Taj Safaris Mahua Kothi & Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh

Travelling to the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh always fascinates me. When it comes to the wilderness of those gorgeous jungles, my happiness finds new high. I was familiar with the terrain as it was my third visit to the state in last two years. But what I was not familiar with, was the warm hospitality and heartfelt behavior of the staff upon my arrival in their renowned lodge called Taj Safaris Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh. It was overwhelming.

Mahua Kothi

Nestled within the periphery of the Bandhavgarh National Park, the lodge is sprawled over 40 acres of land with 12 rustically designed luxurious mud houses. Hardly 20 minutes drive from one of the core zones, Mahua Kothi gives you the feel of living in a jungle with its well-spread bamboo forest.

Also Read: Taj Safaris Banjaar Tola & Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

I instantly fell in love with the whole setup of those mud houses with private courtyards and the shaded seating arrangement. What drew my attention was the Tulsi plant in the courtyard with earthen lamps (Diya) around it.


I was completely awed by the concept and was left wondering as to how they have designed the mud houses, keeping in mind the Indian tradition, yet curating the most luxurious experiences around it. It was really commendable. As you step inside the Kothi, you will be blown away by the aesthetic sense of designs and the rustic feel of every corner.

Also Read: Why “Taj Safaris” Is The Best Choice When It Comes To Experiencing National Parks In India?


From ceiling fans, bathtub, furniture to switchboards, the detailing of everything impressed me to the core. When it comes to luxury, Taj Safaris can spoil you forever. It’s not always about the amenities, but the services provided to the guests, which make a huge difference when it comes to holidaying with Taj Safaris. Taking care of the tiniest requirement is the specialty of Taj Hotels. What I thoroughly loved about Taj Safaris lodges is the small and personalized handwritten notes to their guests.

Food

When it comes to pampering your taste buds, Taj Safaris can take you to another level of the gastronomic tour with their elaborate food spread. I literally relished each meal during my stay at this luxurious jungle lodge.


The best was the dining set up under the trees with the hanging lamps. It was nothing less than a perfect setting for dinner in the forest. Though owing to the unpredicted rains, we could not dine outside on the first day.

But I would always remember the authentic local delicacies prepared by the in-house chef, the next day when I was dining by the poolside amidst those scintillating dining setup.


Check out Taj Safaris Mahua Kothi Lodge in Madhya Pradesh HERE

Don’t be surprised if you see a tea table set up on a hilltop for your evening tea with a variety of pakoras, cookies, cakes and other snacks, just after your village tour. I was baffled by the entire setup as I was wondering about the people in disguise, who had set it up at the right time. This is what makes Taj Safaris as one of the most desired brands to holiday with.

Exploring Bandhavgarh with Taj Safaris

Being a nature admirer, I feel blessed when I am lost in the forest, along with the rustling of the dry leaves, the enchanting chorus of the invisible birds and the sound of wind. It creates magic in the forest. I simply love to submit myself to the forest, without caring much about the wild animals.

The urge to spot a big cat, behind those bushes never crosses my mind when I am inside the forest. If I come across anything, then it’s a bonus, otherwise no regrets.

Exploring wildlife in the national parks with the Taj Safaris is a completely unique experience. What makes them the best in the business, are their exceptional and experienced naturalists. They are well educated and knowledgeable bunch of people who will make you fall in love with the jungle with their fascinating way of introducing the forest to you. One of the commendable things is their brief presentation session about the national park before you enter the forest for the first time. It makes the guests well aware of the terrain, flora, and fauna.

It was my very first time in Bandhavgarh National Park. As scheduled, we all got ready by 5 am to head towards the forest. Travelling in a jeep, taking those winding roads on a hilly terrain was the most exciting part of the safari. The landscape of Bandhavgarh National Park was quite interesting as it features steep rocky hills, flat hilltops and well-spread grassland meadows inside the forest.

Also Read: Into The Wild: Satpura National Park


It was quite a dramatic sight for me. While passing those spotted dears, peacocks and a couple of birds, we finally managed to spot the Tigress and the cubs resting behind the bushes.



By the time we reached the spot, it was filled with jeeps with quite a large number of tourists. I somehow managed to capture her into my lens. What a pleasure it was to spot her for the very first time.


I never knew that my luck would bring me closer to the tiger on the next day as well. It was completely unexpected to spot any tiger in those bamboo forests in Khitauli zone. As the speeding jeep stopped with a loud voice from the naturalist Karun, I could not believe the rare sight of the tiger that morning.

It would remain the most cherished wildlife safari of my life for sure.


I was invited by Taj Safaris on a Press Trip. All the thoughts, ideas and opinions are mine.

Disclaimer :

The Watermarked photographs are owned by the copywriters, who have contributed to this article. Reproduction of any of the contents, including the photographs without prior consent/permission of the writer, is strictly prohibited and a violation of the same will attract legal action.

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25 Comments

  1. Mikaela Hoover

    Hello I am Mikaela Hoover Thank you so much for the post; This place looks gorgeous and hoping to witness the amazing views everywhere.too good to see you travelling and sharing all the relevant information and experiences. Awesome tour tips, lovely photography.

    Reply
  2. Agness of aTukTuk

    Wow! Madhya Pradesh seems like a definitely worth visiting place! So picturesque. When’s the best time of the year to go there?

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Hey Agness, You must visit Madhya Pradesh whenever you are in India. The best time to visit Madhya Pradesh is October to June.

      Reply
  3. Crystel Reed

    Hi,
    These Travel blogs features stunning travel photos and well crafted stories which is quite interesting and helpful. thanks for sharing the list.

    Reply
  4. Michel Andrews

    Hello I’m Michelle Andrews and I was reading your blog and it was good. And good articles, photos in your post and Madhya Pradesh is the heart of India and there is such a great place to travel

    Reply
  5. Jordan Sinclair

    This place looks gorgeous and your photos are incredible. I love safaris & id love to travel here! I never thought of India as the place for a safari but this looks so interesting!

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      You must experience the safari in India. It’s one of its kinds experience, very different from South Africa for sure.

      Reply
  6. Anna Schlaht

    Gorgeous photography! Makes me want to go to India now (a place that’s always been on my list, but somehow, I haven’t gotten there yet). I love how luxurious the mud houses are; a bit of old and new! The charm is so enticing. We’ll add this to our list of places we want to visit for our next big anniversary. 🙂 Also love your description of the safari! The spread of food they provided and seeing that tiger… Wow. An amazing experience I’m sure you’ll never forget. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Thanks, Anna. It was surely one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences of my life as I had seen the tiger for the very first time after visiting more than five national parks across the country.

      Reply
  7. Followingtherivera

    Ooh I’m so jealous you got to do this! I think a safari in India would be so interesting, and not to mention fun, when seeing all the animals. The food looks tasty, but very spicy I’m sure. So cool how they turned the mud houses into real abodes, it gives the place a rustic feel!

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Once you have the wilderness experience and luxury stay in the forest in Madhya Pradesh with Taj Safaris, your perception about the Indian Wildlife safari will change forever. This is one of the must do things in India.

      Reply
  8. Lynne Sarao

    This place looks like total luxury! The rooms are stunning and I love the personal touches like the handwritten note. The dining room with all the hanging lights is so beautiful and the food looks delicious! If I ever make it to India, I’m visiting here!
    Lynne Sarao recently posted…Hotel Review: Magic Hotel Solheimsviken, Bergen, NorwayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      You must include this on your list of things to do in India. The hospitality of Taj Safaris is unparalleled.

      Reply
  9. Joella

    You had me at luxury and food. I mean really look at that food. I could eat that spread everyday and be content. The Safari also looks fun and the accommodations are gorgeous. What a fantastic experience. Need to save for future – thanks.

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Thanks ,Joella. Taj Safaris offers the most luxurious stay in the forest, along with unforgettable wildlife experience. You must have this whenever you visit India.

      Reply
  10. Hannah

    Going on safari in Africa is one of my favourite memories; I would love to do the same in India! Spotting a wild tiger must be an utterly magical moment. The lodge looks out of this world, I particularly love the outdoor courtyard and the candle lit dining area! And that food… wow!

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Safari in Africa and wildlife safari in India are both completely different experiences. You must have the Indian Safari experience in the gorgeous jungles of Madhya Pradesh.

      Reply
  11. Bee

    Absolutely stunning. from the design, decor, architecture to food, this looks an amazing stay to experience India’s outdoors. So beyond cool you got to see a tiger in the jungle too. awesome post.

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      I got absolutely lucky to spot tigers in both the safaris. It was one of the best wildlife experiences of my life.

      Reply
  12. Marcie

    TIGERS! Holy moly! This place looks like it’s out of a movie! I haven’t had the opportunity to visit India yet, but your post really makes me want to go! The food looks super tasty!

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Hey, Marcie, You must include a wildlife safari whenever you visit India. It’s one of its kind experience. Do have the wilderness experience with Taj Safaris.

      Reply
  13. Maggie

    This place looks beautiful! I just love the grounds. And the food looks amazing! How awesome that you got to see a tiger in person. That’s my dream come true!

    Reply
    • Parnashree Devi

      Thanks, Maggie. I had the best wildlife experience there.

      Reply

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