Corbett National Park, nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand, is one of India’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. It is famed not only for its abundant flora and fauna but also for being home to the majestic Bengal tiger. While the park offers an array of experiences, one story stands out — the transformative journey of Sharad Vats, a man whose life was deeply altered by a single sighting of a tiger in 1990.
Sharad, originally from New Delhi, grew up with a passion for cricket. His childhood dream was to play for the Indian national team. However, during a holiday in 1990, his fate took a different turn. While exploring the vast wilderness of India, Sharad encountered his first tiger in the wild. This encounter, once a mere holiday experience, ignited a lifelong obsession with the tiger, the forests, and wildlife conservation.
Little did Sharad know that this single moment would push him into a world where the tiger would be the center of his life. Over the years, Sharad honed his skills as a wildlife photographer and began to observe the behavior of tigers. His immersion into the natural world was not just as a photographer but as a deep observer of animal behavior, especially that of the elusive tiger. This fascination with tigers led Sharad to an entrepreneurial journey that blended his love for wildlife with a mission for conservation.
Sharad’s journey took another pivotal turn in 2006 when he founded Nature Safari India Pvt Ltd. The company was established with the goal of promoting “Conservation through Tourism.” Sharad’s philosophy was simple yet powerful: to save tigers and repopulate India’s forests, one must align tourism efforts with conservation. His company became an advocate for eco-tourism, creating experiences that allowed travelers to witness the magnificence of tigers while contributing to their conservation.
To further his commitment to the cause, Sharad took a monumental step in the world of wildlife tourism by setting up one of India’s premier jungle lodges in Kanha National Park. This lodge, surrounded by the wilderness of one of India’s most famous tiger reserves, serves as a base for travelers seeking an authentic jungle experience. It was designed with conservation at its core, offering luxury accommodations without compromising the delicate balance of nature.
But Sharad’s passion for the tiger extends beyond his business ventures. His experiences over the years led him to draw powerful parallels between the behavior of tigers and leadership in business and life. He believes that the tiger’s instincts, patience, and strength hold valuable lessons for anyone in a leadership role. Whether it’s about staying focused on one’s goals, being resilient in the face of challenges, or adapting to the environment, Sharad argues that the tiger’s qualities are just as essential in business as they are in the wild.
This philosophy culminated in the release of his new book, which explores management and leadership skills inspired by the behavior of tigers. Through “Lessons from the Tiger: Leadership Skills for Business and Life,” Sharad shares insights on how one can learn from the tiger’s approach to survival and success in the corporate world. His book serves as a guide for business leaders and entrepreneurs who want to channel their inner tiger — courageous, strategic, and committed to their mission.
For those who are inspired by the tiger’s story and wish to delve deeper into Sharad’s wisdom, “Lessons from the Tiger” is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Charisma of Nagarhole National Park
While Corbett National Park remains a popular destination for wildlife lovers, there are many other hidden gems in India that offer equally thrilling experiences. One such gem is Nagarhole National Park, a sanctuary that should be on the bucket list of any wildlife enthusiast.
Nagarhole, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is located in the southern part of India, in the state of Karnataka. The park’s name is derived from the meandering Nagarahole River, which flows through the park’s heart. The region is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of species, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and a diverse array of birds. It is one of the most significant tiger reserves in India and is considered one of the best places for a tiger safari.
Visiting Nagarhole offers travelers the opportunity to witness India’s wildlife in its purest form. The park’s thick forests, tranquil rivers, and rugged terrain make it a haven for nature lovers. Wildlife safaris here are a thrilling experience, as they provide the chance to spot not only the elusive tiger but also other majestic creatures like the Indian bison and wild boar.
The Diversity of Forests and Wildlife in India
India is a land of incredible diversity, and this is reflected in its ecosystems. The country is home to a range of forest types, each with its unique flora and fauna. From the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats to the alpine meadows of the Himalayas, India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries host a wealth of species that are found nowhere else on Earth.
The dense forests of India’s national parks, such as Corbett, Kanha, and Nagarhole, provide crucial habitats for some of the world’s most endangered species. Beyond tigers, these forests are home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, rhinos, leopards, and several species of deer and antelope. These parks are not just wildlife reserves; they are also crucial to the preservation of biodiversity.
India’s vast array of national parks and protected areas offers a glimpse into the country’s deep connection with nature. For wildlife enthusiasts, exploring these parks is not just about spotting animals; it’s about understanding the delicate balance that sustains these ecosystems.
Embarking on a Tiger Safari in India: A Thrilling Adventure
One of the most exhilarating experiences India offers is the tiger safari. A tiger safari in India takes you into the heart of the wilderness, where the excitement of spotting a tiger combines with the serene beauty of the forest. The safari experience is not just about encountering tigers; it’s about immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, discovering new landscapes, and understanding the behavior of India’s most famous predator.
The difficulty and complexity of a tiger safari in India can vary depending on the park and the season. Some parks, like Corbett and Ranthambore, are well-developed and offer a relatively smooth safari experience with designated routes and trained guides. However, in more remote parks like Kanha and Nagarhole, the terrain can be more challenging, offering a more rugged and adventurous safari experience.
Whether you are a seasoned wildlife traveler or a first-time visitor, a tiger safari in India is an unforgettable experience. It’s an opportunity to witness the raw beauty of the wilderness while contributing to the conservation efforts that protect these majestic animals.
In conclusion, the journey into India’s wild heart is not just about witnessing the grandeur of tigers but about understanding the interconnectedness of nature and the crucial role humans play in its preservation. Whether through wildlife tourism, education, or leadership lessons inspired by the tiger’s example, every step taken toward conservation is a step toward securing a future for these magnificent creatures. With pioneers like Sharad Vats leading the way, there is hope that India’s forests will continue to thrive, and the tiger will remain a symbol of strength and resilience for generations to come.
