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Mahua Kothi

Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge

The name Mahua Kothi draws its inspiration from one of India's most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree. Pronounced ma-hoo-a, this tree with its fleshy off - white flowers plays a central role in festivals and rituals, as the vitamins, minerals and sugar-rich flowers are used in a number of ways. The twelve charming suites or Kutiyas (jungle village huts) are newly built in the 40 acre grounds of the renowned tented camp formerly known as Churhat Kothi. The original Kothi (homestead) comprising the guest areas remains and has been extensively renovated, but the guest accommodation is all brand new.

Accommodation :

• Charming individual Kutiyas built in the vernacular style of Central India

• Each is accessed through private courtyards with shaded seating, traditional swings and traditional mud floors

• The architectural style is affectionately known as MP chic (MP being the state of Madhya Pradesh)

• Wooden shutters, tapered mud-coloured walls (finished by hand) in lime and earth washes, open rafters with roughly-hewn wooden beams, handmade pottery roof tiles, floors dressed in katni stone strips set in lime mortar

• Ensuite bathrooms with twin hand basins mounted on a wooden log, indoor shower, bath, separate w.c. and house gowns in traditional MP cloth

• Richly coloured local textiles in shades of rust and burnt orange

• Roll-down mats to keep the early morning sun out

• Ceiling fans and air conditioning]

• Built-in seating in yellow situ (local cement screed)

• Yoga amenities in a basket (complete with instructions) Traditional Indian games of marbles and Chaupad

• Hand-blended natural guest amenities from Jiva Spa - all made from pure Indian herbs and essential oils

• In-room Ayurvedic massage

• Rose and Khus (Verbena) sherbets and pitchers of iced water for guests to mix themselves

• Kettles of boiling water on Chulhas (charcoal burners) are brought out with early morning tea to the Kutiyas

• Beautiful terracotta roof that floats over the Kutiya - MP style

• Bicycles for every guest parked in the Kutiya courtyards

Guest Area :

• High ceilings, terracotta floor tiles, overhead fans, fireplace, and traditional sit areas and window seats
• An enormous 600 sq ft veranda runs the length of the building with generous built-in seats for star gazing
• Beaten Bastar metal and hand-blown glassware
• Huge windows to catch the jungle breeze
• Open kitchen that welcomes guest upon arrival - watch butter being churned, Masala being grounded by hand, garden fresh vegetables being chopped using traditional sickles, and Rotis being prepared on a Chulha
• Browse peacefully in the lodge's Safari Shop, idle away the hours in the library, or beat the midday heat in the swimming pool
• Guests arriving early or departing late can freshen up in the Goings & Comings room

Dining :

• Bullock cart breakfast in the Baghiya (traditional garden)
• Picnic lunches under the Mahua tree
• Chowki roof dinners under a star strewn sky
• Moonlit dancing at the lake
• Discover fresh lime, exquisite teas and fine Indian wines.

Safari Experience :

• 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
• View tigers whilst riding an elephant
• Twice-daily safaris in the reserve
• Tick off Bandhavgarh's ten Star Birds (a unique Taj & CCAfrica programme)
• Absorb the sights and sounds as you walk through a traditional MP village

Bandhavgarh National Park :

Room View