Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, July 11, 2014: The Monkeys of Shimla

Resplendently hairy and sitting on the steps leading to the large “Shri Sankat Mochan” temple dedicated to the revered Monkey God, Hanuman. The temple is situated about 5kms outside Shimla town and was completed in 1966.  It is particularly noted for having the tallest statue of Lord Hanuman (108 feet tall) in the world.

Shimla, in northern India, and the temple are located at a chilly 8100 feet altitude which accounts for the particularly thick coats of the hundreds of monkeys that inhabit the temple grounds. Visitors are advised to carry a stout stick to wave and at, and deter, some of the more inquisitive monkeys which if not chased away will happily run off with any unsecured possessions, of which glasses and sunglasses are favourites!

Share the Post:

Comments

3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Admin
10 years ago

I think I’ve seen these guys on the “Planet of the Apes”….

 

Seems they were wearing eyeglasses on that movie, Mac.  Maybe they just gather film props?

Admin
10 years ago
Originally Posted by PHeymont:

DrF: In the film, or the audience? They look like they are avid for entertainment!

I can say with some confidence that the audience of cowboys in Alberta I’d be viewing the film with do not look like this.  Living in Brooklyn and the greater NYC area, you are much more likely to encounter folks groomed in this way, I should think!

Admin
10 years ago

DrF: In the film, or the audience? They look like they are avid for entertainment!

Featured Destination

recommended by TravelGumbo

Gumbo's Pic of the Day

Posts by the Same Author

January 15, 2016: Stonehenge Summer Solstice

The sign of times soon to come! This was my first summer solstice sunrise at Stonehenge in England and I love the picture because it heralds the warm sunny days that are yet to come (please!) after the dark days of winter. The solstice sun-rises are the only occasions these days when the public are allowed to be within touching distance of the old stones that comprise ‘the Henge’.

Read More