One of the Last Remaining Tiger Forests in India-  Bandhavgarh, MP

     Kaustav Ray

Monsoons are considered sacred in India- a symbol of creation and vitality Monsoon Forest is the ideal place for experiencing the sacredness of nature in the forests and its animals particularly tigers. People from all over the world come here to experience this sacredness at MonsoonForest, an oasis of serenity amidst acres of beautiful grasslands.

It is the perfect base to explore the magic ofMonsoonForestin the Bandhavgarh Forest, India’s tiger haven. With breathtaking views of the forest, grasslands and Bandhavgarh Fort, there is also sophisticated ten-acre resort, which is just a few minutes drive from theBandhavgarhForestarea.

  The reserve is named after the highest hill Bandhavgarh(807m) betweenVindhya rangeand Satpura range inMadhya Pradesh,Indiaand flanked by a number of smaller hills creating some majestic valleys and glades. The hills are made of sandstones, giving birth to a number of rivulets and springs clouded with thick grasses and trees like sal and bamboo that descend from the hills that look like a canopy.

  There is a fort atop the Bandhavnagar hill in the centre of the reserve that was the seat of power of theRewaStatetill 1617 AD.

   The forest has the highest density of tigers in India along with some other beautiful animals like sambar, chitol, barking deer, four-horned antelope, blue bull, Indian gazelle, leopard, langur, rhesus; some birds like Peafowl, Red Jungle fowl, Grey Hornbill, Common Teals, Red Wattled Lapwing, Crested Serpent Eagle, White Breasted Kingfisher; reptiles like cobra, vipers and pythons. 

  There is a unique Indian luxury eco-resort with beautiful, air conditioned tents and lodges with modern en-suite facilities. The indigenous design draws inspiration from the earthy central Indian mud houses.

For guests wanting a real wildlife experience, there are six beautifully crafted luxury tents set under the shade of glorious Mahua trees. Surrounded by grasslands, the guests can enjoy hearing various animal and bird calls and even spot them roaming within the premises. Already projects are going on to add seven quaint eco-lodges by January 2012.

  Here the guests can enjoy personalized and experienced guided jeep and elephant safaris. Indulge in various other activities like Bandhavgarh Fort excursions, birding picnics, local village visits and reforestation project. They can enjoy relaxing massages or yoga sessions in the wellness spa. Guests are offered homemade traditional Indian curries, pasta, freshly baked breads and local delicacies at the multiple indoor and outdoor dining venues. On request the guests are also served with specific dietary needs.

It started out as a reforestation project on a piece of barren land, devastated by overgrazing and logging. The work is in progress, as people of this project are determined to bring back the forest and to make it a sanctuary for the rare and endangered indigenous trees and plants of the central Indian jungles, one of the last remaining homes of tigers in the wild.

 (courtesy- Mohit Aggarwal, www.monsoonforest.com)