Chambal Safari Lodge

Set within bright green forest and working farmland, the lodge resides on 35 acres of the old family plantation. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of the town, this is a place for relaxation and connecting with nature. The main building, Mela Kothi, is home to the dining room and a bar, and there are plenty of seating areas dotted around the grounds. Expect to sample an abundance of local cuisine daily and spend evenings huddled around the bonfire, gazing up at the night sky.

You'll sleep either in a room in the main house or in one of the many cottages around the grounds. Both come in varying sizes and offer a taste of local design and hospitality. There are 13 spots to stay in total, and some offer access to the welcoming library or open out onto a pebbled courtyard or farmland, whilst others come complete with lovely private gardens or verandahs.

The lodge runs regular safaris, both on the Chambal River (they are the only lodge in the area allowed to do so) and in the National Chambal Sanctuary, 22 kilometres away. On the water, you'll spot turtles, gharials, muggers and, if you're lucky, the Ganges river dolphin. Trips out by jeep should bring spottings of sarus cranes, along with other breeds of wetland birds and buckback deer. The ancient town of Bateshwar is also fun to explore, or you could stay put and spot jungle cats, hares and fruit bats in the gardens.