Pugdundee Safaris- Tree House Hideaway

I stayed at three Pugdundee properties, Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench for my photo safari over two weeks. The food was outstanding at all three properties with individually plated meals. No two meals were the same. Chef’s selections from their private gardens were amazing. Rooms were spacious, clean and stocked with the best French Press coffee I’ve ever had. (I know nothing about coffee, but I drank it black with sugar. Now I can never go back to Starbucks.) The staff was fantastic, attentive and friendly, aiming to cater to your every need. I’d stay here again. 5 stars. As for the safari drives, the drivers come from the lodge and the guides come from the parks. The guides and drivers are tipped separately. Drivers get about twice as much as guides per outing. We had morning and afternoon safaris. There is a separate tip box for all hotel staff. And everyone works extra hard to make sure your stay is enjoyable and memorable. A trip of a lifetime.

A truly wonderful stay, the staff were extremely courteous, helpful and the accommodation was just fantastic. Huge tree house with a super large four poster bed with mosquito net, air conditioning, huge bathroom, balcony and lots of space for cases and sitting and relaxing. The tea and coffee were replenished every time we left the room for a safari, and it was cleaned and the bed made. After the heat of the safari we came back and rested in the air con and had drinks which was such a relief. The food was incredible, we had our appetisers upstairs in the bar, lovely tandoori and Indian flavoured bites with dips, so much we almost weren't hungry for our meal. The main meal was lovely authentic Indian, and we got to taste spiced vegetables I've never had before. The last evening they did a truly authentic evening where they cook on traditional clay oven and tandoori over, we had a lamp lit evening under a tree. Our driver for the game drive was Priyo, a biologist trained, knew so much about the animals and birds and had a clear passion. This meant he was happy to stop and let me photograph many beautiful birds as well as hunt the tigers. We were so lucky to see a tiger on our first safari drive, the largest tiger called Hulk. We waited for him to get out of his sleeping place for two hours and then he gave us a show, roaring at us about 30m away. I got amazing footage. We also had wonderful packed breakfasts during the morning drive. Priya couldn't do enough for us, even found a shop that would give us cash back as the ATM wasn't working . Words of advice, take enough rupees and in small denominations we wanted to tip and only had 500's. Early starts mean very cold and need some layers. If you are a safari veteran you'll know this but we weren't and looked very stupid in our summer things. They do provide woollen ponchos .

Fabulous place & perfect for park gate . We had a lovely welcome . We were in treehouse number one with a huge balcony overlooking a water hole . Food was exceptional Breakfast during safari was wonderful . Rooms had heaters which we were grateful for in January , There is a butterfly garden & vegetable garden . Make time to explore the grounds which borders the National park so plenty to see . We had four excellent safaris , four tiger sightings , jungle cats & a host of other wonderful wildlife animals . If in park request a visit to the shrine , so interesting & the most amazing views . Staff at the hotel very attentive , small shop items to buy . Lovely open bar upstairs Would have no hesitation wholeheartedly recommending , perfect place

This is the most amazing place. Manged with such care and attention by Ravi and Aman. The staff and facilities were faultless. Food and the catering staff were so kind and caring for our dietary needs. The Lodges are high up in the trees and are secluded from other tree Lodges. You have completed privacy and comfort. The whole experience was superb and as for our Tiger experience we were allotted our guide Priyo he was so knowledgeable and friendly. With his excellent tracking skills he showed us some amazing Tigers and much more forest animals. The whole experience was amazing. Thank you all at the Hideaway.

The Treehouse Hideaway was a rustic dream. We booked through Nature Safari India. Set back and secluded, it felt like the perfect retreat! The treehouse itself was super cozy and had everything you could need. The room was tended to multiple times a day so it was always ready with fresh water, or turned down for bed. Staff was wonderful and always excited to hear about our sightings. Rakesh was always there make sure we were comfortable, our food was spiced perfectly, and we had everything we needed! Every morning there was coffee and snacks and our Safari jeep waiting with blankets and hot water bottles to keep cozy. When we returned there was always a fresh towel and fresh lemonade. Returning from afternoon safari there was tea, coffee, and snacks as well! Sitting on the balcony and listening to the jungle sounds is something we will never forget! Thank you for a wonderful stay! We also had incredible sightings in the park!

A wonderful welcome to this beautiful place . Loveliest lodge bedroom up in trees overlooking a water hole with a huge outside balcony ( we were in number one ) Food was exceptionally good for all meals plus excellent safari breakfast in bush . Hot water bottles in beds & also provided with blankets in jeeps . There are also additional heaters in rooms which were welcomed in January . We stayed here three nights & had three amazing tiger sightings . WiFi was troublesome in rooms for first couple of days ( but always available in main building ) once fixed no problems. The rooms are extremely spacious with everything you might need . The grounds are beautiful, spend time relaxing & enjoying them if you can . There is a newly created butterfly garden plus a vegetable garden . The accommodation abuts the National park so ideal with no long journeys for safaris . There are bikes to use , a badminton court . We saw an abundance of wildlife in the park including masses of birds , deer , ( samba & chital ) turtles , jungle cat , jackal , wild boar , gaur . We also visited the shrine in the National park ( ask to be taken ) absolutely fascinating place with incredible views over the National Park . The bar upstairs is lovely . The food was excellent throughout our stay ( our complements to an incredible chef ) The staff are extremely attentive & accommodating. Hit flannels & drinks were appreciated post safaris . A very special place to stay & would have no hesitation in recommending, thank you to all .