Just delve into the core of Madhya Pradesh in the Satpura Tiger Reserve and the adjoining Bori Wildlife Sanctuary to reach the quaint Bori Safari Lodge situated on its periphery. Snuggled in close proximity to Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, at an exclusive location, we got to explore uncharted territories of the jungle just as much within the Satpura Tiger Reserve.

By Gita Hari

With contactless check-in and other COVID protocols like sanitized bags, temperature check in place, the alluring Bori Safari Lodge, part of the Jehan Numa Collection and driven by genial Aly Rashid, is well-executed with contemporary architecture combining the old and new seamlessly, where spacious, comfortable rooms with luxurious amenities, a deck that throws excellent views of wilderness, continuous supply of hot water, and a pleasing décor with impeccable hospitality go a long way in etching enjoyable memories. The alleyway that leads you to the cottages is elevated and with just 8 rooms (2 rooms in each cottage), an infinity plunge pool, you are assured of a quiet, selective stay here away from the swarm of city holiday destinations. The lounge is rustic and casual lending a chilled-out feel while the restaurant helmed by Chef Atul dishes up lip-smacking Indian, Continental and World food.

Our experience with earlier safaris in India has been nothing to boast about other than the usual sighting of deer, sambar, wild boar, nilgai with the rear of a tiger sitting afar tossed in. The guides in the safari here are knowledgeable and were unrelenting till we got to sight wild animals like THE tiger, a sloth bear family, giant squirrel, wild dogs apart from crested hawk eagle. The safari jeep was roomy with enough leg-space and the information about the various birds, alarm calls by animals and their habits, provided by the accompanying naturalist made it all the more interesting and exciting. The Manager, Chinmay Deshpande, ensured we had a fulfilling game drive with naturalist Shubham as we garnered excellent sightings at Churna in the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and the ever-smiling and resourceful staff of the Lodge surprised us with a delightful and lavish picnic breakfast near the river. We were provided with sanitized blankets during our early morning safaris when the jungle air was dewy, the earth radiated dampness and a rare chill, so wonderfully peculiar to forests.

Chef Atul surpassed himself with a finger-licking preparation every time. Meals were sumptuous with a choice of Indian, Oriental and Continental spread where their fruits and vegetables are organically harvested. The in-house bakery goodies are to die for.

A luxurious and pampering spa therapy after a safari followed by a tipple in the well-stocked bar with finger food before we could tuck into some freshly prepared, delicious dinner mains was refreshing. For a good read, the Lodge houses a library with books on wildlife, nature and more.

A morning walk to the river accompanied by Shubham, had us forest bathing with enchanting views and sounds as we tread over bumpy vines and slick leaves, to hold a tree trunk here, push a few branches behind, sense the bucolic environs, moist earth, snapping twigs underneath our feet, listen to the tweets of winged friends, smell the dewy undergrowth, and decaying foliage.

Surrounded with lush greenery and serenity in harmony with Mother Nature, Bori Safari Lodge mesmerized us with a piece of nature’s paradise, all for our taking during our stay, with fond and pining memories till we come back for more!

Fact sheet:

Bori Safari Lodge

Dhapadamal, Shahpur, Betul, Madhya Pradesh.

How to reach:

Closest airport is Bhopal. A 4hr drive from there takes you to BSL.

Things to carry:

A comfortable pair of sneakers, warm clothes, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and sunglasses.