Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Royal Bengal in Royal Stage

This image was taken at the largest mangrove forest in the world, Sundarban National Park. A majestic Royal Bengal tiger sits gracefully in the heart of a pristine mangrove forest, its golden-orange coat gleaming with black stripes that mirror the intricate patterns of nature's artistry. Surrounding it is a lush tapestry of mangrove roots rising from brackish waters, creating a natural stage where the sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, casting ethereal dappled patterns on the ground. The tiger's piercing amber eyes gaze intently into the distance, embodying both serenity and strength, as the soft rustle of leaves and distant calls of exotic birds complete the perfect symphony of this wild, untouched habitat.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2023
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: India
Copyright: © Jayanta Guha