The journal

All stories

Wildlife encounters, craft trails and misadventures from the road.

FOLLOW MY TRAIL

10 Exciting Activities to Spice Up Your Trip To Panna Tiger Reserve

Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is unquestionably on the list of must-visit destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. While renowned for its rich biodiversity, the region also unfolds a captivating tapestry of culture and architecture that begs exploration. I embarked on a five-day trip at the end of December 2022, opting for a train journey between Mumbai and Jhansi, followed by hiring a private cab for day excursions. Although my primary…

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WILD SHOTS

Panna Chronicles: A Gallery of Nature’s Symphony in Madhya Pradesh

Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India, Panna stands as a testament to the sublime beauty of untouched wilderness. Panna is not just a destination; it’s an immersive experience where the whispering winds carry tales of ancient forests, and the mighty Ken River weaves through landscapes teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The Panna Tiger Reserve, a jewel within this realm, boasts a rich tapestry of wildlife, from the…

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MISSFIT IN THE WILD

Playing The Role of A Proud Party Pooper At Panna Tiger Reserve – The Emerald Forest

It was well past the 10 pm ‘no noise’ curfew in the outskirts of the forest when the obnoxiously loud thumping of music began echoing throughout the retreat campus where I was staying. Instead of being embraced by the promised tranquillity of mesmerizing wilderness, I found myself amid the deafening chaos of urban revellers who were partying like there was no tomorrow. As I lay in my luxurious room, decked…

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MISSFIT ADVENTURES

Echoes of Noklak: A Journey of Inspiration On the Road Less Travelled in Nagaland

The zigzag mountain route resembled a muddy obstacle course, now murkier, battered by the relentless rain of the previous night. I was seated in a shared Sumo Taxi with five other souls as our emotions oscillated between anxiety and shared camaraderie in sync with the bumpy ups and downs. The seasoned driver appeared slightly overwhelmed by the challenging terrain. Skilfully manoeuvring the vehicle, he would cautiously shift gears and delicately…

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WILD SHOTS

A Glimpse into Pench: The Jungle Book’s Untamed Inspiration

Pench Tiger Reserve, nestled in Central India, is a unique ecosystem spread in two states – Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The captivating dry deciduous forest is famous for being source of inspiration for British Writer Rupyard Kipling’s famous epic “The Jungle Book.” The magical forest  unfolded a mesmerizing tapestry of wildlife for us on our visit.  Explore our captivating photo gallery, a visual ode to the majestic tigers, diverse bird…

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MISSFIT IN THE WILD

The Jungle Book Wilderness: Patience, Focus & Meme Moment in Pench Tiger Reserve

On one “fine” day at the end of March 2022, we found ourselves in the heart of a forest in Central India, seated dutifully in our safari chariots, baked under the blazing sun, awaiting magic. Our forest guide had some tantalizing news – two fabulous tigresses enjoying a siesta in a gorge. And so, despite the heat and the safari circus of curious onlookers attempting acrobatics worthy of a Jungle…

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CONSERVATION CORNER

“Barny’s Visit”: A Barn Owl’s Unexpected Arrival at Home & the Conservation Lessons

In mid-October 2023, on a seemingly ordinary day, my life took an extraordinary turn when I was woken up by a knock on my door from a concerned neighbour. She was worried about a strange bird perched on our apartment’s common floor’s rusted iron ladder. When I had first peeped at the bird, I was awestruck by its sighting – it was a full grown barn owl roosting calmly. Such…

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FOLLOW MY TRAIL

10 Adventure-Filled Stops on the Enthralling Spiti Valley Circuit

Ah, the Lahaul-Spiti Valley circuit, the beautiful Himalayan Cold Desert where your GPS loses its mind, and the grand mountains play hide-and-seek with your sense of direction. Back in 2019, I stumbled upon the ideas of taking on this whirlwind adventure tour, while preparing for the Ladakh Marathon. The brilliant plan was to acclimatize before the big race in a stimulating manner. So in August 2019, I went with a…

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WILD SHOTS

Captivating Chronicles of Tadoba Andhari: A Wildlife Photo Gallery

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, nestled in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, India, is a pristine wilderness that beckons wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This biodiverse haven is renowned for its thriving population of Bengal tigers, making it a prime destination for wildlife photography. As a testament to the reserve’s natural splendor, I present a stunning photo gallery that showcases the majestic tigers, a vibrant array of bird species, and…

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