Welcome to my world

Twenty years ago, I started working in Ranthambore National Park as a naturalist. I soon became fascinated by the lives of the individual tigers and over time have learned their different personalities, territories and behaviour. This has not only enriched my life as a naturalist, but it has enabled me to pass on intimate details of tigers to visitors. 

It also increases the chances of a sighting or encounter. Knowing the tiger’s territory, recognizing pug marks on the mud, regular patrolling of routes, knowing a tiger’s favourite drinking and resting spot; all these methods helps in tracking this big cat. The animals like barking deer, langurs and monkeys give alarm calls to alert all the animals that the tiger is on the move. In the process it helps us as well to identify where the cat may be headed. 

Over these years I have seen many tigers. Although, I love every tiger I have encountered in the wild, my favourite remains is this tigress called Krishna. She was one of the cubs of the legendary Tigress, Machli. While one of her sibling was relocated to the other park, the other sibling got settled by the lakes with the help of her mother Machli. Krishna took over the famous Rajbagh area which was later taken over by her daughter, the now famous Arrowhead. Krishna has produced 9 cubs in 3 litters and she raised her 3 litters in 3 different areas, isn’t that incredible? She, according to me is the undisputed queen and warrior of Ranthambore. She is also one of the most sort after by the tourists. 

Many safaris means many experiences and memories which I fondly remember. One such incident is quite recent during our evening Safari. Very early into the drive we spotted a gorgeous tigress called Aafreen who gave us enough time to click photographs. After sometime she started walking along the muddy road and we all decided to give her space and move far away. All of a sudden she started running towards the jeeps and the children in my jeep got very scared and said, “  is she running because we are carrying chicken sandwiches?” I smiled and said just stay calm and don’t move.”  She came very close to the jeep and took a circle, sniffed and finally decided to go away from us and started running after another jeep. Eventually she stopped and walked away. I later explained to my guests that it was a typical behaviour of a sub adult tiger who runs after everything out of curiosity but one cannot let off their guard as these are all wild tigers. So respecting them and maintaining a lot of distance from them is important. 

I feel we are incredibly lucky to have such a rich and diverse wilderness as Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and even more so that people from around the world come to visit the park in the hope of seeing our nation’s pride, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Over these years I have seen wildlife tourism increase a lot with many Indians and foreigners coming in huge numbers. Tourism is not only vital for our livelihoods but it gives us the opportunity to share our love and passion for India’s wildlife which, in turn, raises awareness for the need to conserve these beautiful forests. 

With the increase in the number of people visiting the park we also ensure that it is important to respect the forest and its inhabitants by giving space to the animals. Allow them to live their lives in as natural a way as possible and to maintain their habitat by driving carefully on the allocated roads and tracks.  The opportunity to pass on our knowledge and experience to people of all ages is a privilege that brings hope for the future of wildlife. Most people leave with a greater depth of understanding about the struggle for survival and also the efforts being made to conserve these animals. And while the tourists get their photographs, I usually end my day on a high note. Nothing is more satisfying to see young children jump in excitement when they spot these animals. It just gives me hope that our wildlife will be in safe hands for generations to come.