Bandhavgarh National Park, within easy reach of Varanasi, is renowned as one of the country's most beautiful reserves and famed for its tiger sightings.

Although not the largest reserve in India, Bandhavgarh has the highest density of tiger and an incredible diversity: 37 species of mammal, including leopard, various deer species, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, fox and wild dog, as well as more than 250 bird species and 70 different butterflies.

The mainly jungle terrain has some vast grasslands, bamboo forests, cliffs, wooded mountains and swampy meadows, known as bohera, where kingfishers often congregate.

The authentic Mahua Kothi Lodge is a collection of 12 suites, or kutiyas, with private courtyards that disappear into the bamboo fronds.