Kanha Earth Lodge
Kanha Earth Lodge lies in 16 acres of natural forest, tucked away in a small tribal hamlet bordering Kanha’s buffer zone. It offers 12 open-fronted, luxury bungalows with en suite bathrooms and large verandahs that adhere to high standards of green architecture through their use of recycled, waste wood and local stone in all aspects of construction and furniture design. The Lodge has won several Indian and International Awards for its high environmental standards.
Kanha Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 1,949 sq km (940 sq km of core area and 1,009 sq km of buffer zone), making it one of the best habitats for tigers in India (the current dominant male, Munna, is easily recognized by a symbol on his forehead that reads – "CAT"). The park is situated in the Central Indian Highlands, which are part of the extensive tableland that forms India’s main peninsula. The highlands once were continuous forests and accounted for a significant part of the country’s wilderness areas and wildlife habitats. Today, these forests have become fragmented and survive in parks such as Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Sanjay.
All cottages are inspired by traditional Gond architecture and use locally available materials such as mud plaster, stone, terracotta tiles, rough-hewn timber beams and furniture made from waste and recycled wood, which helps them to blend in seamlessly with their surroundings. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have dressing rooms, writing table and chair and large verandahs with forest views. All rooms have 24-hour power.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safaris are the best way to experience Kanha’s wildlife and wild habitats. Safaris are conducted early morning and in the late afternoon by qualified and experienced naturalists in open 4x4 Suzuki jeeps that have been specially fitted with front-facing, elevated seats to enhance the safari experience. Kanha opens from sunrise till 11:00am and then from the late afternoon until sunset. The park permits entry only after sunrise while exits must be before sunset, so timings tend to change with the season. Places of interest inside the park include Shravan Tal, Bahamani Banjar, Kanha Meadows and the Interpretation Centre.
Birding walks, nature trails and cycling
Birding walks, nature trails and cycling are conducted on request by our lodge naturalists in the forests adjoining the lodge. Guests can visit several small lakes, the Banjaar River and Gond tribal homes during these excursions
A weekly market
Held every Friday at Sarekha village and on Wednesdays at Kumadehi village, both of which make interesting visits. Elephant safaris as joy rides (1 hour) or half-day excursions (4 hours) can be organized through the forest department. As the elephants’ main duties are to patrol the park and help with conservation efforts, bookings can never be guaranteed.
Village visits and crafts workshops
Village visits and crafts workshops with Gond woodcarvers and local potters can be organized on prior request. Painting workshops with Gond painters and artisans can also be organized on prior request.
Kanha is situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh and is well connected by road, rail and air from all major cities and other tourist destinations.
By Road
JABALPUR – KANHA 176 KMS 4 HOURS
NAGPUR- KANHA 270KMS 6 HOURS
BILASPUR- KANHA 245 KMS 5 HOURS
By Air
There are daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Jabalpur (3-4 hours), Nagpur (6 hours) and Raipur (5 hours) by Spice Jet, Air India and Jet Airways. Road transfer can be organized from the airports. Chartered flights to Birwa and Mandla airport both about 1 hour away from the lodge can also be organized.
By Rail
Jabalpur(3 hours), Nagpur (5 hours) and Gondia (3 hours) are well served by Indian railways from all parts of the country. Details could be checked and booked on www.irctc.co.in and www.indianrail.gov.in. Indian Railway Top Tip The Indian Railway offers last minute tickets on most trains for a small premium, the scheme is known as Tatkal.
To see more about Kanha Earth Lodge click here
