The Lodge

A Boutique Jungle Escape in the Heart of Tiger Country

Set within 30 acres of private forest reserve, Bagh Tola offers an immersive wilderness experience right on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park. Surrounded by nearly 1,000 sq. km of protected forest, the lodge also features a natural one-acre watering hole within its boundary — attracting wildlife and creating magical moments without guests ever having to leave the property.

Strategically located near both the Magadhi and Khitauli gates, Bagh Tola provides access to two of the park’s richest safari zones, while remaining tucked away in its own peaceful corner of the forest.

With over 20 acres of private forest open to explore, it’s not uncommon to spot nilgai, chinkara, golden jackals, langurs, and chital within the lodge’s grounds — a rare setting that blends raw wilderness with quiet luxury.

The lodge offers a total of 10 safari-style tents — 6 cozy tents ideal for couples, and 4 elevated luxury tents designed for families or small groups seeking added comfort and privacy. Guests dine in a central indoor dining space, complemented by multiple outdoor dining spots set across the estate. A raised machaan overlooks the lodge’s watering hole — a favourite retreat for birders and wildlife enthusiasts to settle in and quietly observe the drama of the jungle unfold.

Comfortably nestled in nature, with two distinct stay styles.

Bagh Tola features a total of 10 safari-style tents, thoughtfully divided into two categories — offering guests the choice between intimate comfort and elevated wilderness luxury.

The 6 cozy tents are perfect for couples or solo travellers seeking a peaceful stay immersed in nature. Each tent opens out into lush greenery and includes a charming sit-out for two, ideal for slow mornings with a cup of tea or quiet evenings under the trees. Designed with an earthy elegance, these air-conditioned tents come with ensuite bathrooms and are crafted to offer both privacy and a sense of connection with the surrounding forest.

The 4 elevated luxury tents are ideal for families or guests looking for more space and a heightened sense of comfort. Perched on raised wooden platforms, they feature spacious interiors, private sit-outs, and panoramic forest views. Styled with natural materials and soft, contemporary design, these tents bring together luxury and wilderness in perfect harmony — offering a stay that is both indulgent and rooted in place.

The Experiences

At Bagh Tola, wildlife isn’t just an activity — it’s the soul of your stay.

Located on the edge of one of India’s most iconic national parks, Bagh Tola offers a rich menu of experiences for every kind of nature lover — from dedicated wildlife trackers to those who simply want to wake up to the sound of birdsong and fall asleep to the rustle of leaves.

For those eager to explore, guests can enjoy morning and evening jeep safaris into the core zones of Magadhi, Khitauli, and Tala — each offering a different window into Bandhavgarh’s biodiversity. While Tala is a little further, the scenic drive through forest-lined roads makes it worth the journey, often with wildlife encounters en route. The lodge also organises safaris into the buffer zones, including night drives, which tend to be less touristy and offer a quieter, more personal wildlife experience.

But for many, the magic lies in the quieter moments.

Nature walks, birding trails, and slow wandering in the private forest reserve reveal a different rhythm of the jungle — a rhythm you can feel from the raised machaan that overlooks the property’s watering hole, or while sipping tea on your private sit-out as the forest wakes up around you.

Whether you’re chasing the call of the wild or simply seeking stillness, Bagh Tola invites you to experience the jungle on your own terms — deeply, quietly, and with all your senses awake.

Location

Secluded in the wild, yet seamlessly connected.

Bagh Tola is situated on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park, near the Magadhi and Khitauli gates—both renowned for rich wildlife sightings. Despite its serene forest setting, the lodge is well-connected to major transport hubs and forms a pivotal point in Central India’s wildlife circuit.

Getting There

• By Air:
  • Jabalpur Airport (JLR) – Approximately 180 km away, with a travel time of 4 to 5 hours by road.
  • Khajuraho Airport (HJR) – Approximately 230 km away, with a travel time of 5 to 6 hours by road.
• By Rail:
  • Umaria Railway Station (UMR) – The closest station, about 32 km from the lodge, taking approximately 30 to 40 minutes by road.
  • Katni Railway Station (KTE) – Approximately 95 km away, with a travel time of 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
  • Jabalpur Railway Station (JBP) – Approximately 170 km away, with a travel time of 4 to 5 hours by road.
• From Varanasi:
  • Train to Umaria:
    • Sarnath Express (15159) – Departs Varanasi at 12:30 PM, arriving in Umaria at 10:08 PM (approximately 9 hours 38 minutes journey).
    • Barauni-Gondia Express (15231) – Departs Varanasi at 9:35 PM, arriving in Umaria at 7:56 AM the next day (approximately 10 hours 21 minutes journey).

Itinerary Connections

Bagh Tola serves as an ideal hub for exploring Central India’s rich tapestry of wildlife and cultural heritage. Here are some notable destinations and their proximities:

• Kanha National Park – Approximately 260 km away, with a travel time of 5.5 to 6 hours by road.
• Panna National Park / Khajuraho – Approximately 220 km away, with a travel time of 5 to 5.5 hours by road.
• Satpura National Park – Approximately 460 km away, with a travel time of 7.5 to 8 hours by road.

This connectivity allows travelers to seamlessly integrate Bagh Tola into a broader itinerary, experiencing diverse ecosystems and cultural landmarks across Madhya Pradesh.

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