The cubs
One of my most beloved forests in our country, Kanha Tiger Reserve, beckoned me once again. This time, I ventured into its embrace in mid-June, when the occasional rain shower brought a welcome respite from the blistering summer heat. The forest was in a state of transformation, the vibrant green of new life slowly replacing the brown hues of the dry season. Kanha Tiger Reserve, a sprawling expanse of wilderness established in 1955, is nestled in Madhya Pradesh, about 160 km southeast of Jabalpur. The reserve covers roughly 950 sq km and is divided into Kanha-Kisli, Mukki, and Sarhi zones, each offering its own unique charm. One damp, cold morning, as we waited for the Mukki zone forest gate to creak open, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. Whispers of tiger sightings from the previous day were scarce, and the forest seemed to hold its secrets close. Undeterred, we decided to take a less-explored path, guided by instinct and a thirst for adventure. The forest was shrouded i...