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Mahua Kothi

Nestled in Central India among the picturesque Vindhya and Satpura ranges, Mahua Kothi is housed in one of India's most beautiful national parks, Bandhavgarh National Park. The dramatic landscape features tropical forests and woodlands, and steep rocky hills with flat grasslands in the valleys below. The reserve supports one of the highest densities of tigers on the Subcontinent. Its hilly open terrain includes many large grassland meadows that offer good chances of sightings. The Park is also home to a large variety of mammals: leopard, chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, nilgai, wild boar, chinkara, sloth bear, rhesus macaque, grey langur, jungle cat, hyena, porcupine, jackal, fox, and wild dog.

The name Mahua Kothi draws its inspiration from one of India's most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica, or as it is commonly known, the Mahua or butter tree. Pronounced 'ma-hoo-a', this tree with its fleshy off-white flowers plays a central role in festivals and rituals.

Curry, peacocks and tigers : Phinda rangers set forth for Indian shores

During the first three weeks of March 2010, two Phinda Mountain Lodge rangers set forth to explore &Beyond’s Indian lodges. Giles Kelmanson and I, accompanied by our rather charming girlfriends (Louise and Cara respectively) spent three curry-infused weeks exploring north India. Landing in Delhi, our itinerary began with a good butter chicken and naan, followed by three nights in Jim Corbett National Park, one of India’s most pristine and remote reserves. 8 giddy nights were strung between Delhi (where the girls shopped up a storm, without contracting Delhi belly), Agra (home of the Taj Mahal and excellent curry) and Varanasi (spiritual heart of Hindu India). Saving the best til last, we spent three nights at &Beyond’s Mahua Kothi Lodge and four nights at Banjaar Tola Lodge. Mahua Kothi lies adjacent to wildlife-rich Bandavgahr National Park, where we had to wade through an abundance of tigers in order to explore the 1600 year old ruins that crown the reserve’s three flat topped mountains. Banjaar Tola embraces the Banjaar river bordering the vast and wild Kanha National Park, where we were fortunate enough to see a pack of 8 dhole (Indian wild dogs) as well as tiger from elephant back. All the while we lived and dined like royalty, whilst being made to feel like family. Certainly the expedition was a roaring success and has allowed both Giles and me to grow greatly as guides. And for all those who have spent time in the wild places of Africa but not yet in Asia, India is waiting for you...

Posted: Mahua Kothi by Craig Hayman, Date: 12 July 2010

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