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UK: 01473 890499Rating: Deluxe
Located across the waters of the Tawa Dam from Satpura National Park, Forsyth's is a stylish and environmentally friendly lodge that is working closely with the management of Satpura National Park.
The design of the 12 cottages has been inspired by local architecture, and each is built with local materials and decorated by the local villagers. Recently refurbished, the cottages have ample luggage and storage room, including a wardrobe and chest of drawers, and are air conditioned. Each cottage has a large en-suite bathroom, private veranda and roof terrace where you opt to sleep under the stars.
The open fireplace and bar of the central building provides a comfortable place to relax after a days safari, and meals are served around a communal table with local produce. The comfortable lounge and bar are on the first floor, where there is also an open terrace with panoramic views of the mountains. This is a great place for enjoying a sundowner and dinner in the evening breezes. The swimming pool is a especially welcome on a hot day.
All staff have been employed from local villages, and the lodge has been designed to recycle all waste water and harvests rain water to reduce its environmental impact. The lodge has been built on 44 acres of land, most of which remains untouched and is home to wild boar and jungle cats, as well as a variety of bird species.
While providing a very comfortable base, Forsyth's is not a luxury lodge and the focus here is on the wildlife. The guides are expertly trained, and lead both game drives and walking safaris within the park. The lodge has donated vehicles to the park and also maintains several hides inside the national park. A treetop viewing platform or macham has also been built inside the lodge grounds, and this is a great place for bird watching. Forsyth's also offers guided canoeing and kayaking and cycling. The variety of activities within Satpura National Park is unique within Indian parks, and while this is not the best place for tigers, the amount of other wildlife that can be seen here is unbeatable.
Open: Forsyth's Lodge is open from 16 October to 30 June.
Location: Forsyth's Lodge is located on the edge of Satpura National Park, near the village of Sarangpur, opposite the Madai entrance to the park. The nearest airport is in Bhopal, about 180 kms and 3 hours away. The Shatabadi Express train stops at Pipariya station, which is about a one hour drive from Forsyth's. The lodge is set in 44 acres of jungle.
Rooms: There are 12 cottages built from local materials to traditional designs, each with an en-suite shower room, private veranda and roof terrace where you can sleep out if you wish. Interiors are light and airy. The cottages are situated in an arc around the main lodge building.
Activities: There is a comprehensive wildlife programme including jeep drives in the national park and guided viewing in the lodge's own grounds. The lodge also arranges guided canoe trips and motorised boat rides on the Tawa Dam and guided wildlife walks. Indeed, this is the only tiger reserve where you can take guided walks. In addition you can go cycling and kayaking. The naturalist guides are from the local community, so have an in-depth knowledge of the area. The lodge has a hide which guests can visit by both day and night. There are opportunities for hikes of varying duration.
Facilities: The main lodge is a 2-storey building with a dining area on the ground floor and the lounge and bar above. There are open terraces which are used as al fresco dining areas. The lodge has a swimming pool. There is a gift shop. The lodge grounds are home to abundant wildlife.
Dining: Meals are taken at individual tables in the dining area or terrace. Private meals can be arranged on the cottage veranda or in the bush.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. The lodge arranges special activities for children, including a young naturalist's course.
Health: We recommend malarial prophylactics for travel to India.
Communication: There is internet access in public areas.
Notes: Please note Forsyth's Lodge cannot accept credit cards or traveller cheques, so payment must be by cash.
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UNESCO heritage site 
Income from this wildlife lodge has contributed to Satpura Tiger Reserve, and they have also trained boys from the local tribe for employment within the lodge. They were rated 'outstanding' by TOFT (Tour Operators for Tigers).
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0"A totally different experience from other lodges. You are made to feel a guest of the family and everyone is involved. Guides and naturalists join you for meals to make them a lovely experience. The food is amazing."
Tribes Travel, The Old Dairy, Wood Farm, Ipswich Road, Otley, Suffolk, IP6 9JW. Office hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5.30pm Telephone: 01473 890499
