Recommended accommodations in India
 
 

Mahua Kothi Jungle Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

The name Mahua Kothi draws its inspiration from one of India’s most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree. Pronounced ‘ma-hoo-a’, this tree with its fleshy off–white flowers plays a central role in festivals and rituals. The Lodge sprawls over the 40 acre grounds, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. The original kothi (homestead) comprises the guest areas and has been beautifully renovated, and the guest accommodation is all brand new.

Each of the 12 charming guest suites – or kutiyas (jungle village huts) – are built in the vernacular style of Central India, affectionately known as ‘MP Chic’ (MP being the state of Madhya Pradesh). Each is accessed through private courtyards with shaded seating and traditional mud floors. Interiors include wooden shutters, tapered mud coloured walls in lime and earth washes (finished by hand), open rafters with roughly hewn wooden beams, and handmade pottery roof tiles. Floors are dressed in katni stone strips set in lime mortar. Each ensuite bathroom features twin hand basins, indoor shower, bath and separate w.c. Richly coloured local textiles, used throughout, are in shades of rust and burnt orange. Each kutiya features roll-down mats to keep out the early morning sun, as well as overhead fans and air conditioning.

Guest areas boast high ceilings, terracotta floor tiles, overhead fans, inviting fireplace, and traditional sitting areas with window seats. The enormous 600 sq ft veranda runs the length of the building with generous built-in seats for star gazing. The open kitchen welcomes guests upon arrival – watch butter being churned, Masala being grounded by hand, garden fresh vegetables being chopped using traditional sickles, and Rotis being prepared on a Chulha. Browse peacefully in the lodge’s Safari Shop, idle away the hours in the library, or beat the midday heat in the swimming pool. Guests arriving early or departing late can freshen up in the Goings & Comings room.

As far as dining is concerned, you won’t have to worry about meal timings; we serve three breakfasts, lunches on demand and evening tea that flows into cocktail time and dinner.

Guests delight in the yoga amenities provided in a basket (complete with instructions), as well as traditional Indian games of marbles and Chaupad. Kettles of boiling water on chulhas (charcoal burners) are brought out with early morning tea to the kutiyas. Bicycles, parked in the kutiya courtyards, are an invitation to explore.

Discover the beautiful jungle of Bandhavgarh National Park and learn about the rich biodiversity of Central India from an &Beyond-trained naturalist. Travel in comfort in a specially designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicle. Enjoy twice-daily safaris in the Reserve and tick off Bandhavgarh’s ten Star Birds (a unique Taj & &Beyond programme). Absorb the sights and sounds with a walk through a traditional village in Madya Pradesh.

The Must do things are - Savor a mahua martini along with Dinner under the mahua tree, Trek up to the fort and the reclining Vishnu statue, Star gazing, Hukkah evenings, Village visit & School engagement programmes and Take a nature walk with our naturalist.