Kanha National Park is one of India’s largest reserves, covering 1 945 km² (750 square miles) of pristine Indian wilderness. This national park is one of the first nine tiger reserves established in 1973 with the launch of Project Tiger, aimed at protecting tigers and their ecosystems.
An excellent habitat for many mammals and bird species, Kanha’s lowland forest consists of dense trees interspersed with meadows, while its highland forests are made up of tropical deciduous species, with bamboo growing densely on the slopes. The pale bark of the Indian ghost tree, or kullu, shines through the lush vegetation.
Apart from the majestic Bengal tiger, the central parklands are home to approximately 22 animal species, including the jackal, wild pig, black buck, striped hyena, leopard, mouse deer, chinkara, ant-eating pangolin and three-striped palm squirrel. Kanha also supports a thriving population of the highly endangered hardground barasingha, or swamp deer. With over 200 recorded bird species, including the purple heron, pond heron and white-eyed buzzard, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Banjaar Tola Tented Camp is situated right on the edge of the river of the same name and overlooks the lush forests and grassy meadows of Kanha National Park, situated on the opposite bank. The two intimate camps, each consisting of only nine elegant tented suites, have been designed with a light footprint to protect the sensitive riverine environment. The contemporary suites feature bamboo floors, a canvas roof and walls and glass doors leading out onto a floating veranda overlooking the river. Woven textures and textiles are used throughout the suites, decorated in shades of bleached saffron, forest green and earthy cinnamon. Each camp boasts its own comfortable guest sitting area with a spacious open-air dining area and interpretive library. The lodge swimming pool offers a cool refuge in the summer, while delicious Indian fare is served on the spacious dining decks, boasting dramatic river views. The camp is situated in the heart of a 90-acre (36-hectare) property, home to dense indigenous sal forests, where memorable jungle dinners are frequently arranged, as well as nearly 2 km (one mile) of river frontage.