Taj Safaris - Luxury in the Wild by Debika Sen

Taj Safaris - Luxury in the Wild

by Debika Sen

Watering my plants, I spy from the corner of my eyes squirrels chasing one another,  Blue Jays fly  across the sky, flies sitting and sipping honey from my hibiscuses, dogs barking in the background and a cat, lazily stretching across the lawn waiting to pounce on a bird or squirrel. I paid close attention to the cat, as he stretched his supple muscles, I could see his eyes glinting in the sun, pondering when would be a good time to attack! As I witnessed the various scenarios playing out in my front lawn, I yearned to be on a safari.

Taj Safaris properties are authentic, lending a feel of the region, a harmonious blend of luxury and village life. Whether one stays at Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh National Park, Banjaar Tola in Kanha National Park, Pashan Garh in Panna National Park, Baghvan in Pench National Park or Meghauli Serai in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, the experiences are exceptional. The outdoor is incorporated into the ambience and decoration within the confines of the lodges. A dedication to being true to the environment, locals, wildlife and interactive kitchens, where organic meals are prepared, never failing to please their residents.

Having experienced a safari in South Africa, an Indian safari had to be on par and Mahua Kothi, Taj Safari at Bandhavgarh National Park exceeded my expectations. Named after the Mahua tree, the leaves hold medicinal properties in the treatment for rheumatism and hemorrhoids amongst other things. A short flight to Jabalpur followed by a scenic drive, brings one to Mahua Kothi. At sunset, the driveway is lit by fire torches and at a distance 12 individual mud cottages or “kutiyas” whose architecture is typical of this region sits on a 45 acre of private forest on the fringe of the National park. Far from the wildlife, the atmosphere resonates with nature and blends seamlessly into the accommodations. Each room features a private courtyard overlooking immense land where monkeys and birds are frequent visitors.

Each cottage reflects the ambience of a village accommodation without sacrificing luxury. A luxurious king-size bed faces a large window, with a panoramic view of the forest. An inviting window seat beckons one to sit and indulge in some quiet time. The walls are washed with lime and the roof is constructed in handcrafted clay tiles. The floors are made from local “katni” stone. The bathroom with twin basins, vintage brass fittings, faces a picturesque window. Bamboo blinds lined with silk can be drawn, drinking in a majestic scenery of bamboo thickets and trees. One can bathe, an experience like no other – in a tub, shower or a typical Indian village bucket bath.

A wildlife safari in India leaves one with a renewed sense of appreciation and respect for beasts and insects. Their respective roles in our sociology can be seen and experienced on a tour with a Taj Safaris’ ranger called Pardhis. Not your ordinary ranger, they are a community who were once trackers during hunting expeditions for royal families. The Taj was the first to employ Pardhis as rangers, creating magical wildlife expeditions for their clients.

One of the highlights during the safari expedition includes the “Bonnet Breakfast” which is laid out on the jeep’s bonnet. Freshly baked muffins, juices, coffee, variety of teas, sandwiches, fresh cut fruit and hot kathi rolls (Indian style wraps). Energizing one for another safari adventure!

Each day spent at Bandhavgarh provides another opportunity to spot the elusive big cat including meeting with local indigenous Gond and Baiga tribes, one of the oldest surviving in India. How about visiting villages and farms? Up close and personal – experiencing and understanding their way of life. Enjoy a leisure walk through the tiny lanes, whose roofs are covered with overgrown pumpkins and bitter gourd vines. Most of the tribes were once hunters, have now adapted to modern life. Many are trackers and guards in the national park based on their in-depth knowledge of nature and animal.

Dinner is as exclusive and sensational as one’s safari – “Stargazing” as you dine under a carpet of stars, witnessing the Milky Way and North Star as a naturalist weaves tales of the night sky. How about a “Chaupal” or community meeting place, a village like feel, where locals gather to socialize close to the Mahua organic kitchen garden. An area of earth encircled by multiple rows of tomatoes, lettuce, spring onions and more, an extraordinary outdoor dining encounter. An old open jeep sports a bar, at a distance a live spit fire (skewer) roasting meat, customary khud (pit) incorporating Baghelkhandi flavors. Tribal dancers welcome guests, a night replete with an exclusive traditional feast. One must experience a “Mahua Dinner” where tables are set under the Mahua tree. Lit lanterns hanging from the branches, create a magical ambience to the evening as the Mahua Chef displays his tandoori (barbecue meats and bread) culinary skills. 

Each Taj Safaris property offers unique experiences. An invitation to an Indian safari through the rich jungles of the Indian subcontinent, staying at the Taj Safaris, far from disappointing an avid safari connoisseur. The wildlife in India was once legendary - animals walking the great expanse of this fertile land, close to extinction through hunting and poaching, revived in part by Taj Safaris and the tribal people – an inexplicable experience of understanding the necessity of all forms of wildlife large or minute where culture, nature and traditions become one in a timeless journey of discovery.

Currently, Debika is the Founder and President of A Classic Tours Collection, an immersive tour operator that takes tour participants across continents on unique tour experiences.

Website:  www.aclassictour.com

After entering the travel industry as a receptionist, Debika discovered a fascination for designing trips. As she began to understand the mechanisms of what makes a trip great, Debika embarked on designing trips that today focus on - and fulfill - a spiritual and emotional need for travelers. It was her passion for unique tours that culminated in the launch of A Classic Tours in 2008, based in Redondo Beach, CA. Over the past decade, Debika has grown her tour offerings, team and business, and has offered over 30 experiences across 20 countries.

Notably, Debika created the Women’s Empowerment Tour after being selected for - and participating in – The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. During this time, Debika developed the unique Women’s Empowerment Tour of India, which led to additional tours of historical importance, from Women Empowerment tours to Tahiti, Croatia and Japan, to her one-of-a-kind journey into Imperial Russia and The Occult.

In her downtime, Debika is an avid reader and writer, putting together articles about travel and insights gained through travel, and devouring a multitude of books on travel and history. She also enjoys seeing movies and of course, traveling!