Shergarh Tented Camp
Kanha National Park
Tucked away on the quieter, southern edge of Kanha National Park, Shergarh Tented Camp offers a peaceful and immersive wildlife experience far removed from the more heavily trafficked northern zones. This charming eco-retreat is owned and managed by Jehan and Katie, a warm and welcoming couple whose passion for nature and conservation shines through in every detail. Jehan, a seasoned naturalist with deep roots in the region, brings the forest to life with his exceptional knowledge of its flora and fauna. His wife Katie, originally from England, adds a touch of understated elegance and hospitality, creating a balance that makes Shergarh feel both adventurous and comfortably familiar.
Shergarh’s owners are also connected to The Bhuj House, a heritage homestay in their ancestral native town of Bhuj, Gujarat. While not a commercial sister hotel in Kanha, this property offers a cultural complement; an elegant, family-run stay that reflects the Bhujwalas’ broader heritage hospitality and conservation ethos.
With only six spacious tents thoughtfully scattered around a serene waterhole, Shergarh guarantees privacy and tranquility. Each tent is shaded by mature trees, offering cool respite from the midday heat and often attracting visits from birds, butterflies and the occasional curious langur. The tents are simple yet elegant, blending traditional design with modern comforts, expect large beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and front verandas perfect for morning tea or evening birdwatching.
What truly sets Shergarh apart is its intimate and personal atmosphere. The camp is run with a quiet efficiency and warmth that makes guests feel more like houseguests than tourists. Meals are freshly prepared using local ingredients, often served al fresco under the stars or by the fire on cooler nights. Conversations flow easily around the communal table, often revolving around the day’s sightings or local lore shared by Jehan and his team.
Game drives into the park are expertly guided and tailored to guest interests, with the southern zone offering excellent chances of spotting Kanha’s famed tigers, barasingha (swamp deer), leopards and a rich array of birdlife, all without the crowds found in busier parts of the park. Beyond the safari, Shergarh provides unique opportunities to explore the cultural and natural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. Guests can join guided forest walks, cycle through nearby villages, or take part in traditional cooking demonstrations. These immersive experiences offer a deeper connection to the land and its people, allowing visitors to understand the rhythms of rural life and the interdependence between communities and conservation.
Shergarh is more than just a base for wildlife safaris, it's a sanctuary for nature lovers, a place where luxury lies in the details, and where time slows down to the pace of the jungle. Whether you're a first-time visitor to India or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, Shergarh Tented Camp promises an unforgettable stay marked by warm hospitality, meaningful encounters and a deep sense of place.
To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson