Central India
Saj in the Forest
Saj in the Forest is a jungle retreat situated just outside of Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve, near the popular Turia Gate. Pench National Park, now a celebrated Tiger Reserve, was established in 1975. Spanning 32 acres of rolling terrain, Saj in the Forest sits on the reserve’s buffer zone, thoughtfully unfenced to preserve the natural habitat it sits within.
Offering mid-range accommodation, its 17 rooms, inspired by Gond village architecture, provide a comfortable accommodation option with modern amenities. Guests can immerse themselves in the wilderness through wildlife safaris, astro photography sessions, and pottery workshops.
Facilities
Restaurant, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, games lounge, bonfire area, swimming pool.
Four room categories: Mahua, Palash, Sal Junior Suite, and Sal Executive Suite.
Local Wildlife
Mammals: Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, dhole (Indian wild dog), jungle cat, golden jackal, striped hyena, Indian wolf, nilgai, wild boar, chital, gaur, barking deer, sambar deer, rhesus macaque, Hanuman langur, porcupine, palm civet, small Indian civet.
Over 285 bird species including: mottled wood owl, river tern, emerald dove, yellow-footed green pigeon, spot-billed duck, Eurasian spoonbill, Asian openbill stork, hoopoe, red-naped ibis, black stork, orange-headed thrush, lesser whistling duck, Jacobin cuckoo, red avadavat, painted francolin, spangled drongo, common iora, golden-fronted leafbird, tawny-bellied babbler, Indian paradise flycatcher, scarlet minivet, Malabar pied hornbill, shikra, red-headed vulture, peregrine falcon, black-hooded oriole, purple sunbird, grey-bellied cuckoo, ruddy shelduck, painted spurfowl.
Optional Activities
Game drives in Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve, backwater safari, safari breakfasts, pottery village visit, 'an evening at kohka', dining under the stars, night photography, Gond celebrations, hot-air balloon rides, picnics.
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding our India tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Naturalist guides were brilliant. We seem to have been given the best one in each place. Had same one for whole of stay in each place. Cultural guides gave just enough information and then left you to ask questions about what interested you which is what we like. They did not seem to have a set patter. Helpful about photographic sites – i.e. good position to take photos.
[OVERALL STANDARD OF SERVICE] Excellent isn’t good enough. In every place we were treated like royalty. Totally relaxed and felt totally safe but not smothered.
[WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS] 11 tigers, innumerable rhino, wild elephants, buffalo, otters, hog and swamp deer, and wild boar. Birds at Keoladeo excellent. Watched leopard and three cubs at Siana for 1.5 hrs of exceptional viewing.
An outstanding holiday which far exceeded our expectations. Many people would enjoy it I’m sure.