Bera Safari Lodge
Bera Safari Lodge, Rughnathpura, Rajasthan, India
Bera Safari Lodge in Rughnathpura, Rajasthan, India, fosters a peaceful coexistence between leopards and shepherds.
The Venue
Bera Safari Lodge, located in the Pali district of Western Rajasthan, is surrounded by Jawai and Bera, which form one of the largest dams in the state and provide water for the desert region. In 2013, the Jawai Bandh forests were designated as a conservation reserve, thanks to the efforts of Shatrunjay, the owner of Bera Safari Lodge, and other conservationists who fought against mining grants that threatened the landscape and the leopards. The lodge is strategically located near Liloda hill, a popular hideout for leopards, with all seven cottages facing the hill, providing guests with the opportunity to spot these majestic creatures from the comfort of their beds.
The intimate size of Bera Safari Lodge and Shatrunjay's focus on providing a unique experience aligns with KOI motto. Shatrunjay aims to educate guests about the relationship between leopards and shepherds, and the story of the Jawai leopards, whose care and protection was due to the foresight and benevolence of the shepherd community. He believes that tourism should benefit the community and ensure the safety of the leopards, and this is the driving force behind his hospitality business.
Who is hosting?
Shatrunjay, a highly skilled sommelier, photographer, and naturalist, together with his wife Katyayani, runs Bera Safari Lodge as an extension of their own home. Guests are warmly welcomed and can expect an immersive experience of Bera. Katyayani oversees the lodge's operations with elegance and pride, while Shatrunjay curates all the activities offered by the lodge, in line with Bera's commitment to preserving the wilderness and empowering the local community. Shatrunjay firmly believes that protecting the forests and including the Rabari community is essential to safeguarding the leopards of Jawai.
Aesthetics & Philosophy
The five cottages at Bera Safari Lodge are spacious, comfortable, and unpretentious, occupying a ten-acre estate. Each cottage is strategically designed to offer stunning views of the Liloda hill and the surrounding wilderness, with large picture windows that bring nature closer to you. The landscape around the cottages is continuously being improved, with plans to plant more indigenous trees and shrubs, further enhancing the natural environment. The dining area, located in the main lodge, can accommodate up to twelve people at a time, providing a cozy and intimate setting for guests to enjoy their meals.
Accommodation
Bera Safari Lodge offers a total of seven cottages, each thoughtfully placed to ensure privacy while still encouraging social interaction among guests. The cottages feature a charming stone facade and have spacious interiors, with large picture windows and en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are equipped with several plug points, indicating the lodge's photographer-friendly approach.
The lodge's dining area is located in a large room where guests typically dine together, although private dining options are available upon request. The cuisine served is a delicious blend of traditional Rajasthani dishes, with comfort food options also available for those seeking something familiar. As the pricing at Bera Safari Lodge includes full board, guests can expect a varied menu at every meal. The cooking style reflects the regional flavors of rural Rajasthan, where ingredients are creatively used to overcome scarcity. Chickpea flour, dried legumes, and staple grains like bajra and corn are commonly used, while chutneys and curries are made from locally available ingredients such as raw turmeric and coriander.
Experiences
Bera Safari Lodge offers a range of excursions and activities, such as Jawai Bandh Safaris for wildlife and birdwatching, village visits to interact with the Rabari community, and cycling trips. The lodge organizes early morning and afternoon jeep safaris, led by knowledgeable naturalists, for guests to explore the wildlife and bird species of the Jawai Bandh area, including the elusive leopard. Photography and filming groups are also welcome. Bera Safari Lodge is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers of all fitness levels, who have a love for nature and conservation. The lodge is open all year round.
Conscious Travel
Bera Safari Lodge's commitment to conservation is reflected in its logo and the promise to maintain the harmony between leopards and shepherds.
The Lodge makes efforts to minimize the use of all kinds of plastic, dispose of garbage safely and conserve water. The cottages are designed to maximize natural light and blend with the environment. Protecting the Jawai landscape, engaging with the local community, and preserving heritage are important to the Lodge.
Bera Safari Lodge works with the Rabari community to maintain the easy coexistence between humans and leopards. The Lodge supports the community by conducting medical camps and protecting water sources for wild animals. The Lodge also played a role in halting mining in the region to protect wildlife.
The Lodge is a perfect destination for those who love wildlife and nature and are interested in learning about the Rabari tribe and local culture. It is important to stay with people who are committed to protecting the habitat of the leopards and their privacy, as they are the ones who created the tourism opportunities, not the other way around.
