Bagh Villas, Kanha

Bagh Villas, Kanha

For the discerning traveller seeking an authentic connection to India’s untamed heart, Bagh Villas offers an unparalleled sanctuary. Set within 15 sprawling acres on the edge of Kanha National Park, this boutique retreat was envisioned by true lifelong wildlife enthusiasts who sought to blend the romance of the classic shikar camp with modern wellness and conservation.

The accommodation at Bagh Villas is as intimate as it is elegant. Here the ten Lakeside Tented Suites each provide a spacious, air-conditioned haven, featuring a private verandah that serves as a front-row seat to the region’s vibrant birdlife. For families or those desiring more seclusion, the Lakeside Cottage offers two bedrooms and an exclusive campfire area overlooking its own private stretch of water.

While the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger is of course the star of Kanha, Bagh Villas invites you to experience the forest through a more layered lens. Located just 20 minutes from the Mukki Gate, the lodge provides expert-led safaris in custom-designed jeeps. However, the magic often lies in the “slow travel” experiences: such as forest bathing in the buffer zone, guided biking trails through Sal forests, or an evening of stargazing with a state-of-the-art telescope.

Central to the Bagh Villas experience is a deep sense of rejuvenation. Guests can spend a relaxing afternoon at the 55-metre chemical-free infinity pool, certainly one of the most impressive in the region or retreat to the specialized spa for a range of traditional aroma therapies.

The culinary journey is remarkably personal. Under the guidance of nutrition expert Lia and Head Chef Sandeep, the menu is a sophisticated blend of regional Indian flavours and international cuisines, including Thai and Mediterranean (p. 3). With ingredients harvested from the property’s own organic gardens and coffee sourced from their private estate in Wayanad, every meal is a testament to the bounty of the land.

Best visited between October and June, we recommend a minimum three-night stay to fully embrace the rhythm of the jungle and the restorative pace of the camp.