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Sahyadri Sri Krishna Balarama Ksetra (SSKBK) being situated at the foothills of the Sahyadri Mountain range in South Karnataka and the entire Western Ghats area being one of the 35 officially recognized biodiversity hotspots on the planet, the students could daily experience the natural beauty and variety of both fauna and flora.
These biodiversity hotspots represent but 2.3% of Earth’s land surface, but between them, they contain around 50% of the world’s endemic plant species and 42% of all terrestrial vertebrates
In the early mornings, the students could hear (and sometimes even catch a glimpse of) the local peacocks singing in the neighbouring forests and bushes. It is no wonder that South Karnataka is also referred to as Dakshin (South) Vrindavan where peacocks and monkey abound.
Not far from SSKBK is a village called Agumbe, said to have the second largest rain precipitation after the State of Meghalaya. Agumbe has a growing population of monkeys and during the mango season they descent in large groups to feast in the various Mango Orchards (including the ones at SSKBK).
Surrounded by the Western Ghats mountains and lush rainforest, Agumbe is known for its many waterfalls, such as Onake Abbi, Bakarna and Jogi Gundi falls. The Sunset View Point overlooks forested valleys. Nearby is Sri Venugopala Krishna Swamy Temple. To the south, tigers, leopards and king cobras live in Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Amidst this natural décor, the students could also get a glimpse of various exotic birds singing their melodious sounds throughout from early morning to sunset.
On different occasions, the students were taken for hikes in the forest and also held classes there thus making it possible to appreciate the Vedic reference of “Forest University” where traditionally saintly persons would live and teach to interested students.
The beautiful rising and setting of the sun and moon at SSKBK created a memorable impression on those attending the Varnasrama College as all could better appreciate Lord Krishna’s “spark” of His splendour.
Students also bathed in the close-by Sita Nadi, a rivulet of the larger Sita River that borders the southern part of the SSKBK campus.
Prepared by Hari Kirtan das
Coordinator/SSKBK Varnasrama College – 2018
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