Have you ever visited the largest tiger reserve at the heart of India? If not, don’t worry as actress and model Tejaswi Madivada visited Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, recently and is taking us through her experience to the rugged, remarkably well managed national park in India. Wildlife lovers throng this destination to see the beautiful Bengal Tiger and the endangered species, Barasingha also titled “Jewel of Kanha National Park. Kanha is among the few most idyllic and magnificent wildlife reserves in India. It is still as peaceful and delightful as mentioned by Rudyard Kipling in his famous book- The Jungle Book.
Apart from being an actor, Tejaswi is also a nemophilist, who loves to visit forests and jungles. Last year when she visited Machan Gudi Jungle, her peers suggested that she visit Kanha National Park, which is the best place to spot tigers and Swamp deer this urged her to visit this ‘Tiger country.’ She visited this place with her three friends- Krithika, Mahesh, and Phalgun- “to make them experience the life of forest which they never had before.” Just imagine, the feeling of seeing the most powerful animal of the forest- Tiger, on an evening stroll or taking a nap under the shade of the tree or maybe a tigress feeding her cubs and teaching the nicety of jungle routines. Isn’t it fascinating for animal lovers to capture precious moments?
The Quad Squad started their journey by landing in Raipur, from there it’s a four hour journey to the horseshoe-shaped valley. The fearsome foursome stayed in the very royal and luxe Singinawa Jungle Lodge which stands for ‘Protectors of the Sacred Forest’ situated at the proximity of Kanha forest. Tejaswi opted for a jeep safari to traverse the whole jungle, which is the best way to cover the beautiful stretches and to savor the best of nature. Throughout the forest, through trees and rolling grasslands, they hunted many perfect shots of wildlife with the sunrise and sunset. The romance with the violent breeze, the sound of animals, the eagerness of meeting wild creatures, and the unpredictability of spotting the animals in the jungle fascinated her the most. Getting up in the wee hours at 10-degree Celsius, early morning mist, the cold breeze, the darkness fading away with the first beam of the sun, gave the travellers a feeling that is indifferent to any other.
As they were in the jeep passing through the thick lushness of the sal forest, they spotted many different kinds of deer -Samba deer, Bara Singha with its magnificent 12 ateliers. After a few minutes of the ride, they could hear the beast roaring which made them feel the presence as they entered the forest. Soon, the tiger was so close to their jeep crossing the road and, moving around casually. It was the most memorable and exceptional moment to see the beast so close to them which they captured on their cameras to behold the beauty forever.
The actress would love to visit the place again and quoted “I feel like that’s the only place(forests) where you keep quiet and hear the entire place come alive, it’s not people talking, its animals talking and conversations are so much more beautiful and simpler.” We humans get our behavior from animals and observing animal behavior is all about coming closer to yourself. The people of the Jungle consider the forest to be their mother and they care for the welfare of the animals. They believe in living in harmony and peace with nature. Also, they trust in protecting animals and not hunting for money."
Being a nature and animal lover, she recommends people to visit this epic place as it makes you regain the happiness in life which people have lost because of their city and mundane lives. Nature is the best medicine to treat depression and bring a smile back to our lives. Nature has the power to soothe and heal your mind and body. The quality of air in the forest brings out wonderful change and renews a weary spirit.
According to the actress, one should visit the forest with their family and friends to observe animals and discover the animal instinct. In modern society, human jealousy, love, and interactions have taken up to another level. Every human is aware of the traits of modern living, to overcome these traits, one should visit the jungle, feel and discover themselves and find the missing piece to heal and rejuvenate for a better quality of life. Tejaswi has found the same kind of peace, tranquillity, and rejuvenation in the Kanha forest. And that’s why she says it should be on everyone’s bucket list. One should not miss out on the beauty of the open meadows, towering bamboo, and sal trees and witness the animals in the natural habitat in Kanha National Park. - Surabhi