We had prided ourselves on the fact that we had spent the most time with the family without testing their patience and in harmony (read Part II). 17:45 We neared the safari end time. Both the guide and driver were engrossed in an excited conversation. Five out of six passengers were also engaged in low…
Author: Shalini Gopalakrishnan
From the land of Asiatic Lions… (Part II – A Royal Lesson)
15:30 The evening safari reinforced our hopes of seeing the Lion King. After necessary entry formalities, we were once again inside our favourite arena and riding confidently with an assured air. A live railway track passed through the forests. And sadly, it has been responsible for many lion deaths. We spotted a Chital leaping across…
From the land of Asiatic Lions… (Part I – The Animal Kingdom)
We had travelled to Ranthambhore, Kanha and Pench to catch a glimpse of our beloved beautiful beast – the Tiger; each a popular and predominant tiger land of the country. Tigers are the kings in these parts and most of the Indian forests, the only other big predator being the cautious leopards. Tigers are more…
On Christmas Eve
(…8 years ago) 05:30 Our assemblage reached the outskirts of Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, near Alibaug, Maharashtra. We were forewarned about a power cut. And so, were not surprised to face complete darkness when we arrived. The sun was not yet out. It was still those cool days of December when the relaxed sun was too…
Ranthambhore… (Part III – The Fort)
Day 2 – April 4, 2011 16:30 After emerging victorious in our mission to spot the tiger in the wild, though the mission remains to be fully justified considering that we just got a fleeting glimpse as opposed to our colleagues who met Machhli, the tigress peacefully resting on the rocks, we had lunch in…
Ranthambhore… (Part II – A Fleeting Glimpse)
Day 2 – April 4, 2011 06:30 Our resolute to try and a catch glimpse of the big cat made us take one more safari in the early hours of April 4. Though unplanned, it was our last chance to see the tiger here in this trip and we didn’t want to miss any opportunity,…
Ranthambhore… (Part I – Seeking the Tiger)
Day 1 – April 3, 2011 04:00 Sweet, mellifluous voices woke us up as early as four in the morning, beating the golden sunrays that would have soon penetrated our cosy tents at Tiger Machan, Sawai Madhopur, a stark contrast to what we had been accustomed to until a day earlier and would be after…
Emerald Forests
Bright and Dazzling Sun, Tranquil and Passionate Moon, Tickled and Twinkling Stars, Roaring and Sinuous River, Unbound and Howling Wind, Painted and Open Skies, Loving and Caressing Rain, Giant and Gentle Mountain, Hale and Hearty Trees, Blossoming and Sensuous Flowers, Bold and Colourful Butterflies, Merry and Racing Birds, Friendly and Free Animals, Serene and Rejuvenated…
The Kanha Diaries… (Part IV – A Lasting Experience)
Day 4 – June 27, 2011 8:30 Ujjain, a holy abode, received us enthusiastically. We refreshed ourselves at a nearby hotel; relished a nice breakfast; hired a rickshaw and were off for the ensuing temple tour. With the Kaal Bhairav and Maha Kaal, Ujjain seemed to be one of the favourite destinations of the Mahadev…
The Kanha Diaries… (Part III – The Safari)
Day 3 – June 26, 2011 As rains had marred all safari prospects last evening, four of us were up by 4:45, to check on the weather conditions. With the moon still watching over us, no signs of sun and a slight drizzle, we slowly walked to the safari gates to ascertain whether our hopes…
Walk the Wild... 