Signature Experiences at Banjaar Tola, A Taj Safari - Kanha National Park

Twice daily Safari Drives are conducted by expert naturalists in specially designed 4X4 vehicles with theatre style seating. Morning safaris start shortly after sunrise. Along with the thrill of tiger tracking, is a memorable stop for a picnic breakfast. Afternoon safaris last a couple of hours and end at sunset. Shortly after day break, the guests at Banjaar Tola get comfortable in specially designed safari vehicles and make their way towards the Kanha National park. Driven by an experienced naturalist the guests are greeted with dense jungles, grasslands laden with mist and a deep orange orb for a sun in the sky; – a typical mystical Kanha morning. Misty cool mornings are a trademark of the region even during the warmer months and make for fabulous photographic opportunities. Kanha is rich in biodiversity with an excellent population of tigers and leopards. The Barasingha (hard ground swamp deer) are the mascots of Kanha and herds can be seen in grasslands as well as in Tals or ponds feeding on aquatic plants. During the breeding season in winter, it is interesting to watch the big males decorate their antlers with leaves and grass to attract a doe. Bird enthusiasts find Kanha a treasure box of winged gems. Scarlet Minivets, Rosy Starlings and the vibrant blue of Indian rollers are startling in their beauty, while some others have amusing calls.

Visiting a tribal village on the periphery of the Kanha National park is like taking a step back in time. Gond and Baiga are the two prominent tribes found here. These were a hunter –gatherer, forest dwelling communities that practised a harmonious coexistence with nature. Remnants of that lifestyle can still be glimpsed here, although the younger generations are fast adapting to modern ways. Even today the primary source of livelihood of continues to be farming and cattle rearing. Baiga Tola and the nearby Manji tola (tola meaning settlement in Gondi) are two tribal villages that guests often visit. The house proud tribes have artistic mud plastered homes decorated with motifs from nature. Each home is equipped with an animal shed, a wood storage area and a kitchen garden. Tattoos in geometric patterns are sported by women laden with traditional jewellery. Interesting keepsakes can be purchased from the travelling fair that moves from one village to another, each day.

Our lodge situated in the heart of nature is the perfect setting to rekindle a sense of discovery, adventure in the outdoor and a deep rooted love for nature. Children learn through exciting activities and interaction with our naturalists.

The Taj Safari lodge in Banjaar Tola is located in pristine jungle environments, where guests have the luxury of viewing a vast expanse of very starry skies. After a day of adventure and excitement in the jungle, watching the brilliant night sky is a very relaxing activity. The constant North Star and the Milky Way are especially exciting to young guests. Listen to interesting trivia and stories as naturalists acquaint you to the life of the night sky.

Each camp at Banjaar Tola has a pool with a gorgeous location beside a tree grove. A dinner here is a delight through the seasons. An elegant set up with classy dinnerware and lamps provide a stunning contrast of high end luxury dining with the dense rugged jungle as a backdrop. Tables in a neat row are set at a distance to facilitate quiet conversations and appreciation of the soft wilderness sounds.

Unveiling the secrets of Indian cooking, where guests learn and taste simple dishes is a popular evening activity. The spacious open deck in the common guest area is set up with a small stove and an array of spices, chopped herbs and vegetables in various colours and textures. The personable chef takes the visitors on a culinary journey of traditional Indian delights. Guests taste and inhale the tantalising aroma of various spices as they participate in preparing simple recipes. Understanding the therapeutic properties of traditional herbs and spices makes for an absorbing culinary session. Once the cooking is done, guests get to have their curry and eat it too.

The bush dinners at Banjaar Tola have a fairy tale quality. Multitudes of lanterns light up a clearing in the forest while gentle aromas from clay ovens fill the air. A rustic wooden cart serving refreshing drinks beside a bonfire is a wonderful start to the evening revelry. Dining tables are scattered about and a row of interactive live cooking counters are stationed at one end. Some local delicacies like the ‘Baiga’ chicken and desserts like ‘malpuas and rabdi’ are greatly relished. The Baiga dancers in traditional dress move lithely as the compelling drumbeats make guests want to join in. A sumptuous feast, jungle tales and tribal dancers are ingredients for a most memorable dining experience.

A sumptuous breakfast is set up on the safari vehicle bonnet deep in the jungle. Freshly baked muffins and cookies along with sandwiches, fresh fruit and hot kathi rolls are washed down with freshly plunged coffee and a selection of teas. A perfect refuelling for the rest of the morning safari.

The private wooden deck of each tent with the quiet waters of the river below and the surrounding forest is a magical spot for a private dinner. The evening has a fairy tale beginning with a pathway of flower petals leading to a drawn bath and wine chilling in the bucket. Moving out to the deck, guests are greeted by a smart butler beside a beautifully laid table for two. A choice menu showcasing the finest of local flavours is presented in a seamless service. It is an indescribable sublime atmosphere mingling elements of thrill, romance and being one with the wilderness.