travelandleisureindia.in
WEST
W ENSAs regal as they are, tigers are fairly de rigueur in
Indian forests, and there aren’t too many wildlife
enthusiasts who haven’t seen one. But the Indian
giant squirrel? Now that’s another story. Endemic
to India, these tree-dwellers love to hide in the sun-
speckled tree canopy. They are best sought out at
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is tucked
amid the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Known for
their unique patchwork of fur that looks like it’s been
handpainted with shades of brown, orange, maroon,
and black, Indian (or Malabar) giant squirrels are seen
scampering through the branches as their charcoal-
coloured bushy tails help them retain balance. The
state animal of Maharashtra can grow up to three
feet long and makes for a rare wildlife sighting.
jamrung-hillside-camping.business.siteFIND GIANT TECHNICOLOUR SQUIRRELS
——Regal, tasteful, and dreamy, the premium camping
experience offered by Camp Chhatra Sagar is the epitome
of offbeat luxury in Rajasthan. Midway between the
princely cities of Jaipur and Udaipur and two hours
southeast of Jodhpur, the site was a getaway for a
Rajput family since the early 1990s. Eventually, the
family opened the camp to travellers, and ever since,
Chhatra Sagar has become a heritage experience in its
own right. Set over a 100-year-old dam on the edge of a
lake, surrounded by a nature reserve where flamingos
visit each year, the site with its handcrafted canvas tents
is now being remodelled as a RAAS property. Come
November, it is set to feature a swimming pool, spa
facilities, and a plush dining venue. raaschhatrasagar.comEXPERIENCE THE URBAN
BEDOUIN LIFE
——During the day, Sambhar Salt Lake is ablaze with the rays of a swollen sun, but the nights are
cooler, softer, and overseen by millions of stars. The largest inland salt lake is ideal for glamping. And
come winter, the place turns into a cluster of wetlands that are flocked by thousands of flamingos,
who come all the way from Siberia in search of some sun. The days look like this: sleeping in a
swanky Swiss tent fitted with modern amenities, waking up to the sight of hundreds of flamingoes
wading the pink lake under a mild sun. A ride across the salt desert in a vintage buggy, a picnic with
some wine and cheese in the middle of nowhere, roughing it out on an ATV, feasting on authentic
Rajasthani dinner under the stars—a trip to the desert wonderland comes with ample choice when
you plan to stay at Sambhar Heritage Resort. Tariff starts from `12,500; sambharheitage.comCAMP IN LUXURY &
WATCH FLAMINGOS
——123RFTHE INDIA LIST