predominantly vegetarian, Cassowary also feeds on rats, insects, fish, mice and small animals. Males can grow to a height of 4.9-5.9 ft and female can reach up to 6 ft.  A full grown Southern Cassowary can sometimes weight up to 70 Kg and run at a speed of 50km per hour. Surprisingly this bird can also jump up to 4.9 ft and they also are good swimmers.

The internet is full of stories of Cassowary attacks but not all are true. Still one can imagine the damage this bird inflicts which has dagger like claws and a huge strong beak. An otherwise calm and shy Cassowary can rip you apart if she feels threat to herself or her babies

Southern Cassowary is an endangered species because of habitat loss. As per a survey done in 2006 this bird has only 20% to 25% habitat left to survive in Australia. Illegal hunting is also a big concern for the survival of this beautiful species. I hope that the Government of Indonesia and Australia will jointly take actions to ensure the survival of Cassowary.

Looking right in the lens