Madhya Pradesh is also called the Tiger State of India, and its beautiful National Parks are home to a variety of mammals and birds. Give yourself a break and explore the timeless magic of its jungles at these gorgeous lodges in Madhya Pradesh. By Karan Kaushik
Staying at a wildlife lodge could be a great way to make the most of your experience in the wilderness. Imagine waking up on a misty morning to see a chital right outside your cottage, or picture yourself enjoying a romantic candlelight dinner with your partner under the star-studded sky in the middle of a jungle. A stay at these wildlife lodges is all about such unparalleled experiences. Get marooned on a treehouse, make friends over a bonfire, or savour local cuisine, the wildlife lodges in Madhya Pradesh will make sure your wildlife holiday is a special affair.
Wildlife lodges in Madhya Pradesh for a rustic getaway experience
Samode Safari Lodge offers elegant private villas. Every villa features an elegant living area, a spacious lounge, and a bedroom with an en-suite bath. There’s also a dressing area, an open-air bath court, and a private verandah. The main lodge building houses a tastefully embellished lounge. This lounge comes with two fireplaces and offers stunning views. Outside the lounge is a large wooden open-air deck and, on the floor, below it is a swimming pool. There’s a well-stocked library too.
Image: Samode Safari Lodge/Instagram
Nestled in a quaint tribal hamlet bordering the buffer zone of Kanha, this lodge offers twelve luxury cottages. Every cottage features a reclining lounge and a sprawling verandah. The lodge is inspired by traditional Gond architecture, and the furniture has been made from recycled wood. They have a swimming pool too, which is surrounded by mahua trees. Evenings can be spent at the leisurely lounge or the reading room. The multi-cuisine dining hall serves regional, Indian, and continental fare.
Image: Kanha Earth Lodge
Located near Pachmarhi, this uber-luxurious lodge promises a blissful stay in the wilderness. The property offers 12 exquisitely designed lodges. The cottages stand around a waterhole, which provides good opportunities to spot wildlife, especially during the morning hours. Also on offer are a swimming pool, a massage centre, and a library. Their dining area is called Gol Ghar and boasts a central fireplace, bar, and lounge. The lodge is 11km from the Satpura National Park.
Image: Reni Pani Jungle Lodge
Kings Lodge is an eco-friendly property and houses 10 well-appointed cottages and 8 stilt cottages with plush en-suite bathrooms. The lodge is a fine specimen of the rural vernacular style of architecture and effortlessly blends with the natural environs. They also have an in-house spa with Ayurvedic massage treatments. You can loll around at the poolside sundeck or visit their organic kitchen garden. Kids will love their butterfly farm. They also organise cycling and walking tours and village visits. Outdoor barbeque and bush dinners can be organised on request. The multi-cuisine dining hall serves lip-smacking food and offers great views of the Sal-forested hills.
Image: Kings Lodge
Encompassed by the Maikal Hills and lush Sal trees, Chitvan Jungle Lodge is one of the most sought-after properties in Kanha. The suites here are interestingly named after the five elements of nature — Jal, Prithvi, Akash, and so on. Every suite has its own distinct feature and colour scheme according to its name. While the Jal suite is located closest to the core zone of the jungle, the Akash suite is located next to their organic farm. The attached bathrooms in every suite feature twin counters. For the most luxurious experience, stay at their Mahasagar suite.
Image: Chitvan Jungle Lodge
This exotic jungle stay by MPTDC is located near the Madla gate of the Panna National Park. Its proximity to the safari booking counter makes it an ideal choice for visitors with impromptu plans. Perfect for families, they have a beautiful play area for kids. The restaurant offers a limited choice, but the taste makes up for it. The rooms are pretty spacious and feature lovely patios. They are gorgeously designed according to a wooden theme. The jungle camp’s location on Panna-Khajuraho road is an added advantage.
Image: Shrey Pandey/Instagram
This laidback European-esque vintage lodge offers six spacious, opulent, and well-appointed cottages. The peaceful sit-outs offer fantastic birdwatching opportunities. They offer tastefully done tree houses for stay too. Meals here are prepared from organic veggies sourced from their farm. They specialise in slow firewood cooking, which lends their preparations an unmatched smokey flavour. You must try out their Khowsuey and chef’s special ice cream spread. The staff will be happy to organise a jungle safari on request.
Image: Pench Tree Lodge
Nestled along the banks of the pristine Ken River, this lodge is fondly referred to as the Tree House by locals. The main highlight of this property is its beautiful tree-top restaurant called Machaan, which offers rewarding views of the gentle Ken. Sprawled across an area of 50 acres, the lodge is a nice mix of traditional hospitality and comfy country living. They have eight rustic air-conditioned huts with attached modern bathrooms. Each hut features a dressing area and a lovely sit-out. They also organise boat rides and birding trips.
Image: Ken River Lodge
Sequestered at a kissing distance from Bandhavgarh’s Maghdi zone, this thirty-acre property offers air-conditioned luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms. The lodge houses a one-acre perennial water body and seamlessly blends with the forest. The prime highlight of the lodge is the stunning views it offers. Be it the stay, food, hospitality, or hygiene — they score well in all departments. The lodge is perfect for a family outing. Their dining menu will leave you spoilt for choice.
Image: Bagh Tola Lodges
One of the finest properties of Madhya Pradesh Tourism, the lodge is located near the Tala gate of the national park. The lodge is perfect for those travelling in large groups. It features plush air-conditioned cottages. Other amenities include a gym, swimming pool, bar, restaurant, kid’s play area, and a conference hall. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the tariff. Bonfires can be arranged on request. The staff is extremely polite and helpful.
Image: Niket Dave
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