Kaafila Central India Culture & Wilderness

Sheltering amongst its jungle covered hills and picturesque valleys are great brooding forts, astonishingly well preserved medieval cities, superb handicrafts, textiles and tribal art - layer upon layer of history stretching back to the dawn of human history.

The best of all - virtually all of these treasures are unknown and safe from ‘development’, set in some of the most magnificent scenery in the entire subcontinent. For the hard knot of Central India is formed by the rough-hewn and picturesquely eroded mountain ranges of the Vindhya’s and the Satpura with the Sacred River Narmada flowing serenely between them.

The superb Kaafila mobile camp allows a select few – those who have a yen to break free of the rutted paths and explore the secret places of the Earth away from the crowds – to access these incredible remains in considerable luxury and in the company of genuinely knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.

On this itinerary you will begin with one of India’s most astonishing ruins – the once invincible fort of Kalinjar where the Great God (Mahadeva) Shiva conquered death and defined Time. It is a vast mountain eyrie brooding romantically over a lush tranquil plain with a small town crouched at its feet.

In its ruined splendour, you will find some of the most magnificent and evocative architecture and sculpture anywhere of a quality that beggars the more mundane offerings of travel brochures. Not far from your private, Royal camp is another atmospheric hill fort – Ajaigarh which makes for an active morning hike.  You’re beautiful, luxury camp is set at the edge of the Panna Tiger Reserve buffer zone and offers some superb nature hikes, fishing, cycling and photographic opportunities in the idyllic little villages that dot the landscape.

From here you travel to Panna to the delightful Sarai at Toria hotel to explore the Panna Tiger Reserve and the world heritage temples of Khajuraho.

Then to Chanderi awash with historic monuments that stand witness to the tumultuous but enriching history of the past 1000 years. The town is a veritable index of medieval north Indian architecture stretching form the time of the Imperial Guptas of the 4^th century AD to the advent of the British in the early 19^th century. And yet Chanderi remains a bustling, thriving market town overlooked by the remains of its magnificent past. Chanderi is also home to some of the most beautiful hand woven textiles in India.

But the Kaafila itinerary isn’t all monuments and people and wildlife safaris. Your luxury camps will be set in some of the most picturesque locations imaginable. Rugged hills, jungles and clear streams alternate with gentle, tranquil farmlands and pretty villages where you will always have the opportunity to walk, bird watch or just relax and revel in your surroundings.

Breathe deep the clear, crisp air of winter. Once merchant caravans threaded their way through the hill passes and jungle fastnesses of this stunningly beautiful country. Today you will access this Old India with your own caravan – the luxurious tents and expert guides of Kaafila that will allow you a glimpse of an India that has elsewhere been submerged by the globalizing anonymity of the 21^st Century.

You can always add Kaafila onto the new and beautiful Jalakara on Havelock Island or even add on the Maldives – perhaps staying on a private yacht or at a beautiful lodge.