Reni Pani Jungle Lodge

Located just across the Satpura National Park, the largest tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, is the conservation and wildlife focussed Reni Pani Jungle Lodge. At Reni Pani expect the ubiquitous terrain of Satpura Tiger Reserve, the seasonal nullah (stream), a stretch of teak, rugged hillocks and gauges. The forest on one side and patches of agricultural land and the abundance of Reni trees make Reni Pani and its surrounding areas a perfect spot for animals, birds and sloth bears.

What makes Reni Pani exciting is the rich experiences led by a top-notch team of naturalists, including walking safaris and camping in the buffer zone, a rarity in most Indian national parks. The exclusive wilderness experiences include the ‘Satpura Under Canvas’, a unique mobile camping and walking expedition through the Satpura forests with highly knowledgeable team of naturalists. Exploring Satpura on horseback safaris (a first in Madhya Pradesh), boat safaris, and guided birdwatching tours complete the Central Indian wildlife experience.

 

Location

The lodge a 30-minute drive from Madhai Gate of Satpura. The nearest cities are Bhopal 3.5 hours and Nagpur 5.5 hours

Things to know

  • The nearest airport is Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport which is well-connected to other cities in India.
  • Reni Pani is closed during the monsoons (July to September). The best times to go would be October through February.
  • If you have a few extra days you can club your stay with a stay at Reni Pani Reserve and a stay at their sister property Bori Safari Lodge located on the less frequented side of the Satpura National Park.

Rooms & Suites

A mix of 16 luxury air-conditioned cottages and tents dot the pristine woodland. The rustic cottages are built with indigenous materials and designed for allowing plenty of nature interactions by way of large lounging bay windows and viewing decks. The large air-conditioned tents with wooden viewing decks overlook the forest and feature modern amenities.

Restaurants & Bars

The restaurant, bar, and lounge are all seamlessly housed in the Gol Ghar with a central fireplace and options for al-fresco dining. The cuisine is predominantly Indian. A post-safari morning bush breakfast can be arranged for guests. Meals are often planned in varied surprise locations to enhance the jungle experience.

Spa & Wellness

The spa at Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is the perfect place to rejuvenate amidst nature. Five different types of massages are offered to soothe those aching muscles after a long day in the jungle.

Experiences

There are just so many experiences on offer in the Central Indian jungles: game drives, birdwatching, and anthropological expeditions. But what’s unique to Reni Pani is the plethora of non-motorable expeditions into the jungle with a brilliant team of naturalists. The safari experiences and trails are exquisite and immersive with knowledgeable naturalist guides who want their guests to take time, reconnect with the wild and make the most of every moment of their safari from canoeing in the reservoir to mobile camping and walking expeditions. Guests at Reni Pani can also discover wild landscapes of the vast Satpura Tiger Reserve on horseback. The thoroughbred horses are well-trained and comfortable in the forest which makes it a truly spectacular way to experience the Satpura wilderness.

The lodge has a fantastic library with a fabulous collection of books on wildlife. For some R&R in-between safaris guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or opt for relaxing massages at the lodge.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

The Reni Pani Lodge is the fruitful result of the combined efforts of brothers Faiz and Aly, whose families own the grand Jehan Numa Palace hotel in Bhopal. Aly, who is a trained naturalist and ornithologist and an ardent wildlife enthusiast has been closely involved in the protection and conservation of wildlife in the Satpura Tiger Reserve. The lodge regularly contributes in many ways, particularly by setting up camera traps for studies, wildlife awareness programs at local and nearby schools, and participation in wildlife census studies in the region.

Reni Pani has been involved with community development and the team of naturalists has been working with forest officials to promote a completely natural experience in the Satpura Tiger Reserve by promoting non-traditional forms of exploring the forests like walks or treks, full-fledged and affordable elephant safaris, and non-motor boat safaris.

 

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