Himalaya: Mountains of Life is a delightful visual treat

The coffee table book by Kamal Bawa and Sandesh Kadur 'Himalaya: Mountains of Life' takes you on a unique journey to the magical world of Himalayas. There's no shortage of literature about the lofty peaks of Himalayas; its most beautiful treks and scenic sights but there's little written and known about the diversity of life it supports.

Through this coffee-table book, Kamal, a veteran wildlife biologist and Sandesh, a wildlife filmmaker have done a fine job in bridging the gap. The duo spent five years in the Eastern Himalayas documenting not only the bio-diversity but also the people and their relationship with the beautiful landscapes.

What's really likable about the book is the amount of focus given to the species such as fish, amphibians, insects and especially the floral diversity, which often don't usually get the same share of attention as the large mammals. My personal favourite is the picture of an Atlas Moth where the photographer has brilliantly captured the defensive behaviour of the world's largest moth. Even if one is not conservation-oriented, the book will still be a delightful visual treat.

The coffee table book by Kamal Bawa and Sandesh Kadur \'Himalaya: Mountains of Life\' takes you on a unique journey.

Drmustick Primrose - a common species in the Eastern Hiamalaya which is also grown as an ornamental plant worldwide

Atlas Moth - The Edward's Atlas Moth is the largest moth in the world. In case of danger, it uses a unique defence strategy - dropping to the ground and moving its forewings to resemble a snake's head in motion

Golden Langur image - Found in small region of Western Assam and Bhutan, it is one of the most endangered primates of India. It was brought to the world's notice in 1955

Rhino image - A Rhinoceros wading through the marshy grasslands of Chitwan National Park on the foothills of the Himalayas. Chitwan is home to the last surviving population of One-horned Rhino in Nepal

Rhubarb - Majestic rhubarb plant that blooms every monsoon in a tower-like structure

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