The short answer
Kipling Camp: what visitors should know first
Consider it if you want a characterful lodge near the Kisli side and can afford the price. It is remote, so check transfers, seasons and what is included before you book. Non-guests cannot expect to visit.
History and context
The story behind Kipling Camp
Reports describe Kipling Camp as owned by conservationist Belinda Wright, who has worked as a wildlife photographer and filmmaker for National Geographic. It is also known for its elephant, Tara, featured in Mark Shand's book Travels on My Elephant.
The camp's name nods to the Jungle Book, a connection often made in travel writing about Kanha; the setting of Kipling's stories is also linked by some writers to other central Indian forests, so treat the name as a flourish rather than settled history.
Useful facts
Kipling Camp facts at a glance
- Location
- Edge of Kanha near Kisli, Banjar river side
- Stay style
- Cottage camp with verandahs
- Location trade-off
- Remote; long transfer from the airport
- Best suited to
- Couples, families, wildlife enthusiasts
- Operator
- Owned by Belinda Wright
- Price signal
- Premium; check current rates
Why it matters
Why Kipling Camp is worth your time
Kipling Camp represents an older style of Kanha lodge: small, owner-led and focused on community as well as wildlife. Its owner helped set up a cooperative of Baiga men and women, which links the lodge to the people who live around the park.
For travellers, it offers a different rhythm from large resorts, with a waterhole, a library and a camp elephant. It is expensive and remote, so it is best for those who want to settle in for several nights.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Tara the elephant
Guests may help bathe the camp's elephant in the Banjar river.
- 02
Waterhole and library
A waterhole for birdwatching and a library provide quiet time between drives.
- 03
Community links
The owner helped set up a Baiga cooperative.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Kipling Camp is described as a low-impact wildlife camp in Kanha's buffer zone, with about 15 cottages, each with a verandah, plus a private cottage overlooking the waterhole. It is owned by conservationist and wildlife filmmaker Belinda Wright.
The camp is known for its elephant, Tara, the subject of Mark Shand's book Travels on My Elephant, and guests may help bathe her in the Banjar river. Meals are prepared by on-site chefs in Western and Indian styles, and there is a library and Ayurvedic massage. Safaris, walks and photography are offered.
Ask the lodge about the drive time to your gate, the closeness of your room to the dining area and whether early breakfasts are arranged. The experience suits those who want a quiet, personal stay and are willing to spend on it.
Plan with confidence
Before you book the room.
- Confirm season dates and rates directly with the lodge
- Ask about transfers from Jabalpur or Nagpur
- Request a room near the dining area
- Ask how early breakfasts are arranged
- Book safaris through the lodge in advance
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Buffer area near the Kisli zone, Kanha National Park, on the Banjar river side
- Time needed
- 2 to 4 nights
- Best time
- October to June, when the park is open
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Cottages with verandahs set in grounds, so there is some walking between rooms, dining area and vehicles. Ask about the room location and distance to the main building.
- Tickets and access
- Hotel stay by reservation; it is not a visitor attraction for non-guests. Confirm season dates, rates and inclusions directly with the lodge, as they were not verified for this guide.
Best for
Plan it with
Book with confidence
Check rates at Kipling Camp
Compare room types, cancellation terms and breakfast before you book. Ask for a ground-floor or lift-access room if anyone finds stairs hard.
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Travelling with parents?
Cottages with verandahs set in grounds, so there is some walking between rooms, dining area and vehicles. Ask about the room location and distance to the main building.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Who owns Kipling Camp?
Conservationist and wildlife filmmaker Belinda Wright.
Is it inside the park?
It is described as being in Kanha's buffer zone, near the Kisli side.
Can I visit without staying?
Not as a standard attraction; contact the lodge.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.