Tipai in Tipeshwar A Restaurant Inside A Forest & A Safari Through A Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife enthusiasts in Maharashtra often head to Tadoba Tiger Reserve or Pench National Park to spot tigers. However, there’s a new sanctuary that’s gaining attention for its frequent sightings of India’s majestic national animal—the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. This hidden gem is now becoming a prime destination for wildlife lovers, thanks partly to a sustainable wildlife resort that’s putting this forest on the map: Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries.
The Birth of Tipai
Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries, located on the fringes of Tipeshwar’s forest, is the brainchild of Keyur Joshi, the founder of MakeMyTrip. This resort gained viral fame when a pregnant tigress visited the property, resting by a pond attached to one of the villas for six hours. Locals lovingly named her Talabwali after this visit. The thrill of witnessing such majestic creatures isn’t the only allure. Tipai’s ethos of giving back to the land and its people and focusing on hyper-local food movements drew me and my travel buddy, my dad, to explore this unique destination.
Earthy Bliss
Our journey began with a smooth 2.5-hour drive from Nagpur airport, bringing us to a tranquil haven where the only sound was birds chirping. The searing heat outside was quickly forgotten as we stepped into our pool residency villa, which remained cool thanks to the rammed earth walls and conical terracotta roof made from local clay pots. The villa featured a spacious living room, an expansive bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower areas, and a comfortable bedroom offering uninterrupted views.
The verandah outside the living room came with a swing and a bio pool that uses no artificial chemicals, mimicking a natural pond surrounded by the jungle. Tipai has retained and replenished the forest landscape through reforestation and permaculture, making it a celebration of the land and its people. Interior Designer Ariane Thakur Ginwala spent five years developing Tipai, ensuring every element respects and enhances the natural environment.
A Day of Gourmet
Our first culinary adventure began at Perch, the all-day dining restaurant with interiors inspired by a weaver bird’s nest. We enjoyed a North Indian Thali featuring Ammu’s Butter Chicken, Dal Padoliwala, Paneer Kofta, Lassuni Palak, and more, with ingredients sourced from the resort’s farm. Exploring the farm, we discovered local specialties like the Ambadi (Roselle) plant, used in making sherbets and chutneys.
Dinner at Wadi, the second dining spot, provided a farm-to-table experience with fresh ingredients from the surrounding farm. The highlight was a pizza-making session, where I failed miserably at stretching the dough, much to my dad’s amusement. Despite my clumsiness, the pizza turned out delicious, and the tiramisu dessert was the perfect ending to our meal.
Into the Wild
The next morning, we set off on a jungle safari, hoping to see one of the 20 tigers in Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite spotting fresh pug marks and numerous wildlife species, we weren’t lucky enough to see a tiger. However, the beauty of Tipeshwar’s forest made the experience memorable.
Road to Relaxation
After our 4-hour game drive, we headed to the spa at Tipai, aptly named Aaste, to unwind. Collaborating with Tattva, Aaste offers therapies drawn from Ayurvedic traditions using native oils and ingredients. From rejuvenating Champi to therapeutic foot reflexology, the spa treatments melted away all our stress.
Flavours Hitting Home
Our second day included a traditional Vidarbha Thali at Perch, starting with the much-anticipated ambadi sherbet. The sweet and sour drink paired perfectly with the thali’s spicy dishes, resonating with my Maharashtrian roots.
Dining in the Forest
We saved the best for last: a visit to Chef Amninder Sandhu’s Palaash. Named after the surrounding Palaash trees, this restaurant offers an immersive dining experience. An all-women team runs the open kitchen, preparing dishes using traditional methods like cooking on an earthen chulha and crushing spices on a silbatta. The menu features locally inspired dishes, reflecting the personal stories and culinary heritage of the local women.
Our meal began with a Mahua cocktail, followed by courses that included Ambaadi, Chinch, Charred Ananas, Dahi, and slow-cooked Raan with Bhakri. The meal concluded with indulgent desserts like Mahua Kala Jamun and Pista Ice Cream, each dish a delightful blend of traditional flavors and modern techniques.
Palaash also offers an interactive underground BBQ experience, where guests can marinate meats or veggies and enjoy the fruits of their labor for dinner.
A Sustainable Retreat
Tipai is more than just a resort; it’s a sustainable destination that lets you connect with nature and enjoy meals prepared by local chefs with heartfelt dedication. It’s a place to escape the fast-paced city life, appreciate Mother Nature’s offerings, and savor the simple joys of life.
Plan your visit to Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries for an unforgettable experience that blends the thrill of wildlife sightings with the serenity of sustainable living. For more travel insights and tips, stay tuned to Travel Beloved.
