Central India
Kings Lodge
Amidst the captivating wilderness of Bandhavgarh, King’s Lodge offers an exceptional retreat with the superb standards that we have come to expect from a Pugdundee property. Guests are welcomed with freshly baked cookies upon arrival, setting the tone for a warm and inviting stay. The lodge features a variety of cottages, some of which are elevated to provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Each room is tastefully designed, while the traditional method of using rice straw to render the outside walls adds a unique and rustic charm to the lodge. The attractive swimming pool provides a refreshing escape, and the elegant dining room sets the stage for a delightful breakfast.
Evenings at King’s Lodge are equally enchanting, with presentations by the knowledgeable naturalist Akshaya and his colleagues, who share fascinating insights on topics like ‘Birds of Bandhavgarh.’ Guests can also enjoy dinners in a beautifully ambient outdoor setting next to a fire, making for a cozy and memorable experience. Prasanti, the charismatic manager, along with the attentive staff, ensures that every guest feels well cared for. With its thoughtful design and commitment to excellence, King’s Lodge offers an exceptional and immersive experience for those looking to explore the wonders of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.
Facilities
Swimming pool, library with a fireplace, in-house organic garden, outdoor fire pit, in-house naturalists.
There are 10 x Cottages and 8 x Stilt Cottages, all en suite and with a private veranda. All rooms have air-conditioning, a plug-in heater, hot water bottles, desk, tea and coffee with French press, 24-hour hot and cold water, organic toiletries.
Local Wildlife
Mammals: Tiger, gaur, leopard, elephant, sloth bear, chital, nilgai, sambar deer, barking deer, chinkara, wild boar, Indian wild dog, grey mongoose, porcupine, jungle cat, Asiatic jackal, rhesus macaque, Hanuman langur.
Reptiles: Python, Indian cobra, common Indian krait.
Birds: Asian Green bee-eater, black drongo, black kite, brown fish owl, brown-headed barbet, changeable hawk-eagle, common kingfisher, common peafowl, common sandpiper, white rumped shama, crested serpent eagle, jungle owlet, Egyptian vulture, great egret, greater coucal, greater racket-tailed drongo, jungle crow, house sparrow, Indian grey hornbill, Indian robin, Indian roller, jungle babbler, lesser adjutant stork, lesser whistling teal, little cormorant, little grebe, long-billed vulture, Malabar pied hornbill, Oriental magpie robin, Alexandrine parakeet, rose ring parakeet, red jungle fowl, Asian paradise flycatcher, red-vented bulbul, red-wattled lapwing, rock pigeon, rufous treepie, Indian sarus crane, spotted dove, stork, white-eyed buzzard, white-tailed swallow, white-throated fantail flycatcher, white-throated kingfisher, yellow-crowned woodpecker.
Optional Activities
Jeep safari, guided nature walks, cycling trails, village walks, organic farm and butterfly garden, evening naturalist presentations, full day safaris into Bandhavgarh.
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
You now have a chance of spotting elephants within Bandhavgarh! After being absent from the park for over a century, a herd of around 40-45 elephants migrated from neighbouring states and made Bandhavgarh their new home, a significant and positive development for the park’s ecosystem. A population of around 50 has been steadily maintained since their arrival.
If you have any questions regarding our India tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Naturalist guides were brilliant. We seem to have been given the best one in each place. Had same one for whole of stay in each place. Cultural guides gave just enough information and then left you to ask questions about what interested you which is what we like. They did not seem to have a set patter. Helpful about photographic sites – i.e. good position to take photos.
[OVERALL STANDARD OF SERVICE] Excellent isn’t good enough. In every place we were treated like royalty. Totally relaxed and felt totally safe but not smothered.
[WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS] 11 tigers, innumerable rhino, wild elephants, buffalo, otters, hog and swamp deer, and wild boar. Birds at Keoladeo excellent. Watched leopard and three cubs at Siana for 1.5 hrs of exceptional viewing.
An outstanding holiday which far exceeded our expectations. Many people would enjoy it I’m sure.