RANTHAMBORE TIGER SAFARI, 2025

Ever since my first visit to Bandhavgarh and Pench National Parks in 2009, I have been longing to return to India to study and research tigers for my paintings. I have always felt that there is a risk that I could travel to India and see very little in the way of tigers. If I was lucky enough to see them, that does not in any way guarantee that I can produce paintings. The sightings need to be good and - so do my photographs!

In March 2024, I made a plan to travel to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve which is one of the best places in the world to see wild tigers and also one of the best sanctuaries for them in their ever changing and shrinking habitat.  I made my travel arrangements through Newells Travel in Bodmin.  They have several branches across Cornwall and I have been using them for many years now.  Newells have always gone above and beyond to make sure our travel plans abroad run smoothly.  This tiger safari to India, in conjunction with Cox & Kings, one of the largest travel companies in the world, was no exception, so I am very grateful to both Newells Travel and Cox & Kings and I thoroughly recommend them. 

In March 2025 I made the journey to Delhi, together with my wife, Margaret. I needn’t have worried about not seeing enough wildlife as we had excellent encounters with tigers on every drive into the park, except one, when we saw three leopards!

After just 20 minutes on the first drive into the park, we came across not one but four tigers - all at once! The image below is one of my first shots, after which they came into an opening and played in the grass in front of us. Yes, really! Our guide was Ramsingh Meena, with whom we spent the whole week. He was brilliant and we are very grateful. Having a private guide gives me the freedom to go where I want and spend the entire drive in one spot if necessary.

We went into all the major zones, which are pre-set by the park authorities. The area with the forts is the best, with beautiful scenery too. I think it was zone 4. In each area, I had my artist head on, taking in all the surroundings and scenery which is all very much an important part of my work. It is so rewarding to see tigers in their natural environment. I am also aware that there may not be many opportunities left to see them, as poaching is still going on in most of India’s tiger reserves.

I will never forget my very first tiger sighting in Bandhavgarh in 2009. It was a very special moment and very emotional; my painting of that tiger was “Cry A Tear”; I looked into thick bamboo scrub, straight into her eyes. It made me cry because I was aware that this poor animal is always a target for poachers.  A strange title for a tiger painting but I knew my reasons! The client (in America) re-named it, but it will always remind me of my first wild tiger sighting. (see photo below)

The tigers are obviously the main attraction for visitors, but Ranthambore has so much more than tigers. There are many other animal species in the park, with cheetal and samba being the tigers’ main prey. You will also see langur monkeys - lots of them! While not so photogenic, they are very amusing to watch, often behaving very badly! The lakes are breathtaking. In the early morning, there is often a gentle mist coming off the surface of the water. It is so photogenic. On one occasion, Margaret spotted a tiger right on the edge of a small island in the distance, with mist surrounding the lake.

Traveling to Africa and India has profoundly shaped my understanding of diverse cultures and ecosystems. In Africa, I explored the vast savannas and dense jungles, witnessing majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, from the great wildebeest migration to the beauty and power of the mighty Zambezi. This journey has nurtured my passion for wildlife conservation and cultural appreciation. Similarly, India has offered a vibrant tapestry of traditions and landscapes, where I experienced the rich biodiversity of its national parks and the spiritual depth of its ancient cities. Each adventure enhanced my understanding of the connections between life and the need to preserve our planet's natural wonders.

My art has taken me to many exciting parts of the world and it captures the intricate beauty of the natural world, reflecting the diverse ecosystems and wildlife that inhabit our planet. Each piece is an invitation to observe and appreciate the subtle details and vibrant colours found in nature, encouraging viewers to see beyond the canvas surface. Through my work, I aim to portray not only the majesty of wildlife but also the relationships of all living things. By immersing myself in various environments and documenting my experiences, I strive to translate the essence of these encounters onto canvas, allowing others to experience the world as I do.

We also visited other parts of India…

The Taj Mahal, an iconic symbol of India, stands majestically in Agra and draws millions of visitors each year. Completed in 1653, this white marble mausoleum was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Exploring the surrounding gardens and viewing the site from different angles offers a deeper appreciation of this architectural marvel.  Cox & Kings were our tour company and were responsible for getting us around India by road and rail, which they did in great style.   

The Taj Mahal is a significant part of India's rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for anyone travelling to India.  We actually went here first, before finishing our time in India in Ranthambore.  The whole trip was a great success and I now have many new images to inspire my work.