THE FACTS ABOUT MAHUA KOTHI

India

The first offspring of a union between Taj Hotels and the South African-based safari operator CC Africa was born on the edge of the tiger-rich Bandhavargh National Park in November last year, with a number of other Indian safari camps set to follow. Named after the beautiful Mahua (butter tree) and Kothi (homestead), the camp has inherited its mother's Indian pride in service and hospitality, and father's wildlife experience. It is a charming combination. CC Africa's gifted interior designer, Chris Browne, has furnished the camp with honest simplicity and touches of humour. The main public space, which was the original homestead of the former Churhat Kothi tented camp, was built more than 50 years ago. It's a long, flat-roofed building with a big veranda and open-plan interior, with two grand wooden dining tables on legs fashioned from large tree stumps. An eclectic mix of faded photographs, knick-knacks and furniture gives the impression of a family collection gathered by a couple of generations. Tucked into a bamboo forest is the swimming pool and a mud 'village' of 12 traditionally built peasant's palaces with delicate, hand-made terracotta roof tiles. The suites have sumptuous built-in beds, wood-tiled floors, beamed ceilings, lime-washed walls and life-saving air conditioning. Game drives in the park are in very comfortable open vehicles driven by knowledgeable naturalists, who are just as enthusiastic about the trees and birds as they are about the tigers. Elephant-back safaris are also very popular. WHEN TO GO October to June. ROOM TO BOOK One of the few that overlook a small grass plain. CONTACT Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India (00 91 98 3328 9941; www.tajsafaris.com). COST Doubles from US$380 per person, including meals, local drinks and safaris