Bamboo sways where an ancient fort keeps guard, Sal shadows lengthen as the light grows hard, A waterhole gleams where machaans once stood, Welcome to a Bandhavgarh National Park stay - where its all wild and good. Read this honest Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh review, written after a stay hosted by Pugdundee Safaris. Discover why you should consider this as your next Bandhavgarh stay including information on the accommodations, Pugdundee safaris, food, resort prices and more.
My drive in was fiery – with the highway passing by red sal trees lit by a sinking sun, chital grazing roadside, a cluster of vehicles stopped mid-track for something sighted deep in the trees. I could see Bandhavgarh Fort watching over this scene from the hillock. Before I knew it, the forest had given way to Kings Lodge in Bandhavgarh, where, with a cool towel and a chilled welcome drink, I felt I was being received, not checked in. That began my Pugdundee Safaris Bandhavgarh resort experience, where I experienced life in an erstwhile royal hunting ground. For those few days, I was royalty too.
There was a warmth to Kings Lodge that felt familiar after my stay at Pugdundee Kanha property — the same easy hospitality, the same sense of being looked after. But the forest itself was different. It felt more alive, brimming with both history and nature – both of which I totally adore. The resort only made it better by helping me explore both – which, of course, is just one of the many reasons to consider Kings Lodge if you are wondering where to stay in Bandhavgarh National Park.
In this post, I will walk you through everything I experienced at Kings Lodge — the accommodation, the safaris, the food, and the little details that made the stay special. I’ll also cover Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh prices and how to book your Pugdundee Safaris Bandhavgarh stay. I am sure that my honest review will give you enough reasons to consider this if you are planning a visit to Bandhavgarh tiger reserve.
About Pugdundee Safaris and Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh literally translates to “brother’s fort” and that name links back to the Ramayana. Legend has it that Bandhavgarh Fort was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshman to keep watch over Lanka.
Centuries of dynasties passed through after that, but it was the Maharajas of Rewa who left the deepest mark. They used these forests as their private hunting grounds. Tigers were tracked on elephant-back, machaans were raised at waterholes to wait for a sighting, and the fort stood watch over all of it — the way it still does today.
The Maharaja was the one who found Mohan — the first white tiger ever captured, in 1951. The rare white tiger is now literally the ancestor of nearly every white tiger in captivity today.
Such is the legacy of this park and it is here that Pugdundee Safaris built Kings Lodge — a name and a design deliberately drawn from that royal past. The lodge sits on a 14-hectare estate, part of the same journey that began in 1986 with Pugdundee’s very first camp, Ken River Lodge in Panna (a story I’ve told in more detail in my Kanha Earth Lodge review).
At Bandhavgarh, Pugdundee runs two properties: Kings Lodge in Bandhavgarh, where I stayed, and Pugdundee Safaris Tree House Hideaway, a smaller property bordering the park, ideal if you want to stay near Tala zone Bandhavgarh for shorter drive times into the premium tiger-sighting area. I did manage to drop by and found it quite comfortable. However, I’ll admit I’m partial to the royal-yet-rustic charm of Kings Lodge – which has the stilt cottages that emulate a similar charm as the tree houses that I saw at the other Pugdundee Safaris Bandhavgarh property. And of course, the other reasons are below.
10 reasons to consider Kings Lodge for your Bandhavgarh National Park stay
1. You get to experience the legacy of a royal forest lodge that Bandhavgarh is known for.
The Kings Lodge resort Bandhavgarh exudes an aura that I could only relate to how it might have been in a royal hunting lodge that is believed to have existed in this very forest. It sits in the buffer zone – which means the forest doesn’t stop at some manicured boundary. You will see it just keeps going – almost right up to your doorstep.
I felt this from the moment I woke up – to not to an alarm but a symphony of birdsongs. At night, the cicadas take over, adding the mysterious atmosphere that the wild casts. The resort rooms are well-equipped with torches that the staff insists you carry when you make your way for dinner, for you never know what lurks in the dark shadows.
Such is the boundary-less border that more than once the property’s CCTV caught wild cats prowling through at night. There is a strange thrill in being close to nature at this Bandhavgarh stay.
2. Every Bandhavgarh safari gate is easily accessible from this Pugdundgee Bandhavgarh property
One thing that struck me about this best place to stay in Bandhavgarh is how little time you lose getting into the park. Kings Lodge is barely a 10-minute drive from Tala gate — the zone where the fort, the ancient Shesh Shaiya sculpture, and my personal favorite for its stunning landscapes. Magadhi and Khitauli gates are just 20 minutes away each, which meant I never had to choose a base and sacrifice access to the other zones.
I did one safari in the Magadhi zone and the drive was no chore. The road cuts straight through the buffer zone — the same stretch that had mesmerized me on my arrival, red sal trees and all — so even the commute to your safari felt like it was already part of the experience at this Bandhavgarh stay, not just a means to get there.
3. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh – it is something you can be a part of.
This Pugdundee Bandhavgarh resort was built with a promise that stuck with me. Not a single tree was cut to make way for it. Instead, thousands of native species were planted – so what stands here today is more forest than it was before the lodge existed. 95% of the property remains under tree cover.
Even the architecture plays along, with furniture made from recycled wood and toiletries served in glass jars instead of plastic bottles. Single-use plastic is simply absent — no bottled water, no tetra packs, no sachets, no straws — and the organic kitchen garden growing herbs, spices and vegetables for the table meant the “farm to table” philosophy wasn’t a marketing line; it was dinner.
This Bandhavgarh accommodation also runs on genuine community connect rather than just employing locals on paper: a large share of the staff and naturalists come from nearby villages, and the lodge runs outreach programmes for local schoolchildren on the harm of plastic, handing out steel water bottles in their place.
It even gets local artists in the spotlight. One of the evenings, a Gond artist was playing with colors on a canvas, happy to chat about his life and what inspires him every day.
It made me feel like my stay was quietly funding something bigger than my own trip.
4. You get to return to a cocoon of comfort after every safari
Every safari at this stay in Bandhavgarh ends the same way — with a cottage that’s already been cooled and waiting, curtains turned in for the evening, and enough care taken that not a single insect sneaks in with you. It’s a small thing, but after a dusty drive, snuggling into a bed that’s been thought about feels like more than comfort — it feels like being looked after.
After a hot water bath (which is always available in plenty), I always find it relaxing to curl up with a cup of tea and a favorite activity – which in this case was bird-watching, With a handy plunger and tea maker tin the room, I whipped up a nice hot cup and stationed myself in the lovely sit-out to finally spot the elusive white Paradise Flycatcher– which now officially is one of my favorite birds.
And when I wanted company instead of quiet, the lounge and library were right there — I settled into a Pink Lady cocktail at the attached bar one evening, and on another, caught an AV presentation on Bandhavgarh that left me even more curious about the forest outside. This Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh India experience made sure comfort and curiosity never had to compete.
The food at Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh runs on a genuine farm-to-table philosophy. Most of what lands on your plate is pulled straight from the organic kitchen garden on the property. The menu changes by the day, and one of its real specialities is the Baiga Thali — inspired by the tribal cuisine of the Baiga community native to these forests. This generally includes rice, lentils, aloo chokha, forest greens and mahua puri.]
I mostly went à la carte throughout my stay. The honey chilli potatoes hit exactly the spot after a long safari, but it was a simple curd rice that turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip — fresh curry leaf tadka, pomegranate and peanuts for crunch. Perfect dish that settles your stomach after days of travel.
One afternoon I had a steak instead, with fresh vegetables and potato croutons over a bed of rice — proof that this Bandhavgarh stay isn’t limited to just Indian comfort food. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh seems to have thought it through.
6. You discover more than just tigers in Bandhavgarh with the Pugdundee safaris and their naturalists
Every safari at this stay in Bandhavgarh National Park came with Vishwajeet, and within the first hour I understood why Pugdundee’s naturalists have a reputation of their own. There was none of that meaningless staring into the bush after a tiger call that so many safaris turn into. While we waited, he crouched by a cicada shell still clinging to a tree trunk and explained exactly how it attaches itself before the insect sheds it entirely. Finally it metamorphoses into the creature whose calls fill the forest through the day.
Some of my most precious sightings had nothing to do with stripes. A crested serpent eagle caught a frog mid-hunt right in front of us — a photograph I now treasure more than any tiger frame I’ve taken. An Indian pitta hopped across the road, unbothered by our jeep. And then there were the langurs — an entire field of them, in what looked unmistakably like a send-off for their oldest member, while a mother nearby stayed fiercely protective of her young the whole time we watched.
Vishwajeet had a story or an explanation for almost everything, which is exactly what you want from Bandhavgarh national park safari packages that promise more than just a tiger tick-list.
Even the flora had its moment. Vishwajeet pointed out a strangler fig, its roots wrapped so tightly and dramatically around the host tree that it looked straight out of Harry Potter’s Whomping Willow — gnarled, alive, faintly menacing.
The heritage buff in me got its own little thrill too. The climb to the temple was along a winding road, with sweeping views opening up at every turn, and at the top stood one of the park’s ancient temples, home to an idol of Lord Vishnu in his reclining position. Standing in front of centuries-old stone carvings in the middle of a tiger reserve is not something every safari gives you, and it’s not something I expected either.
7. The wildlife spotting continues inside this Pugdundee Bandhavgarh resort
You don’t have to leave the property to keep spotting wildlife at this Bandhavgarh accommodation. I had been craving a glimpse of the elusive White Paradise Flycatcher for a long time, and it finally happened right outside my cottage, that impossibly long white tail trailing through the trees. The Scops Owl showed up too, tucked into its usual daytime stillness, easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.
The hide and machaan near the waterhole kept the sightings coming — a steady rotation of birds coming down to drink, framed against that golden-hour water I’d already fallen for. And it wasn’t just birds. Lizards sunned themselves along the pathways, and the property turned out to be a haven for butterflies too — I spotted what I believe was a Common Rose, its black wings striped with white and a flash of red near the body, perched calmly on a leaf as if posing for the photo.
Between the flycatcher, the owl, and everything smaller and quieter, this Pugdundee Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh stay proved that the wildlife doesn’t wait for you to go looking — sometimes it just shows up.
8. You will love the very flea-market feel that you get in the nearby Rancha Village if you stay at Pugdundee Safaris Kings Lodge
One thing I didn’t expect from a stay near the Tala zone Bandhavgarh was how much there was to explore just a short drive from the lodge gates. Rancha village and the Tala main road. Barely 10 minutes from Kings Lodge, the Ranchha village has this wonderful, unhurried flea-market energy.
Little craft shops and workshops line the road, selling handmade dolls, organic cotton scarves, pottery, terracotta, bamboo and cane work, and local tribal art. You will spot Gond paintings — dense, dot-and-line work built around nature, animals, and the forest itself, done by artists from the Gond community that surrounds the par. There is also Baiga art, known for its intricate Godna-style tattoo patterns translated onto canvas and craft – based on a tradition the Baiga believe carries a woman’s life story with her.
I didn’t manage to fit any of this into my short stay at Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh, but I heard enough — and passed by enough shopfronts on the way in and out to crave some time fore it. My friend- Abhinav, who had one extra day in hand, told me all about Café Malaya, run by a woman named Neelam who’s spent years travelling around India sourcing handicrafts, textiles, and artifacts for her shop-slash-café. Apparently she remembers the story behind every single object she sells, and guests end up staying far longer than planned just listening to her talk. He also mentioned homemade lemonade, filter coffee, and lentil pancakes worth the stop alone.
Being this close and still missing it — I could not be more envious of that extra day.
9. There are so many things to do in Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh resort itself
Between safaris, Kings Lodge keeps you far from bored. The property runs workshops with local bamboo weavers, who set up and demonstrate their craft right on site — and guests are welcome to try their hand at weaving too, a nice hands-on complement to the tribal art you’ll spot in Rancha village. There are guided nature walks with the naturalists, cycling trails looping around the property’s periphery, and even village bike rides for those who want to venture a little further out.
I’ll admit rain played spoilsport during my stay and I missed out on the bike ride — one more reason on my growing list to go back. There’s also a swimming pool for anyone who’d rather spend the afternoon cooling off, and evening sundowner sessions with the naturalists that turned into genuinely interesting audio-visual talks on the park’s flora and fauna. For anyone comparing places to stay in Bandhavgarh National Park, it’s worth knowing you don’t have to leave the property to stay engaged.
10. You get to stay amid a picturesque property framed by bamboos and a scenic waterhole
Walking through this Bandhavgarh National Park safari lodge was almost like being a part of a royal pathway – except that instead of silk, I was striding through the canopy of bamboos. The same frame, the earthy cottages of the cottage in settings that tempt you into clicking those still frames that become your life memories. Then, there is the butterfly garden that offers you a small riot of colour with winged creatures drifting between blooms. It was a place that I got lost for a good time without even noticing.
However, for me, the real showstopper of this Pugdundee Bandhavgarh property was the machaan — that once used as a mounting point for elephants when they were used for safaris but now serves as a birdwatcher’s perch. It was here that I found the waterhole that looked like a velvety green carpet, inviting birds of every size and shape to skim over for a drop of water. The sundown added another layer to this magical space with its golden and pink hues in the background.
Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh mesmerized me – every corner was picturesque and its look changed with every hour of the day. In the morning it looked like a fresh dew- lit world and at night, a fairyland with its glowing orange lights.
10 reasons in, and I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what Kings Lodge and Bandhavgarh have to offer — which, if you ask me, is the best kind of review to write. Between the fort’s history, Vishwajeet’s stories, the food, and that waterhole at sundown, this is easily one of the best places to stay in Bandhavgarh, giving you far more than just a place to sleep between safaris.
A few pointers to consider before booking Pugdundee Safaris Kings Lodge resort
As much as I loved my time here, an honest review means being upfront about a few things before you book this Kings lodge Bandhavgarh National Park stay.
It comes at a price
This sits firmly among the luxury resorts in Bandhavgarh National Park, not a budget option — factor that into your trip planning if you’re comparing multiple properties for where to stay in Bandhavgarh.
The airport transfer is long
Jabalpur, the nearest airport with regular flights, is roughly 4 hours away by road. Also, there are limited flights to this airport unlike Nagpur or Raipur, which are a lot further from Bandhavgarh. It is worth building into your itinerary rather than discovering it on arrival day. Also, keep in mind that this is the case with all Bandhavgarh hotels and resorts.
Connectivity is limited to WiFi
Don’t expect strong mobile network inside the property — WiFi covers you, but if you need to be reachable by phone or data through the day, set expectations accordingly.
No TV in the rooms
A deliberate choice that suits a digital detox, but worth knowing if you’ll miss it. Honestly, you won’t given the action in the property – all of which I have covered above.
You’ll need some tolerance for the outdoors
Between the buffer-zone location, the insects after dark, and the general closeness to the wild, this isn’t a stay for someone who wants nature kept firmly at a distance.
No food in the rooms
This ties back to the same care that keeps the cottages insect-free — meals stay in the dining hall or the property’s outdoor spaces, not delivered to your room.
Booking Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh
If Kings Lodge has made its case for your next stay in Bandhavgarh National Park, you have a few ways to book.
For Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh tariff, room rates currently start at INR 27,000 for a single and INR 30,000 for a double, inclusive of one cycle of meals and tea/coffee service, plus 18% GST. A minimum 2-night stay is mandatory.
Safaris are booked and charged separately from your room. A jeep safari runs Rs. 14,500 on weekdays and Rs. 15,000 on weekends for Indian nationals (higher for foreign nationals), with buffer safaris and night patrols priced a little lower. You also have the option of not booking your safaris through the lodge and arranging your own permits independently instead. One advantage of booking through Pugdundee Safaris directly is that their team handles the permit logistics, zone planning, and dietary preferences on your behalf, and pairs you with a naturalist as part of the package — the kind of on-ground support that’s harder to arrange if you book your stay and safaris separately.
You can check current rates and book directly via the official Kings Lodge website, reach the Pugdundee Safaris team at the Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh contact number — +91-11-40146400 or +91-11-40132687, or write in at enquiry@pugdundeesafaris.com. Kings Lodge is also listed on a few other sites
Common FAQs about this Bandhavgarh Pugdundee Safaris
Is Kings Lodge one of the best places to stay in Bandhavgarh?
Yes — between its royal-hunting-ground history, the picturesque bamboo-and-waterhole setting, farm-to-table food, and genuinely knowledgeable naturalists, it’s easily among the better places to stay in Bandhavgarh, especially if you want more than just a bed between safaris.
How far is Kings Lodge from Tala gate?
Kings Lodge is barely a 10-minute drive from Tala gate, with Magadhi and Khitauli gates roughly 20 minutes away — making it one of the more conveniently located Bandhavgarh hotels near Tala gate for accessing all three zones.
What is the tariff at Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh?
Room rates currently start at Rs. 27,000 for a single and Rs. 30,000 for a double, inclusive of one cycle of meals and tea/coffee service, plus 18% GST. Safaris are charged separately. A minimum 2-night stay is mandatory.
Is Kings Lodge suitable for a family or solo trip?
Yes to both. The cottages comfortably fit families with young children (with applicable extra-occupancy charges), while the property’s quiet, forested setting and on-site activities make it just as easy to enjoy solo.
How do I book this Pugdundee resort Bandhavgarh property?
You can book directly via the official Kings Lodge website, call or email the Pugdundee Safaris team, or check availability on Booking.com if you’d rather compare it against other properties first.
Does Kings Lodge offer vegetarian and special dietary meals?
Yes — the kitchen works around dietary preferences, and much of the produce comes straight from the property’s own organic kitchen garden, so fresh vegetarian options are very much the norm rather than an afterthought.
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P.S I was invited to experience Kings Lodge Bandhavgarh by Pugdundee Safaris. However, all opinions and reviews expressed are honestly and completely my own.
Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.
I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.
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