Sariska: Beyond the Aravali
As a wildlife photographer specializing in macro photography, I've had the privilege of working across diverse landscapes to capture insects and spiders. Last year, I was given the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Sariska Forest Department, and it was truly unforgettable.
Sariska is nestled within the Aravali Mountain range, one of the world's oldest mountain systems. Spanning over 1,200 square kilometers in Alwar District, Rajasthan, this reserve is a haven for biodiversity. While Sariska is home to magnificent tigers, leopards, civets, and porcupines, my focus as a macro photographer was documenting the smaller wonders—spiders and insects that often go unnoticed.
Take this stunning butterfly, for instance. It's Asia's tiniest butterfly, the Tiny Grass Jewel, belonging to the blue butterfly family. And here's a Grass Mantis that we spotted darting across our safari vehicle deep within the forest.
One of the highlights was our safari expeditions through pristine jungle terrain. The landscapes were simply breathtaking.
One section particularly captivated me: a grove filled with thousands of Giant Wood Spiders. Their webs hung in every direction, creating an intricate network where spiders waited patiently for insects to become trapped. It was simultaneously awe-inspiring and unsettling. I captured these images at dawn, when the light was most magical.
We were tasked with documenting areas with minimal human interference, which meant discovering muddy puddles where butterflies gathered for mud puddling—a process where they extract salts and proteins from moist soil using their proboscis. Witnessing dozens of butterflies doing this together was remarkable.
I'm thrilled to share this moment of pure joy—the happy face of a photographer completely immersed in and captivated by nature's beauty.
This lake, by the way, is frequently visited by tigers seeking water.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this project and the photographs. You can find me on my social media pages and website below.
All these shots are clicked on OPPO Reno 12 Pro.
--
Thank you so much!!