Located in the Vindhya hills of the Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is one of the most important national parks not just in the state —but also all of India.
If you look up lists of the best places to go on a safari in India, chances are you will find Bandhavgarh in the top 5 and top 10 lists with other important parks in the country like Pench, Panna, Ranthambore, and Jim Corbett National Park.
Declared a National Park in 1968, Bandhavgarh’s tiger safaris are considered one of the best in the country. It is divided into four zones, namely Magadhi, Khitauli, Tala and Panpatha. It used to be the private hunting ground of the former Kingdom of Rewa.
Sprawling over a buffer area of almost 400 sq km, this national park is home to some 60 tigers as per the last count, including the majestic White Tiger. The inner core is spread over 105 sq km and has one of the highest densities of the Bengal Tiger on the planet.
In addition to tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park is also home to 37 species of mammals, 80 species of butterflies and 250 species of birds.
Predators of the park include tigers, leopards, striped hyena and caracal. Other mammals include Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Nilgai and barking deer – which are prey for tigers.
The nearest airport is at the city of Jabalpur which is located 200 km away. You can also take the train to Jabalpur town from major train cities in India. The nearest biggest town is Umara (30 meters away from the national park).
The Best Luxury Resorts, Lodges And Hotels In Bandhavgarh National Park
Here is our list of the best luxury safari-inspired lodges and resorts in the Bandhavgarh National Park. Located on the fringes of the park, these properties are located close to the entrance gates of the national park.
Umaria District, where the park is located, is also easily accessible from all over India via train, road and by air (the nearest domestic airport is Khajuraho 225 and the international airport is Varanasi 355 km away).
Contents
- 1. Tree House Hideaway – Bandhavgarh National Park
- 2. Kings Lodge – Bandhavgarh National Park
- 3. Mahua Kothi, a Taj Safari – Bandhavgarh National Park
- 4. TigerGarh Wildlife Resort
- 5. Aranyak Resort, Bandhavgarh
- 6. Tiger’s Den Resort, Bandhavgarh
- 7. Lemon Tree Wildlife Resort Bandhavgarh
- 8. Syna Tiger Resort – Bandhavgarh National Park
- 9. Nature Heritage Resort – Bandhavgarh
- 10. Samode Safari Resort, Bandhavgarh
1. Tree House Hideaway – Bandhavgarh National Park
THE TREE HOUSE HIDEAWAY is hidden away in a 21-acre strip of land dotted with tall Sal trees. The foliage of the property is home to many species of birds and reptiles.
It features 6 Tree Houses named after the local trees from the Bandhavgarh region. Exhibiting a sturdy and dark grungy outlook, these tree houses are tastefully decorated with traditional furniture and equipped with contemporary amenities.
The dining hall of the Tree House Hideaway is built award a 100-year-old Mahua tree and has two levels.
The ground level features a large hall and the upper deck bar and a relaxing lounge named the “Watering Hole.” Guests can choose from a range of Continental, Indian and Barbeque options. You can also ask for a bespoke Bush Dinner with a popular Baiga Thali featuring scrumptious local delicacies.
The property offers a curated jeep safari to spot tigers in the Bandhavgarh National Park. You can climb to the Machaan that overlooks a water hole (often frequented by wild animals).
2. Kings Lodge – Bandhavgarh National Park
Pungdundee Safaris is a well-known brand in the jungle safari and resort niche of Indian tourism. Their offering in Bandhavgarh – the Kings Lodge — is a very fine one.
Surrounded by two towering Sal trees-strewn hills, THE KINGS LODGE is snuggled in 14 acres of natural forested estate. It is located a mere 10 minutes drive from the Tala Gate. The village of Rancha is also located nearby.
Each lodge comes with a plush double bed, crisp linen, room service, a complimentary sit-out verandah to enjoy the forest, sustainably sourced materials, traditional furniture, air-conditioning and other modern amenities.
KINGS LODGE offers private safari to the Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli core zones with extremely knowledgeable in-house safari guides.You can also go on a charming cycling trail to the surrounding village of Rancha for local immersion.
With an on-site organic farm, the Kings Lodge is committed to a “farm to table” philosophy.
Kings Lodge has won the 2023 TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for the “Best of the Best” category in 2023 and 2022, and the South Asian Travel Awards ‘Silver Award for Wildlife Hotel’ (2018).
3. Mahua Kothi, a Taj Safari – Bandhavgarh National Park
The Mahua tree that is indigenous to the region is a part of the history, culture and lore of the region. A Kothi means a homestead in the Hindi Language.
THE MAHUA KOTHI (Mahua Homestead) is a cozy but post-safari offering of the exquisite Taj Group of Hotel that is known for its 5-star hospitality.
This property features 12 standalone luxury cottages that are generously spread out in a 45 acre of private property on the fringes of the national park. The mud cottages or “Kutiyas” as they are called in the local language are built in the traditional mold of architecture under the shade of Mahua trees.
Each cottage comes with a bean-shaped dip pool that is shaded by a bamboo thicket. The premises also has a large organic farm which grows the fresh vegetables and herbs used at its fine dining restaurant.
Other amenities include 24-hour in-room dining, guided tours by expert naturalists and safari guides, a safari shop, private butlers, guided nature walks, airport transfer and a signature Jiva Spa that offers a wide range of therapies.
4. TigerGarh Wildlife Resort
TIGERGARH is a luxury boutique resort located on the fringes of the Bandhavgarh National Park in the village of Ranchha.
It offers six luxury sustainable and forest-inspired cottage accommodations which are located under lush green foliage. Each cottage comes with a king-sized bed, large windows overlooking the forest, a flat-screen TV, plush linens, air-conditioning and other modern facilities.
Its fine dining restaurant is known as the Waterhole which offers a fusion of Indian, Mughlai, Chinese and Continental dishes.
Guests can also avail of private safaris offered by TigerGarh. Its in-house guides also take guests on a nature trail through the jungle. In the evening tribal music and dance performances alongside a bonfire are a delight to witness.
To understand the region, you can also visit the nearby village of Ranccha and learn about their customs and traditions. Other outdoor activities arranged by the property are pottery sessions at the village, cycling tours in the countryside, bullock cart rides for kids, photography workshops and butterfly-watching tours.
5. Aranyak Resort, Bandhavgarh
THE ARANYAK RESORT is located only 5 minutes from the Tala Gate of the park. Nestled in a 12 acre private strip of land, it is surrounded by Sal and Mahua trees.
With a rural-inspired design, this resort features 20 luxury spacious suites that are adorned with traditional furniture from the Bastar District of Madhya Pradesh. Each suite comes with a private sit-out area with splendid views of the jungle.
The resort also features a large swimming pool (with a sundeck), a butterfly garden, a meditation and yoga room as well as a Machaan for bird-watching.
Other amenities include 24-hour front desk, bush dinner arrangements, barbeque spaces, an organic kitchen garden, a well-appointed library and a multi-cuisine dining hall with a safari-themed ambience.
6. Tiger’s Den Resort, Bandhavgarh
THE TIGER’S DEN features 34 elegantly designed and furnished luxury cottages and deluxe rooms. Each unit comes with a balcony that gives you a view of the jungle and the Vindhya hills.
It is located on the boundary of the National Park at the village of Tala and is considered an excellent Tiger Trail Resort. You can walk up to the village to learn about the local way of life.
THE TIGER’S DEN offers a daily open Jeep safari to the park conducted by a well-informed naturalist.
The Sita Madhi Restaurant offers Indian and Continental cuisine. The property prides itself on the 60 different kinds of trees that find their home in its boundaries.
7. Lemon Tree Wildlife Resort Bandhavgarh
The Lemon Tree Wildlife Resort is located within walking distance from the Tala Gate of the Park. It is snuggled in a canopy of dense Sal trees, only 35 km from the town of Umaria.
Set amidst 6 acres of foliage, this splendid establishment boasts a large swimming pool, a fitness center, a multi-cuisine restaurant and other modern amenities. It also has a fine contemporary venue for events and conferences.
The Citrus Café (open 18 hours) offers a set menu featuring Indian, South Indian, Asian and Western dishes.
8. Syna Tiger Resort – Bandhavgarh National Park
The SYNA TIGER RESORT features 20 luxurious wildlife cottages.
Each cottage comes with a distinct inspiration from local tribal aesthetics and the cultural history of the states of Chhatisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Assam, Tripura and Kerala. Adorned with rural artwork, statues and hints, each exudes a distinct ambiance.
There is also a contemporary fitness center equipped with modern equipment. The on-site restaurant offers delicious meals sourced from the organic farm at the premises.
9. Nature Heritage Resort – Bandhavgarh
NATURE HERITAGE RESORT is set amidst 6 acres of private estate, a mere 5 minutes drive from the Tala Gate of the Bandhavgarh National Park.
It comprises 25 fully-furnished well-decorated cottages that are spaciously spread out on the property. Each cottage comes with a private sit-out verandah to help get in synch with the forest.
There are 3 different restaurants at this resort that offer farm-fresh meals. This resort specializes in organizing special interest programs for wildlife photographers.
Other amenities include a large swimming pool, a spa, a business center with internet connectivity, a conference room facility, a well-equipped library and a nature shop.
Outdoor activities offers by Bandhavgarh include camp fires, jungle safaris, bird watching, folk dances, photographic tours and wildlife documentary shows.
10. Samode Safari Resort, Bandhavgarh
THE SAMODE SAFARI RESORT was rated among the top 10 safaris in the world by CNN and has featured on the top 50 Best Honeymoon Hotels and Destinations of Telegraphy (UK).
Samode Safari Resort consists of 12 stand-alone villas each of which comes with its own balconies, open-air bath and verandas.
The main lounge is the heart of the lodge. Located on the first floor of the main building, it is tastefully decorated with local furniture. You can read a book in a cozy corner, sunbathe on a deck, or enjoy a drink by the fire.
There is also an on-site spa that offers therapeutic modern therapies.
