Nagarahole, August 2008

Dark clouds gathering…

We have been fortunate to be out in the Indian jungle this monsoon three or four times and it is just an incredible experience. Though clearly disappointing from a conventional photography standpoint (because of poor light and pouring rain), very different and interesting opportunities arise to photograph nature at its best — especially the jungle itself.

This time, we accompanied friends Tim and Sandhya from Wisconsin for a 2-day trip to the Kabini side of Nagarhole National Park. Though the monsoon was in full glory, we still made all the safaris and could make some interesting images of Gaur, Indian Wild Dog or Dhole (the super red pack of eight!), Sambhar, etc. The Kabini backwaters were overflowing (and completely muddy) and not a single elephant was in sight in the backwaters or in the jungle.

We also visited the Sunkadakatte elephant camp inside the National Park to view the four camp elephants (three adults and a calf) and for the customary ‘joy ride’. Recently, I have grown very fond of photographing camp elephants (and elephant camps) and have hosted some of the images in my Leica gallery. Cheers! –ramki | Aus 2008 | Bangalore