Rukhad
OVERVIEW
The hidden gem Of Pench National Park
With an area of 120 sq. kms., Rukhad forests, erstwhile known as the Bison sanctuary holds a significant importance as it serves as both a buffer zone and a connecting forest between the renowned Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves.
Buffer zones are the forests that form the periphery of the core zones of the national parks.
They are vital to the long term sustenance of national parks as it absorbs the growing population of apex predators like tigers allowing them their own territory while offering them a thriving habitat abundant with prey.
Moreover, Rukhad acts as a crucial corridor, known as the 'two tiger corridor,' facilitating the unrestricted movement of tigers and other wildlife between Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves. This connectivity is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and supporting the overall conservation efforts.
Read more
Why we love it
Fewer Vehicles
Makes the jungle experience an immersive one
Open throughout the year
The forest is also open during the months of July – Sept when other parks are closed.
Frequent sighting of leopards
Observe the elusive leopard in its natural habitat
Sunset from Korai Ghat
Spectacular sunsets from Kuraigadh during evening safari
LoCATION
How to get to Rukhad…
Rukhad lies in the Madhya Pradesh region of Pench Tiger Reserve. The entry gate for Rukhad forests is situated on National Highway 44 (NH44) in Rukhad village.
Barely a 2.5 hours drive from Nagpur, Rukhad is well connected through air and railways from all the major cities in the country. This makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore & New Delhi.
For the travellers who are planning a trip to other major tiger reserves in the region, Rukhad is best combined with Kanha and Pench. It also falls midway between Kanha & Tadoba, where the driving distance is far too exhausting to cover in a day. Therefore many of our guests stop for 2 nights in Rukhad for the novelty of being able to stay inside the forests.
To reach Rukhad Jungle Camp, look out for Bison Retreat which is a midway between Rukhad and Pench. You will be received by our team there and then taken to your accommodation inside the forest in our vehicle. If you are driving to Rukhad, we offer ample parking space for our guests. For specific driving instructions, do reach out to our team.
Closest Airport & Train Station
Nagpur
Drive Time from Nagpur
2.30 hours
Trip Combination
Combine
it with Pench & Kanha, also midway between Tadoba & Kanha
Weekend Getaway From
Mumbai, Pune,
Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore & New Delhi
Best Time to Visit Rukhad at Pench National Park
Perfect Safari Season
October marks the beginning of a new safari season as most national parks and tiger reserves open for tourists from October. The parks are lush green and the dense growth after the heavy rainfalls makes safaris in the jungles a visual treat.
Winter brings cooler temperatures, making it more comfortable to explore the national parks without the scorching heat of summer. You can enjoy your safaris and outdoor activities without feeling overly hot or sweaty. This is the perfect season for quintessential safari activities such as bush dinners and camp fires. Rukhad also serves as winter home to many migratory birds making birding during this season a delight.
Peak Wildlife Sightings
This is the perfect time to visit Rukhad and other tiger reserves in Central India. The weather is perfect during these months. While it is the onset of summers, yet its not too hot to make the safari unbearable.
Many species, including predators become more active during summers. The warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours prompt animals to venture out in search of food, water and mates. This heightened activity increases the chances of encountering a wide range of wildlife species.
Verdant Summers
These are perhaps the hottest and the wettest months of the jungles. The weather is hot and humid. While the summer reaches its peak towards the latter half of May and beginning of June, The latter half of June and July bring a much needed respite with the onset of monsoons.
While May and June are the hottest months, however these are the very months we see many professional wildlife photographers and wildlife enthusiasts too. In terms of tiger, leopards and other wildlife sightings, the summer months offer a rewarding experience. The thinning vegetation combined with wildlife’s quest to quench their thirst ensures a good sighting near water-bodies. Do remember that all the three elevated cottages – Jal Mahal, Dudhiya and Daldali are situated near the lakes, providing front row seats to observe the wildlife from your room itself.
The Green Season
Fondly called the ‘green season’ by our naturalists, visit during these months is a delight for all nature lovers. This is the season when the rain generally ceases leaving the forest, lush and green.
Being a lean season of Pench tiger reserve due to the core area being closed for tourists, it promises lesser vehicles, thus enhancing the overall experience. This is also a season where we offer long stay offers for all nature lovers!
HIGHLIGHT 1
Forest Type & Terrain
The forest is characterized as a dry deciduous ecosystem, boasting a rich variety of flora and fauna.
The dry deciduous nature of the forest means that the trees shed their leaves during the dry season, creating a unique seasonal spectacle. Teak, with its majestic presence, stands out as the predominant species in this region, lending its distinct charm to the landscape. The hilly terrain adds to the rugged charm during the safaris.
HIGHLIGHT 2
Fauna
This ecosystem also provides a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, from elusive big cats to graceful herbivores and countless bird species.
Rukhad is home to a diverse array of carnivores - the majestic tiger, elusive leopard, wild cat, wild dog, hyena, jackal, fox, wolf, and weasel being the primary ones. Alongside these fascinating predators, the many herbivorous species which form the prey base, such as Gaur, Nilgai, Sambar, Chital, Chasinga, Chinkara, and Wild Pig, are prominent. Bird enthusiasts too will be delighted by the incredible avian diversity.
OUR COLLECTION OF
Elevated Lake Cottages in Rukhad
Jal Mahal Where Wilderness Beckons.
Situated at the picturesque lake, these cottages are aptly named “Jal Mahal” literally meaning ‘a palace on water’. Discover the winning charm, where the lake doubles as a popular waterhole for wildlife, including some majestic big cats, giving our guests a perfect vantage point to observe the wildlife from the comfort of their private deck.
With a choice of four spacious cottages, Jal Mahal seamlessly blends luxury with the untouched wilderness of the forest, providing a perfect balance between comfort and immersion in the natural world.
Dudhiya In the Heart of Nature …
Framed by unhindered views, Dudhiya is a retreat designed to unwind and offer a restorative sense of calm to your senses. Surrounded by a nursery on one side and with a captivating view of the nearby lake, it promises a connect with the nature.
With two expansive cottages, each featuring a private deck, every space is thoughtfully crafted to offer uninterrupted views and a sense of serenity. Indulge in the spaciousness of these accommodations and enjoy your personal retreat amidst the enchanting surroundings of nature.
DaldaliNature’s Private Hideaway
Snuggled into the innermost part of the forest, Daldali takes immersion into the pristine wilderness to a new level. Overlooking the lake, from which it gets its name, the two eco-friendly cottages are cocooned amidst the lush green forest.
Designed to restore your connect with nature, the glass walls and windows offer panoramic views, inspiring a profound sense of calm and well-being. Observe the wildlife in its natural habitat as you indulge your senses with the breathtaking sights, harmonious sounds, and serenity of nature.
Jungle Camps
Rukhad Jungle Camp