‘A spell is cast, a drama unveiled, enter their arena and you feel the mystic,
a lot to offer, both majestic and mild, they will enchant you with their style!’

These lines seep into my mind whenever I think of the forests of Dudhwa.

A lovely reminiscence retraces the winding and straight roads; the cold winter that gripped us as we entered her gates; the mist that engulfed us curtaining everything that lay ahead; the determined sun that for some precious moments penetrated the icy layers; the old and gnarled, giant trees that towered to catch the rays as they played a game of light and shadow with the earth showcasing brilliant and subtle shades of green. Amidst this enthralling stage that was set for us, we waited with a bated breath for the queen of this kingdom who was rumoured to be around. With our engines shut, all was quiet in the forest; as if time had stunned everyone of us into silence. No bird songs, no deer calls, no langur chatter. Only the tall trees stretched their limbs, leaned on each other and gently inquired after one another. Every sound, every movement was consumed by the forests. Although we returned, after what felt like eons, without a glimpse of the queen or any of her subjects, that morning safari was a magical experience which will be etched in memory forever. We were humbled by the mighty forests that held deep mysteries beyond our imagination and comprehension. And as it is said of the mountains, it must be said for the forests; once you have dwelled in them you will always long to go back!

This picture is a minuscule attempt to encapsulate that special moment in the fortress of memory.