My passion for wildlife and nature has been very evident since my childhood. Going down the memory lane, I still can remember the excitement I had when we visited the Mysore Zoo and Bannerghatta national park. While other kids wanted to go out and play, I would be very content watching a wild life documentary that would air on Doordharshan. As time passed, I was caught up in the busy education and corporate life, which over-shadowed my passion, nearly burying it to rest.

Like many corporate teams, a bunch of friends decided to get over our stressful work schedule and head out on a weekend getaway. While we threw in ideas of a beach resort near Mangalore and Goa, one of my friends suggested we spend our time in the tranquil lap of the nature at Thyvare Koppa Lion & Tiger Reserve. We drove to Shimoga late Friday night after completing working the grueling night shift in search of peace and tranquility. We reached Shimoga early Saturday afternoon and headed straight to Thyvare Koppa post lunch.

Thyvare Koppa Lion & Tiger Reserve is situated at 12 km from Shimoga on the way to Jog Falls, located inside the Shettihalli Sanctuary near the Tunga Anicut Dam. The reserve, which is spread over a total area of 200 hectares, is famous for its rare variety of tigers and lions along with bears, deer and birds.

As we went on a guided tour in a Gypsy, we were welcomed by sightings of spotted deer and bears. As we drove deep into the jungle, I was reminded of my passion for these beautiful creations. At the fag end of the tour, one of the watchers, sighted a male tigers relaxing after a meal. The magnificent sighting drove an adrenaline rush in my blood. This tiger had now evoked a dormant passion hidden deep inside my subconscious mind. I was excited and requested one of my friends to lend me his camera. With a wild rush and excitement, I began focusing and wanted to take a perfect click.

With the shutter sound in my ears, I smiled, with a sense of accomplishment and exclaimed - "Yes!! I have spotted a tiger in the wild!!!"

This moment acted as a catalyst in my life.... and I believe that this tiger is the one that started it all!! :)

- Prashanth Bharadwaj