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7. Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright!

International Tiger Day -- celebrated every year on July 29 – pays a tribute to the most majestic of felines while raising awareness about its endangered status. The day was founded in 2010, when the 13 tiger range countries congregated to create Tx2 – the global goal to double the number of wild tigers by the year 2022.

Various initiatives led by India, including its flagship Project Tiger scheme, have helped contribute to a dramatic uptick in the number of big cats across the subcontinent. From their near extinction in the 1970s, India is currently home to 3,167 tigers – or nearly 80% of the world’s total count! The country is also home to spectacular national parks and wildlife resorts from where these striped beauties can be viewed. Here are a few great options:

ZANA LUXURY RESORT, JIM CORBETT, UTTARAKHAND

Nestling in the heart of Dhikuli, Jim Corbett Park, and eponymously named after the rare purple lily, Zana is set amidst a giant cluster of trees mimicking a tropical forest. It is located barely 10 minutes from India’s first national wildlife park, famous for its rich tiger density.

Think warm and cosy English country houses with fireplaces; European inspired architecture; well-appointed pastel-hued suites and private sit outs overlooking panoramic vistas. Sprawling over two acres, the retreat is peppered with mango and lychee trees, and has 57 keys. This includes the Tiger Tales Suites, Riverview Rooms, Tree House, and Classic Rooms, apart from capacious luxury cottages. All rooms offer a blend of rustic charm with contemporary comforts, including a work desk, minibar, tea-coffee making facilities, Wi-Fi and Ma Earth Botanicals bath amenities.

Gastronomic experiences range from liquor/liqueur tastings to live grills and experiential dining with live music at ‘Bohemia’, the alfresco specialty restaurant. Burn those calories at an outdoor swimming pool embraced by towering trees. `Soak’, the in-house spa helps guests feel reborn by tapping into their inner calm.

Excursions include drives through the sylvan Corbett National Park to soak in a rich buffet of fauna – from the Royal Bengal Tiger to sambar deer, Indian hog deer, otter, Asiatic Black bear, sloth bear and rare birds like the hornbill and the white backed vulture. Nature enthusiasts can amble down to the gurgling Kosi river while the spiritually inclined can pay obeisance at iconic Girija Devi Temple. Watching Corbett Falls’ milky white foam crashing into a deep gorge below makes for a thrilling excursion, too. Stop by at the local Dhangarhi Museum to admire the rich biodiversity, history and cultural heritage of Corbett, apart from a diverse collection of wildlife artefacts and insightful displays of the local tribal communities.

Pench Jungle Camp, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

The luxury camp is set amidst 50 acres of natural forested estate with an in-house eco-park inside Pench, the country’s first national park to straddle two states - Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Located near the park gate, yet away from the hustle and bustle of nearby habitations, it offers the best of both worlds.

Adventurists can enjoy thrilling game drives, night safaris as well as stargazing sessions conducted by seasoned naturalists. Culinary experiences channel the ‘farm to table’ concept featuring produce from either the in-house gardens or local vendors. The inclusive camp also offers wheelchair-accessible rooms as well as e-rickshaws for senior citizens to explore the lodge. The pet-friendly hotel welcomes furry friends as well.

Created with a deep love for wildlife and nature and the brand’s commitment to the ethos of responsible tourism, the range of accommodations have been designed to be environmentally sensitive. The interiors are crafted taking cues from local culture to encourage a dialogue with the surrounding environment.

Awarded the Travelers’ Choice Award by TripAdvisor for several consecutive years (2020-2022) and the Certificate of Excellence in 2023, the camp also bagged the Best Wildlife Resort Award from MP Tourism in 2008-2009.

Tadoba Jungle Camp, Maharashtra

Located in the unique jungles of Tadoba, the jungle camp’s well-appointed 12 eco-luxury cottages are a seamless extension of the lush landscapes outside. Surrounded by verdant forests on three sides and overlooking the banks of Lake Irai on the fourth, the lodge offers a deep immersion into pristine wilderness. Overlooking a glutinous lake, the spacious cottages are elevated with roof-to-floor glass and a private deck for quiet contemplation and watching splendiferous sunsets.

Sprawling across 10 acres of a natural forest, the property offers a smorgasbord of unique experiences, including nature trails inside the lodge’s ecological park or safaris through the jungles of Tadoba National Park inhabited by the Royal Bengal in its natural habitat.

Shervani Pebbles and Pines Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Close encounters with wildlife on your mind? Check. Jungle walks with naturalists? Check. Body surfing experiences and crocodile viewing at Ram Ganga River? Check, check.

The 48-room boutique hotel offers a seamless blend of comfort and authentic wildlife experiences. A unique gastronomic experience at Kyari Village with local villagers is not to be missed. The meticulously curated lunch featuring local produce also supports the local community and sustainable tourism while contributing to the conservation of traditional livelihoods. Many of the camp’s outreach initiatives provide economic opportunities to the villagers while fostering cultural exchanges and sustainable use of local resources.

A spacious swimming pool allows guests to relax and unwind, and a soon to be opened- luxurious spa aims to rejuvenate the guests’ mind and body. A well-equipped recreational area offers a diverse set of activities for all ages. For families travelling with young children, there is a dedicated toddlers' area with safe and engaging playing equipment. For those keen on working out on vacations, there’s a state-of-the-art gym.

The resort’s 24x7 multi-cuisine restaurant offers an eclectic menu featuring Kumaoni, Indian, Continental, and Pan-Asian delicacies. Bespoke lawn and riverside meals as well as bonnet breakfasts (on car bonnet tops during jungle safaris) make the guests’ wilderness experience thoroughly immersive!