The Ultimate Travelling Camp - Jaagir Lodge, Dudhwa

Jaagir Lodge sits in the lowland plains of the Terai. They form a natural border between Nepal and India, which for centuries was covered in thick, malarial jungle. Now safe to visit, the region remains rich in mystery and beauty. Precious endangered animals which inhabit the jungles and swamps include the Bengal tiger, Indian crocodiles and barasingha deer.

The main lodge dates back to the 1940s, and the three luxury rooms and four luxury suites have a colonial style which pays homage to the hotel’s heritage - particularly in the beautiful furniture, ornately carved from dark mahogany. Colourful wall murals depict tigers, peacocks and other iconic Indian wildlife in natural surroundings like the ones you’ll be exploring during your stay.

For the ultimate exclusivity, plump for one of the luxury villas - there are four pavilion villas and two brick villas - which stand separate from the main lodge and feature rustic exposed brickwork and four-poster beds on a raised mezzanine. Some are on stilts, with private terraces both back and front.  

The lodge's dining room is a vibrant space, with a design which reflects your wild surroundings with the extensive use of local wood and design touches like eye-catching leopard-print chairs. The food runs the gamut from Indian classics like upma and dosas to international favourites like hearty pasta and gnocchi dishes. If you try something you like, you can learn to cook it yourself thanks to ad hoc cooking lessons with the restaurant’s chefs.

After a day out on safari, the Jaagir Lodge's outdoor pool is a lovely spot for a dip, with the jungle as your backdrop. The camp has a machan platform, surrounded by tall grass, where you can relax and spot some of the many bird species which inhabit the area, while books and board games can be enjoyed at your leisure at the activity centre.

Top of the agenda here are safari drives and walks, where you can spot elephants, deer, Indian rhinoceros, and - if you’re really lucky - the elusive Bengal tiger, one of the most iconic animals on the planet.

Birdwatching is another popular activity here, with drakes, pochards and tufted ducks among the avian inhabitants of the Sharada River. At the camp’s on-site activity centre, you can learn all about the flora and fauna of the region during talks from the expert naturalists and guides.

Cultural activities are also on offer - visit a Tharu village and meet the Terai’s indigenous inhabitants, and take a trip to the bizarre but beautiful Frog Temple at Oel.