The name Mahua Kothi draws its inspiration from one of India's most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree. Pronounced ma-hoo-a, this tree with its fleshy off-white flowers plays a central role in festivals and rituals, as the vitamins, minerals and sugar-rich flowers are used in a number of ways. The twelve charming suites or Kutiyas (jungle village huts) are newly built in the 40 acre grounds of the renowned tented camp formerly known as Churhat Kothi. The original Kothi (homestead) comprising the guest areas remains and has been extensively renovated, but the guest accommodation is all brand new.

Location

Situated in the central India state of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is a 448 Km renowned tiger reserve. Nestled among the picturesque Vindhya hills and lush tropical forests, this is one of India's most scenic national parks. (View the Route Map)...

The Lodge

The tweleve charming suites or Kutiyas (jungle village huts) are newly built in the 40 acre grounds of the renowned tented camp formerly known as Churhat Kothi. The original Kothi (homestead) comprising the guest areas remains and has been extensively renovated, but the guest accommodation is all brand new.

Accommodation

• Charming individual Kutiyas built in the vernacular style of Central India
• Each is accessed through private courtyards with shaded seating, traditional swings and traditional mud floors
• Wooden shutters, tapered mud-coloured walls (finished by hand) in lime and earth washes, open rafters with roughly-hewn wooden beams, handmade pottery roof tiles, floors dressed in katni stone strips set in lime mortar
• Ensuite bathrooms with twin hand basins mounted on a wooden log, indoor shower, bath, separate w.c. and house gowns in traditional MP cloth
• Ceiling fans and air conditioning
• Yoga amenities in a basket (complete with instructions)
• Hand-blended natural guest amenities from Jiva Spa – all made from pure Indian herbs and essential oils
• In-room Ayurvedic massage

Unique Selling Points

• Bandhavgarh supports one of the highest densities of tigers in India.
• Twice-daily jungle safaris.
• CC Africa trained naturalists.
• Taj trained hospitality staff.
• Elephant safaris
• Guided nature walks.
• Cultural walks and cycling through a traditional village.
• Birdwatcher's paradise.
• picnics in nearby wooded areas.
• Intimate lodge with just 12 suites.

Dining

• Bullock cart breakfast in teh Baghiya (traditional garden).
• Picnic lunches under teh Mahual tree.
• Chowki roof dinners under a star strewn sky.
• Moonlit dancing at the lake.
• Discover fresh lime, exquisite teas, fine Indian wines and icy cocktails made from the distilled sap of the mahual tree.

Safaris

• Discover the beautiful jungle of Bandhavgarh National Park
• Learn about the rich Biodiversity of Central India from a CC Africa trained naturalist.
• Travel in comfort in a specially designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicle.
• View tigers whilst riding an elephant.
• Twice-daily safaris in the reserve.
• Tick off Bandhavgarh's ten Star Birds (a unique Taj & CC Africa programme).
• Absorb the sights and sounds as you walk through a traditional MP village.

Bandhavgarh National Park

The dramatic landscape nestled amongst the vindhya and Satpura ranges, features tropical forests and woodlands, and steep rocky hills with flat grasslands in the valleys below. An ancient 1000 year old fort, reclining statue of Lord Vishnu, and the dense Sal jungle combined with the grasslands make Bandhavgarh one of the most beautiful parks in India.

Mahua Kothi- At A Glance

Weather : tropical - hot during the day. Summer (April-June) temperatures can get as high as 43 44 degree C, while early mornings and evenings are pleasant (18-24 degree C) . Night time winter temperatures vary between 02-20 degree C, whereas days are sunny and pleasant (October-March).

Rainfall : Heavy in the monsoon season (mid June to September) and average rainfall is 1100mm.

Best Time to Travel : October to June when game viewing is at its best.

Malaria : Mahua Kothi is situated in a malaria free zone, however malaria is possible in India and necessary precautions should be taken.

Children : Are welcome, Regretfully, children 5 years and younger cannot participate in game drives. Childminders can be arranged at an additional cost. An extra bed can be arranged for children 12 years and younger sharing with their parents (no more than one triple in camp per night). Children aged 6 to 12 yearsare accommodated on game drives at the Lodge Manager's discretion.