Tails & Tales

Sudeep Mehta brings the chase alive...

SECRET AFFAIR: “Wild tigers are among the most elusive creatures in the world and even more so when they are engaged in the secretive and intimate act of procreation. Recently in May, during my safari in the adjoining buffer areas of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, I came across a relatively young and unknown tigress luxuriating within a bamboo thicket next to a waterhole. Her pink snout indicated that she had very recently stepped into adulthood. Constantly turning her head to see something in the background, she looked far too frisky for a tigress sitting next to a waterhole on a hot summer afternoon. Suddenly, we heard a rustling sound come from behind the tigress and almost as if on cue, walked out this behemoth of a male tiger. Those who have seen and heard tigers mate will swear by the sight as probably the most gratifying ever. Tigers are known to indulge in the coital act as many as 20 times a day and believe me when I say this, it's a loud affair. Roars and grunts that almost always culminate in a climactic paw swipe by the female; only to do it all over again. This image holds a special place in my heart as it is very rare to catch the animals looking in your direction. Their eyes were like a window to the soul, speaking a thousand words. I was utterly humbled by this scenario.”

TIGER TRAIN: “A succession of tigers at Tadoba Andhari tiger reserve, blocking our path. We were almost on our way out and had packed our cameras up when our driver shouted...”Tiger...Tiger”. Right ahead was a streak of four tigers, intently looking in our direction. We knew we could not go ahead till the tigers did not get out of the way. Our thrill knew no bounds when the entire tiger train decided to walk towards us, thus giving us this photo-op.”

Sudeep Mehta, owner of a chain of award-winning hotels including one in Tadoba Tiger Reserve, is involved in a myriad of conservation efforts along with following his passion of wildlife photography