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Pakistan Karakoram Highway Expedition
Pakistan
Mahua Kothi is a Taj Safari Lodge in Bandhavgarh National Park, a renowned tiger reserve. The name ‘Mahua Kothi’ draws its inspiration from one of India’s most beautiful trees, the Mahua tree with fleshy off–white flowers that play a central role in festivals and rituals. The Lodge sprawls over the 40-acre grounds, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. The original kothi (homestead) comprises the guest areas and has been beautifully renovated.
Mahua Kothi comprises of 12 kutiyas or mud-walled cottages similar to many Indian village huts. Each Kutiya is furnished with large beds with en-suite bathrooms. Rooms have wooden shutters for cool air, and ceiling fans keep the rooms cool during the heat of the day. There is also air-conditioning, a fireplace and a large verandah.
The day at the Mahua Kothi begins with a wake-up call with the delivery of an early morning tea, followed by a morning safari adventure. Lunch is served in the guest veranda overlooking the Lodge's beautiful Mahua Tree. Later, depart on afternoon drive through Bandhavgarh's dramatic landscape to witness the region's rich wildlife including tiger, leopard and wild dog. The Park is also home to sambar deer, sloth bear, rhesus macaque, black faced langur and jungle cat.
Stay Mahau Kothi has 12 delightful ‘kutiyas’ or cottages. The theme is ‘mud and wood’ and each of the twelve charming suites are built in the vernacular style of Central India. Rooms are accessed through private courtyards with shaded seating and traditional mud floors. Floors are dressed in hand-made tiles and katni stone strips set in lime mortar. En-suite bathroom features twin hand basins, indoor shower and bath. Richly coloured local textiles, used throughout, are in shades of rust and burnt orange.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at the Mahau Kothi. Although there are no specific facilities available for young children, the camp has specially trained staff to educate 6-12 kids about wildlife and its preservation. Babysitting can be arranged, on request.
Dine Mahau Kothi forms part of the "tiger circuit" in Central India, a co-venture that combines the Africa’s andBeyond’s game-watching expertise with Taj’s local roots and culinary excellence. Breakfast is served in the backyard of the village house, surrounded by mahua trees (after which the lodge is named). A light, well-balanced lunch includes a choice of salads, soups, fish or pastas by the pool side, or in your own private courtyard. Cocktails and dinners are the highlights of the day – imagine dinner with a live spit roasting on an open terrace with traditional folk dancers in the background.
Safari The national park is a five-minute drive away from Mahau Kothi. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the wildlife in the area and game viewing was excellent and we spotted several tigers – sometimes too close to be comfortable. This is in spite the fact that travelling within the park is strictly controlled by the park officials. The park is divided into four zones and each zone is sub-divided into two circuits, one of which you are allowed to take within a specified time.
Experience One of the many highlights of staying at the Mahau Kothi, was a trip with our resident naturalist to the local village. The people are very friendly and nomadic who until recently didn't believe in farming because it involves cutting into your “mother earth”. Their homes are simple; made of clay bricks and plastered with cow dung with thatched roofs and a small courtyard. But they were immaculately clean and beautifully decorated. And everyone seemed so happy and free!
Oct-Mar
30°C
JLR
GMT+ 5.3
Indian Rupees (INR)
Location Mahua Kothi is a Taj Safari Lodge in Bandhavgarh National Park, a renowned tiger reserve, in central Madhya Pradesh. Modelled on traditional Indian homes in Central India village and supported by andBeyond trained naturalists, it provides a most authentic safari experience.
Getting There Most major airlines fly to India’s main airports. Delhi is the best point of arrival for Rajasthan and north India. For Bandhavgarh, fly to Delhi, followed by a 2-hour domestic flight to Khajuraho airport. Mahua is then a 6-hour transfer by car.
When to go Lodge is closed from 1st July till 15th October, as the national parks are closed due to monsoons. The best time to travel to India is between September and March. However, the best time to visit the Bandhavgarh Park is between March and June, when the temperatures are high and the tigers come out to cool themselves in the grass or a watering hole. Please note that the temperatures in May and June can be very hot and unbearable. The peak season is from December to January, and it gets very crowded in March.
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