[1] The native vegetation of the area has been replaced in some parts with dense growths of eucalyptus and plantations of exotic trees.

[2][3][4] Other birds which are rare in the surrounding region include the black eagle and the white-rumped shama.

[5][6] The endemic toad Duttaphrynus hololius[7] has been found here and a ground orchid Diplocentrum recurvum was rediscovered here after nearly a century.

Before coming into existence as a hill resort i.e. before the advent of W.D.Horsley, this area was home to the tribes of Yanadis and Chenchus.

An older brother, Ralph, born in 1831 at Courtallam, was murdered at Bellary in 1856 where he was a Head Assistant Collector.