Last month a top notch British Wildlife Photographer asked another top notch fellow photographer about the best place to Photograph Tigers in India. His reply was Those days are gone!
I fully agree with him. Last year I read on Toft the experience of watching tigress and cubs in Ranthambhore where drivers refuse to move close to the tigress. I wish it could happen here. At one time Bandhavgarh was very good. People use to respect each others presence at the spot but now in this business competition nobody cares for others. I and my guests ( one Botanist from Natural History Museum London and two people from travel industry U.K.) decided to stay back if this tiger comes out of the forest. I thought to give him enough space to feel free on the road. She growled twice so we knew which way she is moving. I parked myself far away from the expected spot of his appearance. She appeared at the right spot. Guide and I saw her and pointed it to our guests. By the time I could realise what is happening three jeeps, waiting 50 mtrs behind me, just rushed right infront of her to give their clients a very close view of the tiger. They didn't leave any option for me except to follow them and park behind them otherwise my guests will not have even a glimpse of the tiger. I stood on y seat to take minimum one photo for the record so we can identify the Tiger.
Nothing will change untill unless the drivers are controlled by the tourists themselves but how it can happen when tourist pats driver and guide on the back for showing them a beautiful tiger from that close quarter.
Yes I agree that those days are gone.
