Of all the wildlife that calls Hiranya Resort home, the grey langur troop is the most charismatic and the most consistently delightful. A family of approximately 25 individuals — including several mothers with young infants — occupies the trees of the property and the surrounding forest, descending to ground level throughout the day with what seems like complete indifference to human observers.
The Indian grey langur (Semnopithecus dussumieri) is the species that inspired the Hanuman of Hindu mythology — the heroic monkey god of the Ramayana whose silver-grey fur and black face perfectly match these animals. They are found across peninsular India but are not always easy to observe at close range; Hiranya's combination of food trees, the lake, and the relatively undisturbed forest creates an environment where they have become genuinely habituated to gentle human presence.
OBSERVATION TIPS:
The best time to watch langurs is early morning (6–8am) when the troop descends from sleeping trees and begins its day. They often gather near the 150-year-old mango tree on the property, which serves as a landmark and social gathering point. Mothers carrying very young infants can be seen throughout the year; birth season is typically December through February.
Their alarm call — a sharp, explosive bark — is worth learning to recognise. When you hear it, look for the threat: usually a circling raptor (black kites and crested serpent eagles are the langurs' main aerial predators) or occasionally a monitor lizard near ground level. Following the direction of the troop's attention during an alarm is one of the best ways to spot other wildlife.
IMPORTANT: Do not feed the langurs. Human food disrupts their natural diet and encourages overly familiar behaviour that can become problematic. Observe from a comfortable distance — they will approach you if they choose to.
