The many faces of Pench

Pench is beautiful throughout the year.

How do we vouch for that?

Here is a selection of images from the time we have spent in this enchanting forest over the last three years. We are sure you will agree with us by the the time you reach the last photo.

In spring, Pench is abuzz with insects, birds chirping and the lovely Mahua in full bloom. The light smell of of the forest is carried about by the gentle breeze. This is a wonderful time when the summer heat is just beginning to set in.

Parakeets perched atop the Flame of the Forest.

Through summers, the sunlight, at its brightest best, filters through the trees of the forest. The heat scorches everything in its way. The once green forest is rendered a dead brown with the temperatures soaring during the summer months. Needless to say, not many animals enjoy this time of the year but must get along none the less.

Tigers, especially uneasy with the heat, spend many hours of their day cooling off in water holes during summer.

Even the unsettling heat of the merciless summer cannot lessen the beauty of the peacocks in Pench.

The monsoon brings verdant life back into the forest that has been scorched through summer. Water holes brim at the edges and it is a time of plenty. Thus, there exists so much harmony in this season. The loud croaking of the frogs and buzzing of crickets assures one of the good time they are having. While the Sambar waddles in the mud, the Chital spend the time in the overgrown bushes. The tiger and leopard take shelter in the caves. And, lastly, how can one forget the beautiful dance of the peacock.

The langurs have plenty to choose from during this time.

A sambar deer caught unaware while it gorges on the overgrown vegetation.

With the monsoon gone, the Pench river no longer swells. The forest returns to a dark green and blankets everything around it. Now, it’s just a countdown to the winter season.

The gaur are making the most of the leftovers from the monsoon.

The tiger too perhaps awaits Winter.

And, in winter, the soft light is welcome with the chilly air. The forest has an air of laziness during this pleasantly cold season. Tigers bask in the sunlight as the the other animals start their day only when the sun is up.

Making the most of the morning sun after a cold night.

The beautiful winter light captures the enchanting nature of Pench.

Once the sun is up, every animal is up and about!

The greens still remain through winter.

However, one thing remains constant through the year in the forest, come rain or sunshine- the tiger and its ecosystem of prey. Increasingly under stress, this fragile ecosystem could be lost and moments such as the photos have captured above may not be extant. When we love something, we must protect it. And, this is our sole driving force behind our work.

Here’s to a fast approaching third anniversary of the E-Base project!

The future of our forests lies in the hands of the young change makers.