Spending a couple of weeks on a jungle safari is an ideal bonding project, especially if your closest family is with you. It is a choice opportunity to have new experiences together, even if you sometimes do head off in two completely opposite directions. The trees and wildlife are ideal companions, but we tend to overlook two of most beautiful gifts of the forest while praising the beauties that are easier to spot. The sweet cooing of the birds and wild blooms are just as irresistible. Wildflowers are easily spotted on trails leading deep into woods. While the rest of the family enjoys the meadows and sunsets.
Fragrance of the wildflower
It is debatable whether being a naturalist and easily identifying genus and plant species is better than being able to appreciate the simple perfection of each tiny petal without bothering about its name. For none of the wildflowers look too rare or exotic. Many of them seem to belong to the mustard family, and some to a ‘tiny violet’ home. Some tiny ones growing on long stems resemble the narcissus. Most patches of wildflowers grow because of the abundant fertility of the area, unplanned yet protected from rain and shine by leafy canopies overhead. Much like the wildlife, they stick to their allotted space, intruding as little as possible into the domain of other living creatures.
Few of us aren’t absolutely in love with the fragrant bloom of spring wildflowers. But often they can spread far enough to block the growth of the native flowers of the region. Barring this, there is absolutely no reason for us to not revel in the glory of these creatures. Besides, more flowers is only to be delighted in. If they were not special hosts of a particular insect, there is not a whole lot to lose from the mystery wildflowers claiming our special attention. These born-wild-and-free beauties need no digging, weeding or pruning: they are made to require less toil and more enjoyment.
WALKING WITH WILDFLOWERS
The idea here is to sip every little dreg of sunshine while summer lasts. A safari is not only the majestic tiger and grand trees. In every nook of the journey unnamed miracles rush on our sights, and we often overlook them. We miss out on a lot. They may not be model gardens of expensive flowers, made to order. Yet they grow and thrive amongst trees stronger than themselves. Little secrets of nature.
Sharad Vats brings over three decades of rich safari experience across the Indian wilderness, leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering seamless and memorable wildlife journeys. With deep knowledge of jungle logistics—ranging from flora and fauna to experienced guides and skilled jeep drivers—he ensures that every safari is thoughtfully curated and effortlessly executed, offering guests an immersive and almost ethereal experience in the wild.
Over the years, Sharad has also spent extensive time assisting guests, curating personalized tours, and leading wildlife expeditions, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of guest expectations.
Beyond tourism, he is an active contributor to the wildlife ecosystem. His initiatives include planting and maintaining thousands of trees, creating safe passages and corridors for tigers, and establishing solar-powered waterholes across Kanha and other national parks. He is equally committed to community development, supporting and adopting schools in nearby villages, reflecting a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism.
