MISSFIT IN THE WILD
Stories of experiences in the WildlifeVenture into the heart of untamed landscapes, where our passion for wildlife leads us through dense forests, revealing the hidden wonders of elusive animals and captivating birds.
Bandhavgarh: I Went Looking for a Tiger and Stayed Long Enough to Listen
There are places you visit. And then there are places that quietly rewrite you. Bandhavgarh was never part of my life plan. It was a destination—once. A pin on a wildlife map. The plan was simple: See tiger. Take photo. Return to civilisation feeling superior. Bandhavgarh had other ideas. A forest known for its high density of tigers, ancient forts, sal trees standing like sentinels, and stories whispered through grasslands…
Not Always Lucky & Wise: A Tale of Inadvertently ‘Dodging’ Tiger Sightings in Dhikala Corbett
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…
Feathers in the Desert: Exploring Biodiversity in the Backyard of the Golden City Jaisalmer
Imagine the thrill of spotting a tiger in the wild, and then amplify that excitement with the elusiveness of a very “endangered” bird. It certainly felt like we were on an impossible treasure hunt, when our first safari round unfolded through the vast barren desert land! And although the cold and arid winds teased us with glimpses of vultures, wheatears, buzzards, and even a shy desert mouse, the star of…
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…
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…
Nature’s Cinematic Marvel: Tigers, Tales, & Tinsel in Kanha Tiger Reserve
Embarking on a journey to Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh in March 2022 was like stepping onto the sets of a grand Bollywood blockbuster, where the lush tapestry of Sal trees painted a backdrop so mesmerizing, it could rival the most extravagant film sets. Accompanied by my cousin, a fellow ‘forest’ and ‘tiger’ enthusiast, we were eager to witness the grand spectacle of nature’s own cinema and pen some…
Nature’s Runway: Discovering the Vogue of the Wild at Tadoba Andhari
My visit to the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in February 2022 was no less than a Jungle Vogue Extravaganza, where real catwalks stole the show. It had felt like I had snagged an exclusive invite to an event like the Paris Fashion Week, but here at the Animal Kingdom. After months of COVID-led closures, the national park had opened its gates for visitors, and the forest was unveiling its latest…
Dhikala Corbett: The Majestic Theater of the Wild Where My First Tiger Sighting Unfolded
On a chilly early morning at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, our gypsy ventured towards the misty grasslands of Dhikala, nestled within the Jim Corbett National Park. As silence enveloped the surroundings, broken only by the awakening chirps of the birds, anticipation filled the air. Our driver halted the gypsy at a promising spot, hoping for a wildlife sighting. Time seemed to drag on in the biting…
The Elusive King of Sasan Gir & His Enchanting Kingdom
Sasan Gir, nestled in northern Gujarat, is a land of dense deciduous forests and a true embodiment of nature’s blessings. The verdant forest is home to the only place in the world where the majestic Asiatic Lions can be found roaming free. Being originally from Gujarat, visiting Sasan Gir was always on my ‘to-do’ list, but I could only fulfill the dream once the pandemic struck in 2020. After being…