At Outpost 12 we love sharing the rhythms of the forests that surround us. Our naturalists spend long hours in the field, observing the wildlife that makes Central India one of the most biodiverse regions of the country. This report comes from Ravi Naidu on his first full-day safari in Kanha as part of "The Winter Light Atelier" photography workshop mentored by Canon Maestro Phillips Ross. What he witnessed is the kind of experience that reminds us why these landscapes matter and why we return to them.

A Day of Surprises in Kanha

There are days in the forest when everything feels tuned to the right frequency. My first full day in Kanha this week was one of those rare ones. The light was soft, the air smelled of sal and bamboo, and every bend in the trail seemed to hold a story waiting to be told.

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The Wasp Illusion - Evolution's Clever Trick Hidden in Moths

When I first arrived at Outpost 12, near the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, I was stepping into a new chapter of my journey as a naturalist. Having worked across different states in India as a biodiversity expert, I had spent years assessing ecosystems, plants, birds, and insects; but never in a tiger state. The thrill of working in one of India's most celebrated wildlife landscapes was something else entirely.

Over the past year, I have been documenting the biodiversity within our property at Outpost 12, and the diversity here continues to astonish me. From the smallest ants to the elusive nightjars, every night revealed something new. But my true fascination began after sunset, when the lights drew in an entire hidden world of moths.

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A Fascinating Encounter with a Thread-Waisted Sand Wasp

While casually walking around the property, an extraordinary wildlife moment unfolded before our eyes that we just had to share. Anand spotted a wasp flying with something in its grasp ; a caterpillar! Intrigued, we eagerly followed the wasp, cameras at the ready.

The wasp (Genus Ammophila), carrying the caterpillar, led us on a quiet journey as we photographed its every move. Suddenly, it dropped the caterpillar a short distance away. At first, we thought it might have abandoned its prey because we disturbed it. But then, the magic truly began.

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When Wishes Come True - The Krait Story

Life in the field is full of surprises, and sometimes it feels like nature has a sense of humor. When Aabhas first joined our team, one thing was clear right away; he was absolutely determined to see kraits. At first, we all took it lightly, teasing him a bit. But as the nights passed, something strange started happening. Kraits, which can be very shy and rare to spot, began appearing almost every night around us. It was as if the universe had heard Aabhas's wish and decided to deliver. Oddly enough, he was the only one who seemed truly happy about it. For the rest of us, the constant presence of these nocturnal snakes was more than a little nerve-wracking.

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Breaking the Tiger Jinx - My Favorite Kanha Moment

For any naturalist working in India's great forests; especially tiger reserves; there's one milestone that truly stands out: your first tiger sighting. Mine happened years ago in Kabini, and it was unforgettable; a roaring male tiger confronting the jeep ahead, pure adrenaline and awe. The moment stuck with me, and every new park brings that same anticipation.

I first arrived at Kanha in November 2024 for a short, week-long visit. A few safaris from Mukki gate were all I had; and if you ask me, love at first sight is easier to believe in these wild places. The moment I entered Kanha's forest for the first time, those towering sal trees felt like a grand welcoming committee. It was overwhelming in the best way possible. Sadly, that brief trip ended too soon, and I had to head back home, the forest already calling me back.

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