Camp Address Shergarh Tented Camp

Fact Sheet

Camp Address Shergarh Tented Camp

KanhaNational Park

Village Bahmni

Post Kareli

Tehsil Baihar

District Balaghat

Madhya Pradesh 481 111

India

T: +91 7637 296 215 / 9098 187 346

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Location KanhaNational Park boasts wonderfully varied topography and vegetation and lies between the SatpuraRange and the Maikal Hills, in the heart of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. One of the largest wildlife parks in India, Kanha is home to an enormous variety of animals and birds, and comprises rolling hills together with open meadows, sal and bamboo forest and grassy plateaus. Declared a national park in 1955, in 1973 it became one of the original nine tiger reserves to come under the auspices of Project Tiger. The conservation of the barasingha (swamp deer) is one of the park’s success stories, with its population having increased seven-fold in the past 40 years. Shergarh is the creation of naturalist Jehan Bhujwala and English wife Katie, a charming and exclusive camp at the southern edge of the park, whose aim is to ensure a personalized and specialized wildlife experience for every guest. Being the only small, personal, intimate, family run camp in the park, it’s a dreamy, friendly place to stay.

StyleThis delightful camp has a very homely feel with the 6 comfortable, rustic tents being spread throughout the grassy meadows in which it sits. With a small pond and sandy paths linking the main lodge to the tents, it is warm and friendly. The lodge is home to a cosy sitting room, dining room and relaxing verandah, all done up in simple, comfortable, authentic jungle style. The small waterbody is a lovely place to relax, listening to water life and the whole setting is very pretty, all the land having been bought by the owners and re-wilded. Small pathways lead through the swaying grasses and the owners are passionate wildlife people with a lifelong aim to protect and support the local habitat and environment. Earthy and wonderful.

Accessibility By Air: To Nagpur from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, followed by a 5 hour drive, or to Raipur from BombayDelhi, and a 4-5 hour drive, or by air to Jabalpur from Delhi, followed by a 5 hour drive. Airstrip, (charters only) 20 mins.

By Train: From Delhi, Calcutta, Nagpur Raipur, Bombay, Ahmedabad,Agra, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jhansi to Gondia Junction, followed by a 3 hour drive. Or by overnight express trains from Bombay, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Varanasi, Allahabad and Bhopal to Jabalpur, followed by a 5 hour drive, or to Nagpur and Raipur on a daily basis.

By Road: From Nagpur, Raipur, Kawardha, Bandhavgarh and Pench.

Transfers: The resort is happy to arrange transfers to and from the airport or station for an additional cost.

Accommodation Accommodation comprises 6 cosy tents, each with twin or double beds. They are spacious, light and have excellent, fixed, modern bathrooms. They are decorated in soft, earthy, neutral colours and both the interiors and the exteriors blend seamlessly with their jungle environment. They are well spread out in a small wooded area and each is very private. They have a front, walled verandah with deck chairs comfortable sofas / day beds built into the walls. The tents have outer thatched roofs which are watered in the warmer months to keep them cool. Each tent has an air cooler and electricity (with generator back-up). Hot ‘stone’ bags are provided in the winter months. Hot water is plentiful and provided by geysers. Tea and coffee is available throughout the day and can be brought to your room. Hair dryers are provided in all rooms. Bathrobes are provided. There is a safe in the main office. No TV or DVD players. Showers not bath tubs.

The daily room rate includes:

Accommodation, all meals, morning bed tea / coffee, safari drives within the park, park entry fees, forest guides and accompanying naturalists, bird walks, excursions to neighbouring tribal villages, unlimited, safe, filtered water.

DiningWholesome Indian and Continental food prepared from home-grown vegetables, local produce and fish farmed from the lake is served in the Main House. Everyone tends to eat together in the evenings but you may eat on your own if you specifically wish to. Menus are table d’hote / set menu. Room service is not available. Beer and wine and other alcoholic drinks are available.

Meal TimesThese tend to be flexible and change according to the season and the park opening and closing times. As a basic rule all guests dine together in The Main House with breakfast being served in the park each morning. Tea and coffee are available before each game drive, early in the mornings.

Lunch13.00

Dinner19.30

ChildrenChildren are welcome and may be accommodated in their parent’s bedroom for an extra charge. Up to 2 extra beds can be supplied for children up to 12 years old / 1 extra for older children. A baby sitting service is available on request.

Dress codeThere is no official dress code and it is extremely relaxed. However, when out on safari, we suggest dark, earthy, muted clothing that will not show up too much against the vegetation. A raincoat is useful as there can be dew on the trees in the early mornings. Tough, outdoor shoes are essential. A sun hat is recommended. Very casual with nothing smart needed. Warm clothes are essential for the early mornings in winter as it is cold in the jungle at that time. Warm but relaxed clothes for the evenings. It can warm up in the day so light clothing if wanting to relax by the in the grounds – cater to all climates but always casual.

Check-in / out timeCheck in/out time is normally 12.00 but is flexible.

Electricity220 volts. The standard two round pin adaptors work. Due to being on a generator, the electricity will usually be shut down around 10 or 11pm. Equally, the lighting can be dim and, due to the remote, jungle location, there can be power cuts. A head torch is essential if wanting to read late into the night. Torches are provided in the tents.

Credit cards / currencyThe resort prefers to be paid in Indian Rupees, or Pounds Sterling, but also accepts US dollars and Euros. No credit cards are accepted.

Mobile telephonesBSNL/Idea/Reliance all have coverage but it can be sporadic.

When to go / ClimateMadhya Pradesh has some major climactic fluctuations. During December, January and February, it can be cold in the mornings and evenings and warm clothes are necessary. However, during the daytime it is lovely and warm and sunny. It begins to get fairly hot in March and April. Temperatures can rise in May to an intense and uncomfortable heat. The monsoon breaks in late June or early July and lasts until September. October and November are still warm but not cold or wet. The best time to visit is from November to March. It is generally a dry heat with little humidity, except during the months of July to early October. However, game viewing is possibly at its best during the months of April and May.

NOTE: It can be very cold in the early morning safari drives during the months of late November to February and warm jackets are essential at this time.

Opening and closingThe camp is open from 15 October (subject to fluctuating park opening dates) to 30 May each year.

PestsMosquitoes can be a problem here during the months of April, May and June but eucalyptus leaves are burnt at sunset to combat this, and mosquito nets and coils are also provided. Mosquitoes mainly come out in the early mornings and evenings and this too generally only in the warmer months. In the winter months, it is often too cold for mosquitoes.

Hotel facilitiesThe camp owns its own, excellent jeeps

Sitting Room (no TV)

Laundry Service

Safe in the office

Internet access (main lodge only – complimentary)

Bicycles for guests’ use

Waterhole for evening animal sightings

The owner (on site) is a knowledgeable and respected naturalist

Yoga

Shop

Bicycles for hire

Hotel servicesSightseeing excursions and onward travel arrangements can

be arranged on site by contacting the hotel reception

Riverside picnics and packed lunches can be arranged

Airport and station transfers

Possible ExcursionsGame drives in Kanha National Park

Visits to local tribal villages and markets,

Village walks,

Nature / birdwatching walks,

Forest bicycle rides,

Average length of stayTwo or three nights, but people often stay longer. Given the remote, wilderness location and how much to see and do, it is a good idea to allow enough time to enjoy plenty of safari drives, to explore the area and to switch off and just enjoy being there.

Payment / cancellationPre-payment is compulsory if requiring a confirmed, advanced reservation. Non-refundable deposits are required at the time of booking. There will be a full refund if cancellation occurs more than 30 days prior to arrival.

There is no minimum stay requirement, although 1 night is not recommended.

ReservationsT: +91 7637 296 215 / 9098 187 346

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Seasonal surchargesSurcharges apply at Christmas and New Year.

Government TaxesTaxes apply

Ownership & managementJehan and Katie Bhujwala (owners - usually in residence)