Set among the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh with an area of 168 square miles, Bandhavgarh national park contains a wide variety of habitats and high density of game, including a large number of tigers. Over half the area is covered by sal forests and there are stretches of bamboo and grassland. Within the park is the ancient Bandhavgarh fort and caves, dug into the sandstone of the fort, have inscriptions dating from the 1st century BC. In the recent past, the fort was last occupied by the Maharaja of Rewa until it was designated as a National Park in 1968. In addition to tigers, also seen are chousingha (small four horned) antelope, chinkara (Indian) gazelle, nilgai (blue bull) antelope, wild boar, jackal, muntjak (barking) deer, sambar deer, chital (spotted) deer, jungle cat, striped hyena, porcupine, ratel, rheses macaque, black-faced langur monkey and more. As this park is relatively new, there is still a good chance of adding birds to the checklist of some 150 species already compiled.

Nestled in the fringes of the jungle, away from the road is a little jewel conceived by the naturalist of the area, KK Singh (now a politician) and his son, Dhruv Singh. Churhat Kothi, their dream, is a jungle camp where nature comes home. Twelve luxury tents with modern amenities are set amidst 40 acres of regenerated forest land bordering the jungle. The level of attention paid to avoid conflict with nature and yet offer a comfortable experience is remarkable. All waste is separated and recycled. The naturalists, including Dhruv, have worked with National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Sir Richard Attenborough. Vegetables are grown organically within the camp and the meals are closer to home cooking, personalized with local flavors.

The main building – the Kothi, gives as much attention to internal space as it does to the external. The verandah offers a dramatic view of the landscape, and the backyard is dense with trees. With a high ceiling and enormous windows, guests have an uninterrupted view of the jungle. There is a well stocked library with books and music that suit the mood of both, the jungle and the individual.

[Sample itinerary and costing for a Bandhavgarh trip]

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