Gond and Baiga Tribes of the Maikal Hills The Maikal Hills are the eastern spur of the Satpura Range, rising to nearby Amarkantak with the source of the holy Narmada, India's most ancient river. In these timeless highlands of great forests of hardwood Sal (Shorea robusta) still live tribal peoples whose way of life is quite different from the mainstream. These hills were once part of the land called Gondwana, a vast forest area of tribal kingdoms and Gond clans, many of whose descendants today maintain an animistic, close-to-nature lifestyle that the hurried urban world can only dream of. The Baiga are 'Pashupati' - Lords of the Animals - with esoteric natural powers. The term 'Baiga' is also used in the Gond world, not to refer to the distinct Baiga people, but as a title conferred on certain individuals with unusual spiritual gifts. Magic and the unseen powers of Nature play a large part in the lives of these local tribes, but so do music and dance and a joy of living, even in often difficult economic circumstances. Mother Nature, the true Goddess, reigns over everything; so much so that for years the Baiga resisted the use of the plough, fearing it would wound their Mother's flesh. Markets, festivals and wonderful costumes add to the magic of a walk through this wild but hospitable country, a living journey through a time gone by. SEASON AND CLIMATE: The season extends from October until April. Guests who are used to the particularly hot pre-monsoon climate are welcome at any time with the exception of July, August and September. Please note that the National Parks of Central India are normally open from 1 November to 30 June, although in 2003 the Madhya Pradesh government has announced an opening day for October 1. COOL SEASON - November to February. Evening, night and early morning temperatures can vary between 4-12°C therefore good warm clothing is highly recommended. (Kanha National Park at night can reach as low as 2°C.) Day temperatures rise to about 14-20°C so lighter apparel is advised for comfort. WARM SEASON - October, and March to June. In these months the weather is considerably warmer with temperatures easily reaching 30°C and even above 39°C in April-June during the day. The lightest articles of clothing are recommended but should still include a sweater, jacket or shawl for evening excursions. KAWARDHA TOWN AND ITS ENVIRONS Apart from relaxing in the Palace grounds or exploring the colourful local markets, guests can visit the Radha-Krishna family temple built by the present Maharaja's ancestor Raja Ujiyar Singh 180 years ago. The underground rooms where Sadhus (holy men) practised their special ceremonies of ritualistic asceticism can still be seen. A walk around the adjacent Ujiyar Sagar (Holy water tank) provides interesting views of the temple as well as insight into the everyday activities of the people. LOHARA BAVLI is about 20 kms to the south-west of Kawardha. This is a step-well built 120 years ago by Baijnath Singh, a member of a branch of the ruling Kawardha family. An unusual feature of this well is a seires of chambers within the interior built to provide relief to the ruling family from the scorching midsummer temperatures before the arrival of the long-awaited monsoon. Beyond Sahaspur-Lohara is the proposed Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary initiated by the family, with its western extremity reaching to the Kanha Buffer Zone in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat District.  
Bhoramdeo Temples A few minutes' walk from BJR is the temple complex of Bhoramdeo, whose structures date from the 11th century, contemporary and similar to those of better known Khajuraho. The Bhoramdeo temples stand in mango groves by a picturesque lake where Paradise Fly-Catchers and other avian life can be spotted among the abundant trees and bushes. Said to have been started by Raja Ramachandra of the Nag Dynasty, the Bhoramdeo temples exhibit many of the characteristics of the famous Chandela works of Khajuraho, including erotic sculpture in bas-relief, but of a more naïf tradition with hints of an eastern Orissa style not obvious in the renowned northern version. SARODA RESERVOIR covers 500 acres of lowland and is about 12 kms from the Palace. Here you can swim, wander along the shore or try your hand at fishing from small boats. Alternatively it is a wonderfully peaceful place to simply sit and read or contemplate the surroundings. Sunsets here are spectacularly beautiful. For the more adventurous, nature walks can start and finish at this beauty spot.  SUPERVISED TREKS of varying ease and duration have been carefully trodden for guests wishing to escape even the jeep. Exploring the hills and valleys accompanied by the peoples of the jungles is a special experience. Treks can be of half- or full-day duration. Here you will come across Tribal Gond villages and the Tolas (settlements) of the Baiga people. The Baiga adhere rigidly to a simple lifestyle in the heart of the remote forested areas. They are known as the 'Lords of the Animals' and are widely believed to have magical powers. For generations they have resisted even ploughing, believing it to scar the flesh of their Mother, the Earth.
DASSEHRA AT KAWARDHA
Throughout North India, Dassehra is celebrated as the victory of Lord Ram over Ravan, the demon king of Lanka - of Good over Evil. Nine nights of puja (worship) known as Navratri are followed by Vijay Dashmi, 'Victory Day' - the tenth day. In the princely states of India, this day has long been a special one when ruling families have presented themselves to their subjects to ensure that Good will prevail over Evil in the year ahead. Dassehra is celebrated in 2007 on October 21, and in 2008 on October 09. KANHA NATIONAL PARK's southern entrance at Mukki is some two hours to the north-west of Kawardha by road through some of the finest Sal (Shorea robusta) forest in India. Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat is happy to co-ordinate accommodation at one of Kanha's excellent Wildlife Camps and Resorts for visitors wanting to observe the tiger and many other protected species of animal and bird found in this magnificent Park. Check out GreenGondwana's PETS - Personalised Exclusive Tours to and from Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat. Back to the Top Close this item | 
