For as long as my memory serves, I’ve cherished forests as a Nemophilist, adored cats as an Alurophile, and respected animals as a Zoophilist. For some time now, another passion has joined the ranks— I’ve become what you might call a Photophile. Sound familiar? Well If I’ve managed to keep you engaged so far, let me invite you further into this journey.
My earliest wildlife adventure dates back to when I was just 12, visiting Gir National Park in Gujarat with my family. The images are vivid—watching a proud lion pride, cubs tumbling and lionesses lounging, all just twenty feet away. Back then, things felt simpler. We could step out of the van and marvel at these lovey beasts for an hour with just two persons from protection, one carrying a 303 rifle and the other a simple axe. No honking, no jostling for space, no obnoxious horns, just awe and quietude—the way all safaris should be.
That memory never faded. The forests kept calling, even as studies, work, and family filled my days. Luckily, my wife shared my love for the wild, always ready to explore beside me. Our son, too, has inherited this passion for nature and its marvels.
Then came Bangalore, opening doors to regular escapades to Kabini and Bandipur. Midnight drives through Masinagudi, dawn adventures, alert to the sharp call of a deer or the urgent warning of a langur—hoping for that magical sighting. And always, the exhilaration of open spaces and untamed beauty.
Along the way about ten years ago, I finally picked up a DSLR, determined to immortalize the wild wonders I’d been so fortunate to witness. From the golden savannahs of Africa to the stark Arctic at 78° North: the teeming wetlands of the Pantanal, to one of the largest Caldera & volcanic vastness of Yellowstone teeming with wild life; the lush forests of the neighbourly emerald isle—I’ve journeyed quite a distance.
India was never overlooked—how could it be? Its sprawling diversity: icy slopes in Spiti and Ladakh, the Nilgiri Biosphere with its UNESCO acclaim. From the regal Great Indian Bustard in the Thar, to the one-horned Rhinoceros, Of course, interspersed with the most elegant of the them all the ever-majestic Tiger which roams the many forests spread across the country.
Echoing Robert Frost: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep.” With each new journey and every unexplored forest, I am searching for the next elusive moment. Please watch this space—I hope to share more.
The magnificence I’ve seen is captured in the photographs shared here. My wife and son have helped build this portfolio with their companionship and enthusiasm. There’s so much yet to add. These images come from my personal collection—not yet published (and, perhaps, never destined for print!). I leave it to you to judge their worth and would truly welcome your thoughts. Happy viewing! Oh—and since you’ve stayed with me to the end, some definitions for the curious: Nemophilist: Lover of forests. Alurophile: Admirer of cats. Zoophilist: Enthusiast for animals (not zoos!). Photophile: An avid photographer, or shutterbug.
