Born in the city, but destined for the wilderness, Raavi’s story has always belonged to the forests of Panna.
Introduced to this remarkable landscape as a six-month-old infant, she spent much of her childhood at Bahaargunj, the family’s jungle farmhouse nestled on the edge of the forest. Living in such close proximity to the wilderness, the jungle became her playground, her classroom and her greatest teacher.
Nature has always been at the heart of Ashok Kumar Singh’s life. Coming from a family with deep agricultural roots and being a seed farmer by profession, his connection with the land was inherited long before it was strengthened through more than four decades of exploring India’s tiger reserves. The forests were more than a backdrop to Raavi’s childhood—they quietly shaped her outlook on life. Through time spent in nature, meaningful interactions with local communities and an appreciation for the simple rhythm of rural Bundelkhand, she discovered not only where she belonged but also the purpose she wanted to pursue.
With the unwavering support of her parents, Ashok Kumar Singh and Kirti Singh, and the love, wisdom and guidance of her foster parents, Viny and Bhavna of Ken River Lodge, Raavi brought together a lifetime of experiences, cherished relationships and a deep-rooted connection with the wild to create Naaharbagh Rajgarh—a boutique wildlife retreat where the wilderness of Panna, the warmth of its people and the timeless spirit of rural Bundelkhand are celebrated in every experience.
At Naaharbagh, life unfolds at nature's pace. Farm-to-table dining inspired by the property's own kitchen gardens, authentic Bundelkhandi specialties and experiences rooted in the land invite guests to embrace the seasons, reconnect with local traditions and rediscover the simple pleasures of rural life.
The story of Naaharbagh extends beyond its guests. It is equally a story of the people and the land that make this region extraordinary. From creating meaningful employment for local communities to celebrating Bundelkhand’s food, art and craftsmanship, every effort is guided by a desire to preserve and promote the region’s unique identity. The retreat has been thoughtfully built by local artisans using locally sourced materials, ensuring that its architecture remains deeply rooted in the landscape that inspired it.
We believe that meaningful travel begins with respect. We encourage our guests to embrace local customs, engage with communities thoughtfully and seek permission before photographing the people whose lives and traditions make this region so special. By travelling with sensitivity, every guest becomes a part of preserving the culture, heritage and spirit of rural Bundelkhand.
Today, the legacy envisioned by Ashok Kumar Singh continues to inspire everything that Naaharbagh stands for. Guests often find that one of the most memorable parts of their stay isn’t found on an itinerary, but around an evening conversation with Ashok Kumar Singh. His stories—drawn from over four decades of exploring India’s forests—are filled with remarkable wildlife encounters, local anecdotes and timeless lessons from the wild, leaving guests with memories that linger long after they return home.
Host
Raised between the city and the forests of Panna, Raavi Singh grew up with an adventurous spirit and an enduring love for the natural world. Curious, independent and deeply connected to rural India, she finds inspiration in the quiet beauty of nature and the people who call it home. She believes that true luxury lies in simplicity, meaningful experiences and genuine human connections. Her vision is to create spaces where every guest feels welcomed, unhurried and deeply connected to the destination they have come to explore.
Founders
A keen wildlifer and adventurer at heart, Ashok Kumar Singh has spent over four decades exploring India’s forests and tiger reserves. A seed farmer by profession, his deep connection with nature is rooted in a family legacy closely tied to the land. While Kirti Singh was not a wilderness enthusiast when their journey began, years of travelling through forests alongside Ashok transformed her perspective, nurturing a deep appreciation for wildlife and the natural world. Together, they have built a life centered around nature, meaningful experiences and heartfelt hospitality. Even today, evenings at Naaharbagh often come alive with Ashok’s captivating stories from the wild, making every conversation a memorable part of the guest experience.
At Naaharbagh, sustainability is woven into every aspect of our journey – from the way we build to the way we welcome our guests. Rooted in the forests of Panna and the traditions of rural Bundelkhand, our commitment is to create experiences that respect nature, celebrate local communities and leave a positive impact on the land we call home.
Inspired by the region’s architectural heritage, Naaharbagh has been built using locally sourced stone, reclaimed wood and natural materials, with the craftsmanship of local masons and artisans reflected throughout the property.
Our farm-to-table philosophy begins in our kitchen gardens, where seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs are grown with care. These are complemented by fresh produce sourced directly from nearby farmers, supporting the local rural economy while bringing the freshest flavours to every meal.
We are committed to responsible operations through solar energy, wastewater recycling for irrigation, composting organic waste, refillable bathroom amenities and reducing single-use plastics, including in our safari meal boxes.
Above all, we believe tourism should benefit the destination first. By creating local employment, supporting artisans and farmers and celebrating the culture of Bundelkhand, every stay at Naaharbagh contributes to the people and the place that make Panna truly special.
At Naaharbagh, our greatest strength lies in the people who call this region home. We believe that meaningful hospitality begins with creating opportunities for local communities and ensuring that the benefits of tourism remain within the landscape that inspires it.
Our team is proudly made up of 100% local residents, whose warmth, knowledge and deep understanding of the region create truly authentic experiences for our guests. From partnering with nearby farmers to collaborating with local artisans, craftsmen and cultural performers, we are committed to strengthening the rural economy while celebrating the traditions of Bundelkhand.
Every stay at Naaharbagh is an opportunity to experience the region through its people—its flavours, its craftsmanship, its stories and its timeless way of life. By choosing local at every possible step, we hope to create a positive and lasting impact on both the community and the destination.
At Naaharbagh, our relationship with the wilderness extends far beyond the safari. Nestled on the edge of the forests of Panna, we are committed to nurturing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the remarkable wildlife and landscapes that make this region so extraordinary.
Every experience is thoughtfully designed to encourage guests to slow down, observe with curiosity and connect with nature in its purest form. From birdwatching and guided nature walks to evenings spent listening to stories from the wild, each moment offers a deeper insight into the rhythms of the forest and the life it sustains.
We believe that the greatest wildlife experiences inspire understanding. By encouraging mindful exploration and fostering respect for the forests, its wildlife and the communities that call it home, we hope every guest leaves with a lasting appreciation for Panna and a deeper connection to the natural world.