Pashan Garh Taj Safari Lodge MI Evaluation - Platinum

Taj Safaris’ new jungle safari lodge comprises a cluster of stone cottages huddled atop a small hill, with magnificent views over the forest and a large nearby waterhole, which has been host to numerous tiger and resident antelope sightings. 

This lodge draws inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of the Panna region. These houses differ from other Madhya Pradesh styles, with dramatic roofs constructed from massive slabs of irregularly shaped slate. The guest areas celebrate Haveli design, with a spacious central courtyard.

The interiors are a contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cottons and cotton lace chandeliers. A strong motif throughout the lodge is the motif of the crocodile, which inhabits the nearby Ken River. Although the structures are rough, chunky and stony, the interiors are sleek and sexy. 

The lodge features 12 stone cottages, with a central guest area showcasing fabulous leather furniture made in Delhi, with massive black and white photo canvasses of the dramatic Panna landscapes. There are subtle references to the erotic stonework at the nearby temples of Khajuraho. 

ACCOMMODATION 

Pashan Garh, meaning "stone house", is comprised of 12 luxury stone cottages nestled high above the jungle fray, each offering a private verandah sala with stunning views of the lush tropical forest and nearby waterhole. Each individual cottage showcases leather furniture made in Delhi, with massive black and white photo canvasses of the dramatic Panna landscapes. If one looks closely enough, subtle references to the erotic stonework at nearby Khajuraho, based on the Kama Sutra, become apparent. 

The lodge draws inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of the local Panna region. These houses differ from other Madhya Pradesh styles, with dramatic roofs constructed from massive slabs of irregularly shaped slate. Although the structures are rough, chunky and stony on the outside, the interiors are sleek and sensual. 

The guest areas celebrate Haveli design, with a spacious central courtyard. The interiors are a contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cottons and cotton lace chandeliers. The crocodile, which inhabits the nearby Ken River is a delightfully recurring motif.

DINING 

Dining in Pashan Garh is an experience in itself, featuring delicious Indian fare prepared by our expert chefs. No menu is ever the same and great care has been taken by the chef and the staff to celebrate the unique flavours and styles of the region. 

In the mornings, guests wake up to steaming hot tea and coffee and a delicious pre-game drive breakfast spread. The butlers carry additional snacks for each guest to take along for the game drive. Guests who prefer to sleep in enjoy a late morning breakfast on the verandah. 

For lunch, guests have the option being served on the verandah or being escorted to a nearby rural setting near the park gate for a picnic. A poolside alfresco lunch is available as well. 

In the evening, guests have several dinner concepts to choose from 

Lakeside Bullock Cart Dinners
Guests can indulge in a jungle picnic on a dinner table setting fashioned out of a bullock cart. Each guest sits inside a personal space with glittering aromatic candles and beautiful sheer curtains. Each cart is parked some distance from each other to offer privacy as our butlers serve the food unobtrusively. After dinner, guests can gaze at stars while sipping cognac. 

Dinner on the Deck
This is a family style service presented on the main dining deck. Lighted lanterns and sigris around the deck create a perfect ambience. The main dish is presented in a heated cooker and attentive butlers serve the side dishes. 

In-Room Dinner
This dinner is set up on the verandah in front of the guest’s cottage. Butlers and chefs shall engross the guest with an enchanting dinner. A treasure chest carrying food is left behind for the guests opting for self-service. 

More Choices
Guests may opt for dinners by the pool, palanquin dining in the bush from an ox care or a Haandi dinner served in earthenware pots. 

Dessert
A dessert platter with vintage Indian tins of sweets is served with a signature liqueur at the end of dinner.

LEUISURE 

As guests arrive at Pashan Garh, they are welcomed with a refreshing picnic lunch on the verandah or nearby in the park. Then the adventure begins. Once everyone gets settled, the Pashan Garh naturalist presents a fascinating orientation of what to expect on the safari drives. Guests will then depart on an afternoon drive in a rugged 4X4 through Panna’s exotic landscape, driving through the thick teak forests and rocky terrain, watching out for tigers in the bush and possibly spotting a crocodile napping on the shore of the river. 

Throughout their stay, guests will travel in comfort in a specially designed Tata open 4x4 safari vehicle, indulge in twice-daily safaris in the reserve, tick off Panna’s ten Star Birds (a book listing the area’s top ten birds that bird-watchers can check off), or tour the sandstone temples of Khajuraho. 

Inside the lodge, guests can linger over coffee and a book in the intimate sitting room or the shady deck outside. Or one can browse leisurely through the Safari Shop or library. All guests have access to the Infinity pool, which is nestled between rocky outcrops and overlooks a small stream. 

After a day of trekking through the jungle, guests can find plenty to do back at the lodge, from relaxing spa treatments to a swim in our infinity pool. 

From a guided bird walk in the jungle around the lodge to a dip in our infinity swimming pool overlooking a stream, guests will find plenty to do when they are not riding through the jungle in a 4x4 jeep. We offer a Safari shop as well as a library for guests to idle away the hours. At the end of the day, the guest areas are the perfect place to mingle and unwind after a long afternoon safari. 

Spa Services

Our spa treatments based on millennia-old Indian healing and massage techniques, using all-natural ingredients. 

Nature Walks

Our naturalists enjoy teaching guests about the birds, insects and plants inside the beautiful ‘private jungle’ of Pashan Garh. Guests can also learn about the tracks and signs of various animals that wander the grounds at night.