Sher Bagh

Rooms

Each air-conditioned tented suite has a canopy-shrouded veranda with posh directors chairs, and additions such as a hatstand or day bed. Sliding doors open to vast four-poster beds be-decked with plump animal print cushions and white cotton; the pictures on the walls continue the tiger theme. Bedside tables are adorned with old-style lanterns, providing a warm night time glow, and a jar of citronella oil wards off mozzies.

Entry level Tented Jungle Suites have rattan floors and a writing desk topped with a folder of local information and The Jungle Book (a bespoke safari tick list of locals species). The Royal Sher Suite is perhaps the most romantic with its own private heated plunge pool and open-air shower and bathtub. The Family Machhli Suite has two kingsize bedrooms, each ensuite and each with their own veranda, and is set within a private walled garden, away from the main camp. Even more secluded is the magnificent Imperial Raj Bagh Suite, which has a private heated pool, a sweeping pool deck with an outdoor fireplace, and indoor and outdoor lounges as well as two ensuite bedrooms.

Ensuite bathrooms are swish with brass double-ended bathtubs, twin sinks and walk-in showers; larger suites are further embellished with open-air showers and tubs. During turndown service, the mosquito net is lowered and hot water bottles are left in the bed - a welcome surprise on a chilly night.

Features include:

• Fan
• Mosquito net
• WiFi

Eating

The food at Sher Bagh is absolutely fantastic. The concept is Anglo-Indian Raj heritage meets jungle cooking using family recipes made with traditional methods including outdoor clay ovens, often in front of you. Ingredients are mostly home-grown from their own organic kitchen gardens, and they have their own dairy and poultry; what they can't supply themselves is locally sourced. No wonder it all bursts with flavour! And this isn’t a place you’ll go hungry: the food just keeps on coming...

For the 3-course lunch, tables are beautifully laid with white linen and silverware; waiters relentlessly bringing dish after delicious dish. To start, utterly delicious creamy tomato gazpacho. Mains included parmesan-topped spinach tart, mozzarella and tomato canapés, and salad. A rich cognac and chocolate mousse rounded things off - truly one of the best meals we had in Rajasthan.

Not surprisingly, we had no room for the sandwiches provided during our safari trip 30 minutes later(!), but we did manage the moist lemon sponge and Darjeeling tea on our return; just the ticket.

Lantern-lit dinners are usually served under the stars on the dining terrace or around the campfire. Arrive at dusk for aperitifs (spirits, cocktails or beers) and nibbles - perhaps tandoori chicken or crisp mini samosas - while a local band provides entertainment. Or try the excellent cocktails in the atmospheric Jungle Bar.

The food is very good, a help-yourself Indian Thali: spicy mutton, cauliflower with coriander, black lentil daal, tangy homemade pickle. Naan and chapatti are baked in a clay oven, then authentically blackened on the camp fire. We lingered here for hours afterwards, sipping cognac and soaking up the safari vibe.

The buffet breakfast is served back in the dining tent and we were also treated to honey and brandy-laced porridge before our early morning safari.

Features include:

• All meals included
• Bar
• Kids' meals
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• Most come here to see Ranthambhore Park’s wild tigers (sadly not guaranteed although, promisingly, the population has doubled in recent years). Daily morning and afternoon safaris as well as half and full day drives can be booked through Sher Bagh (request in advance), along with binoculars, camera equipment and picnics
  
• Even if you don’t see tigers, you’re bound to come across some fabulous wildlife. We spotted heaps of deer, peacocks, crocodiles, eagles, owls and monkeys
  
• Hilltop Ranthambhore Fort (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) was built in 900AD by the Rajput rulers and later invaded by Akbar's army. A camp-arranged guide can talk you through its fascinating history on an enjoyable ramble, and the ramparts have wonderful views over the park and Lake Padam Talau
  
• Birdwatchers have over 350 species of birds to look out for, and take Jeep expeditions to Soorwal Lake to view waders, ducks and various migratory species are offered. If you want something more active, camel rides can also be arranged
  
• Walk to the nearby Dastkar Ranthambhore women's co-op and purchase handmade block-print textiles and garments. Proceeds go directly to the local community thus supporting sustainable tourism and keeping creative traditions alive
  
• Back at camp, laze by the pool or indulge at the spa tent. Full-time male and female masseurs offer aromatherapy massages and clothed shoulder, hand and foot, or head massages
  
• Informal Junglee cooking classes are available - just ask to join the kitchen staff for an afternoon and see how it's done!

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Camel rides
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Safaris
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Trekking
• Well being
• Wildlife

Kids

Popular with families, Sher Bagh is best for older kids (unless you have a rare breed that can quietly sit still for long enough to go on safari). That said, the expert staff are happy to keep kids busy with block-printing lessons and short drives around the camp boundaries. Up to two children below the age of 8 stay free of charge with their parents.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Family Machhli Suite is best for families as it has two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. All tents can hold an extra bed for children aged 12 and under; families with children over 12 should book a separate tent if the Machhli Suite is occupied.

Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: approx. 4 hours (Jaipur) / 6 hours (Agra)
• Doctor: on call
• Medical facilities: 10 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Sher Bagh is set on the outskirts of Ranthambhore National Park, 13km from Sawai Madhopur, in Rajasthan, northern India. It's 180km from Jaipur and 350km from Agra (6 hours by car).

By Air:
Jaipur (180km) is the nearest airport. It's served by flights from most Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay). There's also a private airstrip and helipad at Sawai Madhopur (14km); the camp can help you charter a plane or helicopter.

From the Airport
It's approximately a 3-hour drive from Jaipur airport to Ranthambhore. Our Tailormade Tour Operator can arrange a car and driver for the single journey or as part of a longer bespoke tour of Rajasthan.

By Train
There are daily trains from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur (a 2-hour journey), as well as from Delhi (4 hours), Mumbai, Agra and Bharatpur (2.5 hours). The camp offers a free pick-up service from the station, which is a 20 minute drive from camp.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Rajasthan and getting around