There is nothing like seeing a tiger in Kabini! Or three tigers and a leopard, as it turned out.

BHPian Stryker recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

My last Kabini photolog was in May 2024, you can read/see it here. While I did manage to spot a lone tiger during a boat safari of all things, it was far away and was more record shots than anything else. After this I visited my favourite park twice without seeing any big cat at all, once in September and once in December. I had even written a lament earlier asking "Where have all the tigers gone?". Of course, in between, I visited Corbett and Tadoba with some amazing sightings, as a result of which my appetite for tigers was somewhat whetted. But still, there is nothing like seeing a tiger in Kabini! Or three tigers and a leopard, as it turned out. Kabini making a statement "Here I am! How dare you ignore me?" Apologies, dear park.

Being the beginning of summer and a long time without much rain, the park is quite dry. This is generally a good season for sightings as the tigers almost always tend to visit water bodies in the mornings and evenings, but photographically speaking it isn't a very good time. As you can see from the images below, the colour palette is almost exclusively shades of brown! Hardly any green, which makes for very undramatic photos. But hey these are tigers, you don't see them everyday (unless you are a safari driver), so I'll happily click any that I see.

As usual, I was there between Friday and Sunday for a total of four safaris. Started from Bengaluru around 0745, stopped at Srisailam Restaurant near the Kengeri Metro Station for a sinfully yummy Ghee Masala Dosa breakfast and reached JLR at around 1130. The Mysore Expressway is great to drive as usual, although there is no speed rush with the limit set at a lousy 100 Kmph. They should at least consider raising this to 120 Kmph. The road from Mysore to JLR is good, no bad patches except the occasional pot hole. The BMW 330 Li is an absolute dream to drive. The first thing I look at in the reception is the meticulously maintained sightings board. It is showing "Tiger, Leopard" in every safari for the last one week! I'm so excited that I forget to click a photo of that! I check in, have the usual good lunch and am ready for the first outing by 2:45 pm.

The first safari
Sighting boards are all very well and good, but the trepidation of whether I will see anything is always there at the beginning of each visit and each safari. We head straight to one of the numerous water tanks, where a tiger was seen in the morning. A couple of other vans are already here, with tourists excitedly pointing in one direction. But we can't see anything! The driver of another van points out a spot and says "Watch!" and within a minute, we see some movement.

A lone paw waving in the air! Whoever spotted this deserves an award. I would have missed it completely.

Yet another van comes from the opposite direction and stops a distance away. Tourists in that van are pointing in the opposite direction! Whoa, another tiger?? We move ahead a hundred meters or so to see what the hungama is all about and here is the second one hidden behind some undergrowth.

Since this one is more visible than the other, we decide to stay here and see if it gets up to go to the water, which is between both tigers. This tiger wants to go down to the cool tank, but is a little wary of doing so.

A long wait of nearly 30 minutes ensues, both I and the driver are very clear that we are not moving from this spot. Some of the other tourists in our van want to see if the first tiger is showing any signs of movement, but we will get to know of that by simply looking at people on other vans! Our spot is very good and I don't want to move from here. Patience is very critical in these situations, they don't move to our clock. The casual tourist does not realise this, expects action every minute and is very disappointed when nothing much happens for long stretches of time. After about half an hour, the tiger finally decides to get up and move. See what I mean by the perfect spot? Head on, right between the trees!

He keeps walking towards us and I keep clicking.

He is now in a much more open area, giving me the opportunity to capture some good images. Ah, if only the forest were green, this would have made for a superb portrait.

He is now quite close and doesn't seem to be ready to get to the water yet. He is also limping, seems to be injured in his right front leg. Probably a fight with another tiger over some girl, what else?

He sits down and relaxes in that famous tiger pose. You only see tigers sitting like this, leopards never (or at least very rarely) sit on the ground.

I zoom in close to get a portrait of this magnificent animal.

Meanhwhile, we hear some excitement from the people keeping a watch on the first tiger. I turn 180 degrees and see just the back of the tiger over the mud bank. So he is moving too!

Several vans have already left the area after their sighting of the second tiger that has come out in the open, so there are only about three vans still in place. We move ahead to our previous position to see the first tiger. Unfortunately he is sitting turned away from us.

The drivers say that the first and second tigers are son and father respectively, a very rare phenomenon of tigers being together. They are almost exclusively solitary animals. This collaboration has started recently and they have been seen together several times. The son is also almost fully grown, over three years old, so it is not really a sub-adult.

We return back to our position near the father, waiting for him to get to the water. After several minutes, he gets up and starts to move. Again, this would have been a brilliant photo if the forest were green! The setting sun lights up the animal perfectly, emphasizing the orange colour.

He finally reaches the water and sits down with a sigh of relief! In between he has come so close to our van that I'm not able to take any photos from my camera. I take a video from my phone, which in itself is an excellent camera. I'll post the videos later.

He gulps several gallons of this murky water. I can never understand how their digestive systems can process water that is so muddy and laden with algae. But then, they don't know about RO filters!

A close up image of an imposing specimen.

After another 15-20 minutes of cooling off in the water, he gets up and moves away in the direction of his son. You can almost hear the water dripping off him right?

He goes up the bank and the sunlight is amazing on the trees, but down where he is, there isn't much light. I'm waiting for him to get up to the rim, but for some reason, he delays going there, simply standing and looking off in that direction. We are not sure what catches his attention, there is nothing there except a couple of vans.

By the time he get where I want him, the sun has dropped behind the tree line and the exquisite light is gone. That light is present only for about a minute or so. Anyway, he quickly walks over the rim and is gone in flash.

It is time for us to return too. Thus ends the first outing.

Continue reading BHPian Stryker's post for more insights and information.

I turned the steering wheel to the right and the car hit a big and old tree stump left protruding from the ground and toppled over.

BHPian Alka panwar recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Had a major crash, Safari saved my life.

My sincere thanks to all the engineers, platform designers and management of Tata Motors for avoiding cost cutting measures in chassis, material, crumple zones design. Your hard work showed when it mattered and saved me.

A sugarcane laden tractor trolley suddenly showed up on the highway at night time in front of the car, I was on low beam, in desperation I had to swing the steering wheel to the right with all my might as the spur of the moment response. Vehicle hit an old fat big tree stump left protruding from the ground and toppled over.

I escaped with some airbag bruises and seat belt bruises, injured rib (seat belt compression), vehicle is totalled.

Driver / co-driver space wasn't damaged even one inch and nothing intruded inside from the engine compartment. Engine mounts broke and deformed upwards instead of the engine and components entering the cabin, steering linkages collapsed and folded.

Safety worked as advertised. Will write in detail when I am better.

Here's what BHPian CARDEEP replied:

Thank God & the Tata team for making a safe vehicle. BTW it is a much dreaded route for night travel. My dearest friend & his 2 other friends died due to an accident with a tractor trolley at night time.

Yours is a much worse accident than mine, plus the model is the facelifted one, but in my case too there was no intrusion in the cabin, despite bumper, transmission & mounts change.

Such incidents only reinforce the correct decision to buy Safari. The icing on the cake has been the trouble-free experience I had, barring a few random errors that popped up on display & were attended promptly by the service center - Multitech (FBD) & Sagar (Noida).

Add to this, I get approximately 13 KMPL in City mode & 14+ in Eco mode on my office route these days. In the summers, I expect the mileage to go down by 1 KMPL & 2 KMPL in the rains due to traffic jams.

Here's what BHPian sethu replied:

Glad to hear you're safe! Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery. It's incredible how well the safety features worked when it mattered most. Take care, and looking forward to hearing more when you’re feeling better!

Here's what BHPian skrmv2 replied:

Good to know that none were badly injured. The pictures tell a horrifying story. Wishing you a speedy recovery. On the Nashik-Kolhapur stretch, you always find sugar cane-laden tractor trains during harvest season. Needless to say, there are no tail lamps or any kind of hazard indicators. At night, it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Here's what BHPian SaurabhB replied:

I have always maintained this philosophy - "I would rather spend a few days in the workshop rather than a few days in the hospital. Vehicle can be repaired or junked, but body parts don't get repaired so easily and nor can you junk them."

I have a Hexa and I know the feeling of safety when inside and cruising on NH. It has run over 1 lakh kms and still feels new. No issues whatsoever and excellent service.

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Production of the Stealth Edition is limited to just 2,700 units.

Tata Motors is celebrating 27th anniversary of the Tata Safari with the launch of the limited Stealth Edition. It is available in both the Harrier and Safari but production will be limited to just 2,700 units.

The Harrier and Safari Stealth Edition are finished in a new Stealth Matte Black exterior colour. The SUVs get all-black grilles, window lines, roof rails and ORVMs. The alloy wheels are painted black.

Inside, both SUVs get full black leatherette upholstery and come equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, 2-zone automatic climate control, powered front seats with ventilation, powered tailgate and level 2 ADAS.

The Stealth Editions are mechanically identical to the standard versions. Both the Harrier and Safari are powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 168 BHP and 350 Nm. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Tata Harrier and Safari Stealth Editions are priced at Rs 25.09 lakh and Rs 25.74 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively.

The Stealth Editions are based on the Fearless+ and Accomplished+ trims of the Harrier and Safari, respectively.

Tata Motors has launched Stealth Editions of the Harrier and Safari SUVs in India. The Harrier Stealth Edition is priced at Rs 24.85 lakh, while the Safari Stealth Edition costs Rs 25.30 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Harrier Stealth Edition is based on the Fearless+ variant, whereas the Safari Stealth Edition is based on the Accomplished+ trim. Both SUVs have a matte black exterior stealth badging and two-tone alloy wheels with a black finish.

Both SUVs get full black leatherette interiors and features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, 2-zone automatic climate control, powered front seats with ventilation, powered tailgate and level 2 ADAS.

The Stealth Editions are mechanically identical to the standard versions. Both the Harrier and Safari are powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 168 BHP and 350 Nm. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

It combines practicality, style, and safety, enhancing the road-tripping experience. If you’re considering one, I hope this helps you make an informed decision.

BHPian Ajirules recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

2+ Years and 65,000 km with a Rooftop Box: My Experience

Hello BHPian Friends,

Whistleblower- As someone passionate about long road trips and frequent family travel, I’ve been using a rooftop box for over two years now, covering more than 65,000 km. In 2021, shortly after purchasing my Safari, I fitted a rooftop box and shared my initial impressions after 2,000 km on Facebook . Now, with my Team-BHP membership and years of experience, I’m revisiting the topic, hoping it helps fellow enthusiasts.

Why I Needed a Rooftop Box back in 2021

Traveling with seven adults often meant cramming duffel bags and small suitcases into the cabin, which compromised comfort, especially for seniors. I wanted:

• A legal solution without much called out hassles from authorities. Despite traveling across Kerala, Bangalore, and even to Mumbai, I’ve faced no issues with RTOs. For peace of mind, I carried a printout of Tata’s brochure featuring the Safari with a rooftop box, but I’ve only received curious questions or compliments from officials and onlookers.
• Aesthetic appeal that wouldn’t ruin my Safari’s bold looks.
• Spacious utility to hold duffel bags and soft luggage.
• Stability and safety at highway speeds of 90-100 km/h.
• Easy loading/unloading and unobstructed sunroof operation.

After research, I considered three options:

1. Luggage Bag Carriers (Amazon/Similar):
   Affordable but required ropes and weren’t rainproof - One was luggage bag carrier that can be fixed on the top. However that needed a lot of tying up ropes sipping up the big bag. These are available online from Amazon and I've seen them installed on some cars.
2. Ajanta Carriers:
   Known for good quality, but I couldn’t see one in person, and color compatibility was uncertain. They're from Mumbai or so and ship anywhere and they officially have a website and a shop. Thev even export their items. One thing I felt after talking to them is they were confident on experience and they had a good network right now.
3. Pentair/Thule Rooftop Box by:
   - Recommended by a Tata dealer in bangalore itself but priced high.
   - A vendor in Kochi, 5GOff-Road Hub, offered a professional installation (with live demo) at a worthy price.

Why I Chose Pentair

• Matched the Safari’s aesthetics (in my opinion!).
• Robust build quality for long-term use.
• Supported sunroof operation (with minor restrictions).
• Hands-on installation by 5G Off-Road Hub. for such costly accessories.
• Practical perks: It even protects my sunroof from falling coconuts in Kerala!

The setup cost ₹40,000:

• Box (400L): ₹31,000
• Roof rails: ₹7,000-₹8,000
• Installation: ₹2,000

Note* There were two sizes for the boxes - medium and large. The medium box comes to around 25,000/- The large box comes to 31,000/-. medium Box is more higher .First Trip:
A 250 km drive from Kochi to Munnar with seven adults and their luggage. The box proved stable even on hilly terrain and hairpin bends. Over time, I’ve driven across Kerala, Bangalore, and beyond, and the box has been reliable at highway speeds. Today, even when I don’t need it, I leave it on as it has become a part of my Safari’s identity.
Pros

1. Enhanced Road Presence: Draws attention and curiosity on highways and in villages.
2. Practical Storage: Ideal for soft bags, accommodating luggage for seven passengers.
3. Convenience: Easy to load/unload and weatherproof.
4. Sunroof Protection: Shields against falling debris and coconuts in Kerala.

Cons

1. Height Restrictions: Be mindful of low-clearance areas like mall parking or railway gates.
2. Noise with Hard Luggage: Soft bags are quieter in the box.
3. Sunroof Limitation: While functional, no more sticking your head out.

After 2+ years and 65,000 km, the rooftop box has been a worthwhile addition. It combines practicality, style, and safety, enhancing the road-tripping experience. If you’re considering one, I hope this helps you make an informed decision.
Happy driving and safe travels! XXXXXXXX

Mr.Kamaal from Kochi

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Mileage mostly hovers around 13-14 km/l and on long highway drives I was able to extract upwards of 18 km/l.

BHPian kartik_2502 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

43k Happy Kilometers!

Just completed 43k kms on my Safari XZA+ ADV without any issues!!!

Absolutely no issues regarding reliability mechanically or electronically. I even hit a small pole while parking in the city and got a small dent on the rear passenger side door, fixed it for just 3500rs from my FNG, the owner is himself a car enthusiast and mechanical engineer and had worked in VW for a good time, has proper tools and man power for the work, got my car back in under 36 hours.

The car has performed flawlessly in all my trips, be it within city or on the highways. The music system deserves a mention it has a good base and overall quality feels nice only issue being the last row occupants need the volume to be at a higher level for proper listening otherwise flawless. Mileage mostly hovers around 13-14 KMPL and on long highway drives I was able to extract upwards of 18 KMPL , I drive in ECO mode 90% of the time the other 10% being occupied by the sport mode need some adrenaline rush.

The service cost comes around 15k for every 15k kilometers, I only go in for the 15k service and don't go for the middle 7.5k services, top up my DEF as per requirement at any petrol station. No issues at the service centers too just that they can't clean the car as good as my local car detailing workshop, so I opt out for it everytime I go in for service.

Also I want ask about the extended warranty - has anyone taken it? My service advisor has insisted to take it specially since I have an automatic, which he says will make trouble down the line.

The car parked on a rural road in Rajasthan.

Some people question the car's reliability and have heard horror stories myself also but I personally haven't had any trouble in my 1.5 years of ownership, given the chance I will buy it again with all the new bells and whistles except the tubelight in front.

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The Tata Safari is also expected to receive the same updates as the Harrier.

Tata Motors has rolled out a new software update for the Harrier, which adds two crucial driver assistance features – Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Steering Assist.

As per the information shared by a Harrier owner on social media, the service centre technician updated the car’s ECU and Front Camera Module (FCM). The infotainment system software was also updated to version 15.18.

Following the update, the two aforementioned ADAS features were activated under the ‘Driver Assist’ menu. Animations and graphics for each of these features were also part of the software update. The total time required to install this update was around 1 hour.

Tata Motors introduced ADAS on the facelift version of the Harrier and Safari. However, features like Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Steering Assist have been missing since launch. Only now are these assistance features being rolled out as part of a software update. The Safari is also expected to receive the same updates.

Source: Rushlane

The diesel engine is quite noisy and returns a fuel efficiency of only 6 to 8 kmpl. On the other hand, the ADAS is amazing.

BHPian drift2race recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

My sister has a 2023 Safari (bought in October 2023) and has roughly done 9000 km since. The car always comes to a dealership near us for service so I know almost all the quirks.

1. Rear camera showed a ghost shadow (cleared by the dealership)
2. Sunroof ambient light has stopped working (not fixed)
3. Door ambient light has stopped working along with ambient light in Dash (not fixed)
4. Front camera showed a ghost shadow due to which the car won't move after being parked (front camera replaced)
5. Panaromic Sunroof Cover stopped working (changed by the dealership)

Some other quirks

1. Low Fuel Efficiency (max 6 to 8 kmpl)
2. Noisy Diesel
3. 19-inch wheels lead to a slightly worse ride quality
4. 19-inch spare tyre was really costly

Pros

1. ADAS works amazing (have driven the car on highways myself)
2. Superb ride quality
3. No other mechanical niggles
4. DEF topped once at 8000 KMS
5. NO DEF-related problems

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The new extreme terrain modes could be introduced on the upcoming Harrier EV.

Tata Motors has filed a patent for a new terrain mode selector. The patent image reveals new traction modes that could be introduced on future SUVs.

Tata first introduced traction modes on the Harrier and Safari. Both SUVs get three options: Normal, Rough and Wet. The patent image suggests that future versions could get gravel, sand, snow, and rough road modes.

Tata Motors is also working on a pure electric version of the Harrier. It will feature AWD with dual electric motors - one on each axle. The drive mode selector seen in this patent image might be introduced on the upcoming Harrier EV.

Currently, both the Tata Harrier and Safari are front-wheel drive only. Does the introduction of more extreme terrain modes mean that future iterations of the ICE-powered SUVs could get AWD?

I was pampered by my Hyundai Fluidic Elantra and now switching to Safari's daily quirks feels like a downgrade.

BHPian bhaskaracs recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

So, I picked up a Tata Safari Accomplished+ 6-seater variant earlier this month. Let's just say, it's been an adventure.

Mechanically, the car's a beast. But in terms of user-friendly features, it's like stepping back into the early 2000s.

Here are some quirks I couldn't help but chuckle at:

1. I was pampered by my Fluidic Elantra, and now switching to Safari's daily quirks feels like a downgrade. It's like going from a smartphone to a rotary phone.
2. The car's devoid of any one-touch features contrary to its claims. Everything requires a hard press or a long press. Want to lower the power window? Long press. Turning off the fan? Very long press. Folding the ORVMs? A hard and long press. Seat ventilation? You must go through three steps to turn it off, whereas my Elantra used to manage it with a single long press. It's a workout!
3. The turn indicators decide to take a break when the infotainment system is off. Yes, you read that right. It's as if they had a union meeting and decided to depend excessively on tech to function. Found out the hard way when my wife tried to restart the infotainment to fix an issue during a drive, and I, the driver, was unable to use turn indicators.
4. You can disable the Auto fold ORVM to save the battery from settings, but here's the kicker: they won't unfold when you turn on the ignition (as expected), but they'll still fold when you turn it off. So much for battery-saving efficiency!

There are plenty more tales of woe, all courtesy of some questionable QC. But let's leave it at that for now.

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