Jamtara Wilderness Camp
Jamtara Wilderness Camp, Pench, M.P, India
Jamtara Wilderness Camp in Pench, Madhya Pradesh, India is a high-end tented accommodation that offers a unique experience of living in the midst of untamed nature.
The Venue
Jamtara Wilderness Camp is a rare gem of a wildlife lodge located in Pench, Madhya Pradesh, India, that stands out from the crowd due to its exclusivity and unique ecosystem. Unlike the busier gates that are typically flooded with tourists, Jamtara offers a secluded retreat for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Pench Tiger Reserve is a stunning natural wonder with undulating topography, dense green undercover, and diverse fauna, including aquatic life and avian fauna. The reserve was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1992 and derives its name from the Pench River that flows through it. The Jamtara gate allows for exclusive drives into the national park, which has fewer vehicles out on safari, providing a more personalized experience.
The forest in Pench is dominated by teak but also supports other tree species, including the Indian Ghost tree or Kullu gum tree, which adds a dramatic dimension to forest drives with its glowing papery bark under the moonlight. The park is known for its healthy population of tigers, leopards, and wild dogs, along with other carnivores and herbivores such as sloth bears, sambars, wild boars, nilghai, langur, gaurs, and an extensive bird species list.
The design of Jamtara Wilderness Camp has been thoughtfully executed, with understated luxury and a conscious effort to create a unique experience for guests. The camp deliberately chose a location far away from the popular areas, offering guests the opportunity to reconnect with nature. From the open grasslands to the small number of tented accommodations, every aspect of the camp has been created with care, resulting in its success as a top wildlife lodge.
Who is hosting?
Amit Sankhala, the Managing Director of Encounters Asia, Tiger Resorts Pvt. Ltd and Jamtara Wilderness Camp, has conservation in his genes. His grandfather, Kailash Sankhala, was the mastermind behind Project Tiger, and his father, Pradeep Sankhala, developed Kanha and Bandhavgarh Jungles Lodges. Amit has been exploring the remote forests of India since he was a child, and he is committed to continuing the legacy of nature conservation and wildlife tourism. He has extensive knowledge and an unwavering passion for the field of tourism, which has helped him succeed in his profession.
Neel, a seasoned wildlife scientist, leads Jamtara Wilderness Camp, and Amit is a trustee of Tiger Trust, which his grandfather founded in 1989. The trust is involved in various activities, including educating children on wildlife, providing medical aid to rural villages surrounding national parks, fighting against wildlife crime, and conducting capacity-building programs.
To broaden his understanding of conservation and improve his camps and wildlife tourism, Amit has traveled and studied wildlife conservancies, parks, concessions, and sanctuaries around the world, including Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Rain Forests of the Pantanal for Jaguars, Polar Bears in the Arctic, Pumas of Chile, Mountain Gorillas of Uganda, and underwater life of the Galapagos. He is also known for his expeditions to see Snow Leopards, which have gained popularity among the wildlife community and helped set the standard for high-altitude expeditions.
Observing the models and politics of wildlife around the world, Amit has brought many ideas back to India. He has implemented a community sharing model through the unique "Star Bed" at Jamtara Wilderness Camp.
Aesthetics & Philosophy
Jamtara Wilderness Camp is situated in the northern region of Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh, providing guests with exclusive access to the park through Jamtara gate, which is a two-minute drive from the camp. Unlike other nearby lodges, Jamtara is located in isolation close to Jamtara village, giving guests a unique experience of the jungle.
The camp is designed like a typical lodge in the wild, similar to those built by the British in the jungles around India. A large banyan tree at the entrance welcomes guests to the camp, which is surrounded by buffer forests on one side and farmlands on the other. The camp covers 10 acres of land, which is an extension of the forest, featuring Teak, Arjuna, and Kusum trees, a dry river-bed, and an abundance of birds and insects.
The owners have maintained a delicate balance between nature sensitivity and luxury camping, with the central lodge housing the lounge, library, swimming pool, and dining area. The discreet main service area, staff quarters, and organic kitchen garden are situated to the side, while the tents are located in the grasslands near the treeline buffer forest and dried river bed. The décor of the tents is simple yet stylish, featuring striking colors of ochre, pink, green, and turquoise over cushions and beds.
The tents are designed with an interesting mix of elements, stories around furniture, floors, and fixtures. The camp staff greets guests with a chilled lemonade and cold towels as they enter the camp, which instantly sets the tone for a signature indulgent Jamtara jungle adventure.
Accommodation
Jamtara offers 10 African safari-themed tents, each situated in a private thicket on a raised platform. The tents feature spacious patios ideal for relaxing with a book, enjoying a nap or bird watching. Guests can choose between king-sized beds or twin beds, and the tents are furnished with a writing desk, a two-seater couch, ample charging points, subtle lighting, and thoughtful amenities such as colouring books, crayons, torches, and bottled water, ensuring a comfortable stay.
The Star Bed concept, inspired by Amit's travels in Africa, is a unique conservation initiative in the Indian context. Proceeds from the overnight use of the Star Beds go to the farmer who owns the land, which is frequently damaged by wild boars. The Star Bed provides an opportunity for guests to experience a romantic stay under the stars in the wild, with breathtaking views of the nocturnal movements of wild animals and birds. The elevated machan, located on farmland adjacent to the buffer forest, features a four-poster bed, gossamer insect protection, double duvets, and hot water bottles for a comfortable night's sleep. Washroom facilities are located on the ground level, and an attendant is available nearby. This experience is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and those who love the wild.
The dining experience at Jamtara is exceptional, featuring a menu that combines traditional and modern Indian cuisine. Breakfast includes made-to-order eggs (highly recommended are the near-perfect Masterchef-quality scrambled eggs), sausages, marmite, grilled tomatoes, hash browns, and local nashta items. Main meals mostly comprise vegetarian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the kitchen's commitment to sustainability.
Experience
Jamtara offers scheduled 4X4 safaris through Karmajhiri or Jamtara gates, led by their knowledgeable in-house naturalists who are passionate about sharing their intimate knowledge of the forests. It is highly recommended to explore the natural world on a guided nature walk around the camp. Guests must also experience an overnight stay in the Star Bed, a unique opportunity to witness the forest come alive under the night sky. This dry deciduous forest is visually captivating and provides an open habitat, unlike denser forests like Kanha and Bandhavgarh.
The Star Bed provides guests with a chance to experience what villagers do on a daily basis by sleeping on raised platforms to keep an eye on animals that might eat their crops. It's a chance to witness wilderness in its purest form and listen to the live orchestra of crickets, owls, frogs, jackals, and spotted deer alarm calls, making one aware of the predators' presence.
Jamtara is founded on a conservationist belief system, providing guests with a comprehensive jungle experience and new perspectives to view the jungles and its landscape. The lodge's star naturalists spend time with guests, sharing stories and experiences and planning the next safari route, jungle or nature walk, and village activities based on their interests and inclinations.
The lodge is perfect for couples who love the wilderness and an active life of safari-oriented camping. Cycling and exploring villages and life around the buffer zone are other activities available. Early morning and afternoon safaris on 4X4 are the norm, except when the park is closed on Wednesday afternoons. For those who are young and tireless, there are many walking trails and cycling opportunities to explore the villages and vistas around.
Jamtara is operational from October to the end of April.
Conscious Travel
Jamtara is a responsible tourism camp that operates with a gentle touch and a focus on conservation. It empowers and supports the local community, and aims to create a wilderness experience beyond chasing the tiger. The entire camp has been made with reclaimed wood and furniture, and common eco-friendly practices are followed. The Star Bed concept allows guests to experience the jungle at night and supports the re-establishment of a jungle corridor, while simultaneously supporting the local community. The ultimate vision is to reclaim farmland and make it a part of the forest once again, with villagers as guardians of their own lands.
