Snippets From My Wildlife Experiences!

  Every Diwali, our homes sparkle with Diya's and our hearts with joy. It’s a time for family, laughter, sweets, and togetherness — a celebration that reminds us that light always finds a way to overcome darkness. But as we prepare for the festivities, let’s pause and look around. Our world — the birds that rest on the trees, the dogs that sleep near our gates, and the animals that move silently through the forest — all share the same air, the same sky, the same home.  And for them, Diwali feels a little different. As the evening sky bursts into colour, the noise of crackers fills the air. What feels like excitement to us can be fear to them. Birds startled out of their trees fly blindly into the night. Street dogs hide under cars, shaking and confused. In the wilderness, sudden sounds and flashes disturb animals’ natural rhythms. A festival meant to bring peace and joy often becomes a night of fear for those who can’t speak. It’s not because anyone means harm — it just happen...

  In late 2016, deep inside the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, a young tiger cub was born. He was named Chhota Matka , son of the mighty Matkasur and the famous tigress Choti Tara . From his parents, he inherited strength, courage, and the bloodline of legends. His brother, Tara Chand, did not survive, but Chhota Matka grew into a strong and dominant tiger. Over time, he became the ruler of a prized territory and fathered cubs like Nayantara and Chandni , who carry his legacy forward. A Fighter from the Start Chhota Matka’s journey from a young sub-adult to a territorial male was not without bloodshed. In 2021 , he faced one of his most defining moments — a brutal territorial battle with Mowgli , another powerful male. The fight was fierce. Many thought Chhota Matka would not survive, but he did. Not only did he endure, he reclaimed his land , earning the respect of both rivals and watchers. From then on, his reputation as a battle-hardened survivor spread. He was a ruler who ...

  When we think of travel, most of us imagine beaches, mountains, or famous cities. But there is another kind of journey that touches you in a very different way—wildlife travel. Visiting the forest is not just a trip; it is an experience that changes how you see life. The best part about a wildlife trip is that nothing is planned. A fort or a waterfall will always be there when you visit, but the forest writes a new story every single day. One morning you may hear the alarm call of a deer and feel your heart beat faster as you wait for a tiger to appear. Another day, you may watch a family of langurs playing, or see a hornbill fly across the sky with its loud flapping wings. Every little sight, every sound, feels like a gift. Wildlife trips are not only about animals. They are also about the people and places around the forest. The simple tea at the forest gate, the stories of your guide who knows each bird call, or staying in a small village homestay—these things add so much so...