What we say

Kipling Camp was a patch of barren land, old fallow fields when purchased 45 years ago. Then it was left to heal & mature and with constant protection, returned to being mature, rich forest alive with nature’s sounds.

This was originally the home of Bob and Anne Wright who shared a life-long passion for India’s wildlife and conservation. Anne was a founder trustee of WWF in India, and then, with this fine pedigree, Belinda set up the Wildlife Protection Society of India.

Kipling is still Belinda’s home, complete with Holly the lab and Tara, quite possibly India’s most famous elephant. With accommodation reminiscent of traditional forest rest houses, evolving naturally from the family hosting friends to Belinda hosting those seeking wildlife or nature breaks from city life, it remains one of Kanha’s homeliest stays. It began pre-plastic crisis and continuing to not use it remains just one of their initiatives. In fact, initiatives isn’t the right word – beliefs intrinsic to this family have set standards which continue steadfastly amidst this rapidly changing world.

In the midst of its own forest, surrounded by India’s incredible natural heritage sounds, one falls asleep to cricket chatter, frog calls, occasional jackal, leopard and possibly tiger calls, waking to bird symphony and earthy jungle aromas.

Early mornings or late afternoons can be spent in the park, but one doesn’t have to leave Kipling to be amidst forest – it’s perfect for strolls, reading and seeking solace. Evenings, guests gather in the Shamiana for pre-dinner drinks and convivial chats, or serious wildlife discussions.

This is a lodge with heart and soul which started and remains sustainable to its very core.

Our three words:

Pioneer | Conservation | Authentic

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Belinda Wright, a renowned tiger conservationist and wildlife photographer, fell in love with Kanha in the 1970s and persuaded her parents to set up a home there. Bob and Anne Wright, pioneers of Indian wildlife tourism, opened Kipling Camp in 1982. Belinda serves as executive director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), leading the fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Anne Wright, who passed away in 2023, was an early trailblazer for tiger conservation and a Member of the Tiger Task Force that set up Project Tiger in 1973

Kipling Camp was established to provide authentic wildlife experiences while promoting conservation and supporting local communities. The camp operates on sustainable tourism principles, minimizing ecological footprint and actively contributing to Kanha National Park’s protection.

The camp is managed by a dedicated team of professionals passionate about wildlife, committed to exceptional guest service. Staff, mostly recruited from local villages, are well-trained and knowledgeable about the area’s natural history and culture.

Kipling Camp is a rustic yet luxurious wildlife lodge on the edge of Kanha National Park, surrounded by lush forests, grasslands and a busy wildlife waterhole. This stunning location offers immersive wilderness experiences while maintaining commitment to sustainability and conservation, allowing guests to connect with nature while minimizing environmental impact.

Don’t miss: The unique opportunity to meet and interact with Tara, a friendly elephant who has been a part of the Kipling Camp family for decades.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 61.5/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 9
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 8
  • Wastewater Recycling/management:  6
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 9
  • Single Plastic: 10   
  • Local Staff: 9.5

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Solar power is used for lighting.
  • Organic waste is composted.
  • Energy and water conservation practices, including water harvesting.
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products are used throughout the camp.
  • Guests are provided reusable glass bottles or steel flasks..
  • The camp supports local artisans by showcasing and selling their handicrafts. Artisans come to meet and sell their products directly to guests.
  • Kipling Camp actively supports local communities through various initiatives, such as providing employment opportunities, supporting schools and healthcare facilities, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
  • The camp also works closely with the Wildlife Protection Society of India to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and combat poaching.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 59.5/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 8
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 10
  • Organic Produce: 7
  • Wastewater Recycling/management:  6
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 9
  • Single Plastic: 10   
  • Local Staff: 9.5

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Solar power is used for water heating and lighting.
  • Organic waste is composted and used in the camp’s gardens.
  • Greywater is treated and reused for irrigation.
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products are used throughout the camp.
  • Guests are provided with reusable water bottles and encouraged to refill them.
  • The camp supports local artisans by showcasing and selling their handicrafts.
    * Kipling Camp actively supports local communities through various initiatives, such as providing employment opportunities, supporting schools and healthcare facilities, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
    * The camp also works closely with the Wildlife Protection Society of India to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and combat poaching.

EXPERIENCES

Jeep Safaris in Kanha NP
Nature Walks
Birdwatching
Village Visits
Interaction with Local Artisans
Cycling
Stargazing
Campfire Stories
interact with Tara, a friendly elephant

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: Jabalpur Airport is approximately 3 hours by car from Kipling Camp, with connections from major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Raipur Airport is 5 hours away and Nagpur Airport 5 hours 15 minutes away, offering additional connectivity options including some international flights

BY RAIL: The nearest railway station is Gondia, approximately 150 km from the camp, connecting to major cities across India. Jabalpur Junction, about 155 km away, offers broader connectivity with express trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Pick-up services from all airports and stations can be arranged by the camp.

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Jabalpur Airport 160 Km 3 Hours
Raipur Airport 265 Km 5 Hours
Gondia Railway Station 150 Km 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Jabalpur Junction 155 Km 3 Hours
Bandhavgarh National Park 240 Km 4 Hours 45 minutes
Pench National Park 190 Km 4 Hours 15 minutes