The Kipling Photography Hide is a one-of-a-kind, professionally-designed, subterranean wildlife photography hide that allows photographers and wildlife enthusiasts to get one with the wild in a secure, discrete manner. By Debomita De
Located in Pench National Park, The Kipling Photography Hide has been built with the goal of encouraging non-vehicular, low-impact, greener, and more sustainable experiences for visitors. While the hide allows visitors to observe wildlife without really interrupting, it gives photographers a unique eye-level perspective up-close.
The forest at Pench National Park is sprawling with teak, bamboo trees, and other bushes. One can spot several endangered animals such as the Indian wild dog, wild pig, nilgai, chital, and four-horned antelope living in this dense jungle. But the forest is not only popular for its habitat. Visitors arrive here with Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book in mind, because the author popularly credited the inspiration behind the much-loved adventures of Mowgli to the jungles of Pench.
About The Kipling Photography Hide
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The Kipling Photography Hide has been designed by award-winning wildlife photographer Zhayynn James. It has enough room for four photographers. A coffee station, fridge, charging stations, and professional beanbags for photography are also available at The Hide. Notably, “The Kipling Hide is the result of the synergy of an ecologically sensitive approach, combining sustainable design and ergonomics keeping in mind long hours of photography, comfort and complete safety of the guests”, shared James in a post. It sits next to a waterhole, which serves as a water source for wildlife as well as a photography feature for reflection shots. Jackals, wild boars, jungle cats, and mongoose visit the hide on a regular basis, in addition to a variety of bird species.
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Kipling Photography Hide can be leased for photography expeditions, bird photography masterclasses, and a variety of documentary productions in the morning or evening. Photographers staying at Pugdundee Safari’s Pench Tree Lodge can book the Hide. A single seat slot is priced at INR 2,000 for up to three-four hours on a shareable basis with other photographers. Guests who want a more intimate experience can rent out the entire hide for INR 5,000 for the same time period.
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