When you hear about Bandhavgarh national park, the first thing that comes to your mind is tiger. But imagine tigers get extinct – a possibility in the near future, and a scare that i got on my trip to Bandhavgarh.
Bandhavgarh means Brother’s fort – a fort gifted by Rama to his devoted bro Lakshmana on their way back from Lanka. Many kings have ruled this beautiful patch of land since.
What’s Bandhavgarh like without tigers? I’d say it’s like a palace without king. You have fantastic meadows that were once villages, abundance of Sal trees, Chitals grazing, Langurs howling, and Charan Ganga flowing amidst the bushes. But no tiger to roar (rather photograph). I did fret, but I enjoyed too.
I enjoyed 38 hours train journey from Bangalore. I enjoyed the visit to the fort on steep jungle roads that were paved during the reign of the Maharajas. I enjoyed the sight of the critically endangered Long-billed and Red-headed Vultures soring on thermals. I enjoyed having Samosas for breakfast everyday of my stay. I enjoyed the vast Rajbhera meadows. I enjoyed hearing to the complaints of fellow tourists on terrible park entry rules set by forest department. I enjoyed the alarm calls of deers. I enjoyed remembering Charger at Charger point.
A young Rhesus macaque in light and shades
I enjoyed waiting for forest entry gates to open early in the chilly morning and in the blazing afternoon sun. I enjoyed information exchange (on tiger locations) that happens during and after each safari. I enjoyed the stone carving of Vishnu – Sheshshaiya and other deities . I enjoyed chai at center point, which every jeep hast to touch on the safari. I enjoyed the view of the temple, from the ground below and from up close. I enjoyed Crested Hawk Eagle shouting at young Langurs. I enjoyed the dusty jeep rides. I enjoyed my first ever sightings of Lesser Adjutant, Red-headed Vulture, White-eyed Buzzard and Chestnut-shouldered Petronia. I enjoyed the sighting of Jerdon’s Nightjar in broad daylight.
Jerdon’s Nightjar roosting in the day
Sheshshaiya at Bandhavgarh fort
A Golden jackal picking the scent from a tiger kill
More than anything else, I enjoyed the company of Butch without whom the trip wouldn’t have been possible and wouldn’t be as enjoyable as it was.
P.S.: B&W imaging is more challenging than RGB photography as you have one less dimension to express. One of the good articles that i have read on B&W photography is here on NatureScapes.