Tree walks to bird walks: Explore Adilabad forests to unwind this summer

Adilabad: Summer has almost arrived in the northern parts of Telangana. Going by the trend, it promises to be a little harsh this time. But, do not hesitate to travel through the dryness of the place to explore the surprisingly calming effect that the heat-induced languor can have on your mind and body.

The dryness of the forests in the region will especially be beckoning for nature enthusiasts who want to indulge in creativity and learning as well. Tree walks and bird walks, for example, can be organized in natural settings here which have mercifully survived severe deforestation over a long period.

The fabulous diversity in terms of vegetation in erstwhile Adilabad offers an exceptional opportunity for nature lovers even to indulge in serious study. The byproduct of such ventures could be the discovery of new hobbies like configuring shapes out of broken parts of dead trees that resemble weird human or animal faces.

One of the wonderful species of trees in the forests in Adilabad is tendu or tuniki in Telugu (Diospyros melanoxylon). It not only gives tasty and pulpy fruits during this season but its typically fragmented grey-coloured bark is a delight to see.

When dry, the contorted portions of the tree form weird shapes. A creative person can isolate parts of the trunk or branches that resemble such shapes.

For example, the cavities that form on the trunk are weird in shape and scary to look at. A completely dried-up bark of some other tree is like the underbelly of a crocodile in design.

Ideally, visitors to this haven of nature should start early towards the forests so that they catch the 'action' in the jungle. You can watch a young parakeet watching its mother and the entire flock flying away in search of grain from the safety of a tiny hole in the trunk of the tuniki tree.

Despite large-scale felling of trees, parts of old Adilabad still boast pristine forests. The thick forest made of a myriad of tree species that constitute the Kawal Tiger Reserve is the place to visit, among others, in this part of Telangana.

Even if you cannot pursue such purposeful outings do not drop plans of a visit to this place as yet. Your visit just to see the glorious sunrises and sunsets here will be worthwhile.