AS WE SIT ENVELOPED in the velvety darkness of the evening, in a safari gypsy, I ask our guide, “Does the tiger come here?” pointing at the small pond right ahead. “Shh, don’t make any noise,” he quickly responds. I fall silent and turn my attention to the orchestra of crickets that pierce the moonlit night. We are in Satpura Tiger Reserve, the vehicle headlights are off lest we scare away the animals.
The pale moon casts shadows of towering trees—they seem like mythical creatures who could jump to life at any time. Leaves occasionally rustle or an animal sprints by, adding to the fantastical setting. Time ticks by but the elusive beast does not make an appearance. Our guide points to the paw marks on the ground and says, “Proof that he is around but isn’t showing up.” After a short wait, we move on to another spot, our eyes intently scanning the underbrush, with binoculars poised for action.
At a distance, we spot a pair of eyes glowing in the dark. Our guide quickly flashes his spotlight revealing a civet in all its spotted and striped glory. But in the next moment, it makes a dash for the nearby bush and vanishes out of sight. “Civets are not easily spotted,” says our guide, as some consolation. Little ahead, we find three swamp deer, grazing peacefully. As the vehicle inches closer, they remain unfazed by the intrusion and continue with the nocturnal prowl.
Denne historien er fra January 2024-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
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Denne historien er fra January 2024-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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SOARING ABOVE THE REST
Surrounded by stunning mountain views yet located in the city centre, the Hilton Kathmandu captures the essence of Nepali culture and cuisine.
HEARTWARMING HOSPITALITY
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in India has 60 hotels under its umbrella, all of which offer exceptional hospitality, a comfortable stay, and memories for a lifetime.
FOOD IS ART,
and we truly believe so-which is exactly what the fifth edition of the Delicious Dining Awards 2024 celebrated, acknowledged, and honoured. From the stalwarts of the F&B industry choosing the restaurants, cafes, and menus that they love to readers picking their favourites across restaurants and bars in leading hotels to the growing offerings of homegrown spirits and mixers as well as applauding for the T+L tastemakers who are changemakers in their own way, this year's DDA was all about the artistic excellence of the culinary industry in our country.
The Great Wide Open
At a new camp in the steppes of central Mongolia, Kate Eshelby saddles up for the adventure of a lifetime.
Life Of Pai
Japleen Kaur escapes to this lesser known Thailand town that's right out of a dreamy storybook
EAT, PRAY, LOVE with ABHAY DEOL
When he's not playing characters that'll leave an impression for a lifetime, Abhay Deol is a homebody in pursuit of new creative skills. SAMREEN TUNGEKAR spends the day at the actor's Goa casa-a home he's built himself and discovers his approach to life, travel, and the importance of replenishment
Space Odyssey
Couturier Amit Aggarwal talks to Chirag Mohanty Samal about how travel inspires him to create, reflect, and innovate
HANOI LIKE A LOCAL
The 1,000-year-old capital city offers a time-travel experience with its hearty dose of culture, an elegant fusion of architectural styles, and a fascinating food and coffee heritage
FARM FAB
Enjoy the gift of nature without sacrificing your comforts at Oleander Farms for your upcoming family holiday
10 Emerging Experiences in Asia
Thrilling, relaxing, exciting and indulgent-here is our handpicked list of must-dos that bare the vibrant and diverse soul of this fascinating continent