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Baghvan

Baghvan is aptly named after one of India's iconic symbols, the Bengal tiger (bagh - tiger and van - forest). This enchanting lodge is located on the edge of Pench National Park, a dry deciduous forest of predominantly teak trees and meandering jungle streams.

A typical Central Indian teak jungle, Pench 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. This national park received international recognition from Rudyard Kipling's classic tale, the Jungle Book.

'If I were a leopard......'

In Pench there is a rocky area, and a good place to look for leopards. So, one evening found us driving around there, and the day was just begining to cool off. I was explaning to guests how the leopards usually sheltered in the cool shade of huge rocks. Specially at the base of the rocky outcrops where the rocks hadnt heated up. I then stopped at a cave like opening near the tracks and pointed it out to the guests. I said,' If I were a leopard....', and then trailed off, 'cause as if on cue, a leopard appeared from inside and sat at the entrace to the cave. We couldnt believe our eyes!

Posted: Baghvan by Ratna Singh, Date: 12 April 2007