Pench National Park in the heart of India is famous for its tiger-spotting and wildlife safaris., perched in the mountains of Satpura range, this national park is spread over a whopping 758 sq km (293 sq m).
This exotic and awe-inspiring part of India is believed to have inspired the British writer Rudyard Kipling’s iconic 1894 work, the Jungle Book.
The National Park is home to 45 tigers and wildlife including the Sambar Deer, Indian Wild Dogs (Dhole), Wild Boar, Nilgai, Indian leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, horned antelopes and Gaur (Indian bison).
Pench is home to some of India’s finest safari-inspired resorts and hotels.
Here is our list of the 10 luxury resorts for you to enjoy your ultimate jungle experience.
Contents
- 1. Pench Tree Lodge – Eco Luxe Resort in Pench
- 2. Baghvan, Taj Safari – Pench National Park
- 3. La Selva Resort, Pench
- 4. The Riverwood Forest Retreat – Pench
- 5. The Pench International, A Jungle Water Resort
- 6. Pench Jungle Camp
- 7. Village Machaan Resort
- 8. Vannraj Resort and Spa
- 9. Tathastu Pench – Luxury Wildlife Resort
- 10. Tiger N Woods, Pench
1. Pench Tree Lodge – Eco Luxe Resort in Pench
THE PENCH TREE LODGE is located in the Karmajhiri area of the Pench National Park. It is nestled in a private forest that is spread over 36 acres of foliage.
This resort was the first to be established in the region and to this day remains one of its finest. You will enjoy a forest experience quite unlike any other.
It is located in the small tribal hamlet of Sarahiri and its lodges are embellished with traditional artisanship and architectural influences of the local tribe.
With a negligible carbon footprint, the Pench Tree Lodge offers 16 elegant tree houses and cottages. It is located only 20 minutes from the Karmajhiri gate of the Pench National Park.
With its one organic garden, you get freshly cooked lip-smacking local and international cuisine. The property also offers a wide array of outdoor activities like guided nature walks, cycling, night trails and village walks.
2. Baghvan, Taj Safari – Pench National Park
THE BAGHVAN TAJ SAFARI is housed in a heritage Raj-era colonial building that used to be a guest house.
The word Bagvan in Hindi means a ‘tiger forest.’ The Taj Safari consists of 12 exquisite stand-alone bungalows that are built alongside a serene nullah (dry riverbed).
The nullah separates this splendid property from the Pench National Park. So, you get splendid views of the Park from your accommodation.
Each of your accommodations at the Baghvan comes with its own rooftop Machan so you can enjoy the quintessential jungle experience and get up-close with Mother Nature. There is also an indoor and outdoor shower area and a private sit-out area for you to soak in the forest vibes outside.
The interior of the Taj Safari exudes quaint colonial charm with its finesse Parsi tiles. Crystal candelabras, chandeliers, vintage radios, woven hyacinth furniture and vintage items from a bygone era.
Other amenities at the Baghvan include a small library, a safari shop, air-conditioned rooms connected with wifi, in-room dining, 24-hour front desk, guided jungle safari and the signature Taj Jiva Spa specializing in a wide range of Ayurveda and Western therapies.
3. La Selva Resort, Pench
The La Selva Resort is a jungle retreat that offers 12 nature-themed units that include 9 cottages, a tent and a suite room all of which are named after famous species of Deer.
Its design is very eco-conscious with an emphasis on a bare minimum carbon footprint. The A-shape design of its cottages attempts to camouflage its lodging with the surrounding forest. They blend in beautifully with the Mahua trees they are snuggled in the shadows of.
It is situated at Khawasa, not far from the entrance of the National Park. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, accommodations with sun terraces and balconies (which give you excellent views of the jungle), round-the-clock room service, and outdoor guided nature walks.
There is also a splendid on-site spa offering quite a few pampering therapies. The raised Infinity swimming pool of La Selva with panoramic views of the jungle is a delight to be in.
Its fine dining restaurant offers a broad range of Indian, Continental, American and Chinese options. You can also choose vegan and halal options.
4. The Riverwood Forest Retreat – Pench
The Riverwood Forest Retreat comprises 16 spacious and tastefully done rooms that feature a simple and elegant design. You can choose a Garden View Room, a Forest View Room or a River View room.
A part of the Asia Hotels and Resorts Group, the Riverwood Forest Retreat is located in the Khawasa Kurai area of the Seoni District.
Other facilities at the Riverwood Forest Retreat include 24-hour front desk and room service, on-site security and medical services, a travel desk, airport transfers, guided bird-watching tours, guided daytime and nighttime safaris and cultural excursions to nearby hamlets.
Operated by the Walpole Hotels and Resorts Group, this property opened up in 2012 and has been awarded a 3-star classification by the Department of Tourism of India.
5. The Pench International, A Jungle Water Resort
If the name did not give it away, Pench International is located in Khawasi, Turiya region of Madhya Pradesh and is a water front property with an on-site water park.
It prides itself on India’s first resort that offers a Jacuzzi in each of its rooms. One of the main highlights of this splendid resort is, of course, ts jungle-themed amusement park which makes it an excellent getaway for families and children.
THE PENCH INTERNATIONAL features 23 elegantly designed King Cottages, Family Suites and Honeymoon rooms.
Other amenities include free bike tours, jungle-view terraces, 24-hour room service, airport shuttles, air-conditioning, a hot tub, karaoke and a shared kitchen.
6. Pench Jungle Camp
THE PENCH JUNGLE CAMP sprawls over 50 acres of lush green foliage and lies only 1 km from the Turia Gate of the Pench National Park.
This property has won the 2020 Travellers Choice Award and the Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Away from Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department of the year 2018-19.
THE PENCH JUNGLE CAMP features 13 splendidly done Luxury Safari Tents, 3 Deluxe Safari Cottages, four Standard Safari rooms and one family suite.
7. Village Machaan Resort
As is obvious from the name, this property prides itself on its individual Glass Cottages that feature “Machaans” (rooftop sitouts) and private lawns for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle.
The resort is modelled after a tribal village of the Pench region.
It offers a wide range of thoughtful outdoor activities like guided safaris, archery, riverside yoga, pottery workshops and wildlife movie shows.
The indoor Recreation Center at the Machaan features table tennis, billiards, pool tables, a variety of Board Games and and a cozy library corner.
VILLAGE MACHAAN has won TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award for three years running from 2020 to 2022.
It is located in the village of Awarani, close to the national park.
8. Vannraj Resort and Spa
THE VANRRAJ RESORT AND SPA is located in a dry and deciduous forest part of the Pench region.
You can choose among 4 different kinds of accommodations at this property. This includes the Vannraj Villas which features two bedrooms, a large living area, open showers, a private outdoor sitting area, and a luxurious bath.
The Mahua Villa comes with all of these and a private bonfire area. The Mahua Villa Forest View comes with a forest-facing gallery and a Traditional Cottage that comes with air-conditioning, a cozy bed and other amenities.
The Vannraj features a splendid open air swimming pool and a spa offering relaxing therapies. There is a very cozy well-maintained library with a great selection of stories and books about the jungle.
The fine dining at the Vannraj is a delight with refreshing views of the jungle.
The property also offers guided Nature Safaris and Jungle Walks and tours to the potter’s village called Pacchhdhaar nearby where you can enjoy a relaxing pottery experience.
It’s in-house naturalist and botanist have an unmatched knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
9. Tathastu Pench – Luxury Wildlife Resort
THE TATHASTU RESORT is tucked away in a private little forest of over 15 acres of land close to the Turia Gate of the Pench National Park.
It offers a Fairy Tale Tree House, Adventurous Cave Rooms and Traditional Mud Rooms as accommodation.
This excellent establishment offers a wide range of outdoor adventures and activities in addition to the wildlife safaris at the park.
These include boating, fishing, jungle walks, dance and music performances by local artists, and tribal village tours. There are plenty of indoor games available for kids and families as well like darts, table tennis, and board games.
The Jungle Bar at Tathastu offers refreshing cocktails.
The Director of the establishment Ashok Agarwala is a living encyclopedia of the flora of the region. His private collection boasts 1500 species of plants of forest and medicinal varieties.
10. Tiger N Woods, Pench
Tiger N Woods was established 14 years ago. It is located just a km away from the famous Touria Gate of the Pench National Park.
This property offers 14 luxurious spaced rooms that are nestled in a 3-acre strip of land dotted with tall trees. In addition to these, there are 10 Wooden Machaans and 4 Tiger Suites.
Its splendid outdoor swimming pool gives you excellent views of the jungle. The Bar Tipsy Tiger serves a mean cocktail. There is also an on-site bakery, a souvenir shop and multiple designated bonfire areas.
Tiger N Woods also offers bespoke arrangements like dinner in the bush, night bonfires, live music programs featuring local artists and jungle safaris.
The multi-cuisine restaurant offers Indian, Continental, and Oriental dishes.
