Extending across a 90-acre private concession and overlooking the core zone of Kanha National Park, Banjaar Tola lodge, a TajSafaris lodge hotel, boasts two elegant camps of nine suites each, as well as a lavish tented guest area.
Built in a chic, glamorous camping style, each tented suite features glass doors leading out onto a floating verandah, and overlooks a tranquil river.
The tented guest area is equipped with a magnificent swimming pool, dining decks with a stunning river backdrop, library, interpretive space and a Safari Shop.
Located close to the Kanha National Park entrance, the luxury safari lodge can be easily accessed from New Delhi via Jabalpur (109 miles, 175 km) or Mumbai via Nagpur (140 miles, 266 km). Small eight- to nine-seat turboprops land at the Baihar Airstrip (20 km) away from the lodge. Situated in the Maikal Hills of the Satpura Range, Kanha National Park is one of the first nine tiger reserves aimed at protecting tigers and their ecosystems.
Covering 750 square miles (1,945 sq km) of pristine wilderness, it is one of the largest and best-maintained national parks in India.
The spectacular landscape features vast sal forests, flourishing green meadows and lush bamboo growth. Savour delightful local delicacies like kathi rolls, pao bhaji and raj kachori for breakfast.
Please focus on breakfast in the park while on safari. Relish a sumptuous lunch of salads, lentils, vegetables and meat by the pool on a shaded deck, on your private deck or in your suite. Relish chicken roasted in clay or a ‘thali’ dinner bush dinner - in the midst of the sal forest, lit by hundreds of lanterns, and accompanied by traditional dancing and singing!
The naturalists at the resort, trained at by African partners &Beyond are deeply experienced in the ways of the wild and will be your guides on exciting game drives twice a day, in specially modified Tata open 4x4 vehicles.
They reveal to you the secrets of the park, and ensure you have a deeply satisfying experience. Learn about the rich biodiversity, especially barasinghas which are unique to Kanha.
Experience the thrill of spotting tigers, great gaurs and the star birds of Kanha. Adventurous souls can even opt for an elephant-back safari.
Designed with a light footprint to protect the surrounding riverine environment, the 18 tented suites at Banjaar Tola are set on raised platforms.
Wide glass doors open onto private decks overlooking the river, offering panoramic views of the wilderness beyond.
Pressed bamboo floors and wall panels combine with fabrics in delicate tones of saffron, forest green and earthy cinnamon to create a light and airy feel.
A king-sized bed with a multitude of pillows and a couple of lounge beds on the deck offer guests indoor and outdoor lounging options.
A cleverly located butler hatch allows butlers to place freshly plunged coffee in the mornings without an intrusion on guest privacy.
Selected pieces of Gondi artwork and bell metal figurines from the Chattisgarh region nearby, lend the dwelling a local flavour.
A gigantic sink-in ottoman, canvas wardrobes with leather detailing and handcrafted driftwood furniture notch up the glamour quotient of a luxury camping experience.
Air-conditioned ensuite bathrooms feature a shower area and a bath, both screened by delicate blinds that can be drawn to view the lush green forest around.
Wrought iron chairs, a tall floor lamp and a driftwood tree trunk for a table holding organic bath salts; are all evocative of a safari camp from yesteryears.
Revel inchic and glamorously designed tented suites at Banjaar Tola at Kanha National Park. Each of the jungle lodge’s stilted tents features spectacular glass doors that lead out to a floating verandah with
a stunning view of the Banjaar river and the core zone of Kanha National Park.
The cuisine served at the Taj Safaris is a sensory delight. Each meal is freshly prepared, with organic home grown ingredients. Meal timings are flexible and no venue needs to be adhered to.
Private butlers serve you in the privacy of your room, by the pool side or a table for two under the shade of a tree. Influenced by local cooking styles, each dish is a gourmet’s delight.
Featuring the finest of local ingredients, the food at Banjaar Tola is a clever fusion of traditional tribal cooking with an international flair.
Taking their inspiration from the Chhattisgarh region, the chefs are constantly reinventing their repertoire of traditional dishes to suit all palates.
In view of the recent judgement by The Supreme Court of India directing the Centre and State Governments to ban sale of liquor along national and state highways, alcohol will not be served at any of the restaurants or outlets at the hotel.
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 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.
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.
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.
With Taj’s Jiva Spa, a massage is just a call away, and can be enjoyed in the privacy of one’s tent while soaking in the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Jiva Spa therapies. Large outdoor pool. In-room gym equipment. Private massage decks. 24-hour on-call doctor & nurse.
Enjoy twice-daily safaris in the magnificent jungles of Bandhavgarh National Park or in an open 4x4 safari vehicle at Banjaar Tola guided by highly experienced expert trained naturalists, who customise the entire jungle experience for you.
Learn about the rich biodiversity of Central India from expert naturalists, view great gaurs and spot the star birds of Kanha.
KAHNA NATIONAL PARK
The magnificent forest tract of Kanha National Park straddles the two districts of Mandla and Balaghat in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
These areas have enjoyed protection since 1879 as a reserve forest, subsequently being declared a National park in 1955 and a Tiger Reserve in 1973.
This region used to be a part of ‘Gondwana’, or land of the Gond tribe which still inhabit the region. The Baiga are the other prominent tribe living here.
Located on the Maikal Hills of the Satpura range; Kanha constitutes the classic landscape of the Central Indian highlands with gently sloping hills, misty dense forests and river valleys.
Kanha National Park is one of the largest parks in the country spreading over 2000 square kilometres.
These jungles are prime tiger habitat and are a conservation success story for Barasingha or the hard ground swamp deer.
From about 60 individuals or so in the 1960’s to over 750 deer in the recent census, the Barasingha are back from the brink of extinction.
Home to over two hundred and fifty species of rare migratory and resident birds, Kanha is a paradise for bird-watchers. Listen to the songs of sunbirds and orioles and the mimicking cries of racket-tailed drongos, peek at napping owlets and spot rare eagles.
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.
The Lodge chef may gather the guests giving a cooking demonstration of the popular recipes along with detailed information and therapeutic uses of various spices and herbs.
For the adventurous youngsters with a love for all things wild, the Budding Naturalist programme is an interactive curriculum.
The Park has beautiful areas of sal forests, large bamboo stretches and lush green meadows. Kanha’s seemingly boundless horizon of trees and stunning grasslands have all manner of wildlife lurking in their midst.
Experienced, informed and skilled, expert naturalists provide an interpretive jungle experience.
Savour the myriad flavours of Bundelkhandi, Baghelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi and Vidharbha cuisines.
Discover the exotic Indian jungle from the comfort of a specially designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicle.
Buy local handicrafts and souvenirs from the Forest Department store at the entrance gates to the national park. Visit a weekly village market, where you can absorb the unique atmosphere, and buy exquisite samples of intricate Gond and Baiga art and jewellery.
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.
Discover some of the oldest indigenous tribes of India on a visit to local Gond and Baiga villages. The aboriginals of Gondwana – the land of the Gonds – have preserved much of their ancient culture and rituals through stunning art and enthralling dances.
Visiting a tribal village on the periphery of the Kanha National park is like taking a step back in time. Baiga Tola and the nearby Manji tola (tola meaning settlement in Gondi) are two tribal villages that guests often visit.
A walking safari at Kanha is ideal for adventurers looking for a closer communion with nature. Be it the nature trails offered in the buffer zone of the park or a leisurely nature walk, it is an opportunity to get acquainted with the smaller creatures.
As cities grow and green areas shrink, lodges situated in the heart of nature is the perfect setting to rekindle in all a sense of discovery, adventure in the outdoor and a deep rooted love for nature. The hotel engages your children in a range of creatively stimulating activities through programme for young adventurers.
If there was a perfect antidote to children addicted to television and gizmos, it has to be a Taj Safaris naturalist.
These passionate ambassadors of nature will spend quality time with your family and inculcate a love for nature that will last a lifetime.
With no distracting gadgets many urban kids discover hitherto unexplored wonders – a star lit sky, identifying bird calls, or appreciating the architectural wonder of a termite mound during a nature walk.
The chefs help kindle the culinary curiosity in kids while teaching them how to bake cookies through cooking sessions in the lodge kitchen.
With abundant literature about the park and its inhabitants, cosy library is the perfect interpretive learning space for the children.
A fun afternoon spent at organic farm will help kids savour the joy of picking out your own vegetables and toss up your own farm fresh salad.
While outings on speciality designed open 4x4 safari vehicles are thrilling for the kids, you are reassured the hotel has taken every measure to ensure they have safe, comfortable and fun experience. With customised picnics, excursions and activities, your kids will be spoilt for choice.
BANJAAR TOLA, KANHA NATIONAL PARK
Kanha National Park Mukki Madhya Pradesh 484661India