“A Badam (Almond) tree in the plains is quite a novelty”, my father told me; and for a ten year old it became a matter of pride and adoration. The young tree spread its roots and announced its approval of living conditions in our Lucknow garden with

In his books, Ruskin Bond talks about his longing for the jolly sight of Amlatas, Gulmohar and Jacaranda during his jaunt abroad. Sure enough, he returned to India as soon as he had made enough money for the journey home. The Amaltas  adds many

Dyed yellow by the June sun, Himalayan butterflies accompanied me inquisitively all the way up the hill to Neelkath. To them, my open jeep was just another drab-coloured flying insect may be, but faster.

An Indian summer, especially in the Gangetic plains is beautifully announced by spring. While we celebrate spring with festivals like Basant Panchmi, Dol Utsav, Holi, Chaitra Navratri and Bihu, nature has its own celebration. The green sentinels