Mahua Kothi - A Taj Safari, Bandhavgarh 

On the outskirts of the renowned Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, this boutique property is a true haven.

This Taj-owned-and-operated safari lodge is heaven for nature lovers and those who seek a little understated luxury in everything they do. The lodge is named for the madhuca longifolia tree, commonly referred to as the mahua tree, which are grown in abundance throughout the 40-acre grounds. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff here, and the lodge‘s setting – just ten minutes from the entrance to Bandhavgarh National Park – elevates it to an unforgettable jungle retreat.

Days begin with a morning tea or coffee and homemade biscuits delivered to your cottage. It might be an early morning wake-up call, but what better way to start your day? You’ll be accompanied into the park by an expert naturalist guide in an open 4x4 safari vehicle, travelling through tropical forests and expansive grasslands on a search for tigers, sloth bear, leopard and various bird species. On return to the lodge, breakfast will be laid out on a traditional bullock cart on the veranda of the village house. Enjoy a variety of dishes from cooked and continental to authentically Indian. The setting for dinner is largely up to you with an ‘anytime, anywhere’ dining concept. A couple of favourite locations include under a Mahua tree or in the African-style boma.

There are just 12 individual jungle cottages, or kutiyas. They have a rustic-chic style with all natural and locally-sourced materials and rich décor in tones of rust and burnt orange. Each has a private courtyard, yoga equipment and a couple of bicycles that you can use to explore the local area.