Ah, the tale of the wildlife safari trip when, in my wacky wisdom, I managed to dodge majestic tiger sightings in the wild woods while my co-travellers revelled in thrilling moments with the elusive tigers. It was a scorching summer’s day when I embarked into the deep forests of North India in 2023. It was my second visit to this tiger reserve, and so I was armed with a bit more confidence than my fellow safari travellers.
I had booked six safari drives in the magical forest land, and I was confident that though the jungle wore a calm aura, it would eventually yield a thrilling tiger sighting. However, in my display of confident demeanour or sheer folly, I abandoned the notion of playing it safe. Instead, I embraced a game of hop-skip-jump.
Needless to say, my miscalculated moves led to what wildlife enthusiasts term a “dry trip”— when a quest for a specific species on the trip ends in disappointment. While I was left longing for a grand tiger encounter, my fellow travellers, who got a grander big cat sighting, found amusement in my misadventure.
Yet, amidst the disappointment, let me tell you that the divine forests while teaching me lessons in humility also bestowed its abundant generosity. I was graced with sightings of beautiful elephant herds in its natural habitat and had an unforgettable encounter with the gentlest tusker I’ve ever met.
A Birthday Plan in Dhikala: Dodging Age, Not Tigers
It was my second trip to the fabled Dhikala Zone of Corbett National Park—a coveted experience like winning a golden ticket in the world of wildlife enthusiasts! Securing a booking here is no less than a strategic game, requiring months of planning and a stroke of luck. I was fortunate to snag a booking around my birthday in May, thanks to Camila Malvestiti.
How lucky was I felt! Celebrating my birthday in the heart of the forest, far from mobile networks and internet distractions—a true escape from all the social media noise and mundane birthday greetings – a reminder of the aging process. In the wilderness, I can just pretend to be ageless, just like the majestic surroundings of Dhikala.
However, my expectations were sky-high after spotting my first tiger in the wild during a previous visit to Dhikala and I also thought the birthday luck will support it. So while I tried to maintain a calm exterior, deep down, I was brimming with overconfidence, convinced that this trip would surely yield more thrilling tiger sightings. Oh, the optimism of a crazy wildlife enthusiast!
Little did I know that the forest had its plans, and my journey would soon turn into a tale of unexpected twists and lessons in humility. But for that moment, amidst the anticipation and excitement, I relished the thought of immersing myself again in the wilderness of Dhikala—a birthday gift to myself like no other.
Elephant Encounters: Majesty and Gentleness Amidst Tiger Quests
Summers in Dhikala are extra special, with the migration of elephants from Rajaji Park for better pastures. While tigers were at the top of my list, I was equally excited about encountering herds of elephants in their natural habitat. But being a cat lover I couldn’t help but anticipate a magnificent tiger sighting, despite knowing that it all depends on the big cats’ moods.
And so was it, that on our first safari drive, the elusive striped monk was in mood to remain hidden—no signs, no sounds—just the serene wilderness embracing us. Although we were treated to a magnificent sight of a lone elephant leisurely strolling through the grasslands, sending a ripple of nerves through our safari vehicle driver and guide.
Wild elephants command respect and are known for their unpredictable behavior and occasional aggression toward vehicles. I have a tale about such an encounter, but that’s in the later part. Right now, let’s talk my idiosyncrasies and follies in the wild!
Karma Strikes: Dodging Tigers and Embracing Irony
Ah, the comedy of errors began after my first tiger-less safari drive in Dhikala. The following day, determined to change my luck, I switched vehicles. Two reasons prompted this decision: first, a desperate attempt to alter my fate, and second, the divine coincidence of meeting my friends from Tigerwalah—the very companions with whom I had witnessed my first wild tiger encounter. Indeed, I thought, this was a sign that I was destined to see tigers in Dhikala with them by my side – cosmic invitation to rewrite history. Oh, how wrong I was!
Blinded by forest enchantment and ensnared by my own ego-driven delusions, I joined my Tigerwalah friends’ vehicle, anticipating a deja vu. We did spot magnificent elephants and a colossal tusker—impressive sightings, no doubt, but not the striped marvel I longed for.
Meanwhile, the jeep I had abandoned the day before had a brief encounter with a beautiful tigress, and I missed it. The pattern continued throughout the trip—each time I changed vehicles, the tiger appeared to the one I had just vacated. It was as if I had become the unlucky charm of our safari group.
I vividly recalled my earlier visit to Dhikala, where I had mocked another unfortunate soul who always missed tiger sightings by mere seconds due to his vehicle’s late arrival. Now, in a twist of karma, I found myself in the same predicament—dodging tiger sightings by the slimmest of margins.
Slice of Humility: A Birthday Cake & The Midnight Rainstorm
I was certainly quite sad and disappointed about not encountering a tiger on my birthday, but then the night unfolded some delightful surprises. First, my thoughtful co-travellers surprised me with a birthday cake. The unexpected sweetness of their gesture lifted my spirits. Then, as if in harmony with the wild and untamed surroundings, a midnight rainstorm swept through the jungle, filling the air with the soothing earthy scent. I sensed a profound message of humility emanating from the forest itself.
The next morning, amidst the freshness of the rain-drenched forest, I let go of my tiger-centric expectations and immersed myself in nature’s beauty. I held onto a sliver of hope for a final glimpse of the cat-eyes before departing, but strangely, the absence didn’t sting as much. I realized that the forest never truly leaves you—it remains a constant teacher and companion.
Reflecting on my journey, I pondered whether my relentless pursuit of tigers and the ego-driven quest for big cat sightings had obscured the true essence of my jungle adventures. The forests are not a stage for our demands; they are a sanctuary of gifts bestowed by the supreme forces of nature.
We, mere mortals, are here to receive and appreciate what is given, to learn humility and gratitude from the untamed beauty that surrounds us. Perhaps it was time to shift my perspective and embrace the wilderness with open arms, letting go of expectations and allowing nature to guide my journey. After all, in the grand theater of the jungle, the most profound lessons are often learned in moments of quiet acceptance and awe.
Redemption 2024: From Tiger Fumbles to Tiger Bonanza
And then, believe me, it happened—my return visit to Corbett in February 2024 turned out to be a tiger bonanza! Two beautiful tigresses in the jungle had just given birth to cubs, and I entered the forest with no expectations, no target species in mind—just a desire to immerse myself in nature’s embrace.
The 2024 safari trip to Dhikala for me was by far, the best safari trip I had ever experienced in terms of number of tigers spotted. I sighted not one, not two, but nine tigers—including two magnificent tigresses with their adorable cubs! As if that wasn’t enough, I also spotted a leopard perched on a tree, with another tigress hidden in the bushes below. The forest was alive with thrilling encounters at every turn.
To add to the excitement and to wash away the misfortune of my 2023 trip, I had booked a safari to the Jhirna zone before venturing into Dhikala. Here, I witnessed a jaw-dropping scene: a massive tusker charging behind a tourist safari jeep like a mad man! Watching it all from a safe distance, mesmerized and scared at the same time, I forgot to capture
the moment on camera. Also, felt annoyance at the behaviour of the tourist vehicles which get too close to the wild beings.
It was a stark reminder of the responsibility we bear as visitors to these sacred lands—to admire from a respectful distance, to tread lightly upon the earth, and to honor the boundaries of the magnificent creatures that grace us with their presence.
Embracing Nature’s Gifts Beyond Tiger Sightings
Reflecting on these extraordinary encounters, I realized that nature has its own timing and rewards. Sometimes, the most magical moments unfold when we least expect them, and the wilderness never ceases to amaze and inspire.
For those who frequently venture into forest areas in pursuit of tigers and dream of visiting Dhikala, I have some thought here : if you miss out on a tiger sighting or even the opportunity to visit Dhikala due to booking challenges, don’t be disheartened. Explore any and every forest you can reach—you will undoubtedly encounter a worthy prize awaiting you amidst the wilderness.
Seeing a tiger in the wild is undeniably one of the most privileged experiences one can have, but it is far from easy. My journeys to tiger habitats have taught me never to take such encounters lightly. Despite missing out on my coveted tiger sightings multiple times, I consider myself incredibly fortunate for the invaluable lessons learned and the blessings
bestowed upon me by the forest’s diverse and captivating inhabitants. Forests not only teach us humility by reminding us of our place in the grand scheme of nature but also gift us with the profound beauty of their creatures. Each encounter, whether with a majestic tiger or a gentle elephant, or the wonderful birds, it is a treasure to cherish forever.