Baghvan Lodge

Pench was the national park that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, and a safari here is to see central India at its best. Baghvan Lodge is just a five-minute drive from the park and a wonderful base from which to explore the forest and its wildlife.

The lodge consists of 12 air conditioned bungalows with copper and pale turquoise hues. Stairs lead up to a covered platform or ‘machan’ from where you can look out over the treetops. There are indoor and outdoor showers as well as a living area and a well-stocked bar.

The highlight here is spotting the wildlife, but when you’re back at the lodge, take a dip in the pool that overlooks the stream and enjoy central Indian cuisine at the restaurant. You can even have a go at mastering the different blends of spices during a cooking class. For a really special experience, enjoy a private meal under the stars.

Pench National Park is home to an estimated 25 tigers as well as leopards, wild dogs, wolves and hyenas and over 300 species of birds. You’ll head out with expert guides in comfortable 4×4 vehicles. For kids staying at Baghvan, there is the option to cycle to Pachdhaar village, explore the kitchen garden and bake cookies in the lodge’s kitchen.