LUXURY AMONGST THE WILD | Celebrating Love at Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park

Hello and welcome back to A MILLION BUCKS  STYLE. If you're following me on Instagram, you already know that we've been to the majestic  Kanha National Park and stayed in the lap of luxury at Banjaar Tola, a Taj Safari Lodge for  our fifth-anniversary celebration. Let us take you through our intimate, fun, and exciting  stay at Banjaar Tola, where luxury meets the wilderness. Join us as we relive this  unforgettable journey and share a glimpse into everything we did, from the luxurious  stay to

the exhilarating safari adventures. Let's dive into this adventure together and  discover what makes this place so magical. We embarked on our journey before dawn,  bright and early in New Delhi, catching the 7 AM flight to Raipur, Chhattisgarh  ensuring we didn’t waste any part of the day. I wore this lovely cotton Co-ord set from  the brand Coco Peach for the journey which was comfortable and stylish at the same time. Even in the early hours, the airport buzzed with travellers, all headed towa

rds various  destinations. Opting for a morning flight also meant we had ample time to relax upon  arrival and explore the property at our leisure. Our flight to Raipur was packed, a testament to  the city's allure. As we descended upon Raipur, we were greeted not just by the clear skies but  also by the airport's unexpected charm. Lush gardens and striking steel horse sculptures  added a dash of character to the place, echoing the city's reputation  as one of the cleanest in India. After a flig

ht of about an hour and a half,  a Taj hotel car, pristine and comfortable, was ready to whisk us away. It was a four-hour  drive to Banjaar Tola, a Taj Safari Lodge nestled in the Kanha National Park, but you can also rent  a cab at the airport counter as well. The drive was smooth, albeit on roads less travelled,  but the excitement of reaching a place far from the city's clamour was palpable. We made  a quick pit stop at the Natraj Hotel and Dhaba, where we grabbed a quick but satisfying brea

kfast  of poha and paratha. The place was clean, comforting, and just what we needed  before we continued on our journey. The road through Kanha National Park  was a journey through enchantment, each turn revealing wonders that surpassed  the last. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. A world  where the hustle of everyday life fades away, and all that remains is the beauty of  nature, the gentle sounds of the river, and a sense of tranquillity that wraps around 

you like a warm embrace. Upon arrival, we were ushered to the common deck where we checked in. It  is the heart of the lodge where everyone gathers, not just for meals but also to connect with the  world beyond the jungle, thanks to it being the sole Wi-Fi zone. And here's a little insider tip  - having a Jio connection can be quite handy in these parts. Lucky for me, my Jio number kept me  connected, much to the envy of my fellow guests. Each step towards our tented suite was a step  into a wor

ld designed to blend seamlessly with the surroundings. The magic of Banjaar Tola  lies in its ability to offer luxury without ever detracting from the natural beauty that  envelops it. Our tent wasn't just any tent; it stood majestically on a steel  structure, adorned with wood and canvas, redefining luxury in the jungle. With its  king-sized bed, eco-friendly amenities, and the kind of privacy that promises a truly  intimate experience, every element here is curated to enhance our connection wi

th nature while  ensuring unparalleled comfort. The opulence of the bedroom matched the vastness of the bathroom,  complete with a separate shower, a bathtub, and his-and-her sinks. The attention to detail is  evident from the get-go. The blend of traditional and modern design, the eco-friendly practices,  and the staff, who greet you with such warmth, it's like coming home. Banjaar Tola isn't  just a place you stay; it's an experience that begins with the very first impression. Imagine waking u

p to this view every morning, where the only sounds are the calls of the wild  and the gentle flow of the Banjaar River. It's not just a stay; it's an immersion into tranquillity  and beauty. The spacious deck overlooking the Banjaar River is a mini heaven. At Banjaar Tola,  every day begins with a promise of new adventures and the guarantee of impeccable service and  amenities that cater to every whim and fancy. We unpacked, settled in, and before we knew it,  were enjoying a celebratory drink

and traditional local lunch on the deck. The chefs here are  incredible; just let them know in advance what you're craving, and they'll whip up anything  from traditional dishes to your heart's desire. Banjaar Tola isn't just about the breathtaking  natural beauty or the luxurious comfort; it's also a celebration of local art  and culture. A unique feature of our stay was the captivating collection  of original tribal Gond paintings, created by artists from the village  of Dindori in Madhya Prad

esh. This stunning piece here is the work of Rameshwar  Dhurwey, a Gond artist whose creations reflect the vibrant wildlife, customs, and festivals of  his tribe. Inspired by stories passed down from his elders and his personal devotion, Dhurwey  believes his art pleases the gods. His work, characterized by simplicity and striking  impressions, features colourful figures set against the canvas, creating waves with their  colourfully dotted forms. It's more than art; it's a narrative woven in col

ours, bringing the  folklore and the spirit of Madhya Pradesh to life. Guests here have the exclusive opportunity  to purchase these paintings, taking home a piece of the local heritage and the timeless stories  of the Gond tribe. It's a beautiful reminder of the connection between this place, its people, and  the guests who come seeking more than just a stay. After a restful nap, we were treated to French  press coffee and the view of the sprawling jungle and Banjaar River from our deck. We got

ready  and headed to the common deck for our dinner. I'm wearing this stunning multicoloured dress  from the brand Antheaa, perfectly adding some colour to this evening. Our first evening at  Banjaar Tola was about to unfold into one of the most enchanting experiences of our stay. As  we prepared to head to the common deck for dinner, a captivating sight awaited us. The path from  our room to the dining area was transformed into a corridor of light, lined with hundreds of  lanterns. It was like

stepping into a fairy tale. The warm glow of the lanterns guided our way, yet  never disturbing the natural harmony of the park. Dining here is not just about the food, which is  exquisite, by the way, but about the experience. Eating under the stars, surrounded by the sounds  of the forest, adds a magical touch to every meal. It was an evening we'll always remember, a  perfect beginning to our anniversary celebration. The next morning's early wake-up call brought  an early morning safari, an e

xperience not to be missed. It is wise to choose clothing in neutral,  camouflage colours such as brown, khaki, stone, or beige which will make you less visible and able  to get closer to the wild animals you may want to see. It is advisable to layer your clothing as  this provides more warmth when necessary and allows you to remove clothing during the hottest  period of the day. We weren't prepared with layers and the mornings here can be deceptively cool.  I was wearing a playsuit in a muted g

reen tone with a cap and a scarf to cover my face from all  the dust. Our naturalist and guide, equipped us with hot water bottles and blankets, ensuring we  were comfortable as we ventured into the park. Shikhar, our naturalist, and the forest Guard  Ramkali ensured we were in good hands as we ventured out into the cool morning air. Kanha  is home to some 22 species of mammals that include royal Bengal tigers, leopards,  striped palm squirrel, common langur, jackal, wild pigs, Chital, Barasingh

a or swamp  deer, blackbuck, and sambar. Interestingly, Kanha Tiger Reserve is also respected globally for  saving the barasingha from near extinction. Thus, 'Bhoorsingh the Barasingha' became the  official mascot for Kanha National Park. Our safari was thoughtfully divided over two days, exploring different sections of the  park to avoid crowding. This morning, entering through the Mukki gate, we were greeted  by the jungle's morning chorus. And then, within the first 15 minutes, a moment we'd 

only dreamed of - our first big cat sighting. And then later we spotted another majestic  tigress called Neelam with her cubs, basking in the sunlight. The cubs,  playful in the tall grasslands, were a sight of pure joy and wonder. Witnessing these  magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, we were speechless. This was the magic of  Kanha - raw, untamed, and unbelievably close. Our guides shared that such sightings are  rare, a once-in-a-lifetime experience even for them. This journey to

Kanha National  Park, our encounters with its wildlife, and the peace it enveloped us in is something  we'll carry with us forever. For those yet to experience the magic of a national park, let  Kanha be your first. It's an experience that calls you back, again and again, a testament  to the beauty and mystery of the wild. Breakfast at the Mukki Gate was a delight,  especially the curd with homemade granola and fruit compote - a must-try. As we  enjoyed our breakfast amidst the jungle, the sense

of connection to the wild was  overwhelming. Kanha is not just about the elusive tiger; it's a sanctuary of diverse  flora and fauna and the morning hours are indeed the best for safari, offering the  highest chances of wildlife sightings. Our fifth anniversary evening was magical. I wore  this gorgeous co-ord set from libas adding a bit of color and drama to the jungle aesthetics.  Escorted to a secluded corner of the property, we were treated to a dinner under the full  moon, complete with la

nterns, a bonfire, and a cake to mark our journey together. It was  here, under the vast expanse of the starlit sky, where we celebrated our love with a dinner  that was about more than just the cuisine—it was a feast for the soul. As we sat down  for our special dinner, the ambience took our breath away. The flicker of the lanterns,  the crackle of the bonfire, the symphony of the jungle around us—it all came together to create  a setting so romantic, so intimate, it felt like we were the only

two people in the world. Banjaar  Tola didn't just serve us a meal; they curated an experience that touched our hearts, an evening  where love, nature, and the warmth of human connection came together in perfect harmony.  It was an unforgettable celebration of love. When we got back to our room, we discovered  another lovely surprise - balloons and a special anniversary wish, a testament to  Banjaar Tola's incredible hospitality. The next day brought another early morning safari,  an experience

not to be missed. We were prepared with layers, I wore a pair of shorts and a cropped  top with a denim jacket and this time we had with us Namrata- Our naturalist and guide, equipped  with hot water bottles and blankets, ensuring we were comfortable as we ventured into the park. We met another couple from Hyderabad who were celebrating their 1st anniversary and joined  us on the safari this morning. Unfortunately, we didn't spot any big cats that day but the  safari was thrilling full of fun co

nversations, anticipation of encounters with other  animals and bonding with fellow travelers. The lodge boasts a secluded pool, a  hidden oasis overlooking the jungle, offering a moment of solitude. We enjoyed  this private oasis that afternoon when the other guests were out on safari, the stillness  of the water reflecting the wilderness around us. We relaxed a bit and then got dressed for the  evening. I wore this lovely short black and white printed dress and we explored the  property with o

ur guard Dashrath ji. He was kind enough to walk us to the end of the  property as we walked hand in hand chatting and simply enjoying the place we were in. We were lucky to be the only ones having dinner there that night as a lot of guests had  already checked out or were on night safaris. They lit a small bonfire for us on the deck and  we had a lovely traditional meal under the stars and amongst some of the sweetest people I have  met on our travels, and we travel quite a bit. The next mornin

g we woke up late and had a  leisurely breakfast at the deck. Before leaving, we took a tour with our naturalist Abhaas, who  helped us explore the lodge and the ecological wonders of the park, and even met the GM's  friendly German Shepherd, such a cutie. Saying goodbye was tough—every staff member made  an impact, sharing stories of the jungle that we'll carry with us forever. Our time at Banjaar  Tola was more than a stay; it was an immersive experience woven into our story. From the safaris 

that brought us face-to-face with majestic tigers to the conversations with staff that enriched  our understanding of the jungle, every moment here has been unforgettable. As we bid farewell  to the staff and the lodge, we knew these memories would stay with us forever. The entire experience,  from airport transfers to the surprise dinner and the attention to detail with personal touches,  was impeccably organized and a pure delight. Banjaar Tola is more than a getaway;  it's an intimate encoun

ter with nature, a luxury wrapped in the wild's embrace,  and a journey of love and adventure. To anyone seeking a blend of adventure and  tranquillity, this is the place to be. Until our next adventure, stay  wild, stay wonderful. Bye-bye!