Getting There Forsyth’s Satpura is 180km/ 3.5hrs from Bhopal. Regular flights connect to Bhopal from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Nagpur and Jabalpur. The lodge is within easy distance of other railheads as well: 1hr from Pipariya and 1.5hrs from Itarsi. The Bhopal Shatabdi connects Bhopal from Delhi (Rs 886/CC). The lodge organises pick-up from Bhopal (Rs 3,100 one-way). The road to Forsyth’s passes through Hoshangabad, which is the district as well as park headquarters.

Forsyth's Satpura The property, a small stylish 12-cottage wildlife lodge set in 44 acres of jungle, is located in Bijakhori village at the northern edge of the Satpura National Park. Built primarily in mud and inspired by local village design and materials, the lodge recycles all waste water, harvests rainwater and attempts, in the manner of so many eco-lodges in India and elsewhere, to “tread as lightly on the earth as possible.” TARIFF Rs 12,000 per person per night on twin-share; includes full board, beverages, laundry, Indian wines, spirits and beer, game drives, park walks and one elephant safari. Transfers, foreign liquors, camera fees, additional excursions extra. CONTACT 14/1, Bijakhori, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh; 07575-213806, www.forsythlodge.com

Satpura National Park The Satpura National Park (525 sq km) is the core area of the larger Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (4,927 sq km), a unique ecosystem rather rich in biodiversity. The forests harbour tiger, leopard, bear, wild boar, gaur, civet and several species of deer and also the charismatic Malabar giant squirrel. The park is one of the few tiger reserves in India that permit visitors to walk through its trails and this makes for a very special experience. It is also possible to tour the area by jeep, elephant and also cruise its waterways by motorboat.

When To Go The park is open between October 16 and June 30 every year and closes during the monsoon months. Summers in central India are very hot, however, so the April-June period is best avoided.