Travels with Tricia

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Monkey Business at Elephanta Island, India

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Tricia A. Mitchell

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Perhaps I should seek employment as a surveillance photographer as I found it amusing capturing the mischievous primates on film in Bali, Cambodia, and India.

This cheeky monkey was spotted on Elephanta Island. To get there, we had to take a 50-minute boat ride from India Gate in Mumbai.

First, this little macaque checked the scene to ensure she wasn’t being watched.


Into the blue bucket she dove.

With her prize in sight, she completed one final check…


…and spirited away a bag of savory snacks.

It’d be hard to identify her in a line-up with only the derrière shot!

But I caught her later, enjoying the evidence. :)

Where in the World?

Planning Pointers:

  • To reach Elephanta Island, catch a ferry by the Gateway of India. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes each way.
  •  Need more inspiration as you plan your travels in India? This link contains an index of all my posts from India.

Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.

Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar

About the author

Hi! My name is Tricia Mitchell. I delight in telling stories about my slow travels through more than 65 countries. Some of my highlights have included sharing meals with locals in Armenia, Cambodia, and Tunisia; sipping sparkling wine with French cousins in Alsace; milking goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village; and training with a Japanese mine-clearance team in Laos. My husband, Shawn, and I are based in France’s Loire Valley.

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15 responses to “Monkey Business at Elephanta Island, India”

  1. emotionalsalad Avatar
    emotionalsalad

    It’s like watching a short monkey film… He he he ;)

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      It is similar to the picture flip books isn’t it? Glad the images brought a smile to your face – happy weekend! :)

      Reply
  2. Cornelia Lohs Avatar
    Cornelia Lohs

    Funny monkey!

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Even when there’s magnificent architecture nearby, they steal the show… :)

      Reply
  3. Anita Mac Avatar
    Anita Mac

    What a great series! Love the look on her face – does she realize that she is busted – or were you far enough away on zoom! Love it!

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Both, I think!

      As with an art thief, perhaps it was merely the thrill of the theft. She knew we could never catch her. :)

      Reply
  4. ruthpinto Avatar
    ruthpinto

    These Bonnet macaques can be quite a menace at times. Most are ridiculously daring and will grab food from children’s hands and will scratch badly if you don’t cooperate with their plans! Where I live now, they’re constantly running on the roof.

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Ruth, you’re absolutely right! When we were in Bali, we saw a baby macaque playing on a female tourist’s lap (with her dress tassel). When baby accidentally rolled a few inches, the mother monkey grew frightened, thought the human was hurting her little one, and latched onto the woman’s arm with her teeth!

      We also saw the macaques stealing sunglasses, juice bottles and children’s candy.

      Do they also tightrope walk on power lines by your home?

      As roguish as they can be, it’s such a delight to watch them though. Fascinating creatures!

      Reply
      1. ruthpinto Avatar
        ruthpinto

        Oh dear. Haha, their tightrope walking skills are quite well known, I see! Yes, they are fascinating. It makes for an interesting analysis because people usually believe there is a clear divide between the wilderness and urban landscapes, or the homes of humans and all wild creatures.

      2. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
        Tricia A. Mitchell

        Throughout our travels in Asia, we also sadly saw a fair number of them kept as pets – chained to a post and lonely. Guess that’s why it was such a joy to observe them in a more natural environment – even if it is an intersection between an urban and wild landscape.

  5. marinachetner Avatar
    marinachetner

    Such a fun post! I think you have your ‘work’ cut out for you ;)

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      So true – whenever I try to catch animals on film, I have an even greater appreciation of National Geographic photographers. It would be a fun job though!

      Reply
      1. marinachetner Avatar
        marinachetner

        I agree with you! Nat Geo photographers are a class act!

  6. Rachael Avatar
    Rachael

    Lovely sequence. Made me smile. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Tricia A. Mitchell Avatar
      Tricia A. Mitchell

      Sporting a smile is a great way to start the weekend, Rachael. Hope yours is wonderful!

      Reply