Camp Out At The Luxurious Mahua Tiger Resort In Bandhavargh

Bridging the gap between luxury and rustic, this tented accommodation has a rural set-up with modern amenities inside. A win-win for us.

While we love ourselves a proper camping session, we also do like our soft beds, fluffy pillows and modern bathrooms. Right from the deer that wander just outside the walls to the manicured lawns that welcome you, this is a little slice of heaven, in an already stunning place. But you’re obviously here for tigers.

Thus, it’s great that the camp will organise personalised tours for you. Photographers who take ages in the wild, kids who just want a glimpse or those just looking for a hint of adventure, be sure to tell them in advance so you’ll get customised rides. The resort needs permissions, so do speak up in advance if you want anything special. Checking back into camp, next up, rural yet chic accommodation.

The Veronica Lodges of the world can pick the cottages for the rustic outside and quite lavish interiors. Like the rest of the camp, these rooms are also inspired by near-by forts {some in ruins but others intact}. So expect your temporary home to have turrets, arch doors and slightly dimly lit interiors {no need for bright lights in the jungle anyway}. Newer ones have sloping roofs, but it’s the little patio that each has, which we love. Whether you’re nursing a drink or catching up on reading, it’s great for decompressing.

For the Betty Coopers, and the like who want to rough it out a bit, pick the Swiss tents. Set like a typical village hut with a mud base, low walls for a sit-out, and a Swiss style tent over it, three steps will lead you inside to a charming room. Not you dingy tent, this one has large beds, air-conditioning, TV and we’d pick this over the cottage any day. After all, despite the indulgence, it’s fun to hear the wind beating against the canvas at night – a hint of adventure, if you will.

There’s a main brick building which houses the restaurant {stick to the buffet or Indian food, we suggest}. Again like a rural hut, it’s got carpets, colourful tribal art and lantern lighting to set the mood. And then there’s the bar beside the swimming pool. So when you’re done splashing about, you can just lie under a massive tree that dominates the space. They’ve conveniently places multiple mattresses under it. So no need to trek back to the huts. Just catnap here. You’ll really connect with nature. It’s amazing how the otherwise unconnected sounds of the forest will combine to form a lullaby. Don’t miss the tribal dance performance at night there.

Where: Village Tala, Thasil Manpur, Bandhavgarh National Park {bookings at TF-2, Johnsons Tower, Narmada Road, Gorakhpur, Jabalpur}

Price: INR 7,000 upwards a night, including meals.

Contact: +91 7566656456

Find out more about them here. Follow them on Facebook here.