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Sam Frize Photography |
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WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHS |
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WELCOME |
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We arrived in Delhi alongside the Pakistan Cricket team (ultimately loosing to India in a nail biting match during the Cricket World cup). We travelled from Delhi to Ranthambore, Rajastan by train – train travel continues to be an interesting (or is that challenging?!) mode of transport in India – though for the miles the trains cover and the number of travellers using this mode of transport, the time table is invariably something you can set your watch to. Rajastan is a stunningly beautiful area of India. The lakes, ruins, flora, fauna and bird life are quite extraordinary and leave you with a sense of peace and calm. Unfortunately, the quantity of tiger in the reserve are sadly lacking. A recent survey showed the tiger numbers were on the increase. I would question how this research was carried out in comparison to the last survey and on what basis they consider the numbers to be rising. Sightings in Ranthambore would suggest that in that area at least, numbers are on the decline. Please visit www.saveourtigers.com and www.wwfindia.org for more information on how you can help. We had six safaris at Ranthambore – the first four of these safaris proved fruitless. I practiced my photography skills on deer and butterflies – yes butterflies (not easy actually)! By the 5th safari we were happy to see a tiger for about 10 seconds in the distance, no photographic opportunity, but at least it proved there was at least one tiger at Rajastan. The 6th and final safari took us to route 6. In a reserve 400 square miles the terrain can change dramatically and the dry, dusty, almost desert like panorama of this route was astonishing. Two hours into the safari we found nothing and decided to take a leisurely drive back to the hotel. Within a minute we came across another vehicle who had spotted a tiger in the undergrowth. T37, a female of 4 years, came over the brow of the small hill. She is a magnificent. Undeterred from stalking prey whilst being followed by our vehicles, she gave a display lasting some 45 minutes. This was by far my best sighting in 3 years of travelling in India. www.ranthamboreregency.netfirms.com Following our final success at Ranthambore we had high hopes for Bandhavgh. Whilst tigers are more prolific at this reserve, problems with Tiger kills – by other Tigers and human foe – continues to be an issue. This, coupled by high visitor numbers, means the reserve has restricted access to many areas, making sightings more difficult. Whilst we were there the afternoon safari was more akin to the ‘Wacky Races’, where vehicles are obliged to complete their given route, difficult in the time available if you are given the longest route to complete. Sightings were better here, but invariably mobbed by vehicles, whilst viewings were cut short by time constraints on completion of the routes, randomly allocated. (Sid, our guide for the second year has told me since coming home, that the system has now changed and the rush to complete routes is no longer.) Would I go back to Bandhavgh – absolutely, yes. Rajastan……only if I had booked at least 6 safaris and had time to spare, so yes! Our relationship with Bandhav Vilas, Manish, Vijay and the team continues to fill my heart with warmth. Thanks again to Sid our guide and friend. They are all my family in my India home at Bandhav Vilas and I hope to see them all again soon. www.bandhavvilas.com |
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To contact me: |
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Phone: +44 (7624) 472402 |
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Please click on the links to the left to see a small sample of my work. |
