Pugdundee Safaris - Tree House Hideway Lodging House

Getting to Tala gate in just a few minutes was a big plus. We also appreciated the warm service and the fact that many people from nearby villages work here. The treehouse stay felt close to nature while still being comfortable and carefully put together. The bed was great, the in-room facilities were good, and turndown was quick and neat. Even the main lobby has that same charming treehouse feel. The Indian tandoor food was a highlight for me, especially the tandoori aloo and paneer tikka. It was a memorable stay, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive, luxurious visit to Bandhavgarh National Park.

The safari days gave us memories we'll carry for a lifetime. We booked morning and evening drives on two days, and were incredibly lucky to have Naresh as our naturalist. He's a superstar guide and driver, with lots of knowledge and experience, respect from other guides, and a great instinct for tracking. We had amazing tiger sightings on three of the four outings. We only wish we'd stayed five days, with morning safaris and afternoons to relax in the garden or on our private terrace. The property itself was serene and beautiful, and the staff were warm and clearly wanted us to be happy and comfortable. Our room was spacious, eco-conscious, and comfortable. The food was really, really good, with many ingredients from the impressive organic garden. We enjoyed a lovely breakfast there on our arrival day. Naveen in the Sales Department of Pugdundee Safaris did an excellent job arranging our room, safaris, train station transfers, and airport transfer. He even found us hard-to-get sleeper car tickets for the overnight train. It was a world-class experience, and we highly recommend it.

The surprise for me was hot water in the bathroom in under a minute, even on very cold mornings. Our naturalist-driver was knowledgeable and committed, and did his best to make the safaris enjoyable. Ravi, the lodge manager, Rakesh, the restaurant manager, and Ashish, our naturalist and safari guide, deserve a special mention. The rest of the staff were top-notch too, though I didn't note down everyone's names. The staff were attentive from arrival to departure, and seemed happy in their jobs. I liked that they hire locally and avoid plastic across the property. The chefs made excellent food in this remote area and were ready to accommodate our preferences, checking ahead about the next meal. My only complaint is that they encourage you to overeat. The treehouses, dining area, and other spaces are thoughtfully designed, and the densely wooded grounds have inviting trails and a well-planned waterhole. A few things could be improved: simpler meals and table settings would make the place more eco-friendly, and mesh doors and windows would let guests keep the treehouses open without worrying about insects or animals getting inside. An extra radiant room heater in each unit would also help on cold winter mornings. All in all, it's a welcoming place.

The food was a standout across our three unforgettable safari days. The culinary team learned our tastes as we went and prepared a delicious meal for us three times a day. Gudda, our tiger safari guide, was also excellent. We had several unforgettable tiger encounters, and he was good-natured, highly skilled, knowledgeable, and willing to go above and beyond for our experience. The resort staff were friendly and considerate, and the cozy accommodation was designed to fit naturally into the surrounding forest. Every part of the trip felt thoughtfully arranged.