Into the Wild: A Three-Day Photography Expedition at Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench Tiger Reserve has always held a special place in my heart, and this time, it was even more exciting as I embarked on a three-day, five-safari photography expedition. The thrill of exploring the wilderness, capturing its majestic inhabitants, and sharing this journey with fellow wildlife enthusiasts made it an unforgettable experience.

The Journey Begins

We set off from Hyderabad in the early morning hours in my trusted Thar, eager for the adventures that awaited us. The drive was long yet enjoyable, with the changing landscapes keeping us engaged. By tea time, we arrived at our resort, nestled in the lush greenery of Pench. A quick check-in, some rest, and we were all set to begin our first safari.

Day 1: Exploring Turia and Khursapar

Our first safari began at Turia Gate in the morning, and the jungle welcomed us with its vibrant charm. The golden rays of dawn filtering through the towering Sal and Teak trees created a mesmerizing backdrop for photography. We were lucky to witness a tiger patrolling its territory – a breathtaking moment that set the tone for the expedition.

Adding to the excitement, we came across a pack of Dholes (wild dogs) near a water body with a freshly hunted spotted deer kill. It was an intense moment as they devoured their meal, showcasing nature’s raw and untamed beauty.

The evening safari took us to Khursapar Gate, a relatively quieter yet incredibly scenic zone. Here, we focused more on birding, capturing the stunning variety of avian species, from the vibrant Indian Pitta to the elusive Grey-headed Fish Eagle. The golden hour provided the perfect lighting for some stunning landscape shots.

Day 2: A Visual Treat at Turia and Sillari

The second morning brought us back to Turia Gate, where we had another remarkable tiger sighting. The adrenaline rush of seeing the majestic cat in its natural habitat is unparalleled. Alongside, we recorded an impressive number of bird species, adding to our already growing list.

Interestingly, when we revisited the same Dhole kill site from the previous day, the entire area was now completely clean – thanks to the vultures that had finished off any remains. Witnessing nature’s perfect cycle of life and death was truly fascinating.

The evening safari led us to Sillari Gate, a zone that took our breath away with its stunning landscapes. The vast backwaters of the dam reflected the twilight hues, creating picture-perfect frames. The varied terrains – dense woodlands, open meadows, and water bodies – offered an entirely different perspective of Pench’s beauty. It was a dream location for any landscape photographer.

Day 3: A Grand Finale at Turia

Our final morning safari was once again at Turia Gate, which had already proven to be a goldmine of sightings. This time, apart from a fleeting glimpse of a leopard, we were enthralled by the jungle’s smaller wonders – the playful antics of langurs, a Crested Serpent Eagle scanning for prey, and a pair of Malabar Hornbills in flight.

After lunch, it was time to check out from our resort and bid farewell to this incredible wilderness. The journey back was filled with conversations about our experiences, reviewing our photographs, and planning our next adventure.

Reflections on the Expedition

This Pench expedition was nothing short of spectacular. With 70+ bird species recorded, some of them lifers for our team members A Kalyan Babu, Randheer Reddy, Venkatesh, Nikhil, and multiple tiger sightings, it was an immensely rewarding trip. The diversity of Pench’s landscape, especially at Sillari, left a lasting impression, reminding us of the sheer beauty that nature holds.

As we drove back, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for these wild spaces. Every expedition strengthens my connection with nature, and through photography, I hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect it.

Upcoming Photography Tours

From Earthbound Trails, I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming photography tours at Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Kanha National Park and Pench National Park. These exclusive expeditions are tailored for small groups of passionate photographers eager to capture the breathtaking wildlife and landscapes these parks have to offer. Stay tuned for more details, or feel free to reach out to me for inquiries!

Until the next adventure, the jungle calls!