Nominations for Indiahikes Monthly Photo Contest : November 2024 Edition

This month’s contest brought together more than 150 participants from our community, resulting in a collection of over 800 photographs. We received some really good wildlife photographs this time and we cannot stop admiring them! 

The transition period from autumn to winter brings a unique set of wildlife sightings. As temperatures drop and the skies get clear, many animals adapt their behavior and movements. They start migrating to warmer regions to survive the cold, making it easier to spot them. The landscape also gets drier as winter approaches.

This month, we chose Top 7 Nominations for the November 2024 edition. 

Our judges will review these exceptional images and select the Winner and Runner-up.

We also have a Trekkers' Choice Award, where you can vote for your favourite photo. The photo that receives the maximum number of votes wins this award. 

Please remember that you have only one vote to cast, so we encourage you to take your time and look at each photo before selecting. You'll find the voting form at the end of the nominations.

1. Pench Tiger Trail - Susmit Datta

We keep telling our trekkers that Pench is a paradise for wildlife lovers. You get to spot varieties of species and the beautiful Indian Roller is one of them! Indian Rollers often perch on trees or bushes near water bodies, hence commonly seen throughout the trail. Here is a remarkable photo of the bird in its natural habitat. We are in awe of how meticulously and patiently this image was captured.

2. Sandakphu Phalut - Sakthi Kumar

You walk on the meadows for a short while as you trek from Molley to Phalut. This route offers one of the finest views of the Kanchenjunga massif and all the other peaks around it, collectively known as the ‘Sleeping Buddha’. 

“This was our walk over the meadows to Phalut. We had clear skies, and

capturing the trekkers with the Sleeping Buddha as a backdrop, made my day”, shares Sakthi. 

3. Dayara Bugyal - Ankit Vyas

Here’s a photo that depicts the iconic rolling meadows of Dayara with the backdrop of Mt Bandarpoonch and Mt Kalanag. As you trek from Chilapada towards Dayara Top, the tree line ends and you find yourself at the edge of the meadows. You’re blown away by the grand, vast landscape. This is one of the major highlights of this trek that most trekkers cherish.

4. Sandakphu Phalut - Nitish P M

Red Pandas are an endangered species native to this region. Keep your eyes peeled for them while trekking in the Samanden forests, especially in areas with dense Rhododendron and Bamboo trees. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They are shy and easily disturbed. Hence you need to be patient and quiet while trekking to spot them and capture a lovely shot like this!

5. Pench Tiger Trail - Susmit Datta

While leopards are not as commonly sighted as tigers in Pench Tiger Reserve, they are present and can be spotted, especially in the buffer zones and peripheral areas. Here’s a stunning photo of a leopard spotted during the safari.  As thrilling as it sounds, you have to be observant and lucky enough to spot animals as they love to remain discrete. Only a talented photographer can ace such a shot! 

6. Sandakphu Phalut - Dilip Krishnan

On the Sandakphu Phalut trek, you get the experience of seeing four of the world's tallest peaks. Here’s another mesmerizing view of the Sleeping Buddha. This view often leaves trekkers teary-eyed.

7. Sandakphu Phalut - Vaishak Rajeevan

Here’s a breathtaking flyby of a Yellow Billed Blue Magpie! It is a common sight on the Sandakphu trek, but you need a keen eye to observe its intricate details and colours. It is a beautiful bird with a bright yellow bill and a long, blue tail, wonderfully captured by the photographer. It is often seen flying through the forests and perched on branches.

We have picked the Top 7 photos and now it’s your turn to show love to your favourite entry out of these. 

Vote for your favourite entry in the form below: 

We will announce the winners on December 31, 2024. Stay tuned!