Irai Safari Retreat

Irai Safari Retreat sits 2.7 km from Tadoba's Moharli gate, on 14 acres of land right next to the Irai lake. The retreat has grown into a proper boutique jungle lodge, eight luxury tents and nine rooms by its own count, though its beginnings were far humbler.

"The journey began almost 10 years back with a couple of cottages and a small kitchen."

Cottages, a family bungalow and lakeside tents

There are three ways to stay. Luxury Cottages pair two adjoining rooms under a shared machan terrace, each with its own sit-out, a front verandah for private dinners and barbecues, and a spacious attached bathroom. The Premium Cottage, tucked behind the open dining area, is built for families: two double beds, twin washrooms with bathtubs, a dresser area and its own mini pantry. The air-conditioned tents carry televisions and mini fridges, and every one has a private sit-out area facing the sunset over the Irai lake. A swimming pool, a small gym and a library-cum-conference room above the dining area round the place out, with paintings by local artists through the interiors.

Tadoba beyond the tiger

Tadoba Andhari is one of Maharashtra's oldest and largest tiger reserves at 626 square kilometres, and its buffer stays open through the monsoon when core zones shut. From the retreat you can add a boat safari, birding, cycling, night safaris, the butterfly park and the Bhadravati pottery village to the usual jeep drives; safaris go in hired Gypsies arranged through the resort. The kitchen's Maharashtrian thali and Irai gulab jamun are house favourites, and the local Chichkpalli chicken has to be ordered a day in advance. The retreat is a TOFT-certified member of the responsible tourism network. Nagpur is the nearest airport, and Chandrapur railway station is about an hour's drive. As a well-run base right at the gate, it earns its keep.