On Location – India
For years I resisted going to India. When I was shooting for my book The Living Wild, I realized that tigers were a critical animal I needed to photograph. In March 1999 I went to Ranthambhore National Park and since then I have been back to India more times than I can count. It has become one of my favorite countries to photograph in—the colors, festivals, wildlife, and ancient traditions are astounding and enchanting.
To track tigers you venture out on elephant-back with a mahout. Photographing from an elephant is difficult at best but a necessary challenge. The forest is alive with birdsong and then suddenly you hear it: the spirited, scolding call of the hanuman langur, meaning a tiger or even a leopard is near. These ever-alert primates are the eyes and ears of guides and researchers alike.
I have never been so excited as to see a tiger in the wild. There is really nothing like it and the experience never grows old. Experience it for yourself and travel with me to India in January. There are three spots left for this marvelous trip.
BLOG: On Location with Tigers – Images by Art Wolfe
There is indeed nothing like seeing tigers in the wild. Ranthambore is a lovely place, and there’s so many places where you feel like you’re in an Indiana Jones film.
I remember that for us the sounds of the peacocks were the giveaways of where the tigers might be. We didn’t do elephants but went with the four of us in a little jeep. I think it gave us the agility to respond to the calls.
Stunning photos of the tigers. My heart goes out to them and their environment. Thanks Art for the incredible photos.