Land of tigers

by Jacqueline Gomes (India)

I didn't expect to find India

I was invited by my family friend to come on a picnic with them to none other than " Land of the Tigers " Sunderban. It was a one day trip and a stay in one of the islands .Frankly speaking this wasn't my first trip here . All I ever dreamed of was to see a tiger which always remained unfulfilled. So high hope's I had this time If I may be lucky enough to spot the majestic animal Our journey started on a boat that ferried us to the musem which showcased all the marine and land animals that are found on the various island .They had many enclosure in the museum one of which had a live crocodile. We all where equally excited to see it . There was a way onto the other side where they have made a long walkway inside the jungle and cleared few trees .So we can spot any tigers. but tigers are good with camouflage and also with sounds .They are bit shy creatures and tend to hide in the long tall mangrove trees found locally there. We however managed to see spotted deers .they seemed quite accustomed to human sounds and came out from the clearing quite a few times . As the sun was about to set and we made our way back to ferry. I was disheartened again and sat close to the engine and kept looking into the shores of the island. The ferry was right dillydallying with the river current and so was the state of my heart. I said to myself I will visit the zoo and get a glimpse of it to make my unsatisfied heart happy.. Then appeared the majestic beast onto the shores of the mangrove island . With the beautiful yellow and black strip shinning on the yellow sunset he did have a befitting name the royal bengal tiger .He walked so gracefully and on the ferry we all kept quite and pointed at one another what we all saw. Our ferry driver switched off the engine so as not to distract him. He soon disappeared into the mangrove trees . I was so full of joy and over whelemed with the experience that it will always be a memorable one.