A Morning in the Wilderness
(A tale from April 2025)
It was a pleasant morning, filled with a quiet anticipation that only the wilderness can offer. There’s something indescribably special about being surrounded by nature, especially in a place as timeless and alive as Corbett National Park. No matter how many times one visits, each morning brings its own unique magic.
The call time was early — 5:45 AM. The air was crisp, and a soft chill lingered as we prepared for the day. Despite the hour, there was a spark of excitement, that childlike thrill that awakens in the presence of the wild. As the first rays of the sun began to stretch across the sky, the forest stirred gently, bathed in a golden light. It was one of those moments where time seems to pause — when the world felt right, and the soul feels full.
Crossing the Ramganga River near Dhikala paar, a familiar wave of awe washed over me. That stretch of land, untouched and pure, has an almost sacred quality to it — a reminder of just how beautiful our planet can be. The vehicle creaked forward along thorn-lined, leaf-laden paths when suddenly we came upon a congregation of gypsies. Cameras pointed in the same direction, clicking rapidly. We knew then — the royalty of the jungle was close.
And there they were. Two sub-adult tigers, lounging effortlessly in a dried-up streambed. Calm, powerful, and utterly majestic. One of the cubs, nearly fully grown, still had the innocence of youth in its eyes. It began to play with a dried leaf that had fallen nearby, pouncing on it, tossing it in the air, then chewing it — a scene of such simple beauty that it left us speechless. Almoist fully grown body, but the child inside never dies.
We watched them for over an hour — 65 minutes of stillness, observation, and silent joy. In those moments, we witnessed more than just wildlife; we saw life itself, raw and undisturbed.
It’s difficult to capture the essence of such an experience in words, but the memory is etched into my heart. I managed to take photos that morning; it speaks volumes about our experience but still doesn’t tell the whole story. It was a truly memorable day, a spontaneous reminder of why we must cherish and protect the natural world.
To Mother Nature, I offer my deepest respect and gratitude.
Dhikala Paar, Corbett National Park Uttarakhand
April 2025
