In the Realm of the Tiger
From the iconic tigress Maya to the legendary Collarwali, these frames capture the raw behaviour of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Each image documents real, unscripted moments in our country's majestic reserves.
This family portrait was taken on International Tiger Day to celebrate India's success in doubling the tiger population. As a tiger lover who has visited parks for two decades, seeing such a healthy family thriving in the wild at Tadoba gives me immense hope for their future.
On World Wildlife Day, I share this image of a tigress with her cubs. Protecting the tiger at the top of the food pyramid ensures the protection of the entire forest ecosystem. This family represents the success of India's conservation efforts.
This is a tribute to the legendary tigress 'Collarwali' of Pench, who passed away in 2022. Known as 'Super Mom', she gave birth to a record 29 cubs. I photographed her here as a young subadult in 2007, already looking like a queen on her throne.
This is the iconic tigress Maya of Tadoba, walking with her cubs. She is a fierce protector, and understanding her behaviour is key to ensuring human and animal safety. My articles often explore the complexities of human-wildlife interactions based on such field observations.
A rare sighting of the first courtship between the famous tigress Krishna (T-19) and Star Tiger (T-28) at Ranthambore in 2009. Being one of only two vehicles there allowed me an intimate view of this natural drama, a story I have retold many times.
About In the Realm of the Tiger
I don't just photograph tigers; I document their survival strategies. Whether it's the legendary 'Collarwali' of Pench with her record-breaking 29 cubs or the fierce protection of the tigress Maya in Tadoba, my focus is on capturing the struggle and triumph of these big cats in their natural habitat. When you look at these images, you are seeing more than a portrait—you are witnessing the complex life of our national animal as it navigates a changing landscape.
My approach to documenting the Royal Bengal Tiger goes beyond the viewfinder. Having tracked these cats for two decades—from the dry forests of Ranthambore to the lush reserves of Tadoba—I have learned that the true story lies in behaviour, not just the pose.
In this collection, you will find moments like the rare 2009 courtship of Krishna and the Star Tiger, a sighting I was privileged to witness with only one other vehicle present. These experiences fuel my articles and corporate talks, where I draw parallels between jungle survival and human leadership.
Conservation is central to my work. Seeing a healthy tigress with cubs, like the family I documented on World Wildlife Day in Tadoba, isn't just a photo opportunity; it is a sign of ecological success. I write and speak about these topics because I want to bridge the gap between urban life and our wild heritage. If you are looking for authentic, research-backed wildlife narratives for a coffee table book, magazine, or a corporate offsite, these documented moments provide both visual impact and educational depth.
Vinod Goel
I spent my career in service, but my heart has always been in the jungles of India. Now, I dedicate my time to tracking, photographing, and writing about our tigers, ensuring their stories are told with the respect and factual accuracy they deserve.
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