Bandhavgarh - Mahua Kothi Resort
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.
MAHUA KOTHI'S GUEST 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.
MAHUA KOTHI GUEST AREAS
» 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 AT MAHUA KOTHI
» 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.
MAHUA KOTHI'S 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
Nestled amongst the picturesque Satpura hills, this is one of India's most scenic
national parks. The dramatic landscape features tropical forests and woodlands,
and steep rocky hills with flat grasslands in the valleys below. This forested
area is renowned for tiger, leopard, jackal, jungle cat, wild boar, sloth bear,
nilghai and sambhar.
ACCESS
» Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh
to Jabalpur Airport (190 km), Khajuraho Airport (210 km), Kanha (230 km) by
road.
NOTES
» Children are welcome at
Mahua Kothi and the Lodge accommodates one triple per Kutiya per night for children
under 12 sharing with their parents. Children under 5 regrettably are not able
to go on game drives, and children between 5 and 12 only with the permission
of the Lodge Manager.
