I still remember the moment vividly. Sitting in the front seat of the safari jeep, I was the first to catch sight of him — a magnificent tiger, walking fearlessly along the track ahead of us. The forest seemed to fall silent as he moved with a confidence that only a true ruler of the wild could possess.
Yet, in seconds, he sensed our presence. Unlike the bold tigress I had encountered before, this male carried a different air — one of shyness, as though he had no interest in sharing our path. Without hesitation, he veered to his right and slipped into the waterbody, his powerful frame gliding through the rippling surface with ease.
Reaching the far bank, he paused. For a few heartbeats, he turned back and locked his gaze on us — a stare that carried both curiosity and command. It wasn’t fear, but a reminder that in his world, he set the rules. And then, as if the scene had played out exactly as he intended, he disappeared into the bushes with effortless elegance.
That fleeting encounter was more than just a sighting — it was a reminder of the grace, individuality, and quiet authority that makes every tiger encounter unique.
Lens and Landmarks 