Suján Sher Bagh – India
Sher means tiger. And Sher Bagh, is quite possibly the most exquisite place to stay if you want to see them in their natural state in India. A luxury tented camp, evocatively styled in the Raj era of the 1920s, with dining and lounge tent, library, and with a team of exceptional staff, it’s nestled on the edge of the ancient Ranthambhore forest, surrounded by ruined Mughal palaces, crumbling fortresses and follies.
Ranthambhore, between the Aravalli Hills range and the Chambal river system, hosts an incredible ecosystem, making it a one of a kind wildlife haven. Guides and resident naturalists are highly trained, and there’s nothing they don’t know about the tigers and their habitat.
At A Glance
Glamping
Why We Love It:
For its exceptional luxury amongst the abundance of extraordinary wildlife.Style:
Elegant Raj chic.Location:
Close to the boundary of Ranthambhore National Park.Rooms:
12 elegant and luxurious tented suites, with views over the forest and grasslands.Swimming:
A heated pool on the main terrace with views out across the tiger reserve.Children:
Families are given a very warm welcome.Accessibility:
One of the tents is accessible for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
All year roundrooms
Inspired by the traditional Indian safari camps of days gone by, the 12 tented suites are an elegant combination of classic style and top end luxury. Each Jungle Suite comes with a large bathroom, with a brass bathtub and an open stone shower. Glass and canvas walls open out onto a private veranda, which in turn, looks out over the surrounding jungle and grasslands. The very private Family Machhli Suite comprises two adjacent tents within its own walled garden.
For exclusivity and no luxury spared, the Royal Sher and the two bedroom Imperial Raj Bagh Suites are the ones to choose. Set in their own gardens, with heated plunge pools, large terraces with a firepit, and open air bathrooms, they’re seriously lavish.
food
With the Relais & Châteaux seal of approval, you know you’re going to dine like kings. The food served here is a mouthwatering mix of Anglo-Indian dishes, with produce either grown on the Sher Bagh farm, or sourced locally. Eat in the elegant tented dining room, on the terrace under the stars, a quiet nook somewhere, or in the privacy of your own tent. Early morning game drives come with a delicious breakfast on the move. The chefs here love imparting their knowledge, and guests are welcome to join in a cooking session.
activities
Dawn and dusk safaris are truly magical. Guides take you deep into the forest in search of tigers. But they’re not the only inhabitants. Expect to see deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, mongoose, a bewildering array of birds, and possibly even a leopard. Guests can also opt for a half or full day drive, going deep into the forest and exploring its secrets.
Within the park is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ranthambhore Fort – the ruins of a 16th century Mughal citadel, whose views of the forest are stunning. Guides can take you through the ramparts, explaining its history, and picnics can be arranged too. And when you’re not on a game drive, unwind in the Jungle Spa, under the shade of a tree, with a invigorating massage.
family
This is a truly magical place to bring your children. However, as the game drives need silence, we’d advise that it’s better suited to older children. There are activities for younger guests and babysitting is also available.
sustainability
The owners, the Singh Family, have played a major role in preserving Ranthambhore for half a decade, funding conservation and anti-poaching initiatives. Each guest’s stay includes a contribution to local community projects, from education and skills development, to healthcare projects and encouraging harmonious coexistence with the environment. And most of the staff are local, many having been there since the camp opened. At night, the lights are kept low, so as to have a minimal impact on the wildlife as possible.
Location
Ranthambhore National Park, India
Close to the boundary of Ranthambhore National Park – a 20 minute drive from Sawai Madhopur railway station, or 30 minutes from the closest airstrip. Jaipur is the nearest city, 180km away.
