Last Updated on March 16, 2025 by
Planning your next wildlife vacation in India? Confused about which National Park to choose, which property to choose to stay, which safari zone to select and where to get the perfect wildlife sightings? I have the ideal answer to all these questions – Pugdundee Safaris! Read about my experience of forest accommodation that is luxurious and sustainable at King’s Lodge in Bandhavgarh, a property of Pugdundee Safaris.
Bandhavgarh National Park is a sought-after Tiger Reserve in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. One of the most popular parks in the country, it has attracted naturalists, photographers, and international wildlife documentary filmmakers.
While tiger safari in Bandhavgarh is famous due to the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers, it is equally a haven for other wildlife such as Indian bison, Sloth bears, Leopards, many types of deer and bird diversity.
Having been to other tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh, such as – Kanha, Pench and Satpura – I was super excited for Bandhavgarh as it was my first time there.
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WHY CHOOSE BANDHAVGARH?
Once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Rewa, it is now a significant sanctuary for wildlife. Bandhavgarh National Park is nestled in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, covering an area of over 1100 sq km. The park is divided in 3 core zones – Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli and 3 buffer zones – Dhamokhar, Johila and Panpatha. Each zone has a distinct landscape, offering a unique setting for wildlife.
The park’s diverse landscape features steep ridges, forested valleys, grassy swamps and open meadows, interspersed with the Bandhavgarh Fort, creating a stunning natural habitat.
It is also closer to various other tourist sights, such as the Bhedaghat and Khajuraho temples.
WHY CHOOSE PUGDUNDEE SAFARIS?
As important as choosing a good park for a jungle vacation in India is, choosing the right accommodation is also very crucial. Choosing resorts in Bandhavgarh can be overwhelming.
A wildlife safari lodge should have the following traits and that is why I chose King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh for the same:
- Near the park gate: oftentimes hotels/resorts are extremely far from the park gate and it becomes tiresome to travel even before entering the gate. King’s Lodge is located 4km away from Tala zone – a 10 minutes drive.
- Natural Ambiance: A hotel near wildlife parks should prioritize its interior, surroundings, and aesthetics to blend seamlessly with nature. A rustic design, minimalist lighting, and a peaceful atmosphere without loud music, enhances the experience.
- Local Cuisine: One of the highlights of any trip is experiencing regional flavors. King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh offers fresh, seasonal, and locally inspired dishes, with most of the ingredients grown and harvested fresh in their organic garden. They also serve morning tea before a safari and high tea afterward, adding to the overall comfort and authenticity of the safari experience.
- In-House Naturalist: A knowledgeable naturalist on-site is a valuable asset, providing insights into the forest’s rich biodiversity, including its wildlife, flora, and birdlife. These experts also serve as skilled trackers and guides, possessing an intimate understanding of the terrain and all areas of the national park.
Pugdundee Safaris are considered a leading responsible safari company in India, offering unique and intimate jungle lodge experiences in pristine locations within Central India’s national parks, providing excellent access to wildlife like tigers, while prioritizing conservation and minimizing impact on the environment, all with a focus on luxury and comfort in secluded settings away from typical tourist hubs.
ABOUT KING’S LODGE, BANDHAVGARH
Tucked amidst the lush and rustic locale of Rancha village, King’s Lodge is a charming forest resort in Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh. Spread over 14 acres of natural forested estate, it is a perfect jungle staycation.
This exclusive resort is situated 190 kilometers from the city of Jabalpur and provides private safari experiences. Located just a few kilometers from the Tala zone of Bandhavgarh National Park, the lodge offers 4×4 safari vehicles accompanied by expert naturalists. These professionals enhance the safari experience by sharing in-depth knowledge about the forest, its biodiversity, and wildlife. Their engaging conversations make the journey both informative and enjoyable.
The resort embodies the elegance of Pugdundee Safaris, featuring refined amenities and rugged wilderness, cocooned with sustainability and a warm, personalized touch.
KING’s LODGE BANDHAVGARH REVIEW
A long drive awaited after reaching Jabalpur airport. I was already dreading the city traffic, but almost immediately out of the airport, our driver, Izhar suggested if he could use a short-cut through a village to avoid the city roads. We were more than happy as he went to inform us that we would save 30 minutes of driving time!
The 3.5-hour drive was mostly smooth and made beautiful thanks to the blooming Palash flowers (Flame of the Forest). On crossing Umaria town, the Sal forests were visible on both sides – that meant we were close!
Glued to our window panes for any movement, we came across a herd of spotted deer. Aah, the feeling of being in the wilderness! The double-laned national highway then narrowed down to one lane, and the speed limit went down. We were even close!
We crossed the entry gates of all the core zones and later, a right turn brought us to the property. We were heartily welcomed by the staff at the lodge.
We were seated in the library with a projection room that doubles as a hi-tea room. Welcome drinks, along with a cold face towel, immediately made us feel at home. The lodge manager, Mr Yash requested a briefing session to explain about the property and even brought us gifts – refillable steel water bottles.
Here is all the information he shared and I came to know in the 3 days that I stayed.
Rooms at King’s Lodge Bandhavagarh
King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh features 18 spacious and well-appointed cottages that are designed keeping in mind the needs and comforts of the modern traveller. The cottages are in between a bamboo forest ensuring privacy and views to each unit. Cottages are lined with cow dung and hay – an ancient Indian practice for regulating interior temperatures. Since the temperatures can be extreme in Bandhavgarh, these practices ensure a comfortable temperature within the room.
Each unit of the beautifully designed cottage has a king-size bed, a contemporary ensuite bathroom and private viewing decks.
All rooms also have a tea and coffee maker with home-made cookies, areas to stow the luggage and a safety locker. Minimal yet rustic decor, beds with cozy mattresses, and ambient lighting add to the comfort and make you feel right at home. Lounge in the verandah of your cottage while getting engulfed in the sweet voices of countless birds.
Sustainability, Indian biodiversity and wildlife is reflected in every corner of the room and common spaces. The common areas have furniture using the local Sal trees and the door and handles have a wildlife element to them. The property wants the guests to enjoy the wilderness so much so that there is no TV and phone network in the rooms. However, there is wi-fi across the property that ensures you can share awesome wildlife pictures with your family and friends.
There is no in-room service and all meals are served in dedicated areas around the reception.
Being a sustainable property, drinking water is served in refillable steel bottles. The water is safe to consume as it is filtered RO water! The water is refilled several times a day and you will never have to request for it.
Culinary Delights
The menu is curated keeping the domestic and international guests in mind. The menu uses local ingredients from local vendors. The raw materials and ingredients used are sourced from local farmers and markets. And the food served gives an authentic taste of cuisine that is popular in the villages of Madhya Pradesh as well as global dishes.
King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh takes pride in not using and serving frozen food or spices. The executive chef will share the menu and ask for your preferred meal, especially for dinner. The meals are divided in 2 categories – Indian and Global, with enough options for vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Breakfast and lunch are served in the dining room, while dinner is an explicit affair at an outdoor sitting area. Cocktails and dinner are served in an open farmland where the chefs cook many live dishes on barbeque, and it is a perfect setting to meet other guests staying in the hotel and discuss the wildlife sightings of the day! There are bonfires lit in the area, ensuring you are warm while you sip your cold beer.
On many occasions a tribal dance is arranged here which is part of evening entertainment and also gives a slice of local culture. On one of the days that we were there, we watched the Baiga Tribe performing their festival dance, watched a cricket final match and on one there was a wildlife documentary screening.
On-the-go safari Breakfast
Safari breakfasts are special. Imagine roughing it out in the cold wind for hours, trying to sight the big cats and then stopping in one of the jungle pit-stop areas where you are served hot beverages, samosas wrapped in Sal leaves, sandwiches, vegetable cutlets, fresh fruits, juice, cakes and other delicious snacks. It cannot get better than this!
King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh organizes breakfast on the go so that you are never hungry on a safari. The vehicles stop at jungle centre points that are designated breakfast points. The vehicle driver and guide set up a picnic basket and one can have a hearty meal amid the forest.
Beware of sparrows and monkeys who may try to snatch the yummy breakfast from your hands.
Swimming Pool
Near the reception of the property, there’s a small swimming pool where you can cool off after the game drive. King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh has a pool overlooking their organic garden and surrounded by greenery. Cool off and enjoy your holiday with a splash at the swimming pool.
Library
If you have leisure time at hand then head to the in-house library that is ambient and beautifully styled with a number of books on wildlife and general reading. The library turns into a video room in the evening, where several documentary screenings take place.
Spa
After a long day out in the park, there is nothing more relaxing than a massage. Especially a full-day safari! Your body will thank you for the array of massages that are offered here including ayurvedic massage, reflexology, Indian head massage and other range of full-body treatments.
Spa needs to be booked in advance so that the lodge can arrange the masseuse.
Nature trail and Cycling tours
King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh arranges nature trail in and around the property with an expert naturalist. Since the property borders the Tala zone, there are birds to give you company. The walks are usually aimed at finding smaller things in the park like insects, butterflies, tracks and signs, birds, plants and other things that one would miss in a jeep. However, if luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of curious eyes peering back at you, belonging to one of the many hidden residents of the wild.
As the sun dips below the horizon, watch the forest prepare for a peaceful night’s rest. And as the moon rises over the clearing, carry home a heart full of memories—ones that will linger in your dreams long after you leave.
I suggest guests have atleast one free evening (parks are closed on Wednesday afternoon) to take up these walking tours.
Village Walks
You can experience the raw beauty of the surrounding village that borders the forests and listen to the tales of locals – how they have been living with the wildlife for centuries.
Immerse yourself in the lives of the local community, where many are skilled artisans. Share a meal or gain valuable insights from the indigenous tribes, such as the Baiga, who have lived in harmony with the forests for generations.
Sundowner
Who said one has to rough it out during a safari vacation? King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh ensures that you have a good time in between and after the safaris. Looking for an intimate dinner with your partner? Consider it done – with bush dinner and sundowner at exotic locales around the property.
Sundowner is arranged near a pond where drinks and snacks await, overlooking the setting sun. However, in March 2025 when I visited, the activity was temporarily closed due to Sloth Bear movement in the area.
Tribal Dance
The property invites the community members of the local tribe, the Baiga, who entertain the guests with their festive dances and singing. This one hour of dance session is refreshing as you sip a local mahua cocktail while the bonfire warms you.
Guests can join the dance and enjoy themselves with the tribe.
Nature Shop
Take a bit of King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh with you with the souvenirs from nature shop. There are t-shirts, jackets, hats and caps that can be purchased. Other things include paintings and jewellery made by the Baiga tribe.
I picked some beautiful jewellery and my husband picked up a hat.
SUSTAINABILITY AT KING’S LODGE BANDHVAGRAH
The Pugdundee Safaris group is conscious of the environment and has inculcated many sustainable values in all of its hotels. Inspite of being in the jungle and away from many resources, the lodge practices sustainability! Some of the initiatives include the type of construction, no plastic policy, local employment, and others. Let us look at them in detail.
- The property has used sustainable materials throughout and has also added cod dung to the exterior to give a very rustic look. The dung along with hay cools the interiors – a practice from the Indian culture.
- The property has a strict no plastic waste policy. The guests are gifted stainless steel bottles upon check-in and encouraged to use them. There are RO water refilling stations in various areas, and the rooms also have steel bottles wherein the water gets refilled multiple times.
- King’s Lodge, nestled in Rancha village, offers a captivating immersion into local rural life. Guests can visit the villages or the community members come to the property for dance performances, local cooking or selling jewellery.
- In common areas, instead of hand tissues, the lodge uses washable and reusable cotton napkins in the common bathroom.
- There is a solar panel at property that produces energy.
- The food is grown organically or purchased from a local vendor. Everything used in the kitchen is freshly prepared – they take pride in not serving frozen food, food that is exotic or non-seasonal. All of this makes the food taste amazing!
HOW TO REACH KING’S LODGE BANDHAVGARH
By flight
Bandhavgarh can easily be reached by air from all major cities in India including Delhi and Mumbai. Jabalpur is the closest airport to Bandhavgarh and is about a 4-hour road drive and flights from 4 cities operate here everyday – Indore, Bhopal, Mumbai and Delhi.
Khajuraho airport is 5 hours away and also a convenient airport specially when combining this beautiful temple town in your travels with Bandhavgarh.
By train
Umaria is the closest railway station (1 hour) followed by Katni (2 hours) and Jabalpur (4 hours), to reach King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh.
Katni is another major railway junction with trains coming from all parts of the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kolkotta.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT KING’S LODGE BANDHAVGARH REVIEW
During my stay at King’s Lodge, I enjoyed a perfect blend of wildlife, culture and relaxation. The hospitality and meticulous attention to detail stood out during my brief visit. Nestled amidst the lush forest, the lodge offered a much-required tranquil retreat where nature and comfort coexist. We woke up to the melody of birds, set out on exhilarating jungle safaris to spot majestic tigers, and unwound with breathtaking sunsets over the forest canopy. The staff, manager and naturalists of the lodge are lovely people and one can easily strike a conversation with them.. The warm hospitality guarantees my desire to return for another stay.
BOOK THE BEST TIGER SAFARI IN BANDHAVGARH!
Address: Kings Lodge, Village Rancha, Dist Umaria, Madhya Pradesh, India. Pin code – 484661
Contact no.: +91-11-40146400 | +91-11-40132687
Email: [email protected]
Website: King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh
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Enjoy Indian Wildlife? Read more wildlife posts here
- For Nilgiri tahr: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
- For Blackbucks: Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar
- For Tiger: Jim Corbett National Park , Tadoba National Park
- For Asiatic lion: Gir National Park
- For Indian Rhino: Manas National Park
Looking for more inspiration from Madhya Pradesh? Check here
- Bhojeswar Shiva Temple, Bhopal
- Places to visit in Pachmarhi
- Orchha Fort
- Places to visit in Indore
- A trip to Mandu
Disclosure – I was a guest at King’s Lodge Bandhavgarh in March 2025. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.
Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.
