Chilla Safari – 1

The morning mist hung low over the Chilla Range as our group piled into the open-top jeep, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and anticipation. We were deep in the heart of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, hunting for the “nature treasures” that make this wilderness legendary.

Our first encounter was truly cinematic: a majestic herd of Asian Elephants emerging from the dense Sal forest. Seeing these gentle giants cross our path near the Mundal area was a humbling reminder of who truly owns these woods.

The Spotted Ghost of Chilla

The highlight, however, came when our guide suddenly killed the engine. High up in a sprawling tree, draped over a thick branch like a piece of living gold, was a Leopard. It watched us with bored, amber eyes, its tail twitching lazily in the shade—a rare, “blink-and-you-miss-it” treasure that left us breathless.

Moving toward the golden Chaur grasslands, we found the landscape teeming with life:

• Spotted Deer (Cheetal): Leaping through the high grass.

• The Kingfisher: A flash of sapphire blue near the Ganges canal.

• Pugmarks: Fresh Tiger tracks in the mud, proving the “King” was nearby.

We left Chilla not just with photos, but with the raw, untamed spirit of the jungle etched into our memories. It was a May 2018 adventure we’ll be talking about for years.