Baghvan Jungle Lodge, Pench National Park

Location

The forest that inspired The Jungle Book, Pench National Park comprises a belt of teak woodland in central India, just north of Nagpur. With over 210 species of bird in addition to an ark’s worth of mammals and countless more species of plant, wannabe Mowglis will be attracted by the jungle ambience, the serenity of the forest and the treats it conceals – and above all the chance to spot of one of the 25 Bengal tigers living in the park.

Accommodation

The experience here goes way further than the simple bare necessities. The charming and spacious suites use a blend of supple and sturdy natural materials to ensure a secure and comfortable stay with minimum disruption to the natural environment. The curtained luxury hides known as machans have panoramic views to facilitate wildlife viewing, and you’ll truly feel at one with nature when you use your private outdoor shower. Communal areas are attractively decorated with handmade Parsi tiles, woven hyacinth furniture and large ebony chests.

Dining

Cuisine at Baghvan Lodge is a mouthwatering affair. Expect an endless array of Central Indian dishes served thali style, delicious Indian picnic breakfasts to accompany morning game drives, and afternoon tea with local sweets just before evening game watching. Dinner specialities include chickpeas with tea leaves, paneer in mint and coriander, roasted aubergine with green chillies and jaggery curry, all served with an assortment of rice, naan and fresh chutneys. Indian or international breakfasts are served on your veranda or in the sun-kissed vegetable garden.

Facilities

The primary attraction of the lodge is its twice-daily 4x4 game drives, which scour the jungles, nullahs (watercourse) and streams of the park for all kinds of wildlife. Spotting the elusive tiger or leopard is not guaranteed, but there is a good chance of doing so in the early morning, or in the evening as the animals prepare for a night’s hunt. In the lodge itself Ayurvedic in-room massages are offered, and guests can join the chefs in the interactive kitchen to create their own tasty morsels. Other diversions include Alikatta elephant camp and the potters’ village of Pacchhdhaar.