Pugdundee Safari- Denwa Backwater Escape

We arrived here after an interesting journey from Nagpur after attending the England v India ODI. The first part was an overnight train to Bhopal.... my idea but horrendous, then 2 hours being driven by the only unpleasant *** we met during our 3 weeks in India. Fortunately the final part of our journey was a 90 minute boat ride across Tawa lake to the lodge. We are in our late 70's so we arrived tired but with spirits uplifted in the idylic setting. The lodges in the Pugdundee ownership all seem to have their own character but all follow the same eco friendly ethos aligned with luxury. Our room here was no exception. Similarly the service was up to the usual very high standard and all our meals were outstanding. We have genuinly never eaten such tasty and yet healthy food as we did in all the 3 Pugdundee lodges we stayed in on this holiday. The chef even went out to the local market to buy a freshly caught lake fish when he discovered my liking for fish. Europeans can sometimes have problems with digestion in india but we were absolutely fine during our 3 weeks in India. Unlimited safe drinking water was supplied here as in the other lodges. It was our first time in Satpura but it is now our favourite NP in India. The scenery is varied and beautiful and we were fortunate enough to see 3 tigers, 2 sloth bears, an Indian giant squirrel and many other creatures on our 3 game drives. We were sorry to leave this fabulous place after 3 nights.

This location is Denwa river water facing with amazing views. It comes with amazing crew who takes care off their customers extremely well like their family. Restaurant view and food cannot be missed. Cottages are the best, independent units with an access to open top view of the wild scenery one should not miss. Location is so meditative this is heaven on earth. Soumya, guide and naturalist works hard to describe flora and fauna to you which one should have appreciation as there is some much of passion and interest in what she does. I highly recommend this resort if one wants to do Tiger safari, like me you would be lucky to see a Tiger, Sloth Bear, gaur and others if you stay.

The property is beautifully located in the forest beside the Denwa River backwaters. The cottages have a view of the grassland in the backyard with the river behind. Wild boars and spotted deer are frequent visitors to the property. The restaurant deck also has a lovely view of the waterfront. The staff are helpful and prompt in their service. The restaurant staff took care of our specific dietary needs as my father became ill during our stay. They arranged a barbeque dinner one night during our stay. They try to introduce a variety to every meal every day. We had amazing sightings on our safaris at this time of the year where the jungle is dense with foliage. A special shoutout to Naturalist Pradumnya who not only accompanied us for our wonderful safaris but also caringly dressed the wounds my father had during an accidental fall due to his illness.

We, three friends, sought an escape from city chaos and discovered a hidden gem amidst the lush Satpura jungle in Madhya Pradesh. Our forest stay was an enchanting blend of rustic charm and luxury, surpassing our expectations. As we entered the resort, we received a warm welcome ***** with a refreshing drink and the soft chirping of birds enveloped us. The rustic, earthy tones of the cottages seamlessly blended into the surrounding foliage, creating an immersive jungle experience. Our cottage, crafted from natural materials, offered stunning views of the forest and denva backwaters. Spacious, elegantly furnished, and equipped with modern amenities, it was the perfect retreat. Savoring local flavors, we indulged in delicious, farm-to-table cuisine, expertly prepared by the in-house chef. From traditional local dishes to international fare, every meal was a delight. 1. Guided jungle treks: Expert naturalists led us through the dense forest, revealing hidden waterfalls and exotic wildlife. 2. Birdwatching boat safari: We spotted rare species of birds, crocodiles and sambar deer .And the resort's birding guide enhanced our experience. 3. Candle light dinner- on the occasion of my birthday the staff surprised us with a candle light dinner setup and truly amazing in house baked cake. Our Denva backwater escape forest stay was a symphony of nature, luxury, and friendship. If you seek an immersive jungle experience with rustic elegance, look no further Perfect for nature lovers, couples, and friends seeking a tranquil getaway. We'll cherish the memories of our Satpura sojourn and eagerly recommend this enchanting forest retreat to anyone seeking an unparalleled jungle experience.

Me and my 12 year old daughter were visiting Satpura tiger reserve and we chose Pugdundee Denwa Backwaters Escape (DBE from now on for our stay, having stayed with Pugdundee resorts before in Pench. Right from onset ..it was a wonderful experience at DBE..the quaint entry leads the way to a beautiful well laid out 8 cottages ( each with its private terrace ), 2 treehouses and beautiful dining area , pool, even a kitchen garden. The rooms are fabulous, with breathtaking views of the Denwa river... comfortable and beautiful. All amenities in the rooms are ecologically sound choices.. whether its the tea coffee station...or toiletries everything from handwash to your hair conditioner is available from a dispenser. A yoga mat is provided for those who practice everyday. Small reminders are put out everywhere so the guests are mindful. The naturalist on all our Safari's Ms. Saumya was super enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The meals are simply delectable , even elaborate one may say ...with different foods at every meal. They try and practice farm to table concept wherever they can ..using their grown greens for vegetables and salads and condiments. They also offered to do custom meals if one required. All the staff is kind, generous and they even love a good chat if one wishes to know more about the forest or even anything else. We had a fabulous stay. I would choose to stay here again if we are at Satpura anytime.

Set inside the buffer zone of Satpura National Park, the lodge is perfect for nature lovers. You will love it's commitment to sustainability - from zero plastic, minimal single-use, solar, water bodies and native trees. I loved their attention to detail. A big shout out to the Head Chef Arun who was simply BRILLIANT and the team in the dining hall (Samir, Saroj, Ravinder and others) who took care of my specific dietary needs. The Super management team of Prashant and Karun, who made us feel so welcome. The passionate naturalists led by Kshitij. And Purushottam who welcomed us every time. Look out for the design elements- Kassod motifs, tiger embossing and minimalistic wooden (repurposed), iron structures. Strongly recommend this place to those who really care about the planet.