Highly Recommended

BANJAAR TOLA TENTED CAMP - Kanha National Park, Central India

One of the largest and most scenic wildlife sanctuaries in India, Kanha National Park is an ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey species. The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines of Kanha shelter a significant population of rare species such as tiger, leopard, sloth bear, barasingha and wild dog. Kanha's mixed forests are interspersed with vast meadows known as maidans. These meadows support a high density of herbivores, including chital, barasingha, sambar (deer) and gaur (Wild Ox), attracting predators such as the tiger, dhole or leopard to the fringes of the clearings. Perennial streams run through a number of such meadows, providing a source of water for the wildlife even in the hot summers.

Kanha is particularly well know for its endangered swamp deer, or hardwater barasingha, which populate the large open tracks of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Brought back from the brink of extinction, these handsome animals are a remarkable conservation success story for Kanha.

Banjaar Tola overlooks the lush forests and grassy meadows of Kanha National Park. The two separate camps consist of 9 lightweight luxurious tented suites spread out along the riverbank and into the sal forest. Contemporary, flowing shapes, canvas walls and roofs, and immense glass doors that let in the Indian sky create an atmosphere that is light and ethereal. In the silence of the night, listen to the jungle sounds floating across the river from the comfort of your tented cottage or en suite bathroom. Admire stunning river views from the privacy of your own veranda or share the experiences of the day on dramatic decks facing the Banjaar River. Its all very comfortable indeed.

Activities available

Private game drives are available on request.

• Twice daily game drives - explore the sal and bamboo forests of Kanha on early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. Specially trained naturalists will accompany you throughout, pointing out and explaining details about the fascinating animals and plants of the jungle. Your early morning drive enters the park as the dawn is breaking over the jungle. Explore the meadows, or maidans, where scores of grazing herbivores attract tiger, leopard and wild dog to the edges of the clearings. On an afternoon drive, the wildlife is settling down for the night or having a final drink at the Banjaar River or the many perennial streams that run through the park. Watch out for the elusive leopard and listen to the calling of jackal getting ready for the hunt.
  
• Guided nature walks - In the quiet midday hours between game drives explore the forest surrounding Banjaar Tola in the company of your naturalist. Learn about the jungle vegetation from your naturalist and keep an eye out for fascinating insects. Watch colourful birds and butterflies flutter by and try to identify them from your Star Birds list.
  
• Tiger viewing from elephant back - This activity is dependent on the National Park by which it is run and generally only takes place in the early mornings. If news comes in of a tiger sighting, you will be driven to the nearest access area, where you will climb on the back of an elephant and slowly move to wards the tiger. After a photo session, the elephant will take you back to your waiting vehicle.

Kanha Fauna
The Park has a large population of tiger, as well as a significant number of leopard, sloth bear and Indian wild dog. The most abundant prey species is the spotted deer, or chital. Other species that may be encountered include the three-striped palm squirrel, jackal, wild pig, black buck, striped hyena, mouse deer, chinkara and ant-eating pangolin. However, Kanha’s exceptional success story is that of the hardwater barasingha, or swamp deer, which populate the large open tracts of grass amidst the teak and bamboo forests. A highly endangered species, the barasingha is thriving within Kanha, where strict measures are in place to protect this rare mammal. With over 200 recorded bird species, the Park is also a bird watchers paradise.

Kanha Flora
Kanha National Park is one of the largest and most scenic wildlife sanctuaries in India. Lush sal and bamboo forests are interspersed with grassy meadows and rocky ravines. Vast meadows known as maidans occur amidst the mixed forest and provide exceptional grasses for grazing. Perennial streams run through a number of these meadows, providing a water source even in the hot summers. The Banjaar River forms the Park’s southwestern boundary and the plateau of Bamhni Dadr rises high above the dense forests. While the lowland forests are a mixture of sal and other forest trees, the highland thickets are made up of deciduous growth, with bamboo often occurring on the slopes. The striking Indian ghost tree, or kullu, can be seen among the dense growth.

Sister lodges are Mahua Kothi, Pashan Garh & Bagvhvan and make a great wildlife and tiger safari circuit.