The Banks of the Cursed River Chambal is home to many inhabitants one of which you can see smiling in the Featured Image above. ( reading earlier blogs like the BIRD FESTIVAL , CROCODILES IN THE CHAMBAL and THE RIVER CURSED will give you a better insight on the region and fables of the river )
These Critically Endangered Red-crowned Roofed Turtles ( Scientific name Batagur kachuga ) come out of the Cool River to bask in the Winter Sun.

Unique to South Asia and now protected in this section of the Chambal River ,this freshwater turtle is a rare sight and I realize only now how fortunate I was to spot it.
The Sound of the Boat probably sends this one scurrying up the muddy River Banks .

Finding a peaceful Spot in a Private Garden this Turtle reflects upon the year nearly gone and the Onset of The New Year.

The Earth Rests on the Kachua (Hindi name of Turtle) as per Hindu Mythology and it is ironical that the very foundation of our planet ( the turtle) is now Critically Endangered, not a sign of good tidings.( do see an earlier blog PROOF IN BLACK wherein I have posted a picture of a Turtle in Black Stone in a Lord Shiva temple near Pune)
Wishing a Year Full of Happiness and Never Ending Smiles to all who have read , are reading and will read “Enchanted Forests”.
Happy New Year 2017.
Awesome photos u have clicked,really liked it thanks.
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thank you, glad you liked the pics
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Not only me,ur all follower will love it,u have great thinking.
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thank you
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I love turtles, especially smiling ones. 🙂
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ha ha, thank you.
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😀
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It’s not a good sign at all that these turtles are now listed as critically endangered. But hopefully your wonderful photos will encourage people to care more about them.
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yes not a good sign at all. This region where i took the pictures is now a riverine sanctuary for many such endangered species. Thank you .
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I’m happy to hear about the establishment of the sanctuary!
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Indeed
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Lovely post with wonderful photographs, Mukul.
Wishing you the happiest of New Years and all the best for 2017!
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Thank you tonnes. Wishing you and your family a Wonderful New Year as well.
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❤
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Really smiles 🙂 So beautiful dear Mukul. Thank you, Happy New Year, Love, nia
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A Wonderful , Healthy & Delightful New Year 2017 to you and your family as well dear Nia.
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All the best for the New Year from down under
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Thank you, may the New Year be a fantastic one for you and your family.
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Reblogged this on Voices and Visions.
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Thank you and wishing you a fabulous Year ahead
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I love turtles ,are you a professional traveller ?
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Glad to hear you like turtles.What is a professional traveller, pls educate me.
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They are guys who travel and are being paid for it by sponsors
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that i would like. pls let me know how to find such a sponsor
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You have to visit business houses ,hotels with your work , photographs , you clicked ,there are many startups who are funding guys like you .
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Thank you, please let me know any names of startups. It is such a wonderful idea you have given me.Happy New Year.
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Trivago ,make my trip ,etc there are many actually ,you can check online ,as tour and travel blogging etc .Happy new year to you too .
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Thank you, you have laid out a feast. Will let you know if there is progress.
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Most welcome
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I really enjoyed this post and the clicks are beautiful. It’s truly an irony given their mythological significance and their current status.
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Thanks a tonne . It is a great area to go to, you will love it and very accessible too.
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Looks like he started his New Year celebration early.
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Yes seems it had more than 1 drink
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Same to you…Happy New Year to you…and the smiling turtle!
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thank you
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Great pictures, I’ve hit the follow button! Thanks for checking out my blog, it means the world!
http://Www.apocalystblog.wordpress.com
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Thank you and welcome
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Happy new year 2017, best wishes Deepak
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Best Wishes and a Wonderful New Year to you as well.
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I hope one day , I will go to Your country, I like it so much, Your country has so many similitude with my country, we protect so many species. Happy new year
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Happy New Year. let me know when you plan a trip I will be happy to give tips
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thanks
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welcome
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