Discover Tranquility: Experience the Enchantment of Brij Sone Bagh, a Sustainable Luxury Forest Retreat in Bandhavgarh
The tranquil sounds of Bandhavgarh National Park create a symphony of nature that deepens with each step into the forest. As I embark on a safari, accompanied by seasoned guide Guljar Singh, the rustle of bamboo and the rhythmic calls of drongos frame our journey. A sudden hush envelops the forest as we round a bend, revealing a magnificent tiger lounging beneath a sal tree, its striped flank rising and falling in a slow, mesmerizing rhythm.
Located in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh spans 720 square kilometers, complemented by an additional 816 kilometers of buffer area. It’s a vibrant ecosystem where the allure of wildlife is matched only by the breathtaking landscape. Our first wildlife encounter happens when we spot an Indian pitta, a jewel of turquoise and orange, hopping across a fallen branch. Jungle owlets blink sleepily, and a giant wood spider displays its intricate web, glimmering like glass. Above, vultures circle lazily, reminding us that the Tala zone remains one of the last refuges for these endangered birds.
While the tiger is undeniably the star attraction, my stay at the newly opened Brij Sone Bagh resort is equally compelling. After a four-hour drive from Jabalpur airport, I am immediately wrapped in the serenity of my surroundings, where the sounds of cicadas and distant owl calls blend harmoniously with the gentle rustle of leaves. “This retreat is nestled within 32 acres of natural forest,” says Arvind Bhende, the regional development head of Brij Hotels, as we sip on refreshing spiced buttermilk. Designed by architect Deepika Sethi, the five villas are crafted from local materials, harmonizing seamlessly with the landscape.
My villa, named Vanar after the langur, exudes a local charm with its mix of cane and antique-style furniture, handwoven textiles, and artistic elements, such as dokra metalwork from neighboring Chhattisgarh. Dining beneath an ancient jamun tree, I savor the earthy scents of damp soil while a local villager, adorned in traditional garb, plays the flute. Chef Dharmender Kumar, affectionately known as Dharma, skillfully manages an open barbecue, turning marinated chicken infused with turmeric, ginger, and locally foraged herbs.
Dharma invites me for a “farm to kadhai” cooking session, showcasing fresh produce from local markets, including amla and coriander. Together, we prepare amla pickle and a spicy green chutney, emphasizing his “zero-kilometre kitchen” philosophy, where ingredients are sourced from within a few kilometers of the resort. This approach not only minimizes food miles but also supports the local community, giving visitors a genuine taste of regional cuisine.
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Brij Sone Bagh. Collaborating with the NGO Saahas, the resort efficiently manages waste, with less than five percent ending up in landfills. Organic waste is composted or repurposed in an on-site goshala, enriching the soil used for their kitchen garden, while water supply is drawn from the nearby Charan Ganga River.
Returning to the safari, we pause for breakfast at a scenic clearing, where Dharma and guides serve warm parathas and refreshing fruit. Before departing the Tala zone, we visit Sheshshaiya, an ancient 10th-century statue of Lord Vishnu that rests in a mossy glade, a testament to the area’s rich historical tapestry.
Later, I stroll through a nearby village, where artisans continue the dwindling craft of bamboo weaving. Karishma Basoi, a local craftsman, reflects on the transition, noting, “Now, only a few make tourist crafts,” her fingers deftly weaving bamboo strips as she shares stories predating tourism itself. This blend of nature, cuisine, and culture showcases the heart of Bandhavgarh, inviting travelers to engage with its wild beauty and rich heritage.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/brij-sone-bagh-a-sustainable-luxury-forest-retreat-in-bandhavgarh/article70269996.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-11-27 11:10:00
