An unforgettable Jungle Experience
South-west in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s oldest wildlife sanctuaries. As a destination, it is less explored and far from the usual tourist hotspots, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
The famous Barasingha Reintroduction Programme was conducted in Bori, where 16 swamp deer were released into the Sanctuary from Kanha National Park. They have now multiplied to more than 60, which is a tremendous success story.
State Madhya Pradesh
Area 650 Sq Km
Closest Airport Bhopal
Distance 150 Km
Drive Time 3 Hours
- National Park
- City with Airport
Highlights
What you can look forward to
Fewer crowds.
Although it’s gaining popularity among travellers, Bori remains quieter than some of the bigger reserves and parks.
Conservation is key.
There’s a huge focus on conservation, as the successful Barasingha Reintroduction Programme of swamp deer proves.
Community cooperation.
Until a decade ago, the Sanctuary had close to 40 villages living within the reserve. A successful voluntary relocation program was executed, however, now affording large spaces for the repopulation of wildlife.
Flourishing flora.
Bori’s mixed deciduous forest type boasts a variety of flora, including Sal, Bija, Teak, Bamboo, Tendu, Bel trees.
Overview
The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, as well as the Pachmarhi Biosphere reserve. As such, it’s seen as an up-and-coming wildlife tourism destination under Madhya Pradesh tourism.
Best time to go
Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is subject to quite extreme weather conditions. Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping down to 3-4 degrees Celsius, while summers are hot, hitting highs of 48-49 degrees Celsius. Monsoons are warm and humid.
November to March – Dry, cool season
This is the best time to visit the Sanctuary. Early morning drives can be chilly until the first rays of the sun cut through the forest canopy, but the days are pleasant. Bori in the fall season is breathtakingly beautiful. Some trees turn yellow and others produce new, red leaves, resulting in a kaleidoscope of warm colours – a photographer’s absolute delight. March is the flowering season with flagship species like the Butea Monosperma (Flame of the Forest), Bombax Ceiba (Red Silk Cotton) and Madhuca Longifolia (Mahua) in full bloom.
The Sanctuary is skirted by the Tawa Reservoir in the western side, while the south side of the sanctuary is occupied by flat woodlands and sandstone mounds with seasonal streams cutting through the forest. As one traverses towards the north, the terrain begins to undulate and finally you hit the mighty mountains of Satpura on the northern edge.
Where you will stay
Bori Safari Lodge is a fusion of authenticity and luxury; inspired by a contemporary design but using locally sourced materials for construction.
It comprises four clusters of two-bedroom units and two single-room units, spread out over an 8-acre estate. Each unit is perched on an elevated private deck overlooking the forest.
The lodge’s restaurant is embedded in the central courtyard, boasting beautiful indoor and outdoor dining spaces. A set menu is served for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all with a focus on high quality artisanal and gourmet delicacies.
Get Inspired
Why we Love it
The People
From over 5 professional in-house naturalists to the manager, the housekeeping to service staff, each member is trained with the Jehan Numa (Royal Palace in Bhopal)
Rural farmlands
Because Bori Safari Lodge is built on an old farmland, the neighbouring lands are farmlands and little village hamlets. That means guests are a short, guided walk away from a nearby village to experience rural and remote India.
Culinary delights
The food at Bori Safari Lodge really stands out amongst many other wildlife lodges in India. The menus offer a variety of local delicacies and continental/Asian cuisines, and the ingredients are sourced fresh from the vegetable garden and surrounding local farmer markets. The Jehan Numa-trained chefs are open for a chat should guests want to make a specific request.
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