'I saw Bandhavgarh's majestic tigers and a magical forest all around them'
The Times of India|June 18, 2022
Photographer Beynaz Mistry recently visited the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Speaking to Times Evoke, she discusses how to best observe the rich canvas of life within the forest: All Photos: Boynaz Mistry
'I saw Bandhavgarh's majestic tigers and a magical forest all around them'

I visited Bandhavgarh during north India's recent heatwave, when the reserve's landscape lay dry and brown. Sal and bamboo trees provided some relief, surrounding the narrow tracks visitors' jeeps are supposed to stay on. The tracks sometimes open out onto a grassland or a watering hole where I saw several animals drinking from or just sitting quietly in to cool off. The heat was searing in its intensity - yet, the forest retained a calm that seemed to help its creatures cope.

For many visitors, the regal tigers of Bandhavgarh are its main attraction. I had some interesting encounters with these majestic beings as well. One special moment was when I spotted a male tiger tending to its cubs. This was unusual as the tigress usually takes charge of parenting. But here, the male tiger was sitting in a grassy patch with his kids, just being together in what was possibly the tiger equivalent of 'hanging out'. Tigers also spend a lot of time sleeping - it is unusual to see adults jumping about energetically or fighting intensely. One can normally spot them walking quietly on tracks, scratching at a tree or stopping to get a drink of water. Sometimes, they pause to look at you - in a wonderful moment, I saw the head of a tiger, this feared predator, peering out from a bush, looking curiously around. This image, of the mighty tiger, appearing so timid and wondering, was very heart-warming.

This story is from the June 18, 2022 edition of The Times of India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 18, 2022 edition of The Times of India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIAView All
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
The Times of India

Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?

From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
The Times of India

Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134

American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
The Times of India

India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field

Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
The Times of India

SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc

‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Fury's Ground Xiro
The Times of India

Fury's Ground Xiro

Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The Times of India

Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye

The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
The Times of India

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
The Times of India

Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told

Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
The Times of India

Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future

Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
The Times of India

Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal

He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022