From the forests of Nagarhole……

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” 
― John Muir

How can someone explain what it feels like to be in the lap of nature???

It is a nostalgic feeling of coming back to one’s own home. We will always find ourselves merging into the music of crickets and rustling leaves, flying into a borderless sky with the wind, seeping into a mother’s heart with the lakes……. Our spirits are lifted and our minds are stable in its greenery. You have a new breathe and a new life in its wilderness…… You discover the best part of you in its each dew…..

My last trip has given me some wild tales from the forests of Nagarhole.

We went on a safari into the green and serene forest. The forest had a feast for our curious and animal loving eyes.

The forest had a huge chital deer population. We saw the beautiful stags and does very often through the safari. Some were happily munching on the green grass while some others were galloping away from our greedy cameras. Even when they were aware of the fact that they could fall prey for a hungry tiger, they were happy and content in what the present had to offer them. Living in the present is a difficult task for us. We are always anxious about our fate and future. The deers are teaching us a great lesson here. Even when death is sure, they are enjoying their life to the best. We must learn to appreciate our blessings and hope for a better future. Keep galloping through the grassy meadows of life…..

And playing in trees above were the monkeys. Watching them jump from one tree to another was very satisfying indeed. They never seemed to notice our safari van invading into their territory, they kept playing with the old grandpa trees, occasionally breaking the old and dry branches. Nothing was bothering them. Like merry little kids, they were brimming with energy. As we watched their endless games, our hearts traveled down the memory lane…..to the playful days of childhood, when everything was a source of fun and ‘stress’ was nothing but a mere word. The little monkeys are conveying the message to be young at heart. Every storm will pass, just wait. Life is the most amazing game you will ever play. So enjoy it, play with it. Be a child again……

Next we saw a colorful dancer, the peacocks. They were spotted every now and then, sometimes flying across a lake or merrily dancing to his own rhythm. The green and blue plumage was fluttering with the wind as the pride dancer was tapping his feet. It was indeed a sight to behold. I felt as if the peacock had the power to unite the sky and earth in its feathers. With that enchanting sight, my heart also began to dance. Nothing can equal the excitement of seeing a peacock dance. As my brain went wandering with this beauty, my heart was whispering a thought:” Learn to dance like a peacock “. It is often said that peacocks dance to welcome the monsoons. I would like to make a small correction here. The peacocks proudly dance to show the thunderstorms that nothing can shatter him. The heavy rains doesn’t stop it from dancing, it welcomes the challenge by dancing. When we have to face challenges, we should muster the courage to welcome them and dance our way through that thunderstorm. Only when you face your difficulties you will know that it was much easier to conquer that peak than you thought. And like a peacock,we should let our joy flow into the hearts of the people around us. Be the reason for someone’s smile ☺…

As our van moved deeper into the jungle, we were lucky to encounter the ferocious predators who are brave enough to compete with tigers and leopards for prey: the dholes, also known as the Indian Wild Dogs. With their rounded ears, slender limbs, bushy tail and reddish fur, it is sure to loot your hearts. The live in packs of 12 on an average. They are much more comfortable in a pack compared to other wolf species as they show very less dominanting behaviour. Human beings are said to be social beings. But we always find people fighting for power and territory,often resulting in broken relationships. We tend to move into our isolated worlds were we would always be ‘the boss’. This is not how we are supposed to be. Break your comfort zones and engage yourself with the society. Your society is where you will find life and emotions. Stay together always. Be the pioneer of a family that has strong bonds of love. As our childhood friends from The Jungle Book reminds us, “The wolf is the strength of the pack, and the pack is the strength of the wolf “….

The big is always considered the great. But it often makes me curious how we are attracted to the small little fellows too. The butterfly ,bees, squirrels, small flowers and sometimes the smallest dew on petals……. Among all these big and great animals, none of us failed to find the beauty of a mongoose. The normal mongoose has a grey coat. But the mongoose we saw had captured all the colors of the forest on its coat-orange,brown,black and grey. The cute enemy of snakes was playfully running among the dry leaves on the forest floor. In our day-to-day interactions with the society, it is a wise choice to be a mongoose .Mongoose are known for their ferocious nature. They can slay a cobra,the symbol of death, in a duel. But they do not harm other meek creatures until they disturb them in any way. Like a mongoose, one should be able to identify the cobras in our society and should fight against those serpents. Life is a duel between truth and evil. We should be wise in choosing our side. And we should ferociously fight against the evils. Let me remind you that these serpents are not people, but some thoughts that have been circling our society since ages. Be a mongoose that kills these venomous thoughts……

The next host to welcome us were the elephants. The ivory tusks, the long trunk,large fan-like ears and that huge black body, the elephant is an astonishing creature. The splendid elegance of black has been beautifully portrayed be nature in this animal. How can someone take their eyes off them!!! They are very friendly and can be tamed easily which makes them a good pet despite their wild backgrounds. Elephants are considered one of the keystone species. Their activities are helpful for the sustainability of the forest. Unlike most of us who when given power and authority tends to become less useful to our society, the elephants use their blessed power to bestow the nature around them with timely help. Be of use to others, that is how we can make our lives meaningful……

And then we saw a hawk, keenly scanning its eyes through the green and grassy forest for a prey. The brown feathers and the eyes that was so focused…. I could see only wild and untamed power in its brown eyes. The focus of a hawk is the only secret behind the success of its hunting. It is able to sight a rodent gnawing on nuts in the ground even when it is flying miles above the ground. And if it decides to put its claws on him, he will not let it escape from his sight. This is how we should focus on our goals. We should let nothing distract our eyes from our destination. We should decide to sacrifice all other distractions until we reach a satisfying result. Be a hawk, never let your eyes wander away from your prey….

We were lucky to be the audience for a brave attempt by the tribals who captured a python capable of eating a man….

And at last, the moment when the true wilderness of the forest came to see us. The royal walk and that stern eyes. The coat painted by dawn and dusk. The king of the jungle himself had come to see us: The Tiger……

No words to describe this majestic animal. The way he looked at us could freeze even our souls. The powerful roar could spilt the heavens. Flaunting his sharp teeth and brave eyes, proudly he stood before us,like a king without crown. Even when faced by threats the tiger would stand in front of it with this same proud face. The lesson that a tiger teaches you is to be a king, always. Always know that you are a masterpiece- unique and priceless. Walk like a king, feel like a king and be like a king. You don’t require a crown to be a king, all you require is to realize and teach yourself Who You Are. Never take a step backwards. Never let anything ,not even your emotions and situations rule you. Because, you are the ruler and your life has to obey your rules. Be your own master. Don’t let your society or past control you. Break all the chains and let your great potential unleash into your life. What you decide should be your law. Know that nothing can stop you unless you decide to obey them. Be a tiger, roar like a tiger in your jungle. SO CHINS UP KING, OR YOUR CROWN WILL FALL 👑…..

Now who is ready for a safari and some great life lessons???

Image credits : Cauma Paul, Aji Paul