The adventure begins as any proper undertaking should - with afternoon tea. Then, Mahua Kothi’s naturalist offers a fascinating orientation of what to expect on the safari drives into the jungle. Soon, it’s time to depart on an afternoon drive in a rugged 4X4 through Bandhavgarh’s dramatic landscape, seaching out the region’s rich wildlife, including tiger, sloth bear, leopard, jungle cat and wild dog. Bird enthusiasts can try their luck at spotting Mahua Kothi’s ten Star Birds, from the gorgeous Indian peafowl (peacock) to the shaheen falcon.

Throughout your stay, you will travel in comfort in a specially designed Tata 4x4 open vehicle. That is when you are not spotting tigers from the safety of an elephant’s back. You are invited to indulge in twice-daily safaris on the reserve, tick off Bandhavgarh’s ten Star Birds (a book listing the area’s top ten birds that bird-watchers can check off), or just absorb the sights and sounds of local villages.

Inside the lodge, guests can wander into the open kitchen that lets everyone witness the simple joys of churning butter, hand-grinding masala, chopping garden-fresh vegetables with sickles and rotis being expertly made on a chulha. Or you can browse leisurely through the Safari Shop, idle away the hours at the library or take a dip in the swimming pool.