A winning combination of adventure, responsible luxury, impeccable service and a deep commitment towards social welfare, Taj Safaris provides memorable wildlife experiences
Perhaps the best way to enjoy nature is to venture out into the wilderness. And, what better way than enjoying a jungle safari in an open-air vehicle with a wildlife expert, who knows the ins and outs of the jungle? The Taj Safaris Resident Naturalists take ownership of your experience from the time of arrival at each lodge. They help interpret the ways of the wild, as jungle experts and guide your conversations with nature, as friends. Located in five different national parks in India and Nepal, the five luxurious Taj Safaris lodges include Bandhavgarh National Park, Panna National Park, Pench National Park, Kanha National Park and Chitwan National Park. Known for their superb services and luxury amenities, these lodges conduct personalised safari tours, which are perfect for close encounters with the wild. But, at the core of it all, lies their values of nature conservation and commitment towards society. A getaway with Taj Safaris intersperses wildlife adventure with unhurried lifestyle of the villages in the area. Appreciate the crucial inter-dependence between the flora and fauna and also the cultural richness of the true heart of India. How often do you get to experience first-hand, oneness with nature and to discover beauty in simplicity?
Luxury Accommodation and Facilities When it comes to wooing guests with unparalleled services and unmatched luxury, no one does it better than the Taj. Each lodge is constructed keeping the locales around it in mind. The camp in Kanha meanders along the banks of the Banjaar River on tented suites overlooking the core jungle on the other, while the lodge in Chitwan does same by the banks of the Rapti River with its villas adorning local motifs. Sleep out in a private Machan in Pench or experience living in a Kutiya or a mud hut in Bandhavgarh, plastered with a paste of mud and cow dung by village women. The lodges are known to provide safari experiences in custom-made open vehicles with stepped seating to provide a vantage point for each one on it! Local organic produce find their way into the kitchen, where chefs rustle up delicious culinary fare. Activities like Nature Walks with your Resident Naturalist, visiting local villages, going on nature trails and star gazing are quite popular among guests.
CSR Initiatives Taj Safaris combine luxury with social and environmental responsibilities. The lodges take part in social welfare activities, such as community development, community children welfare, skill development and wildlife conservation.
Community Development Rapid urbanisation has taken a toll on traditional communities and their art and culture. The lodges employ 70 per cent of their workforce from local youths, so that they can have the opportunity to develop their skills and generate income for their families. Village folks are employed to showcase their traditional forms of song and dance for guests. The Tharu villagers near Chitwan, the Gond tribes near Kanha and the potters of Pachdhar have immensely benefitted from the community development programme of Taj Safaris. Madhau Kothi, another popular Taj Lodge, employs local women for periodical mud plastering.
Children Welfare Taj Safaris Naturalists from Banjaar Tola, Kanha Park, have made pioneering contributions towards nature education and training programmes in the tiger reserve, organised by the Forest Department, for village children, including those who are deaf and mute. Some lodges also distribute nutrition packs to Anganwadi children every fortnight.
Nature and Wildlife Conservation Taj Safaris have been instrumental in preserving and protecting the local habitat. Inspired by the Madhya Pradesh government, the lodges participated in a plantation drive by planting 1,000 native species and protecting them. An innovative conservation programme has been undertaken in Pashan Garh. Every monsoon, Taj Safari, Panna National Park, uproots lantana and plants and nurtures native species such as Calcutta bamboo, jambolan, banyan, etc. The uprooted lantana are then utilised in making compost. Lantana-free forest floor attracts more sunlight, supporting the growth and development of native shrubs and plants. Ground water was recharged by creating check dams. This allowed water to percolate slowly, fostering moist conditions for vegetation growth. The lodge undertook an initiative to protect its jungle from forest fires by creating fire-break corridors reinforced with a stone-brick wall. The height was kept suitable for ungulates to hop over with this. This led to a higher presence of animals such as deer, nilgai and sambar within the lodge acreage.
Awards and Accolades Taj Safaris have been recognised for their superior services and the Corporate Social Responsibility programme. Condé Nast Traveller has awarded Banjaar Tola the ‘Best Safari Lodge in India 2017’ prize. Leisure and Travel lists Chitwan as one of ‘Best New Hotels of the World, 2017’ and it features amongst the Best of the Best by Robb Report 2017 Taj Safaris was awarded the Safari Special Company of the Year at the World Travel Awards in Januray, 2017. Mohua Kothi in Bandhavgarh was conferred the ‘Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year’ at 2012 Tours Operator for Tigers Wildlife Tourism Awards – all of which speak voluminously about the excellent work done by the brand. As a pioneer in the field of social and environmental protection, Taj Safaris offer holistic wildlife experience in a responsible manner. Resident naturalists from diverse backgrounds connect with guests on a friendly basis. Open-air vehicles provide panoramic views of the wild. Locally grown, fresh, organic produce make dinnertime experience memorable. Guests are also encouraged to participate in local community development programmes. Choose the cause that connects with you.