We opened Shergarh in 2004 as an intimate and informal camp where like-minded travellers and wildlife enthusiasts come together from all over the world to enjoy the natural wonders of Kanha. Over the past two decades, we have nurtured an old eucalyptus plantation into a young indigenous woodland and witnessed a plethora of wildlife return. Simultaneously, we have grown a wonderful team dedicated to providing you with a truly memorable experience.

The tents

Eight spacious tents are individually situated in our regenerated woodland. Two tents are specifically designed for families.

Zip into a breathable canvas bedroom lined with white block-printed cotton and oversized netted windows that allow you to connect with the natural surroundings. Each tent has AC and a heater, a large, comfortable bed, a writing desk and easy chairs, and plenty of charging points for all your travel gadgets.

Open the bamboo door into a generous ensuite bathroom with twin basins, separate toilet and shower rooms, and a designated area to store and organise your luggage. Our showers are really good, and we provide toiletries made from 100% natural products in reusable glass bottles. A hairdryer is provided.

Each tent has a private verandah with cane chairs and built-in loungers where you can relax, enjoy the birdlife, sunbathe and gaze up at the stars.

The experience of sleeping in canvas is the closest you can get to sleeping outdoors while having all the comfort and security of the indoors.

From November to February, the night temperatures drop considerably, so we provide a heater, hot water bottles and warm cotton razais (duvets). In the daytime, warmth and natural light bathes the room through the large netted windows.

The AC helps to beat the daytime heat of the warmer months of March to June. But, at sunset, you’ll be amazed at how much the forest cools. We even recommend keeping the window shades open at night to allow the refreshing breeze to flow through the netted screen and lull you to sleep in the most natural way possible, to the hum of crickets and frog croaks and the magical sight of fireflies twinkling in the trees outside.

The setting

At the centre of the camp, our spring-fed waterbody attracts cormorants, kingfishers, herons, teal, waterhens and hundreds of breeding egrets. A lovely big deck cantilevered over the water is a favourite breakfast and sunset spot, place to read, relax, do yoga and perhaps even dip in for a refreshing swim. There’s also a homemade raft for children to take out.

Overlooking the water is the Camp House, the central point for everyone to meet before heading on safari and to gather for meals. The verandah is an ideal place to relax with a drink from the bar or a book from our library. We have a good selection of wildlife references and Indian fiction. We also have a small souvenir shop.

Our local chefs, Antram and Dilip, prepare light salad lunches using ingredients fresh from our garden or local markets. Dinners are cooked in the style of a traditional Indian home, delicately flavoured and accompanied with flat-breads and pickles, but can prepare continental cuisine if you prefer. They make delicious cakes, tarts, bread and quiches, homemade muesli and a few in-house inventions as safari breakfast treats.

Dining takes place in the Camp House, on the verandah, under the shade of a large tree or by the light of the moon. We usually all eat together sharing our stories and experiences, but we set up individual tables in private locations too.

THE TEAM

Shergarh was created in 2004 by Jehan and Katie Bhujwala, who met while working in Kanha. It quickly became our family home as we brought up our two children, Kai and Ella, homeschooling them in Kanha while running the lodge. Over the years, we have nurtured a wonderful local team which includes our brilliant chefs, Antram and Dilip who helped to build the camp; Son Kumar and Lalita who handle front-of-house warmly welcoming and attending to our guests’ needs; Sudhiya and Sombati who head our housekeeping team, as well as nightguards and other supporting members. Almost 50% of our team are women.

Heading our naturalist team is Rajan Gurung who has been with us since 2005, making him one of the longest-standing and most experienced lodge naturalists at Kanha. He grew up in the tiger-rich forests of Nepal and is an extremely talented tracker and guide. He is ably supported by his daughter, Aaisa who he has personally trained as a 3rd-generation naturalist of the Gurung family. Our manager Catherene is also a highly skilled and experienced naturalist. She brings forest walks and other spontaneous moments to life with her infectious enthusiasm for all the smaller wonders of the wild.

Together, we are committed to providing you with special memories to last a lifetime.