The name Baghvan draws its inspiration from one of India's iconic symbols, the Bengal tiger (bagh - tiger and van - forest). Pronounced baagh-vun, this charming lodge is located on the edge of Pench National Park, which is a dry deciduous forest of predominantly teak trees. The twelve spacious stand alone suites have been totally rebuilt. The original guest areas remain and have been extensively renovated and enlarged, and a beautiful swimming pool added. From Baghvan to the park entrance is a mere 5-minute drive.
BAGHVAN GUEST ACCOMMODATION
• Charming individual suites have a contemporary bungalow feel with a cheeky 50’s ambiance • Hues of copper and pale turquoise • All suites comprise two inter-linked buildings accessed through courtyards • Each has a spacious air conditioned bedroom with private shaded sit-outs • Bedrooms all have a Jharokha (wooden latticed bay window) that filters the soft early morning light • Cool pale cream cement screed floors • Covered inter-leading link takes guests to generously proportioned bathrooms with double vanity, separate w.c, indoor and outdoor showers • Stairs lead guests up to a Machan (pronounced ma chaan meaning jungle platform) a covered roof terrace above the bathroom for romantic sleepouts – with mosquito net, overhead fan and hookah pipes • In warmer weather, the Machan will be cooled by traditional Khus screens through which water is dripped • The breeze filtered through Khus (vetiver) emits a lovely fragrance
GUEST AREAS
• Cool, airy and contemporary • Spacious sittingroom with deep welcoming sofas • House party feel • High ceilings, cement screed floors and overhead fans • Huge windows to catch the jungle breeze • Handmade Parsi tiles, woven hyacinth furniture, giant ebony chests • Spacious shaded decks lead guests down from the sittingroom to the nullah (dry riverbed) • Interactive open kitchen that spills out into the dining area • Guests encouraged to learn how to prepare traditional Indian dishes – recipes and spices provided! • Tea served in the kitchen before the afternoon safari • Browse peacefully in the lodge’s Safari Shop • Idle away the hours in the library • 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
DINING AT BAGHVAN
• In-room breakfasts on cool private verandas • Pool lunches on a shaded deck • Dinner for two served on the deck overlooking the nullah or on your Machan • Sunset cocktails under the Banyan tree whilst watching a giant squirrel perform acrobatics • Picnics at Khoka Lake
BAGHVAN'S SAFARI EXPERIENCE
• Discover the beauty of Pench National Park • Learn about the rich biodiversity of Central India from a CC Africa trained naturalist • Travel in comfort in a specially designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicle • View tigers whilst riding an elephant • Twice-daily safaris in the reserve • Tick off Pench’s ten Star Birds (a unique Taj & CC Africa programme) • Absorb the sights and sounds as you walk through a traditional MP village • Foot safaris in the nullah • Follow fresh tiger pugs • Birding from the pool deck • Nature walks in the buffer zone • Visit Pachdhaar village and admire beautiful local pottery • Visit a nearby fruit bat nesting site
PENCH NATIONAL PARK
Located on a lovely stream surrounded by forest, Baghvan offers a beautiful experience of one of India's rich yet lesser-known parks, Pench National Park. This is a typical Central Indian teak jungle, with hilly terrain and several jungle streams, and it supports a rich variety of wildlife, including the tiger, leopard, wild dog, gaur, sambar, chital and brilliant birdlife. The Park's open habitat not only lends well to wildlife viewing, but it also offers striking views of the area's sheer beauty.
