12 stone cottages, with beautiful, airy architecture, make up the Taj Safari Lodge. The stunning design of these cottages, reminiscent of Khajuraho’s romantic theme, feature ebony and chocolate highlights. The cottages have their own private gazebos and are modern yet inviting, and luxurious yet homely. The views from the cottages are exquisite with lush green foliage all around. Experience wildlife, at its best, while staying at our luxurious jungle suites in Panna.

The air-conditioned, standalone cottages are screened by trees and merge into the rolling landscape. Each spacious cottage has an open sit out area with a covered gazebo which sports beautifully sculptured panels inspired from the carvings of Khajuraho temples. Inside, dry packed stone walls and airy architecture create the impression of a summer pavilion. A fireplace with electric heating is built into the stone wall, along the length of which runs a deep divan. A king sized bed faces a large window, while a uniquely designed fan with lacquered bamboo blades moves silently overhead. A king sized bed faces a large window and on the side tall walk-in windows lead guests onto the open courtyard. The décor is a contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed silks, cotton lace chandeliers and contemporary leather furniture. Delicious Indian fare prepared by expert chefs is discreetly delivered using the unobtrusive butler hatch. The bathroom features a dramatic central shower, twin wash basins and open shelves lined with paisley patterned silk in ebony and white.

Whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we believe each meal should be special, and never in the same place. Which is why, our guests can choose to go on jungle picnics, dine on beautifully lit decks, lounge by the private verandah or by the pool, or dine on a one-of-its-kind ox-cart palanquin. Inspired by local flavours and home-cooked specialities, the safari lodge offers the most exquisite Bundelkhand-style cuisine. Dinner is truly a lavish affair. Begin the feast with a selection of delicious entrees like chicken seekh kebabs layered with lamb mince and roasted tandoori mushrooms. The main course consists of a range of traditional bread and sumptuous gravy preparations. Dining in the middle of the forest, at our luxury safari lodge in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, is a captivating experience. Only the most garden-fresh ingredients go into making our signature dishes. The lodge’s very own organic garden has a variety of fruits and vegetables that promise wholesome goodness.

Though jeep safaris trekking through the jungle may be foremost on guests’ minds while staying at this exotic resort, extras like in-room Ayurvedic massage treatments that make use of all-natural ingredients and a well-stocked library certainly provide guests with much-needed downtime, to help with post-safari relaxation. Twice daily Safari Drives are conducted by expert naturalists in specially designed 4X4 vehicles with theatre style seating.

The quiet, scenic Panna National Park hides in the shadows of the famous town of Khajuraho. Sited on the banks of the River Ken, it is gaining popularity with discerning travellers who are looking for a more peaceful, authentic wildlife experience. Famous for its diamond mines, Panna—a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has another lesser-known gem hidden in its rocky terrain—the Panna National Park. Spanning across 542 square kilometres, the national park is the twenty-second tiger reserve of India. It is the only large chunk of wildlife habitat in northern Madhya Pradesh. The park’s fauna consists of species like the Tiger, Leopard, Nilgai, Sambar, Sloth bear, and more than 200 species of birds including the King Vulture and the Blossom-headed Parakeet. Some other avian species that can be found here are peregrine falcons, and peacocks. A boat-ride down the Ken River and you could be amidst the crocodiles. These ferocious reptiles can be found basking in the sun during winters.