Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is not very popular as compared to other tiger parks in Madhya Pradesh – Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh. However, little do people know that Bori is a part of Satpura National Park. 

Satpura National Park is famous for its sloth bear sightings, but it is equally a haven for tigers, types of deer and bird diversity. It is also a perfect wildlife resort near Bhopal even if one does not 

As important it is to choose a good park for jungle vacation in India, choosing the right accommodation also is. A wildlife safari lodge should have the following traits and I chose Bori Safari Lodge for the same.

• Near the park gate: oftentimes hotels/resorts are extremely far from park gate and it becomes tiresome to travel even before entering the gate.

• Natural vibe: The interior, surroundings and aesthetics are extremely important for a hotel near wildlife parks. It should maintain rustic vibes, have minimalist lighting and should not allow loud music.

• Local food: the best part about travelling is the food and hotels should serve local food that is fresh in season and distinctive of the place. Serving morning tea before safari and high-tea after safari is part of the whole comfortable safari experience.

• In-house naturalist: Having a knowledgeable and experienced naturalist is an added advantage on safari who can give an overview about the entire forest biodiversity including animals, plants and birds. They are also expert trackers and guides who know the forest as well as the back of their hand.

ABOUT BORI SAFARI LODGE

Tucked amidst the lush and rustic locale of Dhapada village, Bori Safari Lodge is a charming forest resort in Madhya Pradesh. Spread over 7.5 acres of farmland, it is a perfect jungle staycation. 

This exclusive resort is located 15 kilometers from the Bhopal-Nagpur highway and offers exclusive safaris. The lodge is located just a few kilometers from the park gate of Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. The in-house 4×4 safari vehicle with naturalists assists guests to the park.

Here, the essence and sophistication of the Jehan Numa group truly comes alive, with thoughtful amenities, royal design and a sincere personal touch.

BORI SAFARI LODGE REVIEW

After turning left from the Bhopal-Nagpur highway, we drove through the dusty village roads for sometime. Another left turn and we entered the lodge premises with happy faces waving to us. We were heartily welcomed by literally every staff at the lodge.

Welcome drinks along with a cold face towel immediately made us feel at home. The lodge manager Mr Shivraj Singh requested a briefing session to explain about the property.

Here is all the information he shared and I came to know in the 2 days that I stayed.

Rooms at Bori Safari Lodge

Bori Safari Lodge features 8 spacious and well-appointed rooms that are designed keeping in mind the needs and comforts of the modern traveller. Each unit of the beautifully designed rooms has a king size bed, contemporary ensuite bathroom and private viewing decks. There is a sitting/reading lounge area where one can keep their cameras, binoculars and other wildlife gears or simply read.

All rooms also have a tea and coffee maker with home-made cookies, wardrobes and safety locker. Artful decor, beds with cozy mattresses, modern furniture, and ambient lighting add to your comfort. Sit back and enjoy the serene ambience of the farmlands from the private deck of the room!

Indian artistic heritage is reflected in every corner of the room, starting with complimentary Kama Ayurveda amenities, wildlife photos/portraits/books and local art. The property wants the guests to enjoy the wilderness so much so that there is no TV or wi-fi or telephones in rooms. However there is a common area around the reception that has wi-fi connectivity if you are working outside of the office.

There is no in-room service and in case you need to call the staff there is a blow horn that one has to blow into and keep outside the room. Blow really hard so that they can hear it.

In addition to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the farms, one can have the feeling of sleeping under the sky due to a small glass portion between the wall and ceiling. Although not a good option for a night full of lightning and thunderstorms! 

Being a sustainable property, drinking water is served in refillable steel bottles. The water is safe to consume as it is filtered RO water!

Culinary Delights

There is an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, where all the meals are served. Embedded in the central courtyard of the lodge, this restaurant has beautiful indoor and outdoor dining spaces. 

They have a fixed menu for each meal and the food is served on the table. The raw materials and ingredients used are sourced from local farmers and markets. And the food served gives an authentic taste of cuisine that is popular in the villages of Madhya Pradesh as well as global dishes.

Cocktails and dinner is served in an open farmland where the chefs cook many live dishes on barbeque and it is a perfect setting to meet other guests staying in the hotel and discuss about the wildlife sightings of the day!

On-the-go safari Breakfast

Safari breakfasts are special. Imagine roughing it out in the cold wind for hours trying to sight the big cats and then stopping in one of the jungle pit-stop areas where you are served hot beverages, parathas, bread-butter, fresh fruits, juice, cakes and other delicious snacks? It cannot get better than this!

Bori Safari Lodge organizes breakfast on the go so that you are never hungry on a safari. The vehicles stop at rest stops that are designated breakfast points. The vehicle driver and guide sets up a picnic basket and one can have a hearty meal in the midst of the forest.

Beware of sparrows and monkeys who may try to snatch the yummy breakfast from your hands.

Infinity Pool 

Bori Safari Lodge features an infinite pool overlooking a pond surrounded by greenery. Cool off and enjoy your holiday with a splash at the swimming pool. Enjoy a refreshing swim, laze in the sunbeds or have a memorable time with your family and children at the pool. 

Library

If you have leisure time at hand then head to  the in-house library that is ambient and beautifully styled with a number of books on wildlife and general reading. This is also the only place where wi-fi works in the entire resort so if you have some work to do this is the place to be.

Spa 

After a long day out in the park, there is nothing more relaxing than a massage. Especially a full day safari! Your body will thank you for the array of massages that are offered here  including ayurvedic massage, reflexology, Indian head massage and other range of full-body treatments. 

The lodge employs local ladies who are well trained in massage therapy to deliver these experiences to guests. 

Walking tours

The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary along with Satpura National Park are the only two protected areas in Central India where walking is permitted as a means to explore the park. A guided walking safari with the expert naturalist is an experience of a lifetime where one may stumble upon many kinds of biodiversity and tales that may last a long time. The walks are usually aimed at finding smaller things in the park like insects, butterflies, tracks and signs, birds, plants and other things that one would miss in a jeep.

I suggest guests have atleast one free evening (parks are closed on wednesday afternoon) to take up these walking tours.

Sundowner

The exploration doesn’t stop after wildlife chasing as you once again hop into the open-top jeep where the team guides you to a secluded riverbed along the Tawa River. Here  a delightful high tea and sundowners await. During certain months, the river’s flow recedes significantly, revealing picturesque sandy banks where you’ll pause. In the spring months a local flower called Mahua blooms which is the region’s favorite. 

While it is popular for country liquor, the Bori Safari Lodge has made a special concoction using the Mahua flowers called Mahua Martini on the sandy riverfront while witnessing the sunset over the national park.

SUSTAINABILITY AT BORI SAFARI LODGE

The Jehan Numa group is conscious of the environment and has inculcated many sustainable values in all of its hotels. Inspite of being in the jungle and away from many resources, Bori Lodge practices sustainability! Some of the initiatives include the type of construction, no plastic policy, local employment, and others. Let us look at them in detail.

• Bori Safari Lodge, nestled in Dhapada village, offers a captivating immersion into local rural life. Visiting the surrounding villages with tribal communities offers an enriching village excursion with fascinating encounters. Numerous opportunities await guests to intimately experience village life during their stay.
• The water bottles used are refillable steel bottled with filtered RO water.
• Instead of hand tissues, the lodge uses washable and reusable cotton napkins in the common bathroom.

HOW TO REACH BORI SAFARI LODGE

By flight

Bori Safari Lodge can be reached via road from the airport or train station.

The nearest airport is Bhopal airport located at 145 km and another is Nagpur Airport located 235 km from the resort near Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. From both these airports, you can reach the lodge via cabs or buses.

By train

The Betul Railway station is the closest to Bori Safari Lodge. The station acts as a junction for 94 trains that connect to various parts of the country like Mumbai, Bhopal, Nagpur, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. It is 37.8 km from the resort near Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. 

FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT BORI SAFARI LODGE REVIEW

During my stay at Bori Lodge, I enjoyed a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The hospitality and meticulous attention to detail stood out during my brief visit. The resort exudes beauty, comfort, and coziness, complemented by delectable cuisine. In my opinion, Bori Safari Lodge ranks among the top luxury jungle resorts in India, thanks to its exceptional offerings. The staff, manager and naturalists of the lodge are lovely people and one can easily strike a conversation with them.. The warm hospitality guarantees my desire to return for another stay.

BOOK YOUR WILDLIFE RETREAT NEAR BHOPAL!

Address: Bori Safari Lodge, Dhapadamal, Shahpur, Betul, Madhya Pradesh, 460440

Contact no.: +91 98 9312 6773, +91 99 9309 1076

Email: info@jehannumawilderness.com

Website: Bori Safari Lodge

Follow on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook

Enjoy Indian Wildlife? Read more wildlife posts here

• For Nilgiri tahr: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
• For Blackbucks: Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar
• For Tiger: Jim Corbett National Park , Tadoba National Park
• For Asiatic lion: Gir National Park
• For Indian Rhino: Manas National Park

Looking for more inspiration from Madhya Pradesh? Check here

• Bhojeswar Shiva Temple, Bhopal
• Places to visit in Pachmarhi
• Orchha Fort
• Places to visit in Indore
• A trip to Mandu

Disclosure – I was a guest at Bori Safari Lodge in April 2024. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running. 

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The post Bori Safari Lodge, Madhya Pradesh : Review appeared first on Explore with Ecokats.

When I visited Kumarakom a decade back, it was the first destination of my road trip in Kerala after a mad week at home. I needed to relax before the power-packed week took me to other places like Thekkady, Alleppey and Munnar.

During my second trip to Kumarakom which was part of the pre-mart tour in Kerala Travel Mart 2022, Kumarakom was our last stop. And this was a perfect way to unwind after the adventurous 4 days that we had.

Kumarakom, Kerala

Kumarakom is a small village nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. With its lush paddy fields and waterways intertwining magically with coconut trees, Kumarakom paints the beautiful picture that you see in Kerala Tourism ads.

While there are many things to do in Kumarakom, most people come here to simply relax or take a staycation in Kumarakom.

How to Reach Kumarakom?

Kumarakom is closest to Kochi and Kumarakom to Cochin Internal Airport is 80 km. It is ideal to hire a car from the airport to reach the resort of your choice. Visitors can request the resort to arrange transport for them too.

We chose to reach Kumarakom in an offbeat way. Through the backwaters!

Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, Alappuzha

Since all the resorts in Kumarakom are nestled on the Vembanad lake and the lake waters meet the backwaters somewhere in between Alleppey and Kumarakom it is possible to reach the resort via the waterways. We boarded the Spice Routes Luxury Cruise called Kettuvalam (houseboat) from Ponga – the office of Spice Routes.

The humble houseboat is nothing less than luxury on the water. From 1 bedroom to 5 bedrooms with attached toilets and a jacuzzi, the houseboats have in-house entertainment and meals apart from the beautiful viewing deck. 

Our 2-hour journey from Alleppey to Kumarakom started peacefully through meandering backwaters. Breathtaking sights kept us company throughout our tour while we relaxed on the sofa and devoured the traditional Kerala food.

As the small channel gave way to bigger ones and bigger channels to even wider ones, we knew we crossing the backwaters into the Vembanad lake. And soon enough the resorts dotting the lake were seen. 

We reached Aveda Kumarakom parking bay, but due to a houseboat that was already parked there, we had to get down at Kumarakom jetty and a resort car picked us up.

About Aveda Kumarakom

Aveda is nestled in the quiet waters of Vembanad Lake and lush greenery in the resort surroundings. Aveda Kumarakom, is a boutique luxury resort in Kumarakom, Kerala. Aveda is popular for its long infinity pool.

The infinity pool is really one of the best. As you enter the lobby, there’s a lot of natural light peeping in through the open ceiling. We were greeted with some refreshments and a cold towel. The staff were really friendly and polite.

Accommodation at Aveda Resort and Spa Kumarakom

We reached the resort from the resort’s front gate from the jetty after a short ride. At the front porch, we were welcomed with a flower garland that was made of in-house garden flowers (which I learned later) and fresh watermelon juice. We chose our room keys as we looked around.

In the middle of the atrium is a koi pond with fish, a huge Diya and flower decorations. The entire atrium had a look and feel of traditional Kerala.

As we crossed the big atrium, it opened to a well-kept garden with flowering shrubs followed by a restaurant that is open on all four sides. As we walked near the restaurant all of us gasped with ‘Wow!’. 

An infinity pool, named Infinitum, runs 150 meters long, creating an illusion that it empties itself into the Vembanad Lake. On either side of this blue pool are cute cottages. The verandah of these cottages opens up at the pool which basically means you are near the pool when you are sleeping, eating or getting a spa done!

We couldn’t wait to change and dive into the pool so as to catch the sunset!

The resort consists of five types of cottages. Each cottage has a personal verandah that assures unfiltered views of the infinity pool.

Lakeview Terrace Rooms

These first-floor luxury terrace rooms with a panoramic view of the resort have a balcony overlooking the Vembanad lake and pool. 

Lakeview Terrace Suites

Located just above the lake view terrace rooms, these are luxury suites that provide breathtaking landscape and from a vantage point. The views from the bedroom, living room and balcony provide you of the most memorable sunset views. This is the perfect suite for the family who want to relax and have great views from the room.

Lakefront Villas with Plunge pool

If you are a private pool-type person and still want a view then this is the best way to enjoy Aveda Kumarakom. Enjoy the sunset over the lake and the passing houseboats while you laze around, in the verandah or from the comfort of your plunge pool.

Pool front Villas with Plunge pool

The Lakeview Villas provide stunning views of the lake and the resort. Nestled in the middle of the resort next to the Spa, the Lakeview Luxury Villa boast a private plunge pool. 

Poolside Premium Cottages

Perfect for a honeymoon couple, these Luxury single-bedroom cottages are lined next to the infinity pool. Spacious and comfortable these cottages have a perfect verandah where one can lounge around overlooking the pool. 

I was put up in the Poolside Premium Cottage and the entrance is from the backside of the pool. One can reach the room through a well-laid narrow path. A small gate opens to 2 doors where 2 cottages reside side by side.

On opening the door, a closet and bag storage is present and on my right, a door opened to a huge bathroom – the shower is open to the sky! It has 2 showers and a big area. In-house toiletries and clean towels were neatly stacked and there is a ceiling fan to give some relief from the humidity!

A king-size bed, a study table and an alluring verandah welcome me into my room. My eyes were fixed on the pool so I changed and plunged in!

Food at Aveda Kumarakom

Aveda Kumarakom offers a Buffet option for breakfast and an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. The menu is a combination of Kerala cuisine (comprising of meat and fish) as well as North-Indian and Continental options in order to cater to all types of guests. 

The breakfast spread is especially amazing with an array of fresh fruit juice, flavoured lassi, bread basket, continental items and Indian snacks. Special thanks to the chef for accommodating my request of making Idiyappam (rice noodles) with Avial curry. Umm.. so good!

Things to do in and around the property

The Resort is open all year round. So in case one wants to visit in monsoon when it is raining too heavily in the mountains or the cities, then a staycation in Aveda Kumarakom is the right call. This section is for visitors who always want to do something even on a staycation (including me)! 

Enjoy Aveda Kumarakom Infinity pool

As mentioned earlier in the post, the infinity pool at Aveda is their USP and it lives up to it. The pool is always clean and the warm water is amazing in all weather. There are coconut trees in between the pool, breaking the pool monotony and giving it those perfect Kerala vibes.

Bird-watching in Kumarakom | Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Thanks to the Vembanad lake, there is a thriving population of birds in the resort and around the lake area. Kumarakom bird sanctuary near the resort is also a lovely place to explore the birdlife here. If you are a wildlife enthusiast who will be happy clicking away pictures or trying to identify the birds’ species through the binoculars. I spotted a White-throated Kingfisher and a Small Egret in the property area.

Spaveda

The resort’s spa called Spaveda is a traditional Ayurveda Spa and one of the highlights of the resort. Holistic healing and therapy through Ayurveda is their vision and the spa offers a wide array of therapeutic treatments. Both short and long treatments are available for the visitors under the supervision of qualified, experienced and certified Ayurvedic Doctors.

Take blessings at the Temple

A Ganesha temple and Krishna temple in the premises promise a divine environment in the Aveda property.

Shop for Kerala souvenirs

Whether you want to buy Handicrafts or a traditional Kerala saree – Kasavu, it is possible to purchase it in the in-house shop.

Visit Responsible Tourism Activities

Kumarakom Villages practice sustainability in their daily life and are a perfect example of simple living. This 2-hour activity is one of must-visit places in Kumarakom. Read more about it – Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom.

Evening cruise on Vembanad Lake

Aveda Kumarakom offers a complimentary sunset cruise on Lake Vembanad. A typical Kerala boat with a thatched roof and wooden hulls leave the hotel. This one-hour boat ride is a super peaceful ride on the lake.

Sustainability initiatives by Aveda Kumarakom

Aveda is conscious of the environment and has inculcated many sustainable values. Some of its sustainability initiatives include the No Plastic Policy. They have a strict no plastic policy thanks to which there are no PET bottles used in the resort. Restaurants and cottages are provided with glass bottles containing filtered water.

Best time to visit Kumarakom

Kumarakom weather can get hot and humid during summers but there is always the pool to cool off. Weather-wise it is best to visit during winters (November to February). It is also the ideal time for sighting migratory birds. Monsoons are off-season and it can be visited. The resort has a different charm with the entire pool to yourself.

Final thoughts about Aveda Kumarakom

I had a relaxing time at Aveda during the short visit that I was there. The resort is extremely beautiful, cosy, and comfortable with delicious food. It is safe to say that Aveda is one of the best Kumarakom hotels here. The staff is friendly and one can easily pick up a conversation with them. The warm hospitality is a warrant I would love to come back and stay here. 

Book your Resort in Kumarakom 

Contact and Bookings: Aveda Resorts and Spa Pvt. Ltd.

Address: V/240 A, Ammankari Road, Kumarakom Village, Kottayam, Kerala 686563

Aveda Kumarakom contact no.: +91 907 284 5001 / 40

Email: info@avedakumarakom.com

Click here to book a room for yourself!

Going to Thekkady from Kumarakom? Check out Cardamom County, Thekkady for a comfortable stay in Thekkady.

Read More Kerala posts:

• Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey
• Human by Nature: Impressions from Kerala
• Places to visit in Thekkady
• Eravikulam National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Things to do in Munnar
• Glamping in Munnar
• Chendamangalam Handlooms
• Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom
• Trekking in Munnar
• Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

Disclosure – I was a guest at Aveda Kumarakom as a part of the Pre-Mart tour organized by Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), 2022 and Kerala Tourism. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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The post Aveda Kumarakom, Kerala : A Review appeared first on Explore with Ecokats.