At the break of dawn, I began my journey from Vittal towards the misty hills of Kuduremukha, carrying not only my camera but also the quiet excitement that every wildlife photographer understands.

The morning roads were calm, wrapped in the soft light of sunrise, as I reached Anekere Karkala and parked near our gathering point — the small, well-known hotel beside Anekere, where countless travelers begin their day with warmth and friendship. Already seated at the table were Rajmohan, Kartik Bhat, and Rangaraj Prabhu, their faces glowing with the enthusiasm of another adventure into nature.

At 6:30 in the morning, amidst laughter and birding discussions, we enjoyed simple yet unforgettable delicacies — soft Buns with Thove, Avalakki Mosaru, steaming Hesaru, and hot coffee that blended perfectly with the chill of the early air. With hearts refreshed, we resumed our journey towards Kuduremukha.

Nature, as always, had prepared a surprise for us. On the roadside, perched gracefully upon the branch of a beautiful tree, sat our National Bird — the magnificent male Indian Peafowl.

Bathed in the golden touch of morning light, he appeared like a royal guardian of the forest, calm and proud. His shimmering plumage glowed with shades of emerald, sapphire, and bronze, while his elegant posture reflected the timeless beauty of the wild.

For a few magical moments, he remained still, as if understanding our admiration, generously offering us the chance to capture his splendid pose through our lenses. The forest was silent except for the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft clicks of our cameras — moments where photography becomes more than an art; it becomes gratitude towards nature.

That morning near Kuduremukha was not merely about photographing a bird. It was about friendship, travel, simple food, laughter, and the blessing of witnessing beauty in its purest form. And among all the memories of that journey, the proud Indian Peafowl on that roadside tree remains etched in my heart like a living painting from the wilderness.