“T-24 (Ustad) – Male Tiger”

t-24-ustadIt was my 24th safari in a tiger reserve, and it was the first time I saw a male tiger this close, and the most enthralling part was, this handsome guy ROAR for us two times, no words to describe that experience, along with his roar, my goose bumps roared too!

Zone – 2, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India, photo taken on 14th morning, Nov-13.

Daylight was fading fast as we were returning in a Gipsy from a visit to the ruins of Ranthambhore Fort. We were almost near the gateway on Ranthambhore Road much outside the core areas of RNP. Suddenly, there was an alarm call of a sambar from the nearby bushes.
Our driverji immediately stopped the vehicle, switched off the engine and pointing his finger towards some bushes, whispered that a tiger will emerge from there. Everything seemed to fall silent and freeze to a stillness that cannot be described. Even the blades of grass stood motionless. And sure enough, after 15 seconds, out strode Zalim one of the bigger males and sauntered across the clearing before disappearing into the bushes and approaching darkness. This picture is all I could manage in those conditions.
By the time we reached the road head it had become dark and a crescent moon was up in the sky. Those few moments spent in the company of this majestic creature will be cherished forever.”