One doesn’t have to visit distant forests or wildlife sanctuaries in order to find the beauties of Nature…a visit to the local park will do just as well. Here’s what I did on a recent morning visit to Lalbagh.

First of all, I soaked in the morning sun, and the freshness of the air.

I then walked along the lake, and I found these Black-crowned Night Herons, looking, hopefully, for a fish breakfast.

There were so many flowers still blooming, even though Bangalore has been at its hottest. Here are the Gulmohar blooms, setting the park afire:

Here are Copper Shield Bearers with their lovely yellow blooms:

This is the huge Bauhinia vine near the Glass House:

Tree trunks themselves are works of art!

Even common trees like the Tamarind had beautiful flowers!

Unusually, I found a cone on the huge Auracaria tree, which is about 100 years old!

The birdwatchers were out with the joggers, the walkers and the yoga enthusiasts:

And the birds, of course, were everywhere!

Jungle Myna

Coppersmith Barbet

A Rose-ringed Parakeet dispersing Spathodea (African Tulip) seeds while feeding on them:

Southern Coucal:

Spotted Owlets preening each other:

Some bird of prey had dropped this large scorpion on the path!

I enjoyed the morning sunshine through the green leaves

So…if you’re feelng tired, or in need of some soul-pick-up…just walk around in the nearest park, looking and listening, and you’ll come away with your mind and heart refreshed!