The Birds and the Beasts of Bandhavgarh

I've always had a mixed feeling about tiger tourism, torn between desperately wanting to see a tiger in the wild and also wary about most tourists (when it comes to wildlife) and how they behave when they are in the wild. For instance, maintaining silence in the forest, it makes complete sense because the animals that reside there are not used to human voices, for them it's not normal. My hesitation with regards to tiger tourism comes from the obvious lack of discipline some tourists display when they are in the wild. Respect towards animals, and this goes without saying. We are in their territory, respect should be the first thing to cross our minds.

My experiences in Bandhavgarh crossed many levels of happiness and excitement. The safari started with a big bump, thanks to the rough terrain of the national park. A mere five minutes into the jungle and we spotted our very first and fresh pugmark, followed by several others of atleast two cubs and an adult female. An hour and a half later, we were following the calls of sambar and langurs. What followed after the careful chase could only be described as a wonderful date with beautiful birds, big cats and others beasts. (And we all know where to find them)