Endalakurji Abraham David Kuttappan is a legendary mahout, naturalist, and wildlife photographer in Bandhavgarh. His journey began in 1976 when he and four other mahouts were asked to come to this park to take care of elephants. While Kuttappan has looked after many different elephants during his tenure, his special 16-year-long bond with Gautam (an elephant in the park) is legendary.

On a visit to his home, Kuttappan shared stories of his close encounters with tigers, and how he got interested in photography after watching all the tourists in Bandhavgarh. He started small, buying a simple camera, which was half of his monthly salary at the time. When one of his black-and-white images of a tiger was published in Navbharat Times, he felt encouraged to continue his passion for photography. His work has been published all over the world, and has also featured in some wildlife documentaries. Now retired as a mahout, 64-year-old Kuttappan still lives in Bandhavgarh, and voluntarily helps park officials on part-time projects.

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Abhinav Kakkar
Kuttappan reminisces about his life as a mahout and wildlife photographer at his residence in Bandhavgarh
Abhinav Kakkar
In 2007, Sanctuary magazine felicitated and recognized Kuttappan’s service to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
In 2007, Sanctuary magazine felicitated and recognized Kuttappan’s service to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Abhinav Kakkar
The pages of Bittu Sahgal’s book Bandhavgarh Inheritance, has a chapter that recognizes Kuttappan’s work
Abhinav Kakkar
Kuttappan still keeps his old Nikon film cameras
Kuttappan still keeps his old Nikon film cameras
Abhinav Kakkar
On the wall of his home hangs a picture of the young Kuttappan riding an elephant
On the wall of his home hangs a picture of the young Kuttappan riding an elephant
Abhinav Kakkar
Kuttappan stands outside his house at Tala village in Bandhavgarh National Park
Kuttappan stands outside his house at Tala village in Bandhavgarh National Park