Life & Experiences
Samode Safari experience
Embark on a unique safari experience with Samode, where our naturalist team blends seamlessly with the lodge’s ethos, chosen not just for their expertise but for their people skills. Our safari journey begins at our doorstep, nestled within the buffer zone with no immediate neighbours, ensuring an exclusive wildlife encounter. Booking a safari is convenient, through the park’s website, authorized operators, or directly with us. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the peak season (October to March). Safari durations vary, offering morning and evening excursions lasting 3-4 hours each.
Village Tour
The visit to the adjoining village is a highlight cherished by most guests. This thoughtfully timed drive or walk ensures minimal disruption to the villagers’ daily routine, offering guests a profound glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of rural life. Welcoming and warm, the villagers delight in sharing their homes and stories, providing a firsthand look into their daily lives. The simplicity and contentment of village life often inspire introspection, inviting guests to reflect on the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.
Kitchen Garden & Picnics
Nestled in the sunny southern corner of our lodge, our flourishing kitchen garden teems with a vibrant array of wildflowers, aromatic herbs, crisp greens, and seasonal vegetables. This lush bounty serves as a direct source of fresh produce for our culinary team, ensuring every dish bursts with flavour. Beyond its practical role, our garden doubles as a serene retreat for guests seeking solace amid nature’s embrace. Whether admiring the verdant splendour or partaking in gardening pursuits, our guests find respite in this verdant oasis. We eagerly welcome any gardening insights our guests may offer. Our picnics in the lap of nature are especially popular with guests staying over three days, offering them an extension of the jungle to read, relax, or savour a meal in the great outdoors.
Night Safaris & Walks
Experience the magic of Bandhavgarh National Park after dark with night safaris, typically from 19:00 to 22:00. This guided jeep safari offers a unique perspective as the forest comes alive under the cover of darkness. Nature walks and birding along defined trails are perfect for immersing yourself in the jungle’s silence, observing small life up close, and enjoying the avian wonders.
Team
Our vibrant and young core team of naturalists and the general manager are not only passionate about the forests but also deeply respectful of their surroundings. Their extensive time spent around the jungles in Central India has nurtured a profound understanding of the local social and wilderness fabric, enriching the guest experience.
Complementing this core team is our dedicated support system, comprising nearly 70% of our team, who have been with us for over a decade. These individuals, hailing from local villages, form the backbone of our guest experiences. Their intimate knowledge of the area and unwavering commitment ensure that every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for during their stay.
Best Practices
Located in the Mardari region of Badhavgarh National Park, our lodge strives to commit to sustainable and best practices in tourism. Rather than being located in the TalaZone, our choice of location was deliberate – to reduce the tourism pressure on a single area/ zone and spread opportunities. Our architecture respects local traditions, employing vernacular principals, materials and aesthetics.
Designed by Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates known for projects rooted in regional traditions, our lodge was built without cutting a single tree, preserving the site’s natural features. We used natural, organic colours and low-energy construction materials with minimal use of steel and cement. Reclaimed timber floors, solar – powered hot water and rain water harvesting for groundwater recharge are some of our other endeavours.
Inside, the lodge features captivating Gond tribal art, highlighting local talent.
Our commitment extends to our employees with over 80% recruited from nearly villages, ensuring tourism benefits a broader community. We also encourage guests to engage responsibly with the local villages and local schools in supporting its development through official channels. At our Lodge, practices are driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, ensuring that every stay contributes to the over well-being of the region.
Bandhavgarh National Park
Nestled in the heart of India, Bandhavgarh National Park stands out as a remarkable haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning a sprawling area of 450 square kilometers, Bandhavgarh is not just about tigers. Its diverse ecosystem includes a wide range of flora and fauna, creating a rich tapestry of biodiversity.The park’s rugged terrain is punctuated by rocky hills, dense forests, and meandering streams, providing a picturesque backdrop for wildlife sightings. Apart from tigers, visitors can spot a variety of other wildlife, including leopards, deer, wild boar, and a plethora of bird species. Not just about wildlife, Bandhavgarh also boasts a rich historical legacy. The park is home to ancient caves and rock paintings, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
