A small tribute to Kajal...

Love at First Sight

My recent trip to the jungles of Bandhavgarh was fraught with mishaps - car breaking down amid the jungles at midnight, no electricity for one full day at our resort and a lot others. Add to that the growing frustration among the other members of our crew for not being able to see a tiger up-close. I, however, enjoy wilderness more than the animal sightings and hence was spared from the latter.

On the first day, we could only see a glimpse of two tiger cubs who were apparently very shy to come close to a million vehicles parked on their way to the pond. And their mother wasn't around, who could have taught them how to treat those vehicles and their inhabitants as lessers.

Our morning safari on the second day brought us close to a tigress lazying around near a water hole and we missed her by a paltry 5 minutes. We could see her going back to her den as the sun started to shine on her but she was as much farther as were the two cubs. The crew gave up hope, some even starting to believe that our trip on the whole was jinxed.

Our last safari, however, changed all that. For, we had the chance to watch the most beautiful tigress of the reserve up-close (according to our guide, Gupta). And this was the same tigress which we had missed by a whisker earlier that morning. And the moment I saw her, I fell in love with her. Her deep eyes, her splendid walk, her perfect proportions - everything about her was truly amazing. We watched her for a good 15-20 minitues, right from her descent from her den till she disappered in the grasses near the water hole.

She is 4 years old, and for some reason, is known by an insignificant name (chinchola-tigress or something like that, based on the area she inhabits). I feel she deserves a unique name and have named her Kajal, as a tribute to her ever inspiring eyes. If there is love at first sight, this was it. And that sight of hers will remain etched forever in my memories.

Tryst With Konkan

Konkan. The word conjures up so many images in people's minds - a splendid coastline with towering coconut trees, delectable cuisine, beautiful arekanut (supari) plantations and many more. And I had a chance to relish it all during one of my recent trips to Ladghar.

I happened to stay at a resort named Gaaaz (chaste hindi for the sound of waves), around 50 mts. further from the beach. It was a small place with four rooms, interestingly christened Agni, Jal, Vaayu & Aakash and styled accordingly. Close proximity to the beach and well laid rooms made for a good place to stay.

Sitting on a rock or taking a stroll, the beach with distinct stretches of rocks and sands was ideal for both. Observing sunset on the beach makes for a pleasurable experience and so does gazing at stars and meteors (yes, you do see them often at a place like this!). And if you like to spot dolphins, you can hire a ferry and raid the deep waters early morning - you may be lucky to spot a school of dolphins; I could only spot a lonesome though.

The next day, I visited a place (don't remember the name) situated around 5 kms from Ladghar. And, that was a revelation. The place is a small agrarian village, known for its religious connections. The adjoining beach is uncrowded, remarkably clean and comparatively less saline - a perfect place to get those man-made-materials off your bod and submerge yourself into the clear waters. After a refreshing bath comes an irresistible hunger which is best satiated by taking a wholesome meal at one of the many village homes who serve mouth-watering local cuisine (which you need to pre-order before proceeding to the beach). The food which I had at a home remains the most cherished memory of my entire trip - simple, honest and tasty food served with so much affection that it can put a 5-star restaurant to shame. Out of this world. A must have if you happen to visit this place.

And like all good things come to an end, it was time to depart. But I would come again, for this place beholds a magnificent blend of simplicity and peculiarity, leaving a permanent impression deep within.