Chikkamagaluru: India, known for its unity in diversity, celebrated its 70th year of Independence on August 15. A fig tree in Chikkamagaluru, an abode for 70 beehives is a classic example to match the country’s glorious past.
In modern times beehives or honeycombs are not easy to sight as they like to assemble in secluded places which are not easily accessible to humans. When large trees were axed, they constructed their ‘boarding homes’ on roof tops and on the edges of lintels in large buildings. One may find few in a tree and few more in a large building because they too like company and friends around. When their get-together takes places, the usual buzz is always there!
But the innumerable bees in 70 beehives having a ‘gala time’ on a single tree are peace lovers! They do not cross their borders to trouble the neighbors including passersby on the road, but always exchange pleasantries on important occasions. People living in the neighborhood are surprised by the natural wonder and wish that the human race follow the bee path. Tourists (foreigners for bees) stop for a while when they whizz past through that stretch and are always spellbound by the rare sight of 70 beehives in a single fig tree. Most people who witness the spectacle do not incite the bees which fly around with total freedom being aware of the fact that they do not like intruders.
Interested people who would like to witness this rare spectacle have to travel on Chikkamagaluru -Mudigeri road. The 70 bee hive ‘villas’ are at a distance of around 3-4 kms from Chikkamagaluru town near Amber valley residential school.
Locals say that the bees are residing in their own ‘skyscrapers’ for the last 3-4 decades. The amazing fact is that the sweet honey bees have taken a special liking for the fig tree, whose fruit is sour. May be opposites attract each other!
On the 70th anniversary of Indian Independence, 70 beehives on a single fig tree display the ‘rare synergy’ which nature unfurls every time through a new wonder for peaceful coexistence in the trouble torn world of ours.
