Sleeping with Tigers – India’s Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge

Come for the Bengal tigers but stay at Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge for the creature comforts and cultural shows.

When you book a wildlife safari to see tigers, India is definitely the place to go. In particular, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the popular national parks in India that features royal Bengal tigers, leopards, and various species of deer

The lodge is located close to Bandhavgarh National Park and to the entrance gate (near Tala village). This makes it extremely convenient when getting up for early morning safaris. And because the jungle is all around the property, you just might hear the alarm calls of deer signaling the presence of a nearby tiger. Listen for the resounding call because it will assuredly happen.

The jungle lodge is environmentally-designed and built to maximize the natural jungle surroundings with minimum interference. Earth-friendly initiatives include organic farming, medicinal plant garden, worm compositing, and solar energy for heating and cooking. The lodge itself, built with a typical Indian village theme, has inner courtyards, indigenous plants, and lots of fruit trees and bushes to attract birds and butterflies. Strategically-placed hammocks surround the property for those wanting to catch an afternoon snooze.

Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge offers a total of 18 rooms for booking, with 14 spacious independent cottages and a separate villa with 4 rooms. All are equipped with modern facilities, separate bathroom, shower, and running hot and cold water. Bottled water is provided in each room for drinking. Rooms are configured for single, twin or double beds.

A thatched common area serves as the lounge, library, and dining room. An open verandah beckons guests to dine under the stars when the weather is inviting. Food is a combination of home-cooked Indian food and Continental cuisine. One thing is for sure, you’ll never leave hungry.

Don’t miss the outdoor barbecue night along with cultural dancing. It’s a feast for the body and soul.

Legacy of the Tiger

Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge is owned by Amit Sankhala, a progenitor of the legendary Kailash Sankhala, who had the vision over 50 years ago to preserve and protect India’s tigers, forming “Project Tiger”. Today, grandson Amit is the Managing Director of Tiger Resorts Pvt Ltd and Encounters Asia. His commitment to conservation and responsible tourism, as well as to ensuring the survival of the legendary tiger of India, is a testament to both the legacy and spirit of India. Amit was featured in the Discovery channel documentary Tigerland, which aired on March 30, 2019. It was also released at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in the year.

The Booking

When you come to Bandhavgarh, you don’t just book a room, but generally a package that includes wildlife safaris. As an example, the current Bandhavgarh Tiger Package, valid through June 30, 2019, runs USD 530 per night for a double/twin room on the jungle plan. (Based on two guests). It includes all meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner, morning and evening tea/coffees with snacks, two jungle safaris per day by 4 x 4 open exclusive jeep, elephant ride (subject to availability), services of our resident naturalist, all entrance fees, Jeep entry fees, forest guide fees and all applicable taxes. (Note that GST is an extra 28%).

You can make reservations directly with Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge or through Trip Advisor. Trips should be scheduled for October through June, outside India’s monsoon season. If you are looking for an environmentally authentic jungle safari and lodge that promotes the preservation of India’s Bengal tigers and wildlife, Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge is a premiere choice.

Hotel review by Albuquerque-based travel & food writer/photographer Karin Leperi. She paid for three nights safari experience at Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge as part of an exclusive photo tour safari. All photos (including the tigers) and text by Karin Leperi.