At This New Safari Destination in Central India, You Can Track Royal Bengal Tigers in Style
There is a tree in the central jungles of India referred to as the Flame of the Forest. It's named as such for its fiery orange petals that set the region ablaze in the early weeks of spring.
I arrive at Bandhavgarh National Park right as these glowing blooms are performing their final act, appearing instead as dimly lit torches flickering across the landscape. My disappointment at just missing the zenith of this color riot is quickly replaced by a strongly sweet aroma that floods my nose while passing through Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort's imposing entrance. 'It's the Mahua tree's flower,' Vikas Sawhney, the general manager, says with a grin while presenting a delicate glass filled with homemade lemonade. As I'll learn over the coming days, nature is always putting on a show in India, no matter the time of year.
Photo: Courtesy of the Oberoi Group
This is the second wildlife resort for Oberoi, the luxury hospitality brand with outposts scattered across some of the most covetable and far-flung destinations on the planet. Their doors swung open in March, just a month before my arrival, and already reservations are booking out for the 19 luxury tents and two pool villas that stretch across 21 acres of fountain grass and kachnar trees. The reason for such a swift response? Well, that would be Bandhavgarh's star resident: the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Reaching this exquisite part of the country entails a visa application, series of flights, and long drives; logistical details that I enlist the masterminds at Abercrombie & Kent to oversee. Tapping into their roster of on-the-ground experts, A&K threads together an itinerary that seamlessly transports me from jet bridge to Oberoi's waterfront property in Mumbai, where I acclimate to the new continent for a couple of nights. A morning of touring local spice markets and architectural landmarks is followed by a sunset cocktail back at the hotel overlooking the Arabian Sea. A leisurely dinner at the property's Ziya restaurant at the helm of Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhatia, then I'm back in my room by 9 p.m. in anticipation for the next day's early morning departure.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Forbes
Sundarbans National Park Is Home To Swimming Tigers And Fierce Snakes
The name "Sundarbans" means "beautiful forest" in the Bengali language. While India boasts top-tier wildlife preserves like Ranthambore National Park and Gir National Park, those who venture to the Bangladesh border can find a truly spectacular ecotourism destination in the form of Sundarbans National Park. Established back in 1984, this sprawling preserve measures in at 1,330 square kilometers, serving as a crucial haven for South Asia's native mangrove forests—and in addition to vast swathes of indigenous flora, the Sundarbans are also perfect for encountering a staggering array of creatures both large and small. While native fauna spans from the northern river terrapin to the Asian small-clawed otter, the park is best known for one animal in particular: the Bengal tiger. While this subspecies can be found across a large portion of South Asia, the Sundarbans population has perfectly adapted to life in the mangroves, providing visitors with an opportunity to marvel at the beasts as they thrive in a unique habitat. Throughout the day, the park's resident tigers can be found paddling through the brackish waters as they search for food—and if you're truly lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the animals in action, with mammals like the chital deer and wild boar serving as prey for the local felines. Despite the name, the buffy fish owl also feeds on crustaceans, amphibians and reptiles. Beyond big cats, the murky waters of the Sundarbans play host to a wealth of fish and crustacean species—and this high concentration of biomass serves as the perfect buffet for all sorts of native birds. Waders abound along the many mangroves, with the Asian openbill, painted stork and little egret being just a few of the avian species that can be spotted during a visit, while eye-catching passerines range from the purple-rumped sunbird to the eastern yellow wagtail. And when it comes to raptors, birders can keep their eyes peeled for a wealth of majestic species, with crested serpent eagles, black kites and buffy fish owls all calling the park home. While the verdant treetops of Sundarbans National Park are brimming with all sorts of birds, visitors can also encounter a wide range of reptiles during a foray into the mangroves. Amidst the many water monitors and garden lizards, guests might catch a glimpse of a snake lounging along the preserve, with resident species spanning from the Russell's viper to the king cobra, a colossal creature that's capable of measuring in at more than five meters in length. However, when it comes to true ferocity, it's tough to beat the saltwater crocodile. While their native range spans from northern Australia to the Tamil Nadu coast, the Sundarbans play host to a particularly large population, providing plenty of opportunities to spot these colossal reptiles in the flesh. The king cobra is the earth's longest venomous snake. After a few days spent exploring the vibrant food scene and rich culture of Kolkata, Sundarbans National Park is perfect for a deep dive into the India of yore, with the diverse flora and fauna thriving across the region as they have for eons. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher, a hardcore herpetologist or just a casual wildlife aficionado, this storied preserve is certain to leave you with lasting memories of the rich beauty of West Bengal and all of its native creatures.
Forbes
17 hours ago
- Forbes
India's Hotel Dream: Why Tech And Demand Are Driving The Story
Sanjay Ghare, Founder & CEO, Vervotech (A Constellation Inc. company), Investor in Travel startups. From my experience, having observed the global travel industry for decades, I can say that India's hospitality sector is not just experiencing growth—it is demonstrating an upward trajectory whose base was prepared by many stakeholders. This story has many heroes; I'll discuss each in greater detail. Before I move to that, the reality of the day is that India's accommodation industry is expected to reach an INR 1 trillion valuation ($11.7 billion) by the end of this financial year, with projections extending to INR 1.1 trillion ($13 billion) by 2026-27, supported by a CAGR of 10.5%. This trajectory is not accidental. It is a cumulative outcome of growing domestic demand, conscious effort from the government and an obvious tech ecosystem in the country that has fundamentally changed the dynamics of the industry. The Demand Story: A Multichannel Push What often remains under the radar in most external analyses is the significant impact of the "New Indian Traveler." Domestic tourism is no longer merely a contributor; it has become the primary contributor, accounting for a substantial 50% of incremental revenue in the hospitality sector. This internal demand base provides a strong resilience, protecting the industry from the volatility of global economic or geopolitical upheavals (wars, sanctions, pandemics, etc.). While international tourist arrivals have also shown a strong recovery, reaching 9.24 million in 2023 (per the latest government data available), the sheer scale of domestic engagement has been the key highlight. Also, the industry's thoughtful diversification into other high-value segments—meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), spiritual tourism, and medical travel—has also played a critical role. The MICE sector alone is projected to more than double from $49.4 billion in 2024 to $103.7 billion by 2030. Additionally, India's Medical Value Travel sector, valued at $7.69 billion in 2024, is also attracting millions of foreign patients, with projections indicating a market size of $16.21 billion by 2030. This multi-segment approach ensures the market remains attractive for investments and revenue channels remain fairly stable. 'Ease Of Doing Business' Dividend: The Sovereign Push As I mentioned earlier, the government has consciously tried to create favorable policies. From an investor's perspective, the Indian government's role is no longer just limited to regulation; the industry now sees it as a proactive strategic partner. Over the years, they have cultivated an environment conducive to investment and growth. The policy permitting 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) under the automatic route in the hotel and tourism sector is a clear signal of intent to create a conducive environment for businesses in the industry. The move eases the investment process by removing the requirement for prior government approval, given investments adhere to established regulatory norms. It has been instrumental in attracting capital for infrastructure development and improving service standards to meet global expectations. The Digital Backdrop: The Role Of B2B Solutions And OTAs One part of this growth story that cannot be undermined is the country's sophisticated digital ecosystem that supports the operational efficiency and expansive market reach of India's hotel industry. B2B solutions—including global distribution systems (GDSs), bedbanks, central reservation systems (CRSs), channel managers and mapping solutions—all have played a significant role. These technology players support travel agents, aggregators and tour operators with the centralization of travel content distribution, management of real-time pricing, and automation of complex domestic and cross-border transactions. This digital infrastructure is critical for hotels to manage complex distribution networks and revenue streams. Online travel agencies (OTAs), while often seen through the lens of commission structures, play an undeniable and extremely crucial role in distribution. Without them, this demand can't be realized. Platforms like MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, Cleartrip and Yatra dominate the Indian OTA market. They function as primary "discovery engines" within the travel ecosystem. Obviously, their substantial marketing budgets, which are usually much larger than those of individual hotels, ensure exceptional visibility for hotels on major search engines. The Next Phase: AI, LLMs And Depth The current growth trajectory is definitely impressive, but in my opinion, it is merely a warmup to the next phase, which will be bigger and better and will be defined by intelligent automation and a prominent shift toward conscious travel. While the adoption of advanced AI in the Indian hotel industry remains limited to foundational systems, its transformative potential is yet to emerge. Over the next five years, as I see it today, the industry is poised for a significant deepening of technological integration, with large language models (LLMs) at the center of everything. You can foresee LLM-powered concierge services that predict guest needs, customizing everything from room temperature to dining recommendations based on deeper analysis of past preferences and their real-time behavior. Generative AI will facilitate dynamic content creation at scale for marketing and guest communication, enabling highly customized, personalized guest interactions. All of it together will lay the foundation for the next generation of growth, which will be massive. Conclusion India's hotel industry's growth story thus far is more than a numerical milestone; it is rooted in execution and a well-thought-out strategy to generate sustainable demand. The INR 1 trillion valuation is a telling testament to the effort that has gone into generating robust domestic demand, a strategically enabling and supporting government, and a rapidly evolving technological ecosystem in the country, along with the technology entrepreneurs who have dared to see the big picture. As AI, particularly LLMs, becomes more deeply embedded in the ecosystem, the industry will be open to the next levels of personalization, operational efficiency and sustainability. India is not just a market; it is a compelling case study of how strategic foresight, policy alignment and technological adoption can come together to create magic in terms of demand and growth in any industry. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Forbes
Will Luxury Travel Be Affected By The Current Economic Climate?
Adam Deflorian is the CEO of AZDS Interactive Group, a leading full-service digital agency for the luxury hospitality industry. It's no secret that the market is, at present, on the volatile side. With the announcement of tariffs, followed by the stop-and-go 'will they, won't they' aftermath, many industries are taking stock and wondering how to proceed. For the travel and hospitality industry, many are wondering what summer 2025 will look like. Don't be a Chicken Little. The sky isn't falling just because things are uncertain. Historically, the travel industry tends to rebound quickly, and while there may be modest year-over-year declines in the short term, recovery is typically swift. Hospitality is a long-cycle industry, and often any setbacks are offset by a rapid boost. Based on steady booking rates across my agency's client portfolios, high-income households continue to prioritize travel and experiences, indicating to us that they still view them as valuable expenditures. What may change is the type of travel they intend to participate in. Anticipated spending on trips and experiences is up from 2024; however, many Americans are reversing course on international travel. My agency's clients, comprising ultra-luxury hotel and resort properties, continue to show healthy booking data and revenue growth. So, how can hoteliers optimize their digital marketing efforts to target travelers? Advice For U.S. Properties Americans are embracing the art of the road trip, with more opting to drive rather than fly. Time and time again, our clients express the increasing appeal of experience-focused travel, and an adventure on the open road begins that type of getaway from the jump. With many travelers signaling enthusiasm in exploring their own backyard, my recommendation is for hoteliers to target locally and domestically. This trend matches our clients' data showing shorter booking windows. A recent report from Bank of America also shows that more than 70% of Americans are planning to travel this summer, and of them, most will stay within the country. Consider homing in on messaging to entice potential guests at a state level, and including campaign variety that appeals to neighboring regions. Ramp up unique offerings available to guests that show off the authentic appeal of the area. Collaborate with local experts to individualize events. Lean into what makes your property extraordinary. While potential tariffs may increase the cost of goods like linens and cleaning supplies, which may ultimately affect operating costs, experience-focused travel is a fantastic way to entice guests to stay longer and increase their spend while on property. Advice For International Properties The top percentage of households continues to travel, regardless of the economic climate. Based on our large booking data, we're seeing Europe, specifically Italy, the United Kingdom and France, remain as top destinations, with Southeast Asian countries rising in popularity. Digital marketing efforts should continue to target international travelers, along with high-earning American households. Similarly to domestic travel marketing strategies, an emphasis on experience-driven travel will align with what's appealing to guests. Culturally immersive travel options are especially resonating. Campaigns tailored to specific nearby regions, perhaps promoting localized series like 'Friends of the Chef' food and beverage events, can boost engagement and bookings overall. The bottom line is that most people will prioritize travel, no matter what is going on in the world. The desire for human connection is a constant and something that hoteliers can tap into to attract guests, both domestically and internationally. Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
