The journey to Udupi began with that unmistakable coastal breeze — salt and sand carried on the wind, whispering of distant waves and quiet mangroves. Far from the bustle, Udupi stretches out in hues of green and blue, temples standing watch and coconut palms leaning languid over winding rivers.
But for those of us with a camera at the ready, Udupi’s real treasure lies in its feathered inhabitants. With each sunrise, I found myself wandering along estuaries and marshland, eyes lifted and heart open to the thrill of discovery. Every patch of wetland shimmered with promise; every tree was a possible perch.
One quiet morning, the mangroves came alive: a flash of colour, the sudden call of a kingfisher slicing through the silence, its wings a blur against the morning mist. Little egrets tiptoed through the shallows, while a Brahminy kite soared overhead, tracing slow circles in the sky. The lens clicked — trying to catch not just wings, but the story unfolding with every flutter.
Each photo became a small memory, a page in the story of Udupi. The landscape was not just backdrop — it was both invitation and mystery, offering endless moments of joy to those patient enough to wait for its secrets.
As the days passed, I grew familiar with the heartbeat of the coast, the hush of the estuary sunrise, and the thrill of each new sighting. The birds of Udupi were not just subjects for photographs — they were witnesses to the region’s beauty, guiding every step and blessing every morning with possibility.
