Monkey Business

Yes, you heard that right.

No, Monkey Business isn’t a metaphor for something. It is actually about monkeys!

I was sorting out my photos when I realized I had way more monkey photos than I imagined. And I thought, I ought to share them here. I am fascinated by monkeys. I guess it is their human-ness–the similarity, the fact that they were right behind us in the evolution process and their agility as they swing from point to point.

They generally never bother with humans unless provoked–usually by a plastic bag as they’re intelligent enough to guess that it might contain food–thanks to the human thoughtless tendency to litter.

So yeah, let me introduce a few of our cousins I met during my recent travels.

Closest home is this dude from Bannerghatta National Park. Happily getting ready for a siesta after a rather satisfactory lunch, he seems pensive. But what I really would like to know is this: who is his hairdresser? Can I get that address please?

His neighbor was lost in thought. Rather looks like a letter has just arrived and he doesn’t know what to make of it. What’s that in his hand? What kind of news? Maybe he has to move and is wondering about the logistics? A new job?

And we leave him to his thoughts and head to Talakona Falls, Tirupati. This guy is so Zen. Basking in the warm sunshine, enjoying the sound of the waterfalls nearby, oblivious to the human chatter around.

Hmm. Now let’s head north towards Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Truly, it takes a village to raise kids, eh? Look at this little group. Moms and kids? One mom whispering in her little one’s ear. What’s she saying? The other one seems peacefully asleep holding her baby close.

A bit farther up North–is the Menri Monastery, where we saw this dude perched on the gate. Beyond was a steep drop down the hill, but of course that didn’t bother him. He was too agile and practiced to slip and fall. So cute, just sitting still and letting the breeze caress his skin, as he listened to the chanting in the monastery!

And finally, my most favorite monkeys! This Mom and baby simply stole my heart. Just look at her! She lives in Kufri National Park, Himachal Pradesh in her natural surroundings, in the wilderness. I just wanted to stand and stare, and I did.

And watching her eyes gently close and she hugged her baby tighter…. so endearing!

And I leave you with that lovely sight for now!

I am joining Claudya for Sundays in My City–and will be doing so every Sunday.

Let’s travel the world together ♥