Address :  Umaria, Madhya Pradesh

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. The Lodge sprawls over the 40 acre grounds, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. The original kothi (homestead) comprises the guest areas and has been beautifully renovated, and the guest accommodation is all brand new.

Each of the twelve charming guest suites – or kutiyas (jungle village huts) – are built in the vernacular style of Central India, affectionately known as ‘MP Chic’ (MP being the state of Madhya Pradesh). Each is accessed through private courtyards with shaded seating and traditional mud floors. Interiors include wooden shutters, tapered mud coloured walls in lime and earth washes (finished by hand), open rafters with roughly hewn wooden beams, and handmade pottery roof tiles. Floors are dressed in katni stone strips set in lime mortar. Each ensuite bathroom features twin hand basins, indoor shower, bath and separate w.c. Richly coloured local textiles, used throughout, are in shades of rust and burnt orange. Each kutiya features roll-down mats to keep out the early morning sun, as well as overhead fans and air conditioning.

Guest Accommodation
Each of the twelve charming suites or kutiyas (jungle village huts) are built in the vernacular style of Central India. Each is accessed through private courtyards with shaded seating and traditional mud floors. Interiors include wooden shutters, tapered mud coloured walls in lime and earth washes, open rafters with roughly hewn wooden beams, and handmade pottery roof tiles. Each ensuite bathroom features twin hand basins, indoor shower, bath, and separate w.c. Each kutiya features roll-down mats to keep out the early morning sun, as well as overhead fans and air conditioning. Guests can also make use of yoga amenities in a basket (complete with instructions), traditional Indian games of marbles and Chaupad. Kettles of boiling water on chulhas (charcoal burners) are brought out with early morning tea to the kutiyas. Bicycles, parked in the kutiya courtyards, are an invitation to explore.

Guest Areas
Guest areas boast high ceilings, terracotta floor tiles, overhead fans, inviting fireplace, and traditional sitting areas with window seats. The enormous 600 sq ft veranda runs the length of the building with generous built-in seats for star gazing. The open kitchen welcomes guests 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.

The Mahua Kothi culinary experience
You won’t have to worry about meal timings; we serve three breakfasts, lunches on demand and evening tea that flows into cocktail time and dinner.

Every morning, we celebrate the unhurried pace of rural living with our special Baghiya breakfast. Guests are surprised with the unconventional breakfasts laid out in the backyard of the village house, surrounded by mahua trees & a vegetable garden under the gentle rays of rising sun. Food is displayed on the traditional bullock cart where Idlis & dosas are served with sambhar and chutneys, and paranthas is served with homemade churned white butter, pickles & yoghurt. Varieties of fresh fruit & fruit juices are also served. The food laden cart also features healthy juices, yoghurt cheese and fresh fruits. Enjoy your hot selection of eggs with freshly plucked accompaniments and freshly made home baked bread. And yes, your well deserved tea and coffee is offered throughout the day.

A light, well-balanced lunch is planned with a choice of salads, soups, kathi rolls, fish or pastas. Enjoy your lunch by the cool shade of the swimming pool, by the watering hole, or in your own private courtyard. Olive oil is used as the main cooking media along with other exotic ingredients sourced from different parts of the country, as well as from abroad.

Cocktails and Dinners are the highlights of the day served on our open terraces. Imagine dinner with a live spit roasting, customary khud cooking, thali dinners & traditional folk dancers in the background. Post dinner we offer exclusive desserts and surprise treats in your room.