Central India
Denwa Backwater Escape
Denwa Backwater Escape sits on ten acres of forested land overlooking the serene backwaters of the Denwa River in Satpura National Park and Tiger Reserve. The lodge faces the park across the water, with access by boat and onward jeep safaris. Its position offers wide views of the river, surrounding grasslands and the distant Pachmarhi hills, while the estate itself is rich in natural water bodies, forest and abundant birdlife.
Built from local stone, baked tiles and reclaimed wood, the lodge blends contemporary safari style with handcrafted details. Accommodation includes eight river‑view cottages and two treehouses, each with a private terrace, and the dining hall looks out over the river, serving traditional Indian dishes alongside international favourites.
Facilities
Air‑conditioning, power backup, free Wi‑Fi, ensuite bathrooms with hot water and amenities, restaurant and bar.
There are eight Cottages and two Treehouses.
Local Wildlife
Birds: peregrine falcon, Tickell's blue flycatcher, spangled drongo, black-winged stilt, emerald dove, tawny-bellied babbler, black-capped kingfisher, knob-billed duck, painted francolin, brahminy starling, Oriental darter, Eurasian coot, white-throated woodpecker, common iora, Indian paradise flycatcher, yellow-crowned woodpecker, northern pintail, river tern, scarlet minivet, Indian cuckoo, common sandpiper, Malabar pied hornbill, black-shouldered kite, mottled wood owl, shikra, ashy-crowned sparrow-lark, common-hawk cuckoo, golden-fronted leafbird.
Mammals: Indian bison (Gaur), tiger, leopard, wild boar, wild dog (dhole), sloth bear, Indian antelope (blackbuck), spotted deer (chital), Indian crested porcupine, sambar deer, four-horned antelope (chousingha), smooth-coated otter, Eurasian otter, Malabar giant squirrel, rhesus macaque, Hanuman langur.
Reptiles: mugger crocodile
Optional Activities
Walking safaris, boat safaris, kayaking, hide photography, jeep safaris.
James Gilpin
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding our India tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Best place we stayed! Totally fab. We were the only two guests and were put in the magical tree house. Loved the guiding lights which appeared every night. Fantastic food. All staff were superb, down to the gardeners – very, very classy operation. [Our guide] was the best we had all holiday. We really did not want to leave!