Travelling have been one of the greatest passions of my life. You get to learn so many things from travelling. It opens the door to knowledge and broadens your horizons and, at the same time, gives refreshment and liveliness to life.

I had gone to the Chitwan during my holidays. I had a wonderful jungle safari riding on the elephant’s back and viewing other powerful creations of God without any fear. I still remember that day, though, the fifth day of our safari. We were all having a jeep ride. On such a pleasant day like that jeep ride seemed to be quite boring so we all came out. I viewed beautiful “nilghais” and “mayur”. Then something startled me, a  slight but frightful noise of grass moving. I looked behind and to my great horror,surprise and grief, I found myself face-to-face with a tiger. His powerful, shining eyes almost seemed to hypnotise me. I became motionless, speechless, helpless and hopeless. I tried to shout for  help or run away but all seemed futile. I became white as death. I felt as if that was the last day of my life on earth. I didn’t realise how long we stayed there, a tiger and a human with eye contact with each other. Then the tiger suddenly disappeared leaving me quite stunned,relieved  and shocked. It didn’t harm me. I came to know that all animals are in the need of our love and affection. Not a single beast is harmful if we do not harm them. It was the most unforgetable moment of my life.

— Sujeena Shakya, Little Angel’s School