Bandhavgarh National Park supports one of the highest densities of tigers in the entire Indian subcontinent. Mahua Kothi Jungle Lodge, an award-winning Conde Nast pick, delivers Bandhavgarh in absolute luxury and natural beauty. A wide range of activities, from game drives to spotting Indian tigers, await guests at this exclusive luxury game lodge.

Property Details

Nestled in the vicinity of the breathtaking Bandhavgarh National Park is the first of the Taj Safaris lodges. The name Mahua Kothi draws inspiration from one of India’s most beautiful trees, the Madhuca indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree. Its luscious off-white flowers take center-stage in many Indian festive rituals, and here at Mahua Kothi Jungle Lodge, it is at the center of many a unique and delightful experience. In addition to tigers, other wildlife abounds in the park as well, including rhesus macaque, porcupines, jackal, fox, wild boar, and more.

The lodge sprawls over the 40 acre grounds, around the renowned tented camp, Churhat Kothi. The accommodation and facilities of the lodge blend charmingly into the quaint and rustic surroundings. Mahua Kothi promises an experience that is unconventional, knowledgeable, sophisticated, innovative, and focused on guests’ individual needs and emotions. Walk into the cozy traditional guest area, with high ceilings, terracotta tiles, overhead fans, a fireplace, huge windows with window seats, beaten Bastar metal, and hand-blown glassware. Step into the open kitchen that lets you in on the simple joys of butter being churned, masala being hand-ground, garden-fresh vegetables being chopped with sickles, and rotis being expertly made on a chulha. Catch the jungle breeze out on the 600 square-foot verandah, browse leisurely through the Safari Shop, idle away the hours at the library, or take a dip in the swimming pool.

When you’re ready to settle in at Mahua Kothi Jungle Lodge, make your way through a private courtyard, with its shaded seating, to one of the 12 charming cottage suites, called Kutiyas. Built to replicate the vernacular style of Central India, affectionately known as “MP chic”, each is filled with quaint local touches: wooden shutters, tapered hand-finished walls, stone floors, open rafters with roughly-hewn beams, handmade pottery roof tiles, and rust and burnt orange local textile furnishings. Shower off after your journey in the en-suite bathroom; pamper yourself with hand-blended, all-natural, guest amenities from the Taj Spa; relax with a game of marbles or Chaupad; or indulge in an in-room Ayurvedic massage.

Dining at Mahua Kothi Jungle Lodge is an exciting and unexpected safari in itself, with several delicious twists and turns. Fresh local ingredients, homemade accompaniments, fruits and veggies grown nearby, and ancestral cooking and dining customs make your dining experience at Mahua Kothi as memorable as the game drives. Breakfasts can be served in the colorful gardens, or take along a packed basket of hot and delicious breakfast goodies during your morning game drive. At lunchtime, relax with a picnic under the Mahua tree or near the watering hole. At night, indulge in a local favorite, a cocktail made from the sap of the Mahua tree, and dine under the stars or on the terrace.

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