BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
Upon arrival at either Katni or Umaria train station or Jabalpur Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your chauffeur and whisked away on an air conditioned journey by road to Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh National Park.
The Mahua Kothi team will greet you at the Lodge entrance with a refreshing, ice-cold sweet and salty lime soda. A butler will then escort you to your kutiya - a charming jungle suite built in the vernacular style of Central India, affectionately known as `MP Chic' (MP being the state of Madhya Pradesh). Deliciously inviting lunch platters are served on the guest veranda overlooking the Lodge's beautiful Mahua Tree, or perhaps in the lush baghiya (traditional garden). If you prefer to eat in the privacy of your own kutiya, platters will be discreetly delivered to your private courtyard. Then indulge in an afternoon siesta, relax with a good book in your shaded courtyard seating, or amble down to the pool for a cool dip.
Later, afternoon tea will be served on the guest veranda. Here, you will be introduced to your expert & Beyond trained naturalist, who will give you a full orientation of what to expect on your safari drives into the jungle. You will then depart on your afternoon drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle through Bandhavgarh's dramatic landscape, from tropical forests and woodlands, to steep rocky hills with flat grasslands. Witness the region's rich wildlife, including tiger, sloth bear, leopard, jungle cat, wild dog and try your luck at spotting Mahua Kothi's ten Star Birds, from the gorgeous Indian peafowl (peacock) to the shaheen falcon. Stop to take in the Indian sunset with a mouthwatering sundowner - perhaps some jungle punch or a simple gin and tonic.
As you arrive back at the Lodge after sunset, ice-cold signature cocktails are savoured on the guest veranda or at the lakeside clearing. Dinners are a true highlight, with an abundance of flavours and textures on offer. Delectable dinner platters are served in the dining area or under the magnificent Mahua tree. Or perhaps you will join the other guests for a chapal - India's version of an outdoor boma dinner where expert chefs cook traditional tandoori meals on charcoal. Treat your palate to an array of Indian flavours, from traditional curries and tandoori, to roasted vegetables and chili infused dishes, all served with an assortment of fresh naan breads and fruity chutneys. After dinner, indulge in decadent desserts, served with tea, coffee or cognac. You will then be escorted back to your kutiya for a peaceful night's sleep.
The next morning, your personal wake-up call will include the delivery of early morning tea, coffee and homemade spice biscuits, left quietly in the courtyard among aromatic burning incense for you to enjoy prior to departing on your morning jungle safari. After a morning filled with adventure - which could include viewing tigers from atop an elephant - you will return to the Lodge for a hearty breakfast. Delectable breakfast platters are served on the veranda or in the baghiya in the morning sun. Enjoy freshly squeezed fruit and/or vegetable juice, or get hooked on the traditional Indian lassis! The various platters are laden with toast, jams and marmalades, chutneys, homemade muesli, fresh fruits, and assorted cheeses. Hot breakfasts are also prepared according to guest's preferences, with eggs and fresh breads. Or sample some traditional Indian fare: parathas (homemade salted pancakes with potatoes, paneer and cauliflower), poha (flat saffron rice with fresh vegetables), kathi rolls (Indian style wraps stuffed with chicken, lamb or vegetables) or pao bhaji (fresh bread rolls served with tomato and onion).
We hope you will leave Mahua Kothi, well rested and already planning your return visit.
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