The lush green forest and grassy meadows at the Taj Banjaar Tola, situated on the edge of the Banjaar river in South East Madhya Pradesh, is nothing short of paradise.
Impressions: Benoy Sebastian Images: Prachi Damle
As the enchanting Banjaar river lazily meanders by and the lush green forest quietly beckons you into its foliage, the urban chaos slowly recedes from your mind and you begin to appreciate the magic that is the Taj Banjaar Tola.
Comprising 18 tented suites, with a private deck, glass doors, understated furniture, locally-produced fabric and plush beds, the safari lodge is a scenic five-and-a-half-hour drive from Nagpur airport, and a four and half hour drive from Jabalpur airport. Lightweight and made out of eco-friendly materials, the uniquely designed tent lodges with canvas roofs, pressed bamboo wall panels, natural bamboo floors and antique wooden furniture are a sight for sore eyes.
The Camps
Taj Banjaar Tola is divided into two camps — East and West. Equally stunning, they stand a kilometre apart. During the day, you can walk to and from both camps, enjoying the luscious green trail. Come nightfall, the presence of wild animals makes the forest a forbidding cast and compels you to hitch a ride in the safari jeep. Each camp consists of nine suites equipped with a swimming pool, common lounge, dining area, and a mini kitchen. They have their own camp manager and butlers, with a general manager who is in-charge for everything. The pathways between the suites and the main area are channelled with sand and are adequately lit-up at night. The common campus has an indoor air-conditioned lounge and an indoor air-conditioned dining area. Between these two zones is an open outdoor seating area. In close proximity is an elongated dining deck overlooking the beautiful Banjaar river.
Vibrant Hues
The tented suites are a vision with sweeping tensile roofs, nestled between trees beyond the river banks, on small hilly outcrops. With a luxe-rustic theme, they open out to private decks suspended over the river. Each tent has been carefully designed to provide you with a spectacular view of the river. The decks have a dropped ledge with railing so that nothing comes between you and the view. The interiors are designed using indigenous fabric and are aesthetic with soft textile, delicate tones of saffron, washed greens and rich block prints depicting various forms of art prevalent in the Bastar region. Each suite has an attached bathroom with s tylish indoor showers, bath tubs, and oil lanterns that add a dash of sensuality to your bathing experience. Being lightweight, these tents dramatically reduce the impact on the surroundings as compared to a regular building of say, concrete and brick.
Wild Dining
Dining at Banjaar Tola is an exciting and unique experience. You may dine at the resort’s lounge or dining room, or enjoy a private picnic by the river, or even an intimate inroom meal. Featuring the finest of local ingredients, the regional dishes are guaranteed to satisfy your demanding palate. Getting its inspiration from the Chhattisgarh region, chefs at the resort are constantly expanding their repertoire with traditional dishes. The breakfast menu usually comprises local delicacies, including kathi rolls stuffed with cottage cheese, mint and onions, as well as pao bhaji rolls dipped in beans, carrots and potatoes. Deep fried puffed bread stuffed with onion and potato — raj kachori — is also served with a fragrant chutney or dip. Your lunch will often include an iced soup, as well as a choice of four salads, a lentil dish, a vegetable dish and a choice of meat, chicken or vegetarian kebabs, followed by a fresh dessert. If you wish, you can dine in the forest lit by hundreds of lanterns, and accompanied by traditional music and dance. Fresh green salads from the lodge garden are accompanied by chicken roasted in clay. If you opt for a thali dinner instead, then it may feature a selection of regional dishes.
Roasted onions and bell peppers make an appearance alongside chicken cooked with spinach, cloves and black cardamom, or prepared with ground spices and soaked in cinnamon water. For vegetarians, there is green lentils, gram flour dumplings and delicious spinach dishes. For dessert, there are pancakes filled with lentils and served with caramelized banana and butterscotch sauce. Some evenings the lodge chef may invite you to participate in predinner cooking lessons, where he will take you through traditional Indian spice, making you feel comfortable with their appearance, smell and taste. Once the basics are done, the chef will proceed to teach you how to prepare the dishes!
The interiors have a rustic theme, with luxe amenities over-looking the Banjaar river
Flora and Fauna
Fauna: The Park has a large population of tigers, as well as a significant number of leopards, sloth bears and Indian wild dogs. The most abundant species is the spotted deer, or chital. Other species that may be encountered include the three-striped palm squirrel, jackal, wild pig, black buck, striped hyena, mouse deer, chinkara and anteating pangolin. However, Kanha’s exceptional success story is that of the hardwater barasingha, or swamp deer, which populates the large open tracts of grass amidst the teak and bamboo forests.
Flora: The park is one of the largest and most scenic wildlife sanctuaries in India. Lush Sal and Bamboo forests are interspersed with grassy meadows and rocky ravines. The striking Indian ghost tree, or kullu, is a prominent feature among the dense growth.
Reasons To Visit
• Luxury jungle lodge located on the Mukki side of Kanha National Park
• Two elegant camps (East & West) of nine suites each, set along the banks of the Banjaar river, overlooking the forest
• Tented suites set on a raised platform with glass doors opening onto a private deck overlooking the river
• Each camp has a tented seating area * The seating area is designed with handicrafts from Chattisgarh, Bastar bell metal structures and tribal metal work
• Indian cuisine served on the dining deck with river views or in the Sal forest lit up with lanterns and accompanied by traditional dancing and singing
• Indian cooking demonstrations, elephant safari, bird watching and wildlife safaris
The common campus has an indoor airconditioned lounge and an indoor air-conditioned dining area.
Need To Know Location
The safari lodge is situated by the side of Kanha National Park, in the Maikal Hills of the Satpura Hill range. Apart from the Jungle Safari, there is also a museum at Kanha National Park, which you can visit. Bamani dadar, also known as ‘Sunset Point’ must not be missed!
Access
Nearest Railway Station – Maihar (137kms), Jabalpur (168kms), Raipur (232kms)
Nearest Airport – Jabalpur (168kms), Raipur (232kms), Nagpur (250kms)
Distance from Major Cities – Jabalpur (168kms), Raipur (232kms), Nagpur (250kms)
Contact: Banjaar Tola, Taj Safaris Limited Kanha National Park, Village Manjitola District Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh Call: 09303651100 tajsafaris@ tajhotels.com
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