Taj Mahua Kothi

Taj Mahua Kothi-Nestled in the neighborhood of the wonderful Bandhavgarh National Park is the first of the Taj Safaris Lodges. The name Mahua Kothi draws stimulation from one of India’s most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica, or as it is usually known, the Mahua or butter tree. Its juicy off-white flowers take centre-stage in many Indian festive rituals, and here, at Mahua Kothi, it is at the centre of many a unique and wonderful experience. The lodge sprawls over the 40 acre grounds, around the well-known previous tented camp, Churhat Kothi, the accommodation and amenities of the lodge merge delightfully into the old-fashioned and rustic surroundings.

Mahua Kothi is the first of five Lodges that, in true Taj style, break new ground in the Indian tourism industry. Offering a never-before-experienced Indian wildlife circuit, replete with both adventure and – unlike any safari experience in the country so far – impeccable service and lush luxury.

Mahua Kothi promises an experience that is unconventional, focused on guests’ individual needs and emotions, knowledgeable, sophisticated and innovative.

Accommodation:

Walk in to the comfortably traditional guest area, with high ceilings, terracotta tiles, overhead fans, a fireplace, huge windows with window seats, beaten Bastar metal and hand-blown glassware. Freshen up in the Comings and Goings room. Step into the open kitchen that lets you in on the simple joys of butter being churned, masala being hand-ground, garden-fresh vegetables being chopped with sickles and rotis being expertly made on a chulha. Catch the jungle breeze out on the 600 sq. ft. verandah, browse leisurely through the Safari Shop, idle away the hours at the library or take a dip in the swimming pool.

When you’re ready to settle in, make your way through a private courtyard, with its shaded seating, to one of the twelve charming cottage suites, called Kutiyas. Built to replicate the vernacular style of Central India, affectionately known as MP chic, each is filled with quaint local touches. Wooden shutters, tapered hand-finished walls, stone floors, open rafters with roughly-hewn beams, handmade pottery roof tiles, rust and burnt orange local textile furnishings. Shower off your journey in the en-suite bathroom, pamper yourself with hand-blended, all-natural, guest amenities from the Taj Spa, relax with a game of marbles or Chaupad or indulge in an in-room Ayurvedic massage.

Activities:

Safaris

• Discover the beautiful jungle of Bandhavgarh National Park
• Learn about the rich biodiversity of Central India from a CC Africa trained naturalist.
• Travel in comfort in a specially designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicle.
• Twice-daily safaris in the reserve.
• Tick off Bandhavgarh’s ten Star Birds (a unique Taj and CC Africa programme)
• Absorb the sights and sounds as you walk through a traditional MP Village
• Take a walk with your naturalist, through the fairyland forest.

How to get there

Air: Nearest Airport Jabalpur (164 km) is connected to Delhi via daily flights 
Road: Jabalpur (164 km), Khajuraho (280 km), Umaria (32 km), Kanha (325 km) 
Rail: Nearest rail heads Umaria (32 km), Katni (90 km), Satna (134 km) and Jabalpur (164 km)