Nightlife in the village

The evening star – for whatever reason – is so big and bright these days that the eye simply can't help being drawn to it.

Even after the other stars appear, it's the one you look at again and again.

This might sound very dull to many, but living in a village one is so starved for diversions that you tend to notice these silly little things.

While city folk are caught in the mad rush to get home, or already drinking in a pub or watching a movie in a darkened theatre, the evening here is unfolding its few simple diversions.

You hurry to catch the last show of the Psychedelic Sunset starring Purple Haze, the Colours Pink and the Moody Blues at the open air theatre. There's often much drama in the performance, but you wish you had some popcorn to munch, and that the stones you were sitting on weren't quite so hard, or that the kayak you're in didn't rock so on the waves.

Or you can take in The Return of the Bats on the hillside, and shriek and shout as they go skimming over your head. Beats sitting in a giant wheel or visiting Appu Ghar.

There's the Sound and Light show – entry is free – at the Mango Tree, but only in some seasons. Then you can watch glowworms dance sensuously to the music of the Beetles and other insects. Not quite the Egyptian belly dance, but not bad considering it's just a little worm trying hard.

Those with somewhat kinky tastes can watch live porno shows in which lizards mate, or they can get their kicks from some S&M as the lizards do it with the moth inches away from a hungry mouth. It's not only the suspense that's killing.

Or you can act in a version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarf Frogs. Put on an apron and sing while you cook and the little frogs hop about,watching you with bright little eyes. And then have a romantic dinner in the garden under the stars with all the little creatures of the night in a live band singing specially for you.

Encore, anyone?