Call 01306 744 656 or
Call 01306 744 656 or
Our guides are locals whose childhoods were shaped in the forest…
When we launched our portoflio, we started working within the classic Golden Triangle route and then in Jaipur, but it was the wildlife that really kept my soul alive. Whenever I was on safari, I found that I was at my best and I hoped that my exuberance would rub off on others.
We did our homework and found that Bandhavgarh was truly the most beautiful tiger reserve. At first, it was the tall sal trees that captured me, that can grow up to 350 feet. Secondly, the kindness of the local people, and thirdly, the high percentage of tiger sightings – they’re just brilliant! The jungle though has a lot more to offer other than just tigers. Come with an open mind and you’ll learn we have more than 110 species of trees as well as resident sloth bears, wild dogs and currently 70 wild elephants who’ve migrated back after years away. Our guides have grown up in the forest and understand animal behaviour. They can predict which path a tiger would take, which ones are ferocious and the best angles for a photograph.
In between safari drives, there’s time for a swim in the pool and lunch with ingredients from our organic garden. We offer yoga sessions, and the spa is always popular but if it’s the indigenous lifestyle you want to experience, I would recommend a birding expedition on the way to the neighbouring village to meet the locals. They’re important to us. Out of the 52 members of staff I have now, three are from Rajasthan and the rest are from the surrounding area.
As for the rooms, we have 20 villas with 1,000 square feet which is larger than some London flats! They were designed by Mr. Ravi Gupta, a renowned architect based in Jaipur whose clients include the Oberois and the Marriott. When we began planting in what was then barren land, he said, ‘take these seed bombs in both hands’ (seeds mixed with cow dung) and he made me throw them behind me at random. It wasn’t horticulture as you know it but now it’s thick as a jungle and just beautiful.
Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in India. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember.
Freephone an expert 01306 744 656
