Kanha Earth Lodge - Kanha National Park — Hotel in Dhanwar

I would describe the decord as "charmingly rustic." The main lodge with common areas for gathering and eating was lovely. The rooms (cottages) are spacious and well done.

This is "save the Earth" lodge. This eco-lodge does it well! They have a garden to grow their own food, including making their own fertilizer. It's beautiful and their self-sufficiency is impressive. Ask for a tour! There are no plastics, and they use compostable products (and compost for themselves) when something disposable is required. Some systems are solar-powered. You will need to turn you water heater on when you need it, and turn off the master power switch to your room when you leave, to save electricitity.

The food was excellent, and the chef came out to tell us about his food with evident pride. They served Northern Indian, Southern Indian, and a meal of Indian food based on the favorite recipes of their own staff. As in all of India, the menu was a vegetarian's delight. My stomach was overwhelmed by a week of Indian food by this point in our vacation (high carb + high spice + dairy = acid reflux, be prepared!), and they kindly made "continental" dishes that were very tasty (e.g., chicken and fish with milder spices plus veggies and potatoes, but no bread, lentil, beans, potatoes, nor tomato-based or dairy-based curry).

The rooms at this property are one step below the high end of luxury, but the overall experience was luxury level. Many staff members spoke English, and everyone was solicitous. (FYI, Ken River Lodge was this company's original property. I found that place to be "meh." By contrast, Kanha Earth Lodge was great!)

FYI, WiFi is free but slow. Alcohol is not free, and laundry serviec is not included, either.

The lodge is 22 minutes away from the entrance to Kanha park, so it was easy to access. We had a knowledgeable guide who made it a great experience (thanks. Amwrit!) even though we saw only two tigers.

The first night, we went on a night drive safari. We've done in many countries. We indeed saw a tiger, but the setting was poor. My wife and I have done night drives in four countries now. IMHO, unless the locals tell you there's something spectacular to see, it's ok to skip the night drive. Instead, stay in your lodge commons area for a drink or go enjoy your...

Our stay in Kanha Earth lodge was between 23 Dec - 28 Dec 2023. We travelled with our parents and had 2 separate cottages for 4 of us. It was my first time in the Central Indian forests and as much as I was excited about the forests, I went in keeping my expectations low from the lodge. On the 28th Dec during the checkout however, it felt like saying goodbye to a home and a family.

The hospitality staff are excellent at what they do, every single one has precise tasks and they do it well without drawing too much attention to themselves. The place is adjacent to the buffer zone of Kanha tiger reserve and is kept clean, green, quiet, and well managed over all by the manager Mr.Happy! Chef Ark Bagchi was a highlight with his yummy food made from his home made masalas, and produce from local organic garden. His ice-creams are the best ever! He has a gentle, warm demeanor that made us really at home in his restaurant. Uday served us at the restaurant most of the times, meticulous, remembered all our preferences and remembered to serve us hot ginger tea every single time for my cold. Their organic and butterfly gardens are aesthetically designed and yielding many different varieties of vegetables, herbs and mushrooms. The garden has a smiling and skilled presence with Maya Madhavi, we enjoyed her tours of the gardens.

We did 4 safaris of the region, a river walk and a forest walk of the buffer area, ably led by naturalists Shashank Arya and Suraj Maravi. Both highly skilled, passionate nature lovers. We spent more time with Shashank - biologist, naturalist, nature lover! He brings with him years of research, study and a deep understanding of our natural eco system. Our conversations with him were highly educative, insightful and enriching. He introduced us to various local tree, animal and bird species during our walks which I immensely enjoyed. Shashank has a tireless passion to conserve, share and educate. We also loved some of the documentaries that were shown in the evenings, they had relevance to Kanha ecosystem and local communities and triggered some insightful Q&As post screening. With Shashank, Im taking back a friend with me!

So in two words - just go! We are surely returning very soon. This is wellness in wilderness and Indian hospitality...

One of the most luxurious eco-resorts in Kanha. Another favorite resort by Pugdundee Safaris.

The cottages in Kanha Earth Lodge are created to resemble the mud houses of MP. Of course, they are completely luxurious from the inside. The shower area is especially beautiful. They also have accommodation where two rooms are joined together for larger groups and families. Each cottage has a sit-out where you can enjoy the feeling of being in a jungle and spot birds and butterflies from, as you sip your tea.

The central building is my favorite part of the resort. It is a grand ski lodge style building that you will never tire of. Made of stone and wood, it has many different sit-outs in addition to the media room and the grand dining hall. Every piece of artifact on the walls, the ceiling and on the tables is one-of-a-kind. I am really impressed with the decor.

The food is good and the different menus created bring variety. The 'Bush Dinner' was exceptionally memorable with a tribal dinner set for us outdoors which served local Gond tribe thali. Other menus during our stay were Nizami and South Indian. The chefs use local vegetables to create delicious dishes. The evenings by the fire enjoying delicious starters have been etched in my memory.

Our jungle safari was very well planned and executed by the manager Mr. Harpreet Singh who also ensured that we were met with exceptional service throughout the stay. The in-house naturalist Mugdha took us for a tour of the resort's organic garden, butterfly garden and tree trail and answered all our numerous questions to satisfaction.

The staff is very friendly and goes over and above to make your stay exceptionally memorable. Little touches like hot water bottles at night (it is cold in Kanha!) or packing sandwiches for your drive back etc made the experience...