Indian Crocodile: King of Rivers Interesting Facts
See that crocodile, The King of rivers!
The boatman kept taking us closer. This was in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Mysore, Karnataka. The crocodile was lying still. I was not very keen and didn’t encourage the boatman, instead looked away towards the nesting birds.
But he kept urging, ma’am you will get good photos. He seemed more knowledgeable about my lens 150-500 mm. I then decided to follow his advice. I could zoom in very well and for a start I focused on its claws.
I was keen to see crocodile eggs and insisted that the boatman shows me if he knew any part of the river bank where the crocodiles hatched eggs. To that the boatman said he was not aware of any.
By now I had got good pictures of migratory birds like Australian White Ibis with chicks, Asian Open Bill Storks, Great stone Plover and more. So? Why not some pictures of crocodiles!
Indian Crocodile, the king of rivers
Zooming my camera in to crocodile for details startled me. Interesting I thought seeing how one of its fingers (?) with sharp nail was bent against the rock. I could see each detail through the lens.
Then I focused on its eye. OMG! I experienced FEAR. The scare I felt, a shiver went down my spine! Never before have I been so scared. Within those few seconds I focused on it I could see its stony eye, its sharp teeth, and a drop of water near the teeth.
And then a thought flashed across my mind: what if the crocodile decides to jump on us. After all it is an animal and who can read its mind. In the jungle it is the King’s rule and he alone is right. My 14 year old was happily taking pics totally unaware of any kind of danger.
I stopped taking pics right then and told the boatman sternly to take us away from there. He still insisted “it won’t do anything ma’am!” I said nothing doing you are taking us back or I will have to complain. This time he listened, afraid we wouldn’t tip him in the end.
Mugger Crocodiles Interesting Facts
What I just saw was a Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). The common habitat of crocodiles in India is rivers and huge lakes. This Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary comprises of 6 islets in the bank of Cauvery River. Plenty of mugger crocodiles can be seen here, it is a good breeding ground for the crocodiles.
- Other names for this crocodile are: Marsh Crocodile and Broad snouted Crocodile.
- Crocodiles eat only meat. In the rivers, they feast on fish, birds, frogs and crustaceans and any animal that dares to cross.
- Crocodiles have 64 to 80 teeth yet they fail to chew their prey. They often swallow the whole prey.
- Crocodiles swallow small stones that grind up the food in their stomachs.
- Thankfully they have a slow metabolism and survive without food for months.
- They are cold-blooded, do not sweat and cannot generate their own heat. One of the reasons why you see them lay still with their mouths wide open.
- A crocodile’s jaws can apply 5,000 pounds of pressure per square inch which is 50 times that of human jaws. Crocodiles can bite through an arm or a leg with no problem, so don’t mess with them.
Profile of the croc by my 14 year old, Arundhati.
The King of rivers! Profile pic of Crocodile
Here is one last shot as we rowed away. I really don’t wish to meet it again ever in my life!
Indian Crocodile The King of Rivers
Saltwater Crocodile in India
This reminded me of yet another close view I had of a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in Sundarban Forest. The crocodile seemed totally relaxed with its mouth open, sunning itself.
Indian Crocodilia Interesting Facts
- Saltwater Crocodiles are found in the eastern states of Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in India.
- It was hunted for its skin throughout its range up to the 1970s. Saltwater crocodile existence is threatened due to illegal killing and habitat loss.
- Other animals they face threat from are lions, tigers, jaguars and anaconda.
- People who share the same environment can face crocodile attacks. And this is a common occurrence in islands of Sunderban we were told.
- This is the largest living reptile.
I was curious how they take precautions because they have to venture out for a living. Our guide, Niranjan Raptan, told us the best defense is to stay alert and not get attacked or back away silently if a crocodile is spotted. And in unfortunate situation of getting attacked they aim to injure the crocodile’s eyes. One unfortunate local had lost his leg to a vicious crocodile he told.
Mouth gaping crocodile in Sundarbans India
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Great shots by your 14 years old. And I have to agree, that crocodile seems huge, I felt a tinge of fear looking at the closeup snaps. I am glad you told the boatman to take you out of the danger zone
Yikes. He’s enormous! They are magnificent creatures but they send shivers down my spine; there is something about the way they look at you. Dead behind the eyes I always think!
You took nice shots 🙂 How were you taken near the crocodile? Truly, our first instinct is to run away from danger. I guess for me I’ll ask the boat man if it just ate since if it did, I won’t have anything to fear. It’s amusing to know that the crocodile is already 14 years old.
A king who cries at first hard situation? lol … really strange creature that i have never see on front of me
Love your photos! Although they are scary crocodiles are seriously impressive and really beautiful creatures once you’re able to see them up and close (through pictures)
I would love to say that you are so brave. I laughed at the part where the boatman would like to come closer to get nice photos but because you feel scared you don’t want. Who doesn’t feel scared? It’s crocodile. I feel you. If I was there the word “you’re crazy: would run repeatedly on my head. HAHAHA! But, there you go. You got amazing photos!
Gosh ! Pretty close for comfort for me.
Reminded me of that Hindi movie … Khoon Bhari Maang. Have you seen that? 🙂
These photographs are so aesthetically pleasing to my eyes also I think that you have more guts than most of the people in this world/universe HOW DID YOU GET SO CLOSE WITHOUT WETTING YOUR PANTS. I wouldn’t dare to be even in that place, let a lone less than a meter away.
They are such an incredible and prehistoric looking animal. We have a lot of them in northern Australia and I have to admit they give me the chills.
Totally awesome and cool! But scary, most definitely. I’m not as brave as you, that’s for sure. I may not be able to take even a single photo.
Good call! I think you got close enough to that crocodile and you were right to move back after the amazing photos. They can move fast and especially with children on board, no need to take any extra risks. Those teeth are really sharp (and white??).
Oh the things we do for a good shot, right!? Great photos, but I’m glad you had an experienced guide with you. Too many people are not smart enough to remember the power and strength of such animals
OMG that is a really big one you got there. Nice close up shots.
Really good photography and nice close ups! crocks are kind of scary would hate to come across one in the wild
oooh I know that one…the boat man really takes you close in Ranganthithu. I almost lost sight of the migratory birds with the fear of these crocs. But I should try it now. I guess after the Komodo, they may seem fine 🙂
you captured such amazingly pictures of the Crocodiles.They do look rather scary. In South Africa people actually eat crocodiles lol but not me. Apparently it tastes like chicken
Thats a huge croc! Incredible captures 😀
OMG! That’s scary. I haven’t been like, that close to Crocodile but just reading your blog post, I can already feel my fear of that scary creature.
I haven’t seen a croc in my entire life, even there are some here in my country. Loved the first two photos. The scale looked intricate and fascinating.
Oh my goodness, it looks like you did get so close to the crocodile! I wouldn’t even dare get that close. I would be quite nervous too, and like you, would check out the nesting birds instead. Your captures are incredible – so fascinating to see a crocodile so up close and personal.
What a great collection of photographs!
Crocodiles scare me so much, you are so brave. and so is your 14-year old! Thank you for the post; it made for a lovely read.
Wow the eyes even gave me goosebumps! Nature can be so intimidating, especially when seeing such creatures in their own environment. Your pictures capture details so well.
That is a really big crocodile! I would probably be scared too if I was too close to it. Your photos are very good through, you managed to capture really good details of the crocodile.
It must have been a fascinating experience even if it sounds sooo scary! The photos are stunning, it was worth it!
What an experience to be so close to a crocodile. You took amazing photos. I don’t blame you for wanting to turn back!
Oh, wow, being so close to a crocodile sounds fascinating! I’ve always been enthralled by them. If you think about it, they’ve been surviving everything for the longest time, and they are the closest we can get to actual dinosaur age fauna.
I remember my conversation with my friends about how to maximize one of our islands here in the Philippines. One of my friends suggested to build a prison building to one of the secluded Island and have huge crocodiles be the guards around the water… its silly, but If possible, why not! Having these huge crocs are scary ?
Boy are you brave to see the crocs! Hubby is from Australia and all I hear about are the crocs on the beaches. Those guys looked terrifying!
Wow this would be an intriguing yet terrifying experience! Not sure how I’d feel getting up close and personal with these creatures
I get shiver by the thought of boating in a lake inhabited by crocodiles, what if they suddenly jump on the boat. Loved your close capture of the claws and eyes of the beast.
I always found crocodiles creepy and scary! I have no clue how you stood there clicking these pics!
How cool! I’m actually kind of hoping to see one in person soon! Hopefully it’ll be from a safe distance haha
excellent details 🙂
Fantastic shots. And that last one with the deceptively calm creature against an equally calm background. Salute
Very dramatic narration, Indrani!
I hope you have a really, REALLY long lens. :))
Wonderful shots, but I think I'd have been backing away in a hurry!
It's absolutely beautiful! Great shots! But I would have been nervous too!
Oh my, it does look rather large.. I do love that toothy grin shot.. Cool captures of your crocodile..Thank you for linking up, enjoy your weekend!
Great photos and wonderful details, such large crocs have something prehistoric.
Great shots, but they're scary critters.
Fantastic shots! Quite the crocidile!
Happy day to you ~ artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Now he is a big fellow and great shots of him. Have a good weekend.
These are awesome shots of that dangerous animal! My hands would have been shaking from fear too much to get a good photo.
I think everyone should experience such visceral fear at least once in a lifetime. Too many Westerners have never been in a physically dangerous situation that induces fear.
Fantastic shots of the crocodile.
Amazing photos! I would have been fearful also. They can move so fast and unexpectedly. Congratulations on being picked for the POTW.
I won't go too near.
Thanks for the comments friends. 🙂
Thanks TexWisGirl for letting me know. 🙂
congrats on your POTW!
Beautiful yet scary shots! I'm scared of him too! I would think twice or thrice or infinite times before having a boat ride!
Wow; it knows you can zoom up and have a good captures♪ Scary but wonderful pictures.
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Spikey Croc, lovely images.
Wow…incredible and scary!
Incredible cliks Indrani…. This is really brave.
Those are some really intense pictures, rightly mentioned, that croc did really have a very cold and stony eyes! Loved the write-up as well..(This is my first visit to your blog and its going to list of blogs I follow)
Amazing, crystal-clear photography!
Thanks friends for the comments.
Thanks Umashankar for the caution. 🙂
Ha ha Anita, I do remember that film. 🙂
Gosh Indrani!
Pretty close for comfort 🙂
Reminded me of the Hindi movie- Khoon Bhari Maang.
Remember- they push Rekha in to the crocodile-rich river?
the excellent photography and very cool brain. Your daughter is not at all nervous. Kudos to parents.
Oh yes, the crocs at Ranganatittu are really formidable. But I always get so excited on spotting them 🙂
Lovely description of this miniature prehistoric creature. The pics make you just admire God's beauty in creation and at the same time commands a sense of fear.
This is a big one. Crocs usually do not pounce on the boat. Once they see prey in water they move in to attache under wanter. Still a scary beast. Good picture.
Oh, yes! Those are commendable shots. But as I read this there is a 'breaking news' on the TV splashing away pictures of an adventurous man mauled to death by a white tiger in New Delhi Zoo. Take care, next time!
Majestic indeed!
I can imagine your plight. Anyway you got some good pics, eh. 🙂
I'd been to this bird sanctuary a long time ago. I'd really like to see it again.
Wow! That's all I can say after seeing these pictures. Really WOW!
The zoomed in pics are amazing. Good to see your daughter's picture too!
I have always found crocodiles beautiful, they have survived through the ages, The way they deceive, pretend to be a log, Though I would love to stare at them from a safe distance 🙂
Hats Off to you to click these beautiful pictures
awesome clicks with great details. for once, i am not scared to look at this creature 🙂
awesome clicks with so much details. for once, i am not scared to look at these creatures 🙂
Indeed dreadful shots but a lifetime memory.I could feel your motherly concern. Par kehte hain na ki Darr ke aage jeet hai 🙂
Lovely Clicks I Like Crocodiles they are bit scary but still I like them. A G+ for ur Post and have a nice day. . . 🙂
these guys are real kings of the area they dominate.. nice shots…
Nice! Yes, usually they don't do any harm to humans!
Wow – fantastic shots!
Amazing captures of Scary croc 🙂
That croc looks huge! We were in an alligator farm on Saturday (here in Colorado of all places).
Very good captures…awesome..felt wonder of the nature evolving every creature in its own comfortable way..!
What an amazing shot. You did not miss to capture his sweet eye. I like it.
I'm scared of them. But you took great photos showing the texture of its skin. Well done.
Fabulous looking creature and you got some wonderful shot. I do understand your concern, especially having your child with you. I'll bet it was a mix of fascination and trepidation.
Whoa! What a majestic and scary animal!
You've managed to capture great shots.
Fantastic captures, but it would be scary to be so close! The detail you've captured is indeed awesome, Indrani!!
Wow! Awesome captures and marvelous detail on the croc! The last picture itself terrific and similar to a scene from Hollywood crocodile movie… Getting closer may excite, but it’s quite danger at receiving end. Wish the authorities advice the boatmen to take people not close to such wild animals.
Beautiful details of this creature. I'm so used to alligators here and I've never seen one attack a boat. But I can understand the fear.
just amazing! a cold, prehistoric being! but amazing!
Great shots! But I really afraid to see even meet this creature.
Am in full agreement with you Indrani ! Even I will not want to meet him again or for the first time ever …. BUt the parting shot was awesome !! AMAZING shot… each spike of his body visible against the beautiful calm background,the white blooms(?) amid dark green leaves, the natural curve looking – slithering and truly REPTILE !
Arundhati's shot is- dangerous looking with his teeth oohhh and ewwww too 😀
Those white stuffs are birds.