BAGHVAN, PENCH

By a lovely stream surrounded by forest, out on the edge of the sprawling 757 sq km Pench National Park, lies Baghvan - the second Lodge by Taj Safaris is now open for adventure. Named after the king of India's jungles, the regal Bengal tiger (bagh - tiger, van - garden), this charming lodge is mere five minutes away from the hills, forests and valleys of Pench. Its spacious, rustic standalone suites and airy guest areas make a wondrous starting point for your journey into the wildThe forested area is a blend of dry deciduous forest and tropical moist deciduous forest, and is rich with beautiful shrubs trees and climbers. Teak, Mahua, Tendu, Bija, Amaltas and Palas all find their home here. While charmingly swaying bamboo grasses line the water courses and dot the valleys.

Pench’s gorgeous landscape is home to a number of endangered species. Twenty-five glorious tigers share the prey animals with the leopard, wolf, jungle cat, dhol (Indian wild dog), hyena and jackal. Chital, sambhar, muntjac, gaur, wild boar, langur and rhesus macaques also roam these forests.

Pench is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Three hundred fascinating and beautiful species fill the skies with their calls. Parakeets, hornbills, kingfishers, barbets, minivets, orioles, wagtails and a host of majestic raptors, including the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle and white-eyed buzzard.

The spacious guest areas are elegantly finished with delicate handmade Parsi tiles, woven hyacinth furniture, and giant ebony chests. Cool, airy and comfortable, they boast high ceilings and deep welcoming sofas. Large shaded decks lead guests down from the sitting room to the nullah. Baghvan’s interactive kitchen spills out into the dining area where guests are encouraged to learn how to prepare traditional Indian dishes – recipes and spices provided! Guests can browse peacefully in the Safari Shop, idle away the hours in the library, or cool off in the swimming pool which contours along the nullah. Guests arriving early or departing late can freshen up in the Goings & Comings room.

Food is an integral part of Indian culture, with each region and religion lending its own unique influences. At Baghvan, guests delight in the delicious flavours of Central India. Different dishes are introduced at each meal, offering a range of mouthwatering dining experiences.

As guests arrive at Baghvan, they are welcomed with a refreshing ice-cold sweet and salty lime soda. Light, healthy lunches are served on a sweeping shaded deck surrounding the swimming pool and overlooking the nullah (dry riverbed), a favoured route of the Pench tigers. Alternately, lunch platters are delivered to the suite should guests opt for a leisurely meal in the privacy of their own bungalow. Lunches include a choice of flavoursome local dishes, from chicken with onion and tomato, to potato cooked every which way. Enjoy stuffed rotis and steamed rice, followed by fresh fruit with syrup.

Before guests venture off on their afternoon game drive, afternoon tea is served. Sip on masala spiced iced coffee or tea, with biscuits freshly baked in the interactive kitchen, and be sure to try the assorted fruit with rock salt, chaat masala and lime. After an exciting drive in the jungle, guests return to the lodge and whet their appetites with Baghvan’s signature pre-dinner cocktail. Celebrate the sunset under a huge Banyan tree whilst watching a giant flying squirrel perform breathtaking aerobatics.

Dinners are a true highlight, with an abundance of flavours and textures on offer. Snack on a light salad with pappadums and limes. Then delve into the traditional main dishes, including lentil soup, soft vegetables with peppers, chickpeas with tea leaves, paneer in mint and coriander, tandoori, roasted brinjal with green chili, red chilis stuffed with achar masala in jaggery curry, chicken korma – all served with an assortment of naan breads and fresh chutneys. Guests are invited to mingle with our expert Indian chefs in Baghvan’s interactive kitchen and learn how to prepare traditional dishes – recipes and spices provided! After dinner, guests indulge in decadent desserts or cheese platters, served with tea, coffee or cognac.

Each morning, personal wake-up calls include the delivery of basil-infused water to the suite. It is left quietly in the courtyard for the guests to enjoy along with tea, coffee and a morning snack, prior to departing on their safari. After a morning filled with adventures, guests return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Delectable breakfast platters are served on the veranda or in the lush vegetable garden in the morning sun. Enjoy freshly squeezed fruit and/or vegetable juice, or get hooked on the traditional Indian lassis! The various platters are laden with toast, jams and marmalades, chutneys, homemade muesli, fresh fruits, and assorted cheeses. Hot breakfasts are also prepared according to guest’s preferences, with eggs and fresh breads.

12

The twelve charming stand alone suites have a contemporary bungalow feel with a cheeky 50’s ambience, with contrasting hues of copper and pale turquoise. The spacious suites comprise two inter-linked buildings. A covered inter-leading link takes guests to generously proportioned bathrooms with twin hand basins, separate w.c, and indoor and outdoor showers. Stairs lead guests up to a machan (a covered rooftop platform) which is perfect for romantic sleepouts, complete with mosquito net, overhead fan and hookah pipes

24 hrs

Baghvan is conveniently situated near the major airports of Nagpur (90 km) and Jabalpur (192 km)Situated at a distance of just 18 km from Pench’s Turia gate, is the tiny, spotless Pachdhar Village. Outside practically every home, potters sit at their wheels shaping glorious art from lumps of clay. Watch them work their fascinating craft, and take a piece of it home.

Nagpur-90 Kms

Jabalpur-192 kms