Tiger Trails and Beyond is an interesting travelogue and a treasure trove of experiences by the author and her group who have travelled to several wildlife sanctuaries in over a dozen Indian states for the last 15 years, many of them more than once. Their original interest in the tiger and its survival has expanded and evolved to include all wildlife and birds that inhabit our forest spaces and the myriad issues surrounding conservation.
As they continued on their journey, they came across many heritage sites of value, most of these are connected to the wonderful animal, tiger. Itineraries planned by tour groups remain unfamiliar to most of the tourists. Unlike most books on wildlife, this travelogue highlights sites like the cave paintings in Bhimbetka or the mask-making people of Majuli, the longest river island in Northeast India, that can be included in one's travel plans.
Tiger Trails and Beyond is written in an easy style with many anecdotes and photographs while not skimping on valuable trip details such as where to stay or additional places of interest worth visiting. It is hoped that the reader will not only enjoy reading Tiger Trails and Beyond and the group's experiences but will also be well equipped to plan such trips with their friends. After all, if a group of senior women can plan and execute such trips on a budget, most others can do the same and experience the wonders of India's jungles for themselves.
Prathima Prem was born into a family of animal lovers, and grew up in a household where cats and dogs shared warmth, love and family space. From a very young age, she has visited many wildlife parks with her family. Being a dog lover, she has reared many, including several Golden Retrievers and an abandoned Lhasa Apso.
She has myriad interests and passions. Way back in the seventies, she joined the Madras Voluntary Blood Bank and has done yeoman service to create awareness about blood donation, motivating the public to come forward for voluntary blood donation.
Having also been a school teacher in Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (T Nagar) for some time, she has interacted with children, joining them on environmental study trips, and has always emphasized the need for compassion toward all animals.
Her love for art led her to do a course at the Madras Museum on restoration and conservation of old objects. She has also presented a dissertation on old paintings.