Mandanna came running and said he just saw a leopard next to him, relaxing on a wall with its legs on either side of it. He had gone to pick up something from my Scorpio which was right next to this wall. We all rushed out and went back to see the leopard get up and jump into the tea bushes next to it. We got excited but got back to our work and Mandanna went to drop off our friends at a home stay. When he got back again after an hour, he came in and said that he saw the leopard again, this time sitting in the tea bushes.
Everyone thought he was joking, but when we went back, we saw this guy sitting without a care in the world in the tea bushes. I rushed to get my camera, but my card was out. Then it took me 5 min to find my flash and all along, the leopard was just there. In fact, a very young he or she was as curious about us and was peeping though the tea to have a look at us. We all stood there as I took a few snaps and then it started to rain. We left the guy and came off to have dinner. I also smashed my toe against a huge rock in this whole process.
As I type this, the leopard is still sitting outside less than 200m from where I am. It’s a weird felling when you know there is a leopard so close, yet you are trying to go on with your usual business. This leopard sighting credit goes to Mandanna. If you have met him before, you would know his legendary tracking skills and this time it really paid off.
Awesome, I have a Leopard next to me too… a huge 2′x3′ print
( Enjoy.
Wildlife seems to follow you than the other way around…too good stuff…:)
Hey awesome!!!.
Must be a dream come true
Seems like where ever you go, leopards follow.
Had a great time with a huge male leopard at Bandipur on Wednesday evening, though he wasn’t as daring.
This is leopard luck after a big break. Have you posted your Bandipur leopard photographs ?
Not yet, will share the link once i post.
The words “leopard next door” brought back so many memories of tales heard from my grandma. That’s a beautiful photograph
hahaha!!!! Giri, I have a Leopard and a Tiger
Good sighting Kalyan..and yes, Mandanna’s tracking skills is awesome.
wow awesome….
super cool!!!
Wow. I firmly believe that all wildlife tracks you, rather than vice versa.
wow, fantastic,
that’s an experience to remember
ha thats nice….u fellows r lucky..:)
You know what?! You should visit Mumbai sometime Kalyan. Leopards keep dropping in from Sanjay National park into this locality all the time.:)
Tha picture is lovely. One cant miss those eyes.
Your Mandanna seems to be completely dedicated to ur cause;).. cool assitant!
Mandanna and me are colleagues and more than that we have been great friends for more than 4 years now and have been doing a lot of wildlife together.
Wow…you had sighted a Leopard that close…man!
Hi Kalyan & Mandana,
A real good spot. Cheers….
I will follow you guys one day…. Mandana promised me that he will take me along.
Too good see that photo
Phew!!! 200m!!
K.V – D.M … this is truly an amazing sighting…
Gr8 catch…
Btw – is the ” huge rock ” all fine??? lolzz
Kalyan,
The photograph of the leopard was truly fantastic. I wish I could see one at some close quarters someday. Have seen a couple of tigers in Bandhavgarh in January this year. Can you please tell me how to get in touch with Mandanna ? I am sure to look him up. Do please post more such photographs.
What is the best time to visit Kanha ? Please advise.
Love
Supriyo
Mandanna’s address is mandil47@yahoo.co.in
Winter is a great time to visit Kanha. In the grasslands the mist does not lift for a while, so you can get breath taking photographs for many hours. I’m doing a safari in the 3rd week of Nov to catch this winter season. Do check it out here : http://kalyanvarma.net/workshop-kanha
thanks,
Kalyan