5 Jungle Lodges to Check In To in Madhya Pradesh
The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is big cat country - it also boasts the finest collection of luxury lodges in the forests. You could check in to any of them and not even step out and yet have a great holiday. What is also common to them are their naturalists all trained to make your game drives a memorable experience. The list is much longer, but here are five you are sure to love.
JAMTARA WILDERNESS CAMP
Pench National Park
Isolation defines Jamtara. The camp itself is away from any decibels other than those of birds and the occasional passing animal. And each of its tents feels like an island in itself. And then there is the Star Bed - a bed for two raised on stilts set in neighbouring fields. Unless you opt for a guard to keep an eye out, you will be more alone under the skies than you ever have been. In other words, Jamtara is designed to make you feel you are in the wild. The tents themselves are a labour of love, each element carefully selected for a comfortable feel. You may want to walk off with the planks used on the decks - they are made of highly seasoned wood that were once part of ships. Meals are not lavish, but more than you can ask for. The sit-outs in the evening - under a roof, or under an old banyan tree, are the time to exchange stories and make new friends. And yes, their naturalists know the forest like few others do. Check in at www.jamtarawilderness.com
TAJ BAGHVAN
Pench National Park
Some of us may not be fans of big chains, but Taj Safaris deserve any accolades they receive. A part of the global Taj Group of Hotels, their lodges in forests are a class apart - including Baghvan in Pench. The accommodation is exquisite. Each unit has a well furnished bedroom, with a corridor leading to the bathing area that is a suite in itself. If you want the birds to keep an eye out for you while you shower, you can bathe in the open courtyard. A flight of steps takes you to a sit-out where you can hear scores of birds competing to be heard. Meals are an elaborate affair, with live counters serving a different fare daily, and table service where you can choose from a vast selection. Their chefs do a good job, and you will not find any reasons to grudge customer service. Their naturalists are very well trained, with some having been exposed to the ways of the forest both in India and in Africa. Check in at www.tajhotels.com
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KUNZUM • MARCH 2016