“Jungle Book” land

One of my first faraway photography destinations was India. Even before going there, I fantasized about its mysticism and its iconic animals, most of all, the tiger. Many years later, I have explored this vast subcontinent both alone with my cameras and while leading photographic groups. I still find myself fantasizing and visualizing the adventures to be had there and the images yet to be captured.

Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book is a vivid tapestry of stories that brings to life the rich and diverse natural world of India. Set primarily in the dense jungles of Madhya Pradesh, Kipling’s tales - especially those of Mowgli and his animal companions - capture not only the drama of survival but also the deep interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the landscape. India’s biodiversity stretches far beyond the jungles Kipling imagined.

In the north, the lofty Himalayas shelter snow leopards and red pandas, while the grasslands and forests of central India teem with tigers, elephants, and sloth bears - many of which inspired Kipling’s characters.

Moving south, the Western Ghats brim with endemic species like the lion-tailed macaque, and the coastal mangroves of the Sundarbans are home to the elusive Bengal tiger. From arid deserts to tropical rainforests, India’s natural world - much like Kipling’s stories - is a realm of astounding variety and wonder.