Set amidst quaint tribal hamlets, Muchmucha is an abode of nature lovers. The hunting days have long gone past. The owners are committed conservationist and philanthropist. The old lodge exhibits grandeur in simplicity. The imposing structure stands proudly amidst the village of Muhmucha near Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The Kothi as it is called in Hindi stands isolated - far away from the maddening crowd. 
The Lodge
The grand vintage Kothi is now well equipped for tourism and offers simple ethnic accommodation in style. The structure is British style and was often visited by land lords, Maharajas, British officers and industrialists during the Raj. Indian architectural influence is also evident. The open inner courtyard is large well suited now for parties or gatherings by the fire place.
The stay provides exciting wild life safaris and bird watching in relatively unexplored forests. It is also suited for niche travelers interested in tribal culture
 
prevailing in the deep recess of Central India.
Muchmucha Forest Wildlife & Birds
The Muchmucha forests are part of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve about 40 km of drive to Tala Gate. The drive is an amazing and it takes you through dense forest canopies, small grasslands, ravines and nullahs. The forest teems with wild animals including tigers and leopards. The diverse habitat - forests, scrub, fields, wetlands offer better opportunity to sight avi fauna thriving in the park ecosystem.
 
The forests are good for night rides as you cover distance to neighboring forest villages. Animals seen are Barking Deer, Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Civet Cat, Porcupine, Chinkara, Jackal, Indian Fox, Ratel, and Mongoose. Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dog, and Sloth Bear are often encountered in nigh. Diverse habitat in the neighborhood offers exciting forest birding as well as wetland and grassland species.
It is possible to sight tigers and leopards near the village in fact very near as the boundary is enveloped by tracts of forest all around. The grand structure is built in colonial style somewhere in 1930. Many imminent personalities have made this property as their holiday home. One can experience the local culture and performances that are intriguing and mystical. The local lifestyle is rustic and takes you into a realm that is not a part of modern world. Lodge Accommodation
The stay is in spacious bedrooms furnished with old artifacts, photographs and unique furniture. The dining hall is quaint and comfortable well suited for a candle light dinner - a neat assemblage of mahogany tables and chairs. Along with large fireplace outside, the courtyard is for evening entertainment, drinks and dinner. The whole Kothi spells space and Royal ambiance and style adopted by the noble of the Raj era. The bathrooms are separate but within the premises as used to be in old days. They are nice clean and comfortable.
 
The surroundings are small agriculture fields, the tribal village and forests. The place boasts of palanquin, ford jeeps and other paraphernalia of the shikar days. But certain modern consumables are scarce; evening is warmed by lanterns when electricity falters. There is no air conditioning or even fans, anyway these are not required in winters.
The house is a vintage structure which adds to the feel of living in ethnic style. The white washed walls retain the aura of Royal living, fabulous parties and exciting trips in the forest. The place offers unique holidays in Central India.
Package tours
We offer package tours for birding as well as wildlife safari with tribal tourism in ethnic Kothi as central theme. We conduct jungle jeep safaris and trekking in the neighborhood. Most of the activities are done on jeep since the forests is home to tigers and leopards here. A nature guide accompanies the group and conducts the tour. A three night stay covers all the attractions mentioned below. For tiger safari at Core zone of Reserve an extra night is required.
Other Attractions:
Bandhavgarh National Park: The reserve is about 40 km from our lodge. Although it is situated in the confines of BTR forest we conduct tours in the core area of the park for those interested. The stay is provided in Muchmucha (Go & Back) or in hotels of the Tiger Reserve. It is entirely your choice.
Marzad Garh: Form here it is possible to climb the heights of Marzad Garh a part of tiger reserve not much visited by the tourists. A road diverts to Marzad Garh and the Umrar River which offers access to enchanting spectacle of pristine forests. Visit to Bamera Dam on the way to park gate is excellent habitat for wetland species.
Bansagar Dam: is a large reservoir used as hydroelectric dam situated in Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh. The habitat surrounding is diverse and undisturbed. Bansagar dam is home to many wetland species offering an interesting bird watching trek. The huge water body is home to marsh crocodile, turtles and large fishes as well. On forested slopes interesting animals can be encountered.
Birding at the Wetland: Nearby is a large man made wetland/reservoir and constitutes excellent habitat as it is situated alongside forests, scrub and fields inviting large number of diverse avian species.
How We Entertain?
The experience is a simple affair that takes you back into days of the Landlords. There is always a retinue of wait staff to look after you. You are served local foods – homemade, exotic and mouthwatering.
  
We organize a grand affair in the evening, musicians, artists, drummers, local singers, tribal dance and puppeteers what not. In between the trips you get a chance to look at rural life and old folks from close. We arrange a trip to village in order to meet and interact with different communities that live here. The change has a deep impact on visitors from the modern world. This is the best way to experience rustic Central India from close. The village life is unique mud huts, cow sheds, dusty lanes, vegetable gardens, small schools and scattered market of small shops and roadside vendors. Discover how people live in impoverished circumstances and survive.
We organize a trip to Bandhavgarh tourism zone which is about 40 km from Muchmucha. Lunch is arranged in one of the hotels near the park. After excursion in the park you come back through the forest roads. Night safaris are possible or if you wish local entertainment can be arranged.
Responsible Tourism
The village located in the deep interiors relies totally on farming. Our tourism efforts hope to employ the locals and hence benefit them. Many of the local entertainers will benefit from our efforts. The place uses limited energy and follows and eco friendly approach.
We try to conserve water, wood and all non renewable resources. In order to create a perfect eco dwelling we leave no stone unturned. The venture is hope for the future of Muchmucha village and it salubrious surroundings. |
