Face to Face with a Tiger in Kerala Forest.

Spotting a Tiger during a safari is not uncommon in many of India’s national parks. But encountering one while walking through the forest on foot is an entirely different experience—and an exceptionally rare one, especially in the forests of Kerala. This photograph was captured during a trek inside Periyar National Park, where we came face to face with a magnificent tigress. She stood her ground, staring intently at us for less than ten seconds before silently disappearing into the dense forest. Those few seconds felt timeless. It was a breathtaking encounter and an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.