Aranyak Resort, also known as The Jungle Kingdom, is a lodge situated on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park, one of Madhya Pradesh's most renowned tiger reserves. The property spans 10 acres overlooking the Vindhya Range, often shrouded in mist at dawn.

Why stay at Aranyak Resort

• Prime location in the buffer zone of Bandhavgarh Park, the departure point for early morning tiger safaris in search of the Bengal tiger.
• Architecture featuring low-rise cottages built with local materials (earth, bamboo) and décor crafted by artisans from the neighbouring village.
• Presence of a resident naturalist, Mr. Rajvardhan Sharma, a specialist in local wildlife who accompanies guests on outings.
• Unspoilt rural setting, far from city noise, ideal for wildlife stays and wildlife photography.

Atmosphere and spirit of the place

The lodge's philosophy centres on subtle integration with the landscape. Buildings are rendered in earthy tones that blend seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation. Common areas maintain a modest scale and favour raw materials: wood, bamboo, woven textiles. Interior décor, created by village artisans, draws on the vernacular codes of Madhya Pradesh rural dwellings without veering into folksy reconstruction.

The day's rhythm follows that of the safaris: departure before dawn towards the park gates, return for breakfast, rest during midday heat, then a second outing in late afternoon. Evenings unfold around a fire, sometimes punctuated by the calls of chitals or alarm calls from langurs drifting in from the surrounding forests.

The cottages

The lodge offers a series of individual cottages with private verandas facing the Vindhya Range. Façades are rendered in earthy tones, and interior furnishings are crafted from bamboo. Each cottage has a window allowing guests to observe the first light breaking over the forested hills, still wrapped in mist upon waking.

The number of cottages and their exact configuration may vary by season: we will provide precise availability at the time of booking.

Services offered

• Organisation of jeep safaris across the park's various zones (Tala, Magdhi, Khitauli) depending on permit availability.
• Guidance from an English-speaking resident naturalist.
• On-site dining, Indian cuisine with vegetarian options and dietary adaptations available.
• Transfers from Umaria or Katni railway stations and Jabalpur airport upon request.

Location

Aranyak Resort is located in Umaria district, immediately adjacent to Bandhavgarh National Park, in central India. Access is typically via Umaria railway station (the nearest) or Jabalpur airport, followed by several hours of road transfer through Madhya Pradesh's countryside. Allow a full day from Delhi combining an overnight train and road journey.

What to see and do in the surrounding area

• Bandhavgarh National Park: one of India's highest densities of tigers, as well as leopards, sloth bears, chitals, sambars and numerous bird species.
• Bandhavgarh Fort: a ruined fortress perched within the park, accessible during certain excursions, featuring ancient rock carvings.
• Baiga and Gond tribal villages in the vicinity, offering insight into rural life on the central plateau.
• Kanha National Park, a few hours' drive away, to extend your wildlife experience with sightings of the barasingha (swamp deer).

Planning the next leg of your India journey

Bandhavgarh fits naturally into an itinerary dedicated to wildlife or central India. To plan the next stage of your trip, explore our suggested India itineraries or discover other handpicked accommodations such as Ranthambore Heritage Haveli to combine two tiger reserves, or Red Earth for another immersive nature stay.