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Customer Awareness Feature
Award-winning photographer Mallikarjun Katakol marks his first up-close experience at the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra — not just as a photographer, but as a keen observer of authenticity, coexistence, and conservation.
When I first arrived at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, I felt something shift inside me. The calmness around the resort and the surrounding forest made me feel rooted and welcomed. Everything seemed to coexist beautifully — nature, people, and systems working in harmony.
As we entered, the air felt charged yet serene On my first drive through the buffer zone, the atmosphere was both expectant and tranquil. Then, near a waterhole, I spotted a tiger — looking straight at us, not with fear but with an ancient knowing. That moment anchored me. It was no longer just about photography; it was about presence, patience, and respect.
If you plan to visit Tadoba, come curious, not just camera‑ready. Pack light, shoot mindfully, and listen more than you speak. Don’t only come to spot a tiger — the forest has much more in store. And patience is rewarded, often in ways that surprise you.
I tried to frame stories, not just subjects For over three decades, I have worked as a commercial photographer, often in calibrated settings with sets and props. But this was my first visitor experience in a forest, and here I was not calling the shots — I was learning to see. I looked for something different: a claw mark on a tree, a butterfly resting on a child’s sleeve, a forest guard’s silhouette at dawn. And yes, there were moments of urgency. The golden hour was fleeting, and I had to anticipate movement and adapt quickly to changing light — often with no second chance.
Every sighting was part of a larger ecological rhythm Though most visitors come for tigers, the forest revealed so much more. I watched deer running, which signaled the presence of a tiger. I saw leopards, wild gaur, sloth bears with cubs, butterflies, and rare birds. Each encounter reminded me that the forest is not just a stage for predators — it is a cradle for all kinds of life. Guides explained how animals, birds, and plants are interdependent. That lesson stayed with me: every sighting was part of a larger ecological blueprint.
A word about Tadoba’s commitment to conservation What impressed me most was Tadoba’s commitment to conservation. Plastic was banned; instead, visitors were encouraged to use reusable bottles, reducing waste and supporting conservation. Safaris included breaks at designated safe zones with washrooms and picnic tables. Visitors were advised to keep phones silent during safaris, preserving safety and serenity. Equally striking was the role of local communities, many from nearby tribal villages. Drivers, guides, and forest guards welcomed us not as tourists but as guests — warmth that made the experience profoundly human.
A dialogue between nature and those who seek to understand it In my career, I have often staged micro‑managed images to tell visual stories. But in Tadoba, the forest dictated the frame. I sought consent when photographing people and resisted intrusive angles with wildlife. Sometimes, the most powerful choice was not to take the shot at all, but simply to watch.
For me, Tadoba Andhari was not just a destination; it was a dialogue. A dialogue between nature and those who seek to understand it, between communities and conservation, between seeing and photographing. Through my lens, I saw not just the magic of the moment, but the quiet ethics of observation. And I left with a reminder: every image carries responsibility — to inform, to inspire, and above all, to protect.
Mallikarjun Katakol is an award‑winning professional photographer with over 30 years of experience spanning advertising, architecture, fashion, lifestyle, and editorial imagery. He has handled assignments for clients ranging from fashion models and boutique brands to celebrities and global companies. From retail products to corporate headshots, fashion shoots to architectural frames, his repertoire demonstrates a mastery of composition, perspective, and light.
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Images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any specific products, services, or offers from our members or affiliates. Images, courtesy Mallikarjun Katakol.
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