recommended ACCOMMODATION

CONTACT DETAILS | LOCATION | DINING | DRESS CODE | WHEN TO GO?
OPENING & CLOSING | ACCESSIBILITY | INSECTS & PESTS | EXCURSIONS | RESERVATIONS | PAYMENT

I have the pleasure of introducing a new camp for Bandhavgarh, Anant Van. This is a model of self-subsistence, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. Located in the buffer zone of Bandhavgarh National Park, Anant Van lies only 5 minutes from Gohri Gate and is set to be the new model in long-term sustainable eco-tourism.

I visited Anant Van in December 2006 and as one of the first guests I have to admit I was more than a little excited to see this new camp. Anant Van did not disappoint. Firstly, it has moved away from being purely a safari camp and has been created as a place of sanctuary and relaxation. There is a blissful air about the place. Even though it has only been there a year, it looks and feels like it has stood in the same location of decades. The vegetation has enveloped the wooden structures and nature appears to be in perfect harmony.

Almost all firewood, materials, food and drink are sourced from the land which is in a constant state of rejuvenation. Trees and bamboo have been planted to soften the tree line which used to end abruptly at a patch of scorched over-grazed stubble - now the trees softly and seamlessly fade into long grass.

Within hours of arriving at Anant Van, I had completely forgotten my troubles and cares and was solely focussed on my photography. There is abundant wildlife to be found in and around Anant Van. Nature has been welcomed back with open arms. The organic vegetable gardens are alive with butterflies, crickets, grasshoppers, bees, and dragonflies. Drongos, kingfishers, robins, woodpeckers, flowerpeckers, green bee-eaters, storks, and even eagles are found perched on fence posts, in the trees, in the pea flowering hedges, or fluttering around the nearby waterhole.

After a couple of days I was completely relaxed and at perfect ease. I slept beautifully and felt refreshed every day. The creation is a remarkable transformation of what would soon have been bare earth. Now there is a lush and verdant grassland, rejuvenated forest, and organic farming that is completely respectful to nature.

I cannot wait to return.

Below are some words from the creator and brainchild behind Anant Van and Churhat Kothi (formerly known as Bandhavgarh Jungle Camp), Dhruv Singh.

"An idea of a reforestation program and running a small farm and wildlife camp at the edge of Bandhavgarh has long been a dream, "Anant Van " it is the new avatar (incarnation) of Churhat Kothi, a chance for us to realise this dream and to pay more attention to the details of the community. Equally important, to give attention to our participation in a delicate environment on the edge of a national park.

We have 21 acres of overgrazed and barren farmland close to the Tiger reserve. The objective is to regenerate this devastated land through village integration. We have divided the project into three parts:

• Forest regeneration

• Experiments in rural farming near national parks

• Self sustenance through responsible tourism

We could not separate one from the other as they depend equally on each other for long term success. Successful wildlife tourism depends on forest regeneration; forest regeneration depends on the rural community living around the National Parks who in this case depend on farming. And for all this to work we depend on people coming and participating. This is the Anant Van project that is now taking shape. The camp was established in early 2006 and we see the entire project as something that will evolve over the coming years.

Anant Van is a home stay of two very comfortable mud brick cottages and two tented cottages with attached bathrooms. The cottages are a step ahead of the tents we had at Churhat Kothi. Effort has been put into making the stay even more comfortable. Where the old camp was a luxury camp, Anant Van is simpler and expresses the active involvement of guests while at the same time offer every comfort.

At Anant van all the cottages look into a vegetable garden at the same time enjoy an undisturbed view of the surrounding farm and forest. This is to make full use of all the sources of energy and not waste it by scattering the facilities under the idea of luxury and exclusivity.

Developing Churhat Kothi and then passing it on to others has allowed me to better understand the true meaning of responsible tourism. With Anant Van I hope to be able to prove that it can be done.

We have started our work through small projects that are directly connected with conservation and all of us who live here. This guide is an introduction to our reforestation, farming and village school project along with our home stay at Anant Van.

I hope you will be here with us to experience the rejuvenation of nature and to celebrate India’s wildlife, because of which we are all here."

Dhruv Singh

CONTACT DETAILS | LOCATION | DINING | DRESS CODE | WHEN TO GO?
OPENING & CLOSING | ACCESSIBILITY | INSECTS & PESTS | EXCURSIONS | RESERVATIONS | PAYMENT

Contact Details:

Anantvan
Mardari
Bandhavgarh National Park
Madhya Pradesh
India
E-mail: info@anantvan.com
Website: www.anantvan.com

Location

Anant Van is situated in the buffer zone of Bandhavgarh National Park, close to the village of Mardari, in Madhya Pradesh. The camp is situated in 21 acres of open grassland on the margins of the forest, just a few minutes drive from the quiet and rarely used park entrance of Gohri Gate. The surrounding landscape is peaceful and idyllic with small farms and a rural village.

Dining

Delicious and authentic, Indian cuisine. All meals are served buffet-style with complimentary tea and coffee served throughout the day. Packed lunches and picnics for your forest safari drives are also complimentary.

Note: The daily room rate includes all meals and tea and coffee throughout the day.

Dress Code

There is no official dress code as the camp is extremely relaxed. However, when out game viewing, I suggest dark and muted clothing that will not show up too much against the vegetation. A light raincoat is useful as there can be dew on the trees in the early mornings. Tough, outdoor shoes for excursions to Bandhavgarh Fort are essential. For game viewing, its a personal choice. In the heat of the summer, I tend to where sandals or go barefoot. In the winter, its best to take comfy trainers or hiking boots just to keep you feet warm.

During the winter months from late November to February the nights and early mornings can be very cold with temperatures low enough for a touch of ground frost. This is something many tour operators fail to tell you. If planning safaris during this time you'll be well advised to bring a warm hat, gloves, fleece and a warm jacket. You will also need long-sleeved tops and long trousers. When standing around the temperature is ok, but when driving along, the wind-chill cutting through an open-top jeep can be really harsh.

When to go?

Madhya Pradesh has some major climactic fluctuations. During December, January and February, it can be cold in the mornings and at night so warm clothes are necessary at these times. During the daytime it is lovely and warm and sunny, with temperatures usually reaching the mid 20s°C.

During March and April the temperature rises steadily to daytime temperatures of around 35-40°C in the shade while keeping the cool evenings. In May it begins to get humid and in June temperatures rise further to an intense and uncomfortable heat.

The monsoon breaks in late June / July and lasts until September. October and November are still warm but not cold or wet. The best time to visit is from October to March. It is generally a dry heat with very little humidity, except during the months of April, May, September and early October.

Opening & Closing Times

The camp is open from 1 October (the park may not open until 1 November – to be confirmed) until 15 May each year.

Insects & Pests

Mosquitoes can be a problem here but all tents have mosquito nets, are sprayed nightly, and are supplied with electric repellents. The mosquitoes only come out in the early mornings and evenings and this too is generally only in the warmer months. In the winter months, it is often too cold for mosquitoes. Additional smoking coils can always be provided if you require them for peace of mind.

As the camp is built within living forest you must also come to expect a number of other visitors. Namely insects, spiders, and birds. The spiders can be large but are totally harmless. At night the jungle comes alive and you can hear deer walking through the forest and meadows accompanied by the odd alarm or mating call. Although, at first its enough to make you jump through the roof of your tent, you soon get used to it and even enjoy the fact that the wildlife is so close by.

Excursions

• Game drives in Bandhavgarh National Park
• Village safaris to the local bamboo weavers
• Night bird watching in the surrounding forest
• Picnics at nearby, beautiful lakes and in a Rancha village
• Trips to the imposing Bandhavgarh Fort
• Elephant rides (subject to tiger sightings)

Accessibility

By Air: Delhi To Khajuraho followed by a 6-7hr transfer drive
By Train: To Umaria or Katni from Delhi (H. Nizamudin) or Agra, followed by a short drive of around 40-50mins.
By Road: From Khajuraho and Kanha or by longer journey from Kawardha of 6-10hrs.
Transfers: The resort is happy to arrange transfers to and from the station. These are payable extra, on departure. Transfer is via a large 4x4 with AC.

Payment

The resort does not currently accept credit cards. If paying in foreign currency, the resort accepts US dollars and Sterling Pounds. Travellers cheques are also accepted. You can also pay in advance via bank transfer.

Reservations

Reservations may be made via Shoba Mohan of Anant Van Reservations & Marketing

Shoba Mohan
UG 01 Moulsari Arcade
Moulsari Road, Phase III, DLF City,
Gurgaon, Haryana, India
Ph : +91 124 4068852, 2353697
Fax : +91 124 2364697

Mob: +91 9810265781
E-mail: info@anantvan.com
Website: www.anantvan.com