Nice image.Even i had been to tholpetty on 23,24 of this month.I did not sight any big cat.We just saw a leopard crossing the thirunelly road at night but could not capture it as it throttled into the bushes in full speed.

Sabyasachi Patra
They do allow private vehicles.They allow only jeep & no other vehicles including SUV are not allowed.If u have a jeep u can take it into the forest paying Rs60/per head & Rs100 for guide.