As we embarked on a safari through the majestic wilderness of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, little did I anticipate the awe-inspiring spectacle that awaited me. Amidst the dense foliage, a sub-adult tiger, brimming with youthful exuberance, displayed acrobatic prowess that left me spellbound.

It was walking on the side of the track when it eyed a sturdy tree branch and within a few seconds the tiger hung suspended by its front paws, defying gravity with effortless grace. With each movement, it seemed to embody the spirit of the jungle, untamed and wild.

As I held up my camera to capture this extraordinary sight, I realized that my current telephoto lens would not do justice to the grandeur of the moment as it was too big to capture the complete picture of the tiger as it had moved very close to our safari vehicle. Swiftly, I switched a different camera with a wider lens, eager to encapsulate the entirety of the tiger's daring manoeuvres.

From the safety of the safari vehicle, I marvelled at the sight before me, clicking away as the sub-adult tiger continued its acrobatic performance with uninhibited fervour. Each click of the shutter echoed through the wilderness, a testament to the raw beauty of nature's creations.

Later, as I retraced my steps through the jungle, I stumbled upon a tell-tale sign of the tiger's antics done earlier– sharp nail marks etched into the rough bark of the tree trunk. With a sense of reverence, I recorded a small clip of these marks, a humble tribute to the fleeting moment of wonder that had earlier unfolded before my eyes.

In the heart of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, amidst the symphony of nature's rhythms, I bore witness to a spectacle that transcended the boundaries of the ordinary. And in that fleeting encounter, I found myself humbled by the untamed spirit of the wild, forever etched in memory and captured through the lens of my camera.

Nikon Gear

D7100 Nikkor 70-200 mm f/2.8       

140 mm, 1/1250 Seconds, f/4, ISO250