Crickets chirping, frogs jumping, leaves falling, birds gliding and our hearts racing. When our gym instructor asked us to do some cardio exercises while on vacation, we’re sure even he did not think of this sort of heart workout. We’re standing in the buffer area of the Kanha National Park, with the possibility of any wild animal springing in front of us at any time. our only comfort — deputy naturalist Dipu Sasi’s presence by our side.

The sun shines through the tall Sal trees that flank both sides of the pathway inside the Kanha National Park. Pics/Deepali Dhingra