Central India – Little Known Landscapes
Tales of Conservation and Culture
Central India
Your Journey
Central India is the pivot that brings together and holds together the entire Indian experience. With influences from the Himalayas in the north to the deltaic regions of the east, from the impregnable desert to the west, to varied peninsular India, Central India is an amalgam, impacted and impacting the Indian epic in a way that no other region does. Yet within this ubiquitous influence lies its subtle yet ineffable anonymity. Very few who have travelled through India have truly explored its glowing heart.
Geographically too, the Vindhyas and Satpuras form a link, connecting the unique Alpine ecosystem of Himalayas in the north and biodiversity hotspot of Western Ghats. Many great rivers cut through creating gorges and ravines. Flatlands morph into grassland ecosystems, supporting one of the highest density of wildlife sanctuaries in the country. Rainfed regions are lush with tree-lined woods. This variance has ensured the highest variety of flora and fauna. Any travel experience in the heart of India should explore this facet.
Culturally too, Central India has been at the confluence of innumerable influences, both borrowed and homegrown. On the latter front, a huge number of indigenous tribes exist here. Prehistoric records from almost 80,000 years ago are a testament that the land has been continually inhabited. Edifices spread across the region are a snapshot of history in stone, from the stupas of King Ashoka to the Udayagiri Caves. From the lakes and palaces of Bhopal to the Tribal Museum celebrating the indigenous people. This sojourn through the heart of India is a remarkable one by any and all measures.
wildlife
Walking Safaris, Jeep Drives, Night Walks, Birding Walks, Boat Rides, Treks, Hikes, Camping. The Satpura-Maikal region consists of seven tiger reserves and five corridors stretching through three states (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh) in central India.
adventure
A night spent under the stars, over the forest floor. Canoe through the backwaters and rivers in one a kind boat safari. Experience Satpura under the canvas by camping in the buffer zone. Off-road biking through the reserve forests, getting intimate with jungle. Indulge in the true thrill of a jungle come alive with night safaris.
habitat
An extension of the great plains of North India gradually climbing to the Deccan Plateau with the Satpuras, a prelude to what lies South and West. A large forest cover punctuated by mountain ranges ensure a large catchment area for rains, birthing mighty rivers that in turn feed the jungles.
tribes
At crossroads to many landscapes, Central India is infused with the human movement since time immemorial. This has created a land rich with tribal populations. Gonds extend south all the way to Maharashtra. Bhils are found deep in the desert of Rajasthan. Visit Baiga Chak, a Baiga settlement deep in the forest, who recently were granted habitat rights, first in India to be awarded this. There are many other smaller tribal populations each with its own unique identity.
conservation
A land as rich as Central India inspires its own army of sentinels. The story of these fearless individuals and organizations who have always spoken truth to the powers that have ensured the survival of the wildlife, generation after generation. Most notable amongst these are the Sankhala family and Dr Raghu Chundawat, a leading authority on tigers and snow leopards. On the journey through here, your paths will cross with many such heroes who have given their lives for conservation.
Unique Experiences
A crowning glory amongst the mosques, many generations under construction, finally completed with the support of an Emir from across seven seas. Beautiful palaces and lakes that reflect their glory entice you in this city of love and lakes.
Explore the cave paintings that date back 10,000 years ago while the caves themselves have evidence of habitation dating back 100,000 years making Bhimbhetka the oldest continually inhabited site anywhere in the world.
Sleep under the stars in open fields adjacent to untamed jungles as do the tribes here. The proceeds of your stay help the tribes and the conservation effort around Pench.
Itinerary Snapshot
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RECOMMENDED
Stays
CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Jehan Numa Retreat, Bhopal
Right at the base of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, CEL is surrounded by hills and scrub forest on one side and breezy coconut plantations on the other. The property has six spacious private pool villas, each overlooking the lush forested hills behind. It is built being very mindful of the surroundings and environment, using rammed earth from the property and thatched roofs made from coconut palm trees.
WILDERNESS
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Sohagpur
A planter’s bungalow built in the 1940’s by the British, this property stands amidst a 2000 acre tea estate, of which 555 acres is organic tea. Situated in the Annamalai hills, the six rooms command stunning views of the lush Western Ghats. Enter a world of solitude where the only sounds you hear are of chirping birds.
UNDERSTATED LUXURY
Bori Safari Lodge, Shahpur
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Western Ghats, sitting on the banks of the River Periyar, Riverhouse echoes tranquility and old-world charm. Located in a serene little village adjacent to reserve forests, thispatch of 2 acres of land was once part of a sprawling rubber plantation.
WILDERNESS
Kipling Camp, Kanha
A planter’s bungalow built in the 1940’s by the British, this property stands amidst a 2000 acre tea estate, of which 555 acres is organic tea. Situated in the Annamalai hills, the six rooms command stunning views of the lush Western Ghats. Enter a world of solitude where the only sounds you hear are of chirping birds.
