Waghoba Eco Lodge by Pugdundee Safaris in Tadoba

Draw the curtains and stare at the refreshing green
Unlock the doors to listen to the chirping sounds.
Breezy trees & fluttering butterflies add to that vibrant scene
This is life at Waghoba Eco Lodge’s natural playground.

Discover what one of the best resorts in Tadoba National Park has to offer. From its eco-tourism and sustainability initiatives to the luxurious amenities and facilities, this is my experience at the Pugdundee Tadoba resort.

Tadoba national park had been on my wildlife bucket list for quite some time and finally, thanks to Pugdundee Safaris, I managed to tick it off. It definitely lived up to its reputation of almost always getting to spot one of its famous cats. However, in terms of the overall experience, it far exceeded what I had expected. This honestly, was all thanks to my stay with Waghoba Eco Lodge in Tadoba.

Located along the border of the buffer zone of Tadoba National Park, this charming wildlife lodge was the perfect place to retire after a dusty drive through the forest. Not only was it comfortable but I found myself really impressed with its sustainability and eco-tourism initiatives. There is a nature story attached to every inch of this resort – from its cottages to its food and even the leisure activities offered. In short, it is through and through a rustic but luxurious holiday.

If you are scouring the Tadoba resorts list for your wildlife adventure, then this article will give you enough reasons to consider Waghoba Eco Lodge by Pugdundee Safaris. I will give you an honest review of the key features of this resort as well as share the key information you will need to book this Pugdundee Tadoba accommodation.

A little about Tadoba Tiger Reserve

Also known as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, this wildlife sanctuary is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Maharashtra. It is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, and is spread around 1,727 sq kms. It was established in 1955 as a protected area and is particularly renowned for its tiger population. In fact, almost everyone that I know of has almost always had one amazing tiger sighting in this park.

Besides tigers, you are likely to get sightings of leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, spotted deer, and various species of birds and reptiles. The forest is largely dry deciduous woodland abundant with bamboo and dry teak trees. And of course, plenty of other interesting flora and fauna – all of which can be explored through Jeep safaris in the park. This is where Pugdundee Safaris and their team of trained naturalists come in  – to help you not just explore and learn but to take pleasure in the stories of nature.

About Pugdundee Tadoba resort

Pugdundee is a Hindi term that means a trail marked by foot that is used by animals as well as humans. The company began with small tented accommodations in the forests of Panna. Today, they have around seven wildlife lodges – largely in central India in popular forests like Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh.

Often counted as the best safari operator in India, Pugdundee Safaris specializes in providing wildlife experiences, stays and safaris. They are even renowned for their eco-tourism initiatives. From 2009 to 2022, they have won several awards for their achievements in wildlife safaris and commitment to sustainability. The Pugdundee Tadoba resort – called Waghoba Eco Lodge, is the latest addition to their collection of wildlife sojourns.  

The resort has been named after a local deity – Waghoba, who is a form of tiger or leopard and is worshipped by the tribals in these forests. In fact, as soon as I entered Waghoba Eco Lodge, I met their resident deity in the temple constructed within their campus. “It is just customary to seek the blessings of Waghoba, before we embark on our adventures” – cited their naturalist & kitchen garden specialist – Mandar. “It almost always blesses us with a great sighting” . True to his words, I did get an amazing one (story about that coming up later) during our Tadoba stay.

Though opened only in October 2021, Waghoba Eco Lodge has made quite a name for itself as one of the best hotels in Tadoba National Park. The next section is all about what makes it so appealing and special.

Why should you stay at Waghoba Eco lodge Tadoba?

Waghoba Eco Lodge is one of those Tadoba national park resorts that offers more than just comfortable rooms. Staying here is about actually living in the forest – where you wake up to the sounds of birds and sleep amid the soothing nocturnal calls of Nightjars. Read on and I am sure you will find your own reasons to book this Tadoba nature stay.  

Convenient location

Waghoba Eco Lodge is located along the edge of the buffer zone of Tadoba national park. It is just 8 km away from the Khutwanda gate of Tadoba Tiger Reserve. The other popular gate – Moharli gate is just 20 km from this Tadoba resort. It is the location, in fact, that makes this place stand out amidst all the other Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary resorts – where you experience nothing but the sounds and sights of wilderness.

“It is not unusual to see the Gaurs, spotted deer and foxes near our gate. In fact, just last night, there was a sighting of foxes” – points out their resident naturalist – Shaheen. Just that was enough for my own senses to sharpen – for I really hoped to sight one of Tadoba’s native inhabitants close to my dwelling.

Their sustainable tourism initiatives

While there are many hotels and resorts near Tadoba Wildlife Sanctuary, what makes Waghoba Lodge stand apart are its sustainable tourism initiatives. I could see it right from the moment I stepped into their earthen reception. A large poster showcases the various environmental initiatives taken at the Waghoba Eco Lodge – beginning with the construction of the place itself.

Given the harsh weather conditions in Tadoba, the construction of the property was planned in a manner that required minimal use of cement and steel. Most of the material used was the local earthen bricks that also, help keep the place cool. The self-sustaining property has a 50 KV solar panel for its electricity needs.

This Pugdundee Tadoba property also has a Phytroid water treatment system that ensures 95% of the water used is recovered back. The patented technology was developed by a Nagpur-based company called Neeri and involves the use of plants to treat the water and reuse the same. 

Besides these initiatives, the Pugdundee Tadoba team closely interacts with the local community to source various items like food ingredients for their kitchen. These are strictly organic and are usually used along with their own produce which they grow in their own kitchen gardens.

In short, they are doing all that they can to ensure local community development as well as conserving as well as adding to the natural environment of the place.

Comfortable Cottages

Set on 12 acres of land are the 14 cottages of the Waghoba Lodge. One step in and I found myself awed by the high vaulted ceiling, large airy rooms and a private sit-out facing the greens. The property has very thoughtfully used windows in allow natural light during the day – even in the separate bath area.

The brick walls are framed by paintings reflecting the Tadoba life – be it that of the deity Waghoba or of the local fauna or flora.  Every painting had a small story beside it – making the art so relevant and interesting.

My personal favorite in this cottage was the porch with its colorful cushions. The cozy corner was perfect to curl up with a nice book and a cup of coffee.

Unlike the other luxury resorts in Tadoba, you will not have a TV in the room – the whole point of the place is to enjoy the digital detox. You will not get any mobile signals here but for urgent communication, there is a wi-fi facility throughout the resort.

The rooms are equipped with an electric kettle and a coffee maker. However, there is no room service here. “Given we are amidst the wild, there are several insects and creatures that are likely to be attracted by the food. Hence, to ensure that the guests do not get bothered by the pests, we have a policy of no room service” – explained Shreya, the pretty front-office manager at Waghoba Eco Lodge Tadoba.

Wholesome Food

Made with fresh ingredients straight from their kitchen garden, the food at Waghoba Eco Lodge is not just delicious but quite wholesome. The lunch generally includes special thalis that promote the regional flavors. I tried three of them –

• The Maharashtrian Thaali with its traditional groundnut chutney, Amti daal and Aloo (Potato) papad among other things.
• The Varadi Thali with items that belong to the Vidharba region (Nagpur-centric) of Maharashtra. The highlights of these include Bata Bhindi Bhaji (Potato and Lady’s finger), Millet papad and Patodi Rasa.
• The Hyderabadi Thaali with its signature biryani accompanied by Burani raita and salan  as well as Kakarakaya Vepudu (made with bitter gourd).

Dinners are generally a la carte with a menu that includes Continental, Oriental and Indian fare. Breakfast is a combination of local meals like Sabudana Khichdi and Thaali Peet along with the usual cereals, bread and beverages.

If you are taking the morning safaris, you will end up with a packed breakfast that you can have on the go. This too, is quite thoughtfully done – with wholesome rolls, sandwiches, tea, coffee and lemon water among the other goodies like muffins and fruit cake.

Leisure facilities

No TV does not mean no entertainment. The Waghoba Eco Lodge has enough to keep you busy when you are not out on a safari. This is one of those resorts in Tadoba with a swimming pool. You can choose to just wade around in the water or pick one of their deck chairs to see the swallows and other birds swooping around.

The lounge and library above the pool are great place for conversations with their naturalists and other staff. For the kids, the place has board games and even kids’ books. There are even interesting storytelling sessions for them held here.

The property also has a Hide where you can spend hours observing the birds at eye level. The inconspicuous windows of the place allow you to mount your cameras and click away these winged beauties without disturbing them.

Wildlife safaris and nature walks

This was honestly the best part about this Tadoba safari stay. The naturalists at Waghoba Eco Stay were actually the ones who made the difference. Shaheen kept me enthralled with the intimate stories of the tigers of Tadoba. The knowledge and insights that she shared throughout the safaris added a personality to these forests. Sure, the Tadoba guides help spot the creatures but it was Shaheen who made those even more interesting with her knowledge.

Mandar – the other naturalist and manager of all the Pugdundee kitchen gardens was equally amazing with the short nature walk that we took around the property and buffer zone. The insights into animal behavior and plant life that he shared definitely made me look at the ordinary with new eyes.

Amazing hospitality

Every member of the staff at Waghoba Eco Lodge in Tadoba went out of their way to make me feel at home. The restaurant staff always plied us with food – even insisting on refills when our bellies were full. The front office was always around to ensure that I was comfortable. Full of suggestions on what else one can do in the resort, they ensured that there was not a minute I was bored. They were always there with a smile to receive us when we came back from our safaris with that one question – What did you see in Tadoba today? And thus, would begin a friendly banter that eased me and made me feel at home!

How to book a Tadoba Safari stay at Waghoba Eco Lodge?

Well, those are reasons enough for you to know why you need to consider Waghoba Eco Lodge. If you are considering the same after my experience, here is some information to help you with this Tadoba resort booking.

You can directly book this accommodation in Tadoba national park through the Pugdundee website. The stay in Waghoba Eco Lodge is an all meals plan that includes lunch, breakfast, dinner and tea or coffee. No safaris are included in the price.

For the Tadoba safaris, you can either book directly through the Tadoba National Park site or go through Pugdundee Safaris. If you choose the former, you will not have access to the Pugdundee naturalists – who as I mentioned are the stars of the show. These naturalists accompany you at a supplementary cost only when the safari is booked through Pugdundee.

You will find the rates for the stay and the various activities – including the Tiger safaris mentioned on their website. Remember, they have only 14 cottages – so always try to book early.

Well, that is it from me. More of my Tadoba adventures coming up in a separate post.

Common FAQs about Waghoba Eco Lodge in Tadoba

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P,S – I was invited to stay at the Waghoba Eco Lodge by Pugdundee Safaris. However, all the opinions and reviews expressed in this blog post are truly and honestly my own!

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