A forest lodge that celebrates wildlife.
Nestled in the Maikal range of the Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of the finest wildlife areas in the world. Spread across two districts, Mandala and Kalaghat, the national park is home to the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, Bengal fox, wild dogs, gaur and barasingha. It is not only a perfect getaway for wildlife enthusiasts but also for birders as the park has several species of flowering plants and over three hundred species of birds. Kanha fits well into a longer wildlife program if clubbed with Satpura, Pench and Tadoba on one side and Bandhavgarh and Panna on the other. Kanha's meadows offer some of the most beautiful sights in the winter sun, catching herds of spotted deer and other ungulates grazing peacefully. The forest predominently Sal creates misty latices of light and unforgettables vistas of the jungles. Counted among the larger parks , Kanha has a protected area of 940 sqkm with access to several zones like Phen which are still not in the radar of tourists, hence ideal to explore through the day, some areas can also be accessed on foot.
Perfectly Rare
Working with the local community, training them for hospitality is what makes Kanha Jungle Lodge a Rare propostion. The nearby tribal communities help bring alive many experiences that the lodge curates, be it traditional cuisine, village walks, star gazing or cultural activities.
Know Your Host
The lodge is owned and managed by Tarun, Dimple, and a strong team. Tarun comes from a family of conservationists: Kailash Sankhala, who was behind Project Tiger, and Pradeep Sankhala, a pioneer in wildlife tourism. Tarun has spent most of his life in Kanha and is a mentor to many of the...
Built and run in harmony with the natural environment, Kanha Jungle Lodge feels like being within a forest. Everthing at the Lodge reflects the region in central India that is forested and also home of many tribal communities. Thatched roof machans, furniture made of bamboo or sal which are locally available and organic mud plastered floors around sitting spaces. The lodge has many open spaces that turn into Bomas at night, lit with lanterns and candles at dinner time. These are also places to relax with a book, sketch or just be with nature.
Rooms & Cottages : The lodge is one of the first properties to be built in the close to the Mukki gate. Spread over 12 acres which over the years has become of forest of Sal, bamboo thickets, other local trees, climbers and shrubs - minimal area has been taken up for the rooms and cottages.
Tucked away, out of sight are rooms, 2 deluxe cottages with private sit outs, a central golghar and many nooks and secret spaces where you are taken along a candle lit path for your dinner. While the rooms all have a garden view, the 2 deluxe cottages give you a view of the buffer zone forest. Muted natural colours of the forest, large windows and sitouts remind you of forest lodges of yore. All rooms are equipped with ensuite bathrooms with showers and twin basins. There is a sense of minimalism with white walls showing sketches, photos and water colours of the forests and its inhabitants. While both categories of rooms look out to the wild outdoors, the two deluxe cottages have a private patio that overlook the buffer zone of the forest.
Dining: Meal times are greatly looked forward to at the lodge. Everything from street food to local cuisine, Indian, continental and world cuisine is on the menu. From a matar jeera shorba, an all time favourite to tomato peppercorn soup to biryanis, grilled chicken and hakka noodles, the Golghar tables are a foodie's delight.
Though many of the main meals are served in the Golghar, alfresco dining options are always presented to the guests as a surprise. Special arrangements like candlelight dinners for a couple can be arranged upon request. Many of the ingredients are sourced locally, including that which is grown on the lodge's kitchen garden. In the recent past, the focus has been more on farm to table experiences.
A favourite outdoor attraction is the tea and cookies station under the trees, serving all kinds for tea and coffee through the day.
Kanha Jungle Lodge offers a good mix of experiences besides the usual Jungle Safaris and jungle walks. Walks to the village, star gazing or the cultural dances of the Gond and Baigya tribal communities are some of the other engagements to look out for. For those looking to enjoy a slow holiday and enjoy being in the forest, the lodge is ideal for long stays, walks to the nearby river and exploring villages around.
Perfect for
Kanha Jungle Lodge is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and birders alike. It also makes for a great family getaway especially for families with children, for whom being close to the forest and spending time with Dimple, a butterfly specialist and Tarun - an experienced naturalist are brilliant learning opportunities.
Closed
The Lodge closes from July to end of September aligning with the opening of the Kanha National Park.
Single Use Plastic
Safe Garbage Disposal
Water Conservation
Energy Efficiency
Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation
Local Community Engagement
Light Footprint Tourism
Sensitive Destination Discovery
Heritage Preservation
The Human Touch
by Carolina F on 05/01/2024
Everything in Kahna was amazing. From the arrival with the staff waiting for you, the food was delicious, and so catered for dietary restrictions! Every day the setting was somewhere different, with...
by Pieter and Mari... K on 03/10/2024
We had a 4 night stay at the lodge. We have travelled quite a lot accross the globe and it is an understatement to say that the management (Dimple & Tarun) and their staff have set a new standard in...
by Brody-Heyl on 03/10/2024
We took a gaming tour through Central India with Wilderness Travel. I highly recommend them as I do this lodge . 5 star service and accommodations. Plus the food was amazing. Dimple and her husband...