When one thinks of taking a jungle safari in India, the first thing that comes to mind is the tiger. True, tigers are the largest forest stars. But tell you what, from my own experience, a safari is not all about tigers. There’s a whole new world of untamed beauty to see, if you notice things.”.
I recently took a wildlife safari at Satpura Tiger Reserve and also visited Kanha and Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh. I was highly eager to spot a tiger, of course, like anyone else. But what I was most surprised by was the sheer number of other animals, birds, insects, and plants that I spotted. It was enchanting and made me realize that the forest is full of life, not only tigers.
My Journey into the Wild: More Than Just Tigers
In this post, I would like to explain my safari experience and share with you the fascinating wildlife I encountered aside from the tiger. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone who wishes to unwind in the embrace of nature, this will reveal to you the beauty of the wild.
1. The First Surprise – The Indian Gaur
- On the second day of our Kanha National Park safari, we spotted something enormous grazing quietly by a waterhole. It was an Indian Gaur, or the Indian bison. I had never before seen such a gigantic wild creature. It seemed to be powerful and regal, with its dark gleaming body and curved horns. We were informed by our guide that gaurs are the largest wild cattle in the world.
- What surprised me more was that how serene it appeared despite having the ability to repel predators. Observing a herd of gaurs moving in silence in unison, with birds perched on their backs, was a serene experience that I can never forget.
2. The Curious Langurs and Playful Monkeys
- Wherever we went, we could see troops of langurs leaping from branch to branch. They possess long tails and lustrous silver-grey coats. They would glance straight into our eyes once in a while and ask, “Who are you?
- We also spotted several Rhesus macaques, a different kind of monkey. It was entertaining to watch them. They were scaling trees, snatching food from one another, and making silly faces. It made me realize how much like humans they are in their behavior.
3. Deer of the Jungle – More Than Just Spotted
- Everybody is familiar with the spotted deer, or chital. They are ubiquitous in the forest. However, I also came across two other species of deer – the sambar and the barasingha.
- Sambars are big brown deer with enormous ears. They are timid and prefer to remain hidden. Barasinghas or swamp deer are Kanha’s uniqueness. They possess exquisite antlers that are like a tree branching out. I was fortunate to be able to see a herd ambling slowly through tall grass. It was a tranquil and lovely sight.
4. Sloth Bear – The Shaggy Surprise
- One of the most surprising instances occurred in Satpura. While driving along a forest track, suddenly the guide told the driver to halt. A few meters in front of us, out emerged a black, shaggy animal from behind the bushes. It was a sloth bear!
- I had previously only seen sloth bears on television. To see one up close, to see it walking around in its comical manner with its snout near the ground, was incredible. They are timid and tend to come out at night or early morning. We were fortunate to catch a glimpse of it during the day. The guide explained that they enjoy termites and honey.
5. The Leopard – A Fleeting Sighting of Enigma
- While most tourists chase the tiger, many forget that leopards also live in the same forests. They are more secretive and harder to spot. On our last jungle safari in Bandhavgarh, we were blessed with a short but thrilling sight of a leopard resting on a tree branch.
- The guide noticed it earlier and whispered, “Leopard on the tree, 11 o’clock.” All of us turned around and spotted the gorgeous creature camouflaged with the tree bark. It was relaxed and quiet, watching with its piercing eyes. In a matter of seconds, it stood up and jumped down quietly. The experience lasted just a minute but sent shivers down my spine.
6. Feathered Wonders – Birds of All Colors
- I never expected to like birdwatching this much. But while on safari, I encountered so many lovely birds that I could not help but get excited.
- From the bright Indian roller and kingfisher to the giant hornbill and serpent eagle, the forests were a cacophony of bird calls and song. We even caught sight of a pair of owls perched within a tree hollow, blinking slowly at us. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and guided us through each bird on the basis of sound and colour.
- The view of a dancing peacock in the wild is something which remains in your heart throughout your life. It’s not the same as watching one in the zoo or garden. In the forest, it appears more real and enchanted.
7. Reptiles, Insects, and the Small Creatures
- A safari is not all about the big creatures. There are numerous tiny creatures that contribute to the beauty and balance of the forest.
- We observed monitor lizards basking on rocks, a snake rapidly crossing the road, and hundreds of colourful butterflies hovering around flowers. There were ants constructing nests in trees, termites crawling up dead wood, and dragonflies hovering over water.
- All these tiny creatures may go unobserved, but they are of great significance to the well-being of the forest. Witnessing them up close made me appreciate the way everything in nature is intertwined.
8. The Forest Itself – A Living World
- Besides the animals, the forest itself was like a living protagonist in our odyssey. The towering sal trees of Kanha, the thick bamboo of Bandhavgarh, and the steep hills of Satpura – all the forests had their own personalities.
- With every bend on the path came new odours, new sounds, and new colours. The mist of the morning, the warm light, the crispy leaves – it all seemed so alive. It brought me a sense of calm and smallness, in a positive sense.
Conclusion – There’s More to See Than Just the Tiger
Yes, tigers are lovely and majestic. To see one in the wild is a moment you never forget. But if you just hunt for the tiger alone, you may miss experiencing the many other treasures of the forest.
My safari experience inculcated me to move slow, remain quiet, and watch. That’s when nature reveals its magic to you. Whether the giant gaur or the minuscule butterfly, every living creature has a tale. And if you begin to notice them, your jungle safari becomes something far more profound.
So the next time you undertake a wildlife safari, be sure to have your eyes and heart open. The woods have much to give — much more than the stripes on a tiger.
