Kalyn Nature

Ant-ics

Do you know that some ants keep ‘cattle’, small insects called aphids, which they ‘milk’ (stroke with their antennas) to feed on the sugary substances the aphids exude?

Aphids
aphids insects ants reproduction of nature
Image courtesy-pixabay

Ants are social insects. That is, they live in colonies, containing from a dozen to a million individuals. They have a caste system in which some ants are workers, some males, and other females. Among the workers, there are some which have big heads and strong jaws. These are the soldiers which guard the nest. Females and males have wings when they swarm out of the nest to mate but are wingless at other times. After mating, the queen ant flies off on her own. She lands and crawls off to excavate a nest after pulling off her wings. Never again she will see the daylight. She lays a few eggs which will develop into workers. When the larvae hatch, she feeds them with her salivary secretions. The queen lives off her fat and on her shrinking flight muscles.

ants- Public Domain Pictures
Ants

When the first adult ants emerge, they are sterile females or workers who set at once to forage for food, both by themselves and for the future young. The queen may live for 15 years throughout an egg-producing machine, which the workers guard and feed diligently. Some of the eggs will hatch into reproductive females and males who will eventually fly off to establish their own colonies.

There are 3500 species of ants. Big, stiffly-moving carpenters ants riddle the woodwork of houses with galleries, like termites. Harvester ants live on plant seeds. In the tropical jungles live ferocious columns of carnivorous army ants which are constantly of the march. They are wholly blind and can only feel their way, yet they can clear the countryside of insects, birds and even small mammals which are luckless enough to come in their pain! Slave-making ants raid the nests of other ant species and carry away the pupae. When these become adults they help with the work of the colony. Some slave-makers have become so dependent on slaves that they cannot feed themselves or dig a nest without help.

Kalyn Spirituality

Ukigumo: Floating Cloud

(701-762 C.E.)

Floating Cloud or Ukigumo is FooYun in Chinese, embodying a philosophical point of view. As a cloud comes into existence then disappears, so too is life a floating cloud which becomes death. The mind, too, has thoughts that are like floating clouds that form and uniform. Our very flesh is a floating cloud that grows from nothing into something then falls back into the void.

FLOATING CLOUD JAPANESE MAPLE Acer palmatum Ukigumo 2 - YEAR TREE
FLOATING CLOUD JAPANESE MAPLE Acer palmatum Ukigumo 2 – YEAR TREE
Image courtesy-amazon.com

Before the beginning we did not exist, then we existed, and finally, we became as we were before. If we are quiet within, we can experience the whole of this circle of existence and non-existence as a continuum, as though we are the empty space inside a closed circle, and not merely physical beings each with a specific beginning that proceeds in a straight line towards finality.

A floating cloud is anything, such as life’s crises and delightful surprises, that appear as from out of nowhere, and run their course whether pleasant or unpleasant. To see beyond the floating cloud of existence, beyond the body’s pleasures and pains, is to see beyond illusion to the true heart of reality.

Such is the intention of a Zen practitioner on the road to nirvana, difficult though it is not be distracted by the rewards and travails that continuously appear and vanish.

The floating cloud is also the abode of the gods of the Tao. Their Kingdom of Clouds is a mountainous retreat instantly perceivable as a divine residence, with sheer cliffs obscured by mist and cascading rivers and waterfalls that tumble into ancient forests.

The floating cloud as Chinese Eden embodies all of Nature as a reflection of a wholesome paradise so near to one’s vision that it seems as though we might reach out with an open hand and grasp the white mist and bright dawn, even though our hands cannot clutch light and mist, and the vision is only painted screen or a dream. And it is only by never grasping can that such a paradise will prevail.

I shall think of you in a floating cloud;

So in the sunset think of me.

 ~ Li Po

Kalyn Travel

Sea Caves

Gorham’s Cave Complex refers to the four caves at the base of the steep limestone cliffs on the eastern side of the Rock of Gibralter, which is a 426-m high limestone ridge in Gibralter, a British overseas territory on the southern coast of Spain. It is Britain’s 30th world heritage site.

View of Gorham’s Cave, a sea cave in the east face of the Rock of Gibraltar, Gibraltar.
© Gibmetal77 / Wikimedia Commons

The caves, called Bennett’s Gotham’s, Vanguard and Hyaena, were the last known home of the Neanderthal tribes, who occupied them for more than 100,000 years. They contain abstract rock engravings, dating back more than 39,000 years, ornaments, hunting tools and remains of butchered animals. One of the largest collections of bird remains from the Neanderthal period were found here. These archaeological findings depict culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Neanderthals.

Kalyn Travel

6 Beautiful Places in Siliguri (West Bengal) To Explore

Daily hustle and bustle of life make our life so hectic that it would be so not wrong to take a small break from your daily hectic schedule and spend some time with oneself. Siliguri in West Bengal is a beautiful place in India which offers its travellers a pleasing experience for everyone.

Perfect for spending small holidays, Siliguri is situated on the foothills of Himalayas and is one of the best places that come in North India tourism. The place is filled with so many amazing places that will allow you many things to do in Siliguri. Be it shopping or temple visit, there is a plethora of things that will make your West Bengal tours memorable.

Here are the places where you can explore the city to the core and get a chance to peek into the soul of Bengal.

  1. Hong Kong Market

It’s a shout-out for all shopaholics, come and take a visit to Hong Kong market which is a perfect place for all shopping freaks. Located in Hakim Para, this place is always filled with large number of people buying and selling the cool souvenirs, that too in good quality under affordable price. The place will surely bring-out the best bargaining skills from within you. Do not miss visiting this place in your North India tours

  1. Coronation Bridge

Evident to its name, this bridge is indeed gracing the beauty of Siliguri. Listed among major tourist attractions in Siliguri, The Coronation Bridge is also called by the name of Sevoke Bridge. The bridge is spread across the River Teesta and bound the two glittering shores. Travellers can enjoy the spectacular and picturesque scenery of the dense forest that is wrapping around the bridge. This huge bridge makes the connection between the two districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri. There is one more name by which this bridge is called and the name is Baghpool, which means the bridge of Tigers, as there are two tiger statues over there. Do not forget to miss this place.

  1. Kali Mandir

People of Bengal are the huge devotees of Goddess Duraga and her manifestation, especially Goddess Kali. So, it is obvious to have many temples which are dedicated to Goddess Durga and Goddess Kali. It is because of this reason; the Durga Puja of West Bengal is famous throughout the world. Kali Mandir in Siliguri is a famous tourist attraction and it attracts devotees in a large numbers. The grandeur of the temple during the time of Durga Puja and Navratri is a must watch. The major attraction of Kali temple is the huge idol of Goddess Kali which is adorning the jewels and armory. All the newly-wed couple visits this temple for a blissful conjugal life ahead. A spectacular view of Kanchenjunga, the third largest peak in the world is a treat to eyes.

  1. Salugara Monastery

Beautiful and serene this monastery is listed among the major tourist attractions of Siliguri. This place is located in the outskirts of Siliguri. The major attraction of this place has 100 ft stupa that fascinates travellers towards itself. This is a perfect place where you can spend some real amazing time with yourself. This place proves an ideal place for meditation and yoga under yoga tours in India.  Interesting thing about this place is that it was established by the heighted Buddhist monk, Dalai Lama and his followers. The prayers to shrine are believed to be the door of salvation.

  1. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the places that is enhancing the natural beauty and charm of India is Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary is a beautiful place filled with dense forest which touches the skies with spectacular flora and the fauna. This place is also famous as a house of one-horned rhinoceros, along with Endangered Indian elephants, spotted deer and many more exotic species of animals. People here can enjoy watching more than 350 species of birds which will bring lots of excitement to India Wildlife tour packages. 

  1. Savin Kingdom

This another amazing yet spectacular place in Siliguri that will make a perfect tourist spots for travellers. This amusement park is settled amidst the tea farm and is highly popular among travellers. People who wish to experience the fun, love and adventure altogether, this is the perfect place for you. There is a theme park in here which is located on the banks of Mahananda River. Taking part in the activities like pottery making, culture events, henna making, paintings and many more will make your activity tours in India, memorable.