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NDTV
18 hours ago
- NDTV
In Pench And Tadoba National Park, A Thrilling Tiger Safari Through Mowgli's Land
In 1894, English author Rudyard Kipling wrote and published The Jungle Book. It became an instant hit, and Mowgli - its central character - soon became a household name. Set in a jungle teeming with life, the book explored the complex relationship between humans and nature. Over the years, Kipling's story was adapted by several production houses, most notably Disney, turning it into a beloved tale of harmony between humans and animals. These adaptations became bedtime staples for many of us growing up. But did you know that The Jungle Book was primarily inspired by a real forest in India? Yes, you read that right. Welcome to Pench National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh - often referred to as the Tiger State of India. Today, Pench is fondly known as 'Mowgli Land', drawing wildlife enthusiasts not just from across India but from around the world. As you explore its lush landscape, you'll come across statues of Mowgli scattered across villages near the park. These aren't just decorative; they symbolise the deep-rooted belief in coexistence between humans and animals, a spirit that is very much still alive here. That said, life near a national park and a tiger reserve is not without its dangers. Villages bordering the forest do sometimes suffer casualties. Yet, what's truly remarkable is the way these communities respond. Whenever such a tragedy occurs, the villagers often build a shrine dedicated to the tiger. It is both a gesture of mourning and a ritual of respect - they worship the tiger, seek forgiveness, and pray that such incidents do not happen again. We stumbled upon one such shrine during our morning safari in Pench. In the middle of the forest, a statue of a tiger stood quietly by the trail - a powerful reminder of the reverence with which nature is held in this remarkable land. A Slice Of Luxury In The Wild To reach Pench, if you're coming from Delhi, it'll take around 4 to 5 hours - less than the time it takes to get to Ranthambore National Park. This includes a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Nagpur, followed by a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Pench. From Mumbai, you can fly or take a train to Nagpur. We landed in Nagpur on an early morning, after a flight from Delhi, and before we knew it, we were in Pench, soaking in the lush green forest and enjoying the better AQI. Geographically, Pench straddles both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. On the Madhya Pradesh side, the park includes a core area of 411.33 sq km, with a buffer zone of 768.3 sq km, totalling a protected area of 1,179.63 sq km. The Pench Tiger Reserve, which also doubles as a national park, is home to around 50-58 species of mammals and over 210-288 bird species. Every villager here seems to have their own tiger tale - but one story towers above the rest. The Saga Of Collarwali Collarwali, or T-15, remains Pench's most famous resident. Nicknamed 'Supermum', this legendary tigress gave birth to 29 cubs (almost 23 of them survived) over her lifetime, before her death in 2022. Her legacy lives on through her offspring, many of whom still roam these forests. The best decision when visiting Pench is to stay as close to the safari gates as possible - and that's exactly what we did. Just 1 km away, we stayed at the Pench Jungle Camp, a place that offers an immersive jungle experience with a touch of luxury. The rooms were styled like tents but without any of the discomfort that normally comes with camping. The property included an in-house spa, a bar, a library, a games room, and a shared lounge area - yes, all in the middle of the forest! The interiors exuded a charming village feel, complete with rustic touches. But what truly stood out was their commitment to sustainability. The property has been built without disturbing the natural landscape and no single-use plastics - even the toiletries provided to guests were plastic-free. "We've built the entire property around the trees, and planted even more. The idea was simple - not to cut down a single tree in the process," says Raghuveer Singh, General Manager of the property. Pench is also home to India's first Dark Sky Park, and only the fifth in Asia. It earned this recognition by keeping light pollution to a minimum, making it a dream for stargazers. And when the skies are clear, you can spot stars, constellations, and even planets through their in-house telescope. Lookout For Big Cats The main draw of Pench is, of course, its safaris - especially the night safari. It usually begins around 6 pm and continues till 9 pm, offering a rare opportunity to experience the forest after dark. So, on our first day here, at sharp 6 o'clock, we set off for our night safari, hearts pounding with excitement at the chance of seeing nocturnal species - including the elusive tiger. While tiger sightings are rare, the real magic of the night safari lies in experiencing the forest after sundown. Few parks in India offer this experience. We didn't spot much that night - apart from a few deer, some birds, and a ghost tree. But the crisp air, the absence of the usual heat, and the chorus of night birds made it memorable. The thrill of what might appear in the shadows added to the experience. But for many visitors - and for us too - a safari feels incomplete without spotting a big cat. So, at 5 am the next morning, we headed out again, hoping to spot tigers, leopards, and more of the forest's rich flora and fauna. And what did we see? Let the pictures speak for themselves. However, even after spotting a leopard and several other species, the yearning to see a tiger still lingered. So, we headed to Tadoba - a reserve known for its higher tiger density - to try our luck once again. The Legend Who Fought A Tiger Tadoba National Park is a name that's becoming synonymous with tiger sightings in India. Established in 1955 and later merged with the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1995, the combined reserve now spans a massive 1,727 sq km. It is one of the 51 Project Tiger Reserves and one of the most reliable places to spot these elusive cats. Ask any local, and you'll hear the tale of how Tadoba got its name. It comes from 'Taru' - a tribal leader, who is believed to have died in a mythical encounter with a tiger (and so did the tiger). The villagers, in reverence, built a shrine for Taru by the lake - and thus, the forest became known as Tadoba. We stayed at Tadoba Jungle Camp, which is located in the buffer zone of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. The camp is strategically positioned within minutes of the Moharli gate, allowing easy access to both the core and buffer zones of the reserve. Due to its location, guests are advised not to roam outside alone, and if you're just lucky enough, you might spot a tiger while you're having your morning tea or coffee in their restaurant area. Everyone here, from the staff, and the guides, and naturalists have their own stories of their association with wildlife. For some, their job was more than just a job - they live and breathe wildlife. One such person, we met was Yash Rajput, the General Manager who left his well-cushioned corporate job to move to the camp here, to be close to wildlife. He's had his own experiences with tigers of Tadoba, with quite a few near-face-to-face ones; the stories now he tells each guest with a chuckle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Naresh Iyer 🇮🇳 (Narayanan Iyer) Wildlife Photographer (@eye4wild_naresh) The property is built on a huge 10-acre land and each room has a rustic charm to it, with many artefacts in rooms and throughout the property made from woods of trees that naturally fall near or inside the property. "We make sure not even a single tree is cut during construction. We process waste in-house and use minimal plastic," says Yash. MD GS Rathore, the mind behind the Jungle Camps India brand, adds, "We don't build in nature. We build around it." He believes travellers today - especially Indians - are growing increasingly conscious about sustainable travel. When asked why Pench and Tadoba haven't caught on as quickly with Delhiites and North Indians, he quips, "Central India has always had its secrets. People just didn't realise the travel time is the same as the more popular parks. But that's changing now." And it must change, because the experience here is far richer, even during your safaris. Speaking of safaris, Tadoba is said to be one of those parks that never "lets you leave disappointed" - or so we heard from almost everyone the moment set foot in the reserve. However, we soon realised that a successful wildlife sighting also depends heavily on the expertise of your naturalist and guide. With mobile phones prohibited in the area, their keen eyes and deep understanding of the terrain become crucial. The naturalist assigned to us depended on our choice of accommodation, as most lodges provide one to accompany guests during their safari. And how was our experience? Take a look. If you find yourself seeking something beyond the usual daytime and night safaris, Tadoba's water safari is an excellent alternative. The experience itself is incredibly calming-you can watch birds gliding above, fish swimming beneath, and perhaps even catch sight of a jackal. And if luck is on your side, you may witness a tiger emerging from the forest for a drink at Irai Lake, a lifeline for both the park's wildlife and the villages that depend on its waters. The Final Roar If you're seeking a wildlife experience that goes beyond the checklist of tiger sightings, Pench and Tadoba promise something rare - a richly rewarding escape into the wild heart of India. Stories of coexistence, of communities that respect nature, and of legends that live on in every rustle of the trees. So, the next time you think of Ranthambore or Jim Corbett, remember: the soul of The Jungle Book is very much alive in the heart of India. And it's still undiscovered, mostly.
Sky News
27-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Liverpool parade latest: King thanks emergency services at 'heartbreaking time' for people of city
King 'deeply shocked' by 'devastating' events in Liverpool The King has shared a message on social media. He described it as "truly devastating" to see "what should have been a joyous celebration for so many" end in such "distressing circumstances". "My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the terrible events that took place in Liverpool on Monday," he said. "Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected," he continued, adding he has particular "gratitude" for emergency services and first responders. See the full statement below... Witness says driver 'revved so hard' A witness to last night's incident has described the moment he heard the driver of the car revving his engine before hitting people. "We just heard this screaming and we just saw the car coming towards us and he revved so hard, that's all I can get out my head, the car was revving so hard and then there were just people laid all over," Paul told BBC Radio 5 Live. "And I just can't get this picture of this poor lady just laid under the front of the car, it was horrendous." Paul says he took cover on the side of the road before people living in the adjacent block of flats let them into their room to get off the street. Watch: Moment car drives into crowds in Liverpool 'Heroes' at Indian restaurant helped turn it into makeshift triage centre We've heard today of the extraordinary compassion shown by Liverpudlians last night. One such example comes from Mowgli - an Indian street food restaurant in the city centre - which emergency services used as a triage centre for injured people. A member of the emergency crews told Sky News the restaurant's staff responded by putting "all hands on deck". "The duty managers went above and beyond to help us and we couldn't have asked for more from them," they said. "I was tasked to deal with the staff directly to sort the triage centre out, and they were an absolute credit to Mowgli leadership. "They assisted the injured people, provided aid to emergency services and were on hand all night to assist where they could. Heroes." As a reminder, nearly 50 people were hurt after the incident, with 27 people being taken to various hospitals across Liverpool. Witness: 'All you heard was screaming, it was disgusting' By Ella Griffith, North of England producer in Liverpool Hannah and Gavin came from Pembrokeshire to celebrate Liverpool's Premier League title win yesterday. One of the best days of Gavin's life quickly turned into one of the worst. "All you heard was screaming," he says, getting tearful. "It was disgusting, just screams and people scared for their lives." The bottom of Water Street, opposite the Liver Building, is still cordoned off with police tape and dozens of media organisations reporting on what happened last night. A number of police officers are standing guard, and 50 metres up the road, a large white police van is blocking the road and the view of the town hall. Discarded bottles, rubbish and a bike remain untouched. Hannah said they'd had an "amazing day" but is traumatised this morning, shaking as she spoke. She was on Water Street and didn't see the car, but heard the screaming, the police shouting for people to go, and people lying on the floor. She said she heard someone saying a child had been hurt. Hannah added that people didn't realise what had happened, and she panicked as she tried to find her partner Gavin. 'We are all with you,' Liverpool captain van Dijk says Liverpool FC captain Virgil van Dijk says he is "praying for a speedy recovery" for all those injured during yesterday's incident. The Dutch defender posted on Instagram: "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. Praying for a speedy recovery for everyone who suffered injuries. "We are all with you." Watch: Crowds swarm car and smash windows after collision This video shows the aftermath of the collision as dozens of people swarm around the vehicle smashing its windows before a police officer gets in the passenger seat. Liverpool hospital staff cancel strike Workers at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital have cancelled planned strike action. More than 50 workers were set to walk out today after concerns that staff burnout and understaffing were putting patients at risk. But Unite regional officer Derek Jones said: "Following yesterday's tragic events in Liverpool, members took the immediate decision to suspend action so they could provide full support to the major incident which has been declared by the hospital trust." In pictures: Forensic teams at scene Forensic teams in white suits have been arriving at the scene on Water Street in central Liverpool in the past hour. The Sky team at the site say the forensics unit is taking photos of evidence and dipping in and out of the blue tent. Here's what we know - and what we don't Here's what we know so far about yesterday's incident in Liverpool: A car drove through a crowd of people in Liverpool city centre yesterday at around 6pm; The road had been closed to normal traffic for Liverpool FC's Premier League trophy parade; Merseyside Police said it had arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area; Emergency services said 27 people were taken to hospitals with injuries and that two people, including one child, suffered serious injuries; Three adults and one child were removed from beneath the vehicle, the fire service said. We still don't know the full identity of the man arrested by police, who is believed to be the driver. We also don't know the driver's motive or how the car was able to access a closed road. And we also don't know the names of those injured. Farage condemns 'mindless act of violence' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has condemned yesterday's incident in Liverpool as a "mindless act of violence". "Our thoughts are very much with Liverpool Football Club, their supporters, who were celebrating after an absolutely fantastic season that they had," he says. "And our thoughts go out to all of them after that mindless act of violence. We also thank the members of the public who did all they could to help the victims and of course, our emergency services."
Sky News
27-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Liverpool parade latest: 'All you heard was screaming, it was disgusting,' witness says
13:59:49 Witness says driver 'revved so hard' A witness to last night's incident has described the moment he heard the driver of the car revving his engine before hitting people. "We just heard this screaming and we just saw the car coming towards us and he revved so hard, that's all I can get out my head, the car was revving so hard and then there were just people laid all over," Paul told BBC Radio 5 Live. "And I just can't get this picture of this poor lady just laid under the front of the car, it was horrendous." Paul says he took cover on the side of the road before people living in the adjacent block of flats let them into their room to get off the street. Watch: Moment car drives into crowds in Liverpool 13:35:19 Indian restaurant turned into makeshift triage centre during incident We've heard today of the extraordinary compassion shown by Liverpudlians during last night's incident. One such example comes from Mowgli - an Indian street food restaurant in the city centre which emergency services used as a triage centre for injured people. A member of the emergency crews told Sky News the restaurant's staff responded by putting "all hands on deck". "The duty managers went above and beyond to help us and we couldn't have asked for more from them," they said. "I was tasked to deal with the staff directly to sort the triage centre out, and they were an absolute credit to Mowgli leadership. "They assisted the injured people, provided aid to emergency services and were on hand all night to assist where they could. Heroes." As a reminder, nearly 50 people were hurt after the incident, with 27 people being taken to various hospitals across Liverpool. 13:11:24 Witness: 'All you heard was screaming, it was disgusting' By Ella Griffith, North of England producer in Liverpool Hannah and Gavin came from Pembrokeshire to celebrate Liverpool's Premier League title win yesterday. One of the best days of Gavin's life quickly turned into one of the worst. "All you heard was screaming," he says, getting tearful. "It was disgusting, just screams and people scared for their lives." The bottom of Water Street, opposite the Liver Building, is still cordoned off with police tape and dozens of media organisations are here reporting on what happened last night. A number of police officers are standing guard and 50 metres up the road a large white police van is blocking the road and the view of the town hall. Discarded bottles, rubbish and a bike remain untouched. Hannah said they'd had an "amazing day" but is traumatised this morning, shaking as she spoke. She was on Water Street and didn't see the car, but heard the screaming, the police shouting for people to go and people lying on the floor. She said she heard someone saying a child had been hurt. She said people didn't realise what had happened and she panicked as she tried to find her partner Gavin. 12:55:21 'We are all with you,' Liverpool captain van Dijk says Liverpool FC captain Virgil van Dijk says he is "praying for a speedy recovery" for all those injured during yesterday's incident. The Dutch defender posted on Instagram: "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. Praying for a speedy recovery for everyone who suffered injuries. "We are all with you." 12:32:09 Watch: Crowds swarm car and smash windows after collision This video shows the aftermath of the collision as dozens of people swarm around the vehicle smashing its windows before a police officer gets in the passenger seat. 12:10:01 Liverpool hospital staff cancel strike Workers at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital have cancelled planned strike action. More than 50 workers were set to walk out today after concerns that staff burnout and understaffing were putting patients at risk. But Unite regional officer Derek Jones said: "Following yesterday's tragic events in Liverpool, members took the immediate decision to suspend action so they could provide full support to the major incident which has been declared by the hospital trust." 11:50:01 In pictures: Forensic teams at scene Forensic teams in white suits have been arriving at the scene on Water Street in central Liverpool in the past hour. The Sky team at the site say the forensics unit is taking photos of evidence and dipping in and out of the blue tent. 11:35:01 Here's what we know - and what we don't Here's what we know so far about yesterday's incident in Liverpool: A car drove through a crowd of people in Liverpool city centre yesterday at around 6pm; The road had been closed to normal traffic for Liverpool FC's Premier League trophy parade; Merseyside Police said it had arrested a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area; Emergency services said 27 people were taken to hospitals with injuries and that two people, including one child, suffered serious injuries; Three adults and one child were removed from beneath the vehicle, the fire service said. We still don't know the full identity of the man arrested by police, who is believed to be the driver. We also don't know the driver's motive or how the car was able to access a closed road. And we also don't know the names of those injured. 11:18:31 Farage condemns 'mindless act of violence' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has condemned yesterday's incident in Liverpool as a "mindless act of violence". "Our thoughts are very much with Liverpool Football Club, their supporters, who were celebrating after an absolutely fantastic season that they had," he says. "And our thoughts go out to all of them after that mindless act of violence. We also thank the members of the public who did all they could to help the victims and of course, our emergency services." 10:55:25 Liverpool chief executive issues message Liverpool's chief executive has issued a statement in a video posted on the club's website. Billy Hogan says: "This weekend was one of celebration, emotion and joy spread across the city in our entire fan base, and it ended in unimaginable scenes of distress with this appalling incident." He goes on to pay tribute to emergency services, including Merseyside Police, North West and St John Ambulance Services, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue. "I would also like to thank our supporters who witnessed this event and helped each other where they could," he adds.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘Mowgli' imprint as Seoni to become 1st railway station themed on ‘Jungle Book'
NEW DELHI: Seoni railway station in Madhya Pradesh is set to become the world's first to be redeveloped around the theme of 'The Jungle Book' and its popular character, Mowgli. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 103 stations, including Seoni, that have received makeovers under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, on Thursday. The station features eye-catching displays of Mowgli and other characters from the classic tale, designed to delight children and visitors alike. Statues of Jungle Book characters have been installed across the station's circulating areas. Executive Director (I&P) of the Ministry of Railways, Dileep Kumar, told this newspaper, 'One of the best curated is Seoni station under the Nagpur division in MP, which features a Jungle Book theme, and is dedicated to characters like Mowgli. This depiction will attract children and literature lovers, reflecting the rich culture of the 'Heart of India'.' What's Mowgli's link with Seoni? Kumar said, 'Mowgli was said to have roots in Seoni, where he grew up in the company of bheriyas (wolves).' Nearly half the stations have been redeveloped drawing inspiration from local architectural landmarks, religious sites, and historical heritage.
Broadcast Pro
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
TwelveP Animation and Powerkids Entertainment to co-produce first international animated series from Abu Dhabi
The show is currently in fast-paced production, with a tentative completion date by the end of 2025. Abu Dhabi-based TwelveP Animation has partnered with Singapore's Powerkids Entertainment to co-produce Adventures of Akira & Mowgli, a new spin-off of the beloved The Jungle Book animated franchise. This international collaboration marks a historic milestone as the first-ever animated co-production of its kind originating from Abu Dhabi, and one of the pioneering efforts in the UAE's animation industry. The upcoming series introduces a fresh twist to the classic tale, with Mowgli joined by a daring new female lead, Akira. Together, they embark on thrilling jungle adventures filled with emotion, comedy, and vibrant visuals designed to resonate with global audiences. Scriptwriting duties are in the hands of writers Jeff Sager and Eric Steinhart, known for their work on hit children's series such as PJ Masks, Super Wings, Paw Patrol, Dino Ranch and The Snoopy Show. Production is currently moving at a rapid pace, with initial episodes expected to be delivered by mid-2025. The project has attracted a consortium of high-profile co-producers, including BeIN (Qatar), De Planeta (Latin America), Telegael (Ireland) and Wall Peep (India), further reinforcing the series' global appeal and production muscle. Even ahead of its official release, Adventures of Akira & Mowgli is already garnering industry recognition. Powerkids CEO Manoj Mishra has been honoured with the Best Producer award at the ANN Award 24, and the series has secured a nomination for Best International Showcase at the Cartoon on the Bay Pulcinella Awards. Speaking about the partnership and the animated series, Katerina Pshenitsyna, General Manager, TwelveP Animation, said: 'We, as TwelveP Animation, are happy to be the pioneering company from Abu Dhabi to structure an international co-production in animation based on the world standards! This puts Abu Dhabi on the map for the International Animation Society as well as allows for more future collaborations in the field. It is also a milestone for TwelveP itself as we diversify our activity from distribution to co-financing and co-producing family-friendly projects with international appeal. We believe that Akira & Mowgli has everything to become a successful global IP.' Manoj Mishra, CEO, Powerkids Entertainment, added: 'This innovative show introduces Akira, a bold and fearless new female protagonist, who joins the beloved Mowgli in this new jungle adventure brimming with heart, humour, and stunning animation. Together, we'll share the enigmatic world of Akira and Mowgli with audiences, unfolding their story in a way that's full of adventure and excitement.' Latifa Abdulla Al-Mana, Director of Kids Content and Channels, beIN MENA, commented: 'We are delighted to co-produce Adventures of Akira & Mowgli, and are excited to exclusively bring it to millions of children across the Middle East and North Africa. This partnership further reinforces beIN's long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality, family-friendly Arabic content to young audiences in the region through our leading kids' channels – Baraem and Jeem TV.' Paul Cummins, CEO of Telegael, stated: 'Telegael is excited to partner with our colleagues at Powerkids Entertainment to bring the exciting adventures of Akira and Mowgli to audiences around the world. Building on the huge success of The Jungle Book series, Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera, Sherekhan and Kaa meet the fresh energy of our new protagonist, Akira, a fearless girl from a nearby village with a strong character. Together, our heroes Akira and Mowgli outsmart mischievous foes, uncover ancient jungle secrets and learn the true meaning of friendship, courage and nature's balance.' Carlos Biern – Content & Media Sales Director, DeAplaneta Entertainment, noted: 'At DeAPlaneta Entertainment, we are always looking for new opportunities to collaborate with leading studios worldwide, and Asia is a key region for us. This is a great moment to explore spin-offs of classic stories with universal appeal, bringing them to a global audience. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are thrilled to work with internationally renowned and award-winning studios like Powerkids, sharing our passion for storytelling and high-quality entertainment.'
