Dholes in the monsoon

Without rain this gorgeous landscape would have been brown, parched and bland, and the watchful dhole (Cuon alpinus) almost impossible to see unless moving.

During the monsoon it has become a beautiful garden with flowers and fresh shoots from all the plant species residing here.

I have previously avoided visiting during the monsoon as it is a challenge logistically in many ways, and as such almost all national parks are closed during the wet season. But also the monsoon is the time of leeches, and they come at you from above and below and are in some places a very tough and annoying thing to tackle.

Leeches or not, I have become totally hooked on everything monsoon, as the green makes the most delicious frame to any living creature, but also all the otherwise hidden waterways are swollen and absolutely stunning.

Altitude: 765 meters

Last updated on 27 December 2020