Forsyth Lodge

Forsyth Lodge sits on 44 acres of what used to be failed farmland, replanted with native trees and shielded from grazing and fire until it grew back into forest and meadow. The lodge borders Satpura Reserve, which is unusual among India's tiger parks for allowing visitors out of vehicles. As well as guided walks through the core and buffer zones, spend time canoeing on the Denwa River, or spend a unique night in the machaan hide. Twelve cottages, built from cob with a rammed-earth main lodge, curve around the property. Some have rooftop beds for sleeping outside.

Sightings at Forsyth and its surrounds include tiger, leopard, dhole and gaur, alongside chital and wild pig. The kitchen runs a farm-to-table menu mixing Continental, tribal and Indian dishes, largely from what's grown on-site, and a telescope is set up most clear nights for stargazing. Forsyth has held the Tour Operators for Tigers' top environmental rating for years.