Latest news with #TheJungleBook
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Rare black panther spotted with leopard pals in Nilgiris sparks ‘Jungle Book' nostalgia online: ‘Bagheera is looking for Sher Khan'
In a magical moment captured in Nilgiris, a black panther was spotted strolling with two leopards, stunning wildlife lovers and evoking Jungle Book memories. Shared by IFS officer Parveen Kaswan, the video drew emotional reactions online, with users quipping, 'They're looking for Sher Khan!' Experts stress that such rare sightings underline the urgency of leopard conservation. A rare video from Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris has gone viral, showing a black panther—often likened to Bagheera from The Jungle Book—walking alongside two spotted leopards. Shared by IFS officer Parveen Kaswan, the sighting left netizens amazed, sparking nostalgia and wonder. (Screenshots: X/ @ParveenKaswan ) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Scene Rarer Than Fiction Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 'They're Looking for Sher Khan!' The Panther's Perilous Path In the shadowed forests of the Nilgiris, a scene straight out of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book came alive—leaving wildlife lovers spellbound and the internet abuzz with emotion and awe. A majestic black panther, reminiscent of the beloved Bagheera, was caught on camera taking a moonlit stroll alongside two spotted leopards , evoking both wonder and 29-second clip was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan, who aptly captioned it, 'Bagheera and other friends for a night walk on the roads of Nilgiris. What a rare thing.' Within hours, the video began doing the rounds on social media, drawing parallels with the animated world of Mowgli and his jungle the wild, leopards are solitary by nature. Catching even one on camera is often a matter of luck, patience, and persistence. But this brief sighting—showing not one, but three leopards walking together, one of them melanistic—is a wildlife black panther, known scientifically as a melanistic leopard , is not a separate species but a genetic variation of the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca). As IFS officer Kaswan explained in a follow-up post, 'These animals appear black due to a genetic condition called melanism, which results in excess dark pigmentation. Despite their dark coats, their characteristic leopard rosettes are often visible under certain lighting conditions.'What makes this particular video stand out is the rare documentation of a melanistic leopard moving in sync with two regular-patterned leopards. Such visual harmony among these elusive cats in the same frame, and in the open, is almost unheard many netizens, the video was more than just a wildlife moment—it stirred up memories from childhood. One user commented, 'I remember Baghira from Mowgli. Such a cute character.' Another wrote with a mix of humour and imagination, 'They are looking for Sher Khan.' Others were in awe of the animal's natural grace, calling it the 'ultimate nocturnal predator.'In a digital world often saturated with chaos, this fleeting glimpse into the tranquil, untamed wild offered a moment of pure connection—between nature, memory, and the internet marvelled, Kaswan didn't let the moment pass without a reminder of the growing threats to these magnificent creatures. 'Conservation efforts are vital for their survival,' he noted. 'They face threats like habitat loss and poaching.'The Indian leopard, agile and fiercely adaptable, has often been a silent survivor amidst urban expansion and shrinking forests. Capable of leaping over 6 meters, running at speeds over 58 km/h, and even swimming when necessary, it is the smallest of the four 'big cats' under the Panthera genus—yet arguably the most with viral moments like this one, the silent grace of these animals may no longer remain unseen. Perhaps, like Kipling's stories, this moment too can inspire a deeper sense of wonder and responsibility toward our shared wild heritage.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Wildlife in times of social media
Cheetah: Forcibly taken out of Africa and brought to India to give blackbuck and chinkara proper exercise. But as yet not allowed to roam free — hence, you don't see them racing down some of our showpiece expressways where people crash their Lamborghinis. Status is somewhat hush-hush after reported deaths of many animals – some say due to homesickness. Billed as the next big thing in wildlife tourism, though hopefully this doesn't mean we will see morons on motorbikes trying to race them. Indian Wolf: Very rare and extremely maligned as a child-lifter and not to be confused with the kind of wolves that you can find in the Metro or the lobbies of five-star hotels, which are far more numerous and dangerous. The one good thing that Rudyard Kipling did, was to give wolves a big, big 'like' in his book, 'The Jungle Book' (albeit at the cost of the tiger.) Oddly now, the tiger gets all the likes and the wolves are being cancelled, literally and figuratively. Porcupine: Not the sort of animal you would like to have a honeymoon with and one wonders how they make out during their own honeymoons. Probably responsible for more tigers and leopards turning man-eater than any other creature. No, they don't fire their quills as if from an AK47, but have a turbo-reverse gear and no reverse cameras. Sloth Bear: Shambling, shaggy and notoriously short-tempered. But you would be too, if you were made to dance on the dusty road for passing buses by means of a rope yanking you through your nostrils and having needles inserted into your gallbladder every now and then. Can take your face off with one swipe of their claws. Gaur: Massive, ebony dark and seemingly carved of granite, these are the largest cattle in the world. So, of course, they had to be called Indian Bison. In spite of bulk, stand on delicate, slim legs clad in white stockings. These sumo-wrestlers can move fast and have an irritable disposition in spite of their apparently calm demeanour. Mugger Crocodile: This armour-plated smiley full of teeth, can be found sunbathing on the sandbanks of rivers and coastal areas, and will slip into the water like silent submarines, on spotting you trailing your fingers through the water. A clampdown of those jaws can cut you in half, which is what you probably deserve if you've been using shoes, belts, wallets and bags made of their skins. Very rare at one time, they've been successfully captive-bred, though releasing them back into river waters is posing problematic as villagers don't believe they'd make good neighbours. Rock Python: This huge, beautifully enamelled snake, as thick as your thigh loves hugging. It will lie in wait, strike in a flash (its kiss can be extremely unpleasant) and then take you into its loving embrace… So loving that when you breathe out, you'll find you cannot breathe in because it is squeezing you tight ('I love you so much, I could eat you!') …and then the black curtain begins to fall. Just as well, because then you are swallowed whole headfirst. Fortunately this treatment is usually reserved for rabbits, deer, wild-boar etc. Cobra: Worshipped and regularly offered milk (which it cannot drink), the cobra is famous for rearing up off the ground and flaring its hood and weaving from side to side, as the 'been' master plays his been, seemingly in tune with its wailing. Actually the snake is deaf and only following the movements, waiting for the chance to strike and transfuse enough venom to kill an elephant. Again, prefers to reserve this treatment to frogs and rats. Indian Peafowl: The 'Taj Mahal' of birds and naturally our National Bird. Famous for is fan dance, and the shimmering eyespots on its train, the real miracle with this species is that it is able to take down its fan and soundlessly slip away into the forest, virtually invisibly at the first sign of danger, without tangling up its cloak in thorn-bushes. As good as Dobermans in guarding ability, perched high up will vociferously give tongue if it sees anything suspicious. Has been used to guard prison yards, for this reason and I sometimes wonder what hanky-panky goes on in the cemetery next door, when the several peacocks inhabiting it all start collectively calling at 3 am. Mongoose: Usually part of a snake 'charmer's' entourage and a must for any Animal Fight Club show. Pitted against (usually defanged) cobras the mongoose can teach cricketers a thing or two about quicksilver reflexes, leaps and dives. Those that are unemployed are turned into paintbrushes. Palm Squirrel: Uncharitably called a 'rat with a bushy tail' the Indian palm squirrel (five-striped or three-striped), is one of the few valiant little animals that when chased up trees by dogs or even leopards will turn around and give the predator an earful, flicking its tail over its back as it scolds. Humans: Various subspecies; indigenous forest dwellers making their living off forest produce and by grazing livestock in protected areas (legally or not), poachers by illegal hunting, and most commonly seen: the wildlife tourist. Usually in blabbering groups on elephant back or in Gypsies all belligerently clamouring that they must see a tiger – or else. A subspecies of this is the wildlife photographer, who behaves just like the paparazzi does in the presence of any Bollywood star stepping out of his or her car. The less morally inclined may also destroy the young or homes of rare species to prevent competitors from getting the image. Rats: See above.
Tatler Asia
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Multi-billion superstar: how Scarlett Johansson became the undisputed queen of the box office
'The Avengers' movies (2012 to 2019) – US$7.7B Above The ensemble 'Avengers' films generated a combined US$7.7 billion worldwide. The four core Avengers films represent the monumental bedrock of Scarlett Johansson's box office supremacy. From the groundbreaking original assembly in 2012 to the epic conclusion of Endgame in 2019, these ensemble blockbusters generated a combined US$7.7 billion worldwide. As one of the original six Avengers, Johansson's Black Widow served as the emotional anchor and pragmatic conscience of the team, making her indispensable to the franchise's success. 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' (2014) – US$714M Above The spy thriller elevated Johansson from supporting player to true co-lead. More than just another Marvel instalment, this critically acclaimed spy thriller elevated Johansson from supporting player to true co-lead. Her chemistry with Chris Evans's Captain America became a fan-favourite dynamic, while the film's gritty, 1970s-inspired aesthetic showcased her dramatic range. The US$714 million global gross proved that audiences were hungry for more Black Widow, fuelling demands for her solo film. 'Lucy' (2014) - US$457M Above 'Lucy' became a box office phenomenon, grossing over 11 times its US$40 million budget. This Luc Besson sci-fi thriller stands as the definitive proof of Scarlett Johansson's solo star power. Built around an original, R-rated concept with no pre-existing fanbase, Lucy became a genuine box office phenomenon, grossing over 11 times its US$40 million budget. Johansson's transformation from terrified student to omnipotent being captivated global audiences, demonstrating her ability to lead a blockbuster without franchise support. Don't miss: Female action heroes: 8 women who redefined courage long before 'Ballerina' pirouetted in 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016) – US$1.15B Above In 'Captain America: Civil War', Johansson's Black Widow navigated the treacherous waters between her found family. This billion-dollar behemoth placed Johansson's character at the ideological centre of the Avengers's most personal conflict. As the team fractured along moral lines, Black Widow navigated the treacherous waters between her found family, showcasing the emotional intelligence that made her irreplaceable. 'The Jungle Book' (2016) – US$951M Above Johansson's distinctive, husky voice proved bankable in 'The Jungle Book'. Johansson's distinctive, husky voice proved equally bankable as her physical presence in Disney's photorealistic adaptation. Voicing the hypnotic python Kaa, she brought menacing allure to the classic villain, contributing to the film's nearly US$1 billion global success. This performance showed that her appeal goes beyond traditional leading roles, extending her marketability into lucrative family films. 'Sing' (2016) – US$631M Above In this animated musical, Johansson voiced a prickly teenage porcupine. In Illumination's original animated musical, Johansson voiced Ash, a prickly teenage porcupine with punk-rock sensibilities. The film's US$631 million global success further proved her versatility and broad appeal beyond the MCU. Her ability to breathe life into animated characters showcased yet another dimension of her star power, appealing to audiences across all demographics. 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' (2025) – $322M and climbing Above The film's US$322 million global opening provided the push that crowned Johansson as the highest-grossing leading actor of all time. The coronation film that officially secured Scarlett Johansson's throne arrived with prehistoric force. Her decade-long pursuit of a role in the Jurassic franchise culminated in portraying Zora Bennett, an ex-military specialist. The film's massive US$322 million global opening provided the final push that crowned her the highest-grossing leading actor of all time, proving her lasting star power in Hollywood. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
India.com
09-07-2025
- India.com
Nagpur Isn't Just Oranges Best Weekend Getaways Within 200 km
Many people know Nagpur as the city of oranges but this city in Maharashtra has more to offer than tasty fruits. People living in Nagpur often look for places where they can spend weekends away from traffic and noise. Luckily many beautiful spots lie within 200 kilometers from Nagpur where you can relax with family and friends. Here are some of the best weekend getaways you must visit if you stay in Nagpur. 1. Pench National Park Pench National Park sits about 90 kilometers away from Nagpur. This park is famous because it inspired Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book People come here to see wild animals like tigers leopards deer and many birds. The park is open from October to June and the best time to visit is winter months. Many resorts and jungle camps are available near the park so you can stay close to nature. Jungle safaris happen in the early morning and evening so carry your camera and enjoy spotting animals. 2. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Tadoba is one of the oldest and largest tiger reserves in Maharashtra. It is about 145 kilometers from Nagpur. The reserve has rich forests lakes and grasslands. Tigers leopards sloth bears and many other wild animals live here. You can book a safari in advance and explore the reserve with a guide. Many tourists also enjoy staying in eco resorts near the forest. Spending a night in Tadoba gives you a real feel of being close to wildlife. 3. Chikhaldara Hill Station If you want cool weather and green hills then Chikhaldara is the right choice. This hill station lies 230 kilometers from Nagpur but the smooth roads make the journey worth it Chikhaldara sits at a height of 1118 meters and has coffee plantations viewpoints and waterfalls. Melghat Tiger Reserve is also close to this place so you can plan to visit both. You can see animals walk around in the misty morning and click lovely photos. Sunset Point and Gavilgad Fort are must-visit spots here. 4. Ramtek Ramtek is a small town around 50 kilometers from Nagpur and is famous for its old temples. According to legends, Lord Rama rested here during his exile You can visit the famous Ramtek Temple which stands on a hill and gives a nice view of the area. The Kalidas Memorial is another place to see. Many people come here for peace and spiritual vibes. Ramtek Lake is good for a picnic so carry snacks and spend a calm day near the water. 5. Adasa Village Adasa is only 45 kilometers from Nagpur and is known for its ancient Ganesh temple. The temple has a huge stone idol of Lord Ganesha and many people believe it brings good luck. The village is small but peaceful and green. You can visit Adasa in the morning and come back by evening making it a perfect one day trip. People often visit the nearby farms and enjoy fresh local food. 6. Ambazari Lake and Garden If you do not want to travel far then Ambazari Lake and Garden is a nice option within Nagpur. It is one of the biggest lakes in the city and has a park for kids boating facility and walking tracks. Locals come here for morning walks family picnics and evening outings. The green trees and calm water make it a relaxing place to spend time without leaving the city. 7. Khindsi Lake Khindsi Lake lies about 55 kilometers from Nagpur near Ramtek. This lake is popular for water sports boating and picnics. Families come here on weekends to enjoy the cool breeze and fun activities. You can ride a paddle boat or try speedboating. Many food stalls serve hot snacks and tea so you can spend the whole day near the lake and relax. Plan Your Next Break Nagpur is more than just oranges and city roads. The nearby forests hills temples and lakes offer perfect short breaks when you want fresh air and peace. Pack your bags this weekend and explore these hidden gems near Nagpur. Make memories with family and friends and come back refreshed for the new week ahead.
India.com
07-07-2025
- India.com
Not Just Mahabaleshwar — 7 Hidden Hill Destinations Within Reach of Nagpur
Nagpur, a city in the state of Maharashtra, is also known as the 'Orange City' for its rich yield of oranges. Apart from being an economic hub, the city maintains its culture and serves as the entry point to few of the hidden beautiful hill stations. Most tourists are attracted to popular sites like Mahabaleshwar or Lonavala, but Nagpur is home to some beautiful lesser-known hill stations. These hill stations proudly provide calmness, beauty, and an exit from the noise of the city. In this article, we will explore seven such Nagpur wonders that are ideal for a calm vacation or for a weekend excursion. 1. Ramtek: Melding History with Nature Located 50 km from Nagpur is Ramtek, a stunning mix of mythology, history, and nature. Like many other hill stations, Ramtek boasts of old temples including Ambika Devi and Maroti Mandir. In addition to that, it is home to the beautiful Ramtek Fort that is set on top of a hill which, like many forts, gives an incredible view of the entire landscape. Many people also know the fort as Ramagiri Fort, from which one could see Gwalior. Ramtek is the perfect destination for many as it is surrounded with calmness, beauty, and rich flora and fauna. 2. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary: An Unknown Paradise of Nature While not your typical hill station, Barnawapara is merely a wildlife sanctuary but comprises undulating terrains, thick woodlands alongside cool weather. This sanctuary which is approximately a hundred kilometers away from Nagpur is easy to access from the main city. It boasts an incredible variety of plants and animals. Not to mention leopards, sloth bears, and birds of all kinds. Trekking through the hills, watching the birds, and camping under the stars are just a few of the activities tourists can participate in. Wildlife and hilly areas together make Barnawapara suitable for people who love adventure along with nature's beauty. 3. Pench National Park: Where The Wilderness Fits Together With The Hills Pench National Park, most known for being the set of Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book,' is located within 90 kilometers of Nagpur. The park is famous for its rich population of tigers, but it also has a scattering of hilly and green lush valleys within its borders. The Pench River runs through the park in a serpentine dominant style, enhancing its beauty further. People can go on jeep safaris to see rough wildlife terrain and spot the tigers along with the other wildlife. Both nature lovers and those who crave adventure will be treated to a Pench experience that is hard to forget. 4. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve: A Hillside Paradise For Nature Lovers Within 150 kilometers of Nagpur lies another jewel – the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Located in the Chandrapur district, the reserve has hilly regions that are interspersed with teak forests and bamboo groves. The reserve is separated into three ranges Kolsa, Moharli, and Tadoba which all have unique features. The hills here also provide great angles for sighting leopards, tigers, and other wildlife. Its rich biodiversity alongside its picturesque surroundings overshadows other states of India. Hence it's a place that cannot be missed for those who want relaxing hillsides in addition to wildlife endeavors. 5. Semadoh Lake: Calm Amidst Surrounding Hills Located close to the Pench National Park to the north western edge is Semadoh Lake, a beautifully serene spot amid low hills covered with denser forests. This calf lake is a great point for spotting migratory birds in the winter season. People can also enjoy water skiing, picnics at the shore, or take boat rides. The gentle hills surrounding the lake can also be an attraction for simple hikes. Semadoh Lake offers more than just recreation. It is perfect for those who love nature and capturing extraordinary views in quiet and unfrequented places. 6. Chhindwara: The Last Town Before The Satpura Hills Chhindwara differs from the rest of Maharashtra since it is located nearly 200 kilometers away from Nagpur. Known for its stunning landscapes and organic tribal cultures, Chhindwara is blessed with the availability of a plethora of hill stations like Patalkot and Tamia. Patalkot is perhaps the most popular out of the two. It is often referred to as 'The Lost World', with deep valleys and high rising cliffs. On the other hand is Tamio, which sits at an elevation of 3,500 feet. Both of these places are perfect for eco-friendly tourism, rural life experience, trekking and nature appreciation. 7. Bhoramdeo: An Oasis of Culture and Nature Bhoramdeo, located around 180 kilometers away from Nagpur, differs from the rest of the countryside due to its relative obscurity. The majesty of Bhoramdeo is appreciated by those who adore sites where nature and history come invaluable together. This area is famous for the ancient Bhoramdeo temples, also known as the 'Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh.' Endless nature is accompanied by the majestic Maikal Hills, a sub range of the larger Satpura mountains to complete the breathtaking scenery. For some, the best parts are the undisturbed caves and untouched trekking trails, while history lovers can get lost in the architectural beauty. In my opinion, there certainly are reasons why you would consider these unique hill stations. Unforeseen hill stations around Nagpur are rarely visited. The reason might be the lack of advertisement or simply because they offer something different. Unlike most well-known resorts, these places do not offer uncivilized activities such as parasailing or ziplining over the mountains. Instead, the emphasis is placed on getting closer to nature and appreciating the traditional culture. These places offer stunning nature's views, welcoming locals, and absolute tranquility. For the more adventurous type, deep gorge swimming and hiking is a common sport in this area. Interstate travelers would appreciate the incredible scenery these places provide. Most of these sites are easily accessible, as they are located along main highways. Those traveling by car would find themselves among breathtaking views without sleepless nights spent in budget motels. Luxury hotels and cozy resorts await. Additionally, do not overlook these unexplored regions. Helping these locals will sustain the surrounding nature and economy. Conclusion Though Nagpur is primarily viewed as a commercial center, it can also serve as a gateway to some natural marvels in the form of these lesser-known hill stations. From the historical charm of Ramtek to the rugged landscapes of Pench and Tadoba, every location is special in its own way. When looking to get away from the common spots, tourists will be able to find the jewels of central India and experience things they will cherish forever. So, we know attractions such as these cannot be passed over. Go ahead, pack your bags and let's go!
