Flame of the Forest is an intimate and boutique safari lodge, nestled in a 10-acre campus along the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Built in traditional style with the use of local materials and plastered with gober (a mix of cow dung with mud and water). It is a project of a husband and wife team, Karan an ex-naturalist with the Taj Safaris group and his Swiss wife Isabelle who shared a common dream to learn from the indigenous people and live in nature responsibly.
Situated next to the Banjar River, the Flame of the Forest has just four luxurious cottages. All are spacious in size and minimally furnished in traditional style with open verandas offering views over the river where monkeys and deer often come to drink. The main house has a sitting area and an elegant dining hall where delicious Indian and some favourite western dishes are served. There is also a comfortable lounge on a sandy patch near BBQ joint and a cabana lounge beside the river.
Guests come to stay at Flame of the Forest lodge, primarily to have a wildlife experience at the Kanha National Park. This purpose-built property has been deliberately kept small so they can provide a personalised experience. Karan ensures that each wildlife experience is tailored to every guest’s individual requirement, while Isabelle ensures that you have all the services expected of a luxury hotel. Kanha National Park is open only from October through until June.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubBusiness CentreCoffee ShopConciergeMultilingual StaffRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableYoga Classes/Instruction On SiteStay Flame of the Forest offers just four exclusive cottages. Each are built in the local traditional style using mud and thatch and come with a private sit-out, overlooking the river. Indoors, are high open-beamed ceiling with comfortable beds and traditional style furniture. Each cottage has its own machan or covered day bed, ideal for relaxing between game drives. Spacious en-suite bathrooms come with a shower and twin vanities opening out onto an al fresco bath.
ChildCare Families with children are very welcome to stay at Flame of the Forest. However, there are no specific facilities available for children. Babysitting service can be arranged, on request.
Dine Meals at the Flame of the Forest are served in a variety of locations around the lodge, out in the bush or on the riverbed. Breakfast is a mix of Indian and continental foods and usually taken with you on the road as drives are done quite early in the morning. Lunch is usually a mix of salads with light Indian dishes. Dinner is candle-lit, either in the elegant dining hall or in the garden. The house chef uses locally sourced ingredients most of which are grown within their own garden.
Relax Facilities at Flame of the Forest include the Ayurvedic spa offering a range of relaxing oil massages. There is also an open hall with some stunning views where you can practise yoga with Isabelle who is a qualified teacher. There is also a handicrafts shop selling products created by local women as part of the resort's HATHI social enterprise campaign and the lodge is also actively involved in education within the local school, meaning you can get a unique insight into the lives of the tribal people.
Experience Guests at the Flame of the Forest lodge will have options for both morning and afternoon wildlife safaris to Kanha National Park with over 22 species of mammals and 220 species of birds. In between the safaris, you will have culture walks through the village and nature walks, accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. During the game drives, you are likely to see the infamous Bengal tiger, sloth bear, Indian wild dogs, the elusive leopards and the Hard Ground Barasingha.
Location Nestled in a 10-acre campus in Kanha National Park, situated close to Khatia/Kisli Gate, the entry point to the reserve.
Getting there 8-hour flight to Delhi International Airport, followed by a 2-hour flight to Jabalpur. The road journey from Jabalpur Airport to Flame of the Forest lasts approximately 3-hours.
When to go Lodge is closed from 1st July till 15th October, as the national parks are closed due to monsoons. Tropical climate- hot during the day. Summer (April-June) temperatures can get as high as 43-44°C, while early mornings and evenings are pleasant (18-24°C). Night time winter temperatures vary between 02-20°C, whereas days are sunny and pleasant (October-March). Rainfall is heavy in the monsoon season (mid June to September) and average rainfall is 1400 mm. The best time to travel is November to April.
Destination
Wildlife Parks, India
Featured
Discover sides of Asia you never knew existed, revealed by people who know every facet.
Featured
June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
Featured
June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said us recently.
“I would like to thank Asian Geographical Expeditions staff for organising a perfect holiday for my family to Dubai, Sri Lanka and the Maldives…”
“We are grateful for the exceptional planning and care taken by Asian Geographical Expeditions to ensure our holiday was perfect.”
“… organised by Asian Geographical Expeditions following a recommendation from a close friend. He wasn’t wrong! Asian Geographical Expeditions immediately showed us their professionalism, care and attention to our wishes.”
“Thank you for suggesting the helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp and breakfast with a view of Mt Everest—a truly spectacular moment.”
“The history and cultural specialists also deserve a mention for the way they illuminated the heritage of the places we visited, as does the Buddhist scholar with his apparently boundless knowledge.”
“We were very impressed to learn that its CEO had led some amazing first-ever expeditions … Clearly, he’s still an ace at organising expeditions.”
“Tibet was a revelation … it surely was a blessing to travel back to the region after 50 years … Thank you, Asian Geographical Expeditions, for making this possible.”
"Everything went smoothly, and we want to thank our friendly guides and driver who shared their personal stories and the rich histories of their countries. That is the AGE difference."
"A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Asian Geographical Expeditions who made this super trip possible."
"… we had a stress-free trip, ‘hands-free’, enabling us to enjoy the sights and rich cultures of Dubai and Oman ."
"The meticulous care, support and guidance provided by Asian Geographical Expeditions made the trip extra-special."
"The itinerary was as we expected... the Asian Geographical Expeditions did a fantastic job, going the extra mile to ensure we had the best holiday ever.”
"The attention to detail shone through every aspect of our journey … we gained a deep understanding of a region that remains enigmatic to many. Thanks for a remarkable travel experience!"
"I am deeply grateful to the entire team at Asian Geographical Expeditions for their dedication and hard work in crafting such a memorable holiday."
"The guides were exceptional—they clearly loved sharing their knowledge and insights into the local culture and history."
"We were really impressed with the immaculate organisation ... The Asian Geographical Expeditions team kept in communication during the tour, ensuring that each of our members was comfortable."
"The detailed itinerary and thoughtful pre-trip information removed all stress from our travels, which went off without a hitch, allowing us to dive deep into the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Central Asia."
"The hospitality was truly remarkable... we are immensely grateful to the team for their efforts and look forward to our next adventure with Asian Geographical Expeditions."
"Every detail of our trip was superbly executed... (and) the exceptional attentiveness of the guides added a feeling of luxury and comfort that was much appreciated."
"The guides were not only knowledgeable but also truly passionate about sharing their rich cultural histories, which added a personal touch that was deeply appreciated."
"Every aspect of the trip, from guides to accommodation and the well-planned itinerary ... was seamlessly orchestrated. We will always recommend Asian Geographical Expeditions for anyone looking to explore Central Asia in unparalleled depth and comfort."
