If the nickname “The Tiger Princess of India” sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen the famous National Geographic film on India’s precious tigers, and the lady who’s waging a crusade for their survival. Meet this feisty Princess herself, Dr Latika Rana, for an outstanding Jungle holiday at Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, Central India).

 Latika and her talented naturalist/photographer husband Nanda run Singinawa—(meaning  “Protectors of the Sacred Forests”)— and have both won international recognition for their life’s work in conservation, particularly Tigers. As their guest in this upscale Forest Retreat, set in 58 acres of green Tiger country, you will encounter excellent demonstrations of responsible eco-living; even as you are pampered with swish, regal hospitality. (The Ranas have a connect to the Royals of Nepal).

Despite the vast space, The Ranas have limited their cottages to just 12—following an important rule of eco-tourism: never crowd the place up despite the lucrative temptation to do so; because the environment here needs protection and nurturing.

Tiger-sighting-obsessed visitors here are in for a double treat: the first of course is spotting wildlife in the forests itself; but back in the Lodge, another thrill awaits you: the wildlife  adventures the gregarious Ranas will share with you. Whether you’re a romantic couple, an outdoorsy family or a single traveller, you’ll be completely blown away by their pre-dinner slide shows and film screenings! It will just make your stay so much more educative and fulfilling.

Pictures of what this entire area once looked like, before Singinawa came up, vividly bring home the amazing positive changes Tourism is capable of. From our checklist, the most important of all their eco-practises have got to be the re-generation of degraded, dry grasslands into lush forests where tigers and leopards now roam;  a focus on protecting animals even in the buffer zone (ie just outside the main Park); and working with local communities with sensitivity; even while enhancing their livelihood.