|
 TREE
HOUSE:Here the Tree House seems to be a modified machaan. But its
rugged exteriors belie the comfy rooms inside. Standing on solid tree
trunks, the tree houses are as much a part of the park as the trees
themselves. |  KING'S
LODGE:The library has a part colonial feel to it created by the cozy
fireplace, wooden furniture, antique fan and the diffused lighting. |
Knapsacks
And Rolled Up Beddings Are Passé. Living In The Wild Can Be As
Luxurious As A City Hotel, With No Compromises On Adventure. With Every
Comfort Around You And Wildlife A Few Feet Away, The Tree House
Hideaway And Kings Lodge Make Living On The Edge At Bandhavgarh
National Park A Truly Unique Experience
Text By Kanishka Ramchandani , Photographs Courtesy Tree House Hideaway And Kings Lodge, Home Review-May 2009
From
snow-capped mountains to thrilling sea waters, from measureless deserts
to evergreen forests, India is a land of mysteries. Lured by its
mysticism and magic, in days of yore adventurers and explorers had
sailed to India, to seek out her unravelled secrets. Maharajahs of the
pre-colonial times and sahibs of the colonial era were known for their
adventures in the wild - elephant safaris, camping in royal tents et
al. Since historic times these expeditions have undergone a sea change.
Modern India offers wild life adventures too, albeit in luxury and
style.
The
Bandhavgarh National Park is one such haven for adventure lovers.
Nestled in the core of India in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is one of
the finest tiger reserves in the world. And located along its border is
a set of five tree houses - the Tree House Hideaway. Offering wild life
adventure in its true spirit, these abodes are part of the milieu and
are spread across 21 acres of dense forests that eventually merge with
the reserve.
The
Tree House Hideaway is exactly what its name suggests. While tree
houses conjure up images of rudimentary and primitive living, this
place is a far cry from that. The Tree House Hideaway is replete with
nature's bounty, scenic beauty and luxurious living. It offers perfect
living space, with adventure awaiting just a glance away.
The
tree houses are built on solid logs of wood and these wooden columns
raise the houses to the level of the dense branches above. Strong
wooden stairs lead up to the tree houses, each of which is a compact,
self-sufficient unit. Cut off from civilization and set amidst deep
forests, the Tree House Hideaway is an ideal place for those seeking
privacy.
Each
tree house comprises a bedroom with an inclusive livingspace, bathroom
and verandah. The interior design of the tree house is by no means
rudimentary. On the contrary, it offers all the comforts of modern
living. The design is a unique amalgamation of traditional and
contemporary styles.
Since
the tree house is built entirely of wood, everything is drenched in an
earthy hue. Designing expertise is clearly evident in the way modern
amenities are effortlessly blended in a typical tree house. The bedroom
is furnished with a bed, seating in the living area and a chair and
study table. The accessories used too are understated, with traditional
ethnic soft furnishings. Amenities like air conditioners are placed
unobtrusively, without seeming to be an eyesore. Most of the lighting
in the tree house is diffused, which imparts an ethereal look to the
place.
The
bedroom has an indigenous slanting roof and many large windows. The
glass partition dividing the bedroom and verdandah creates an
impression of openness and makes for great views from every tree house.
The verandah is equipped with loungers and a table for two for exclusive rendezvous.
Creativity takes a new turn in the bathroom design. Naturally moulded
tree trunks are used as wash basin stands and towel holders. Simple
white sanitary ware further adds to the contrast of the design. The bathroom too comes with multiple windows and an open air shower area.
 TREE
HOUSE : The spacious bedroom lies open to nature. A glass partition
between the bedroom and the verandah gives an uninterrupted view. |  KING'S
LODGE : The long rugged wooden dining table is the hallmark here, with
the natural formation of the wood adding a feral touch to the decor. |
While
the tree houses are set amidst dense trees like the Banyan, the dining
hall is built around a Mahua tree. Constructed in a circular shape
around the tree, it is split into two levels. The ground level is an
enclosed dining area, with the huge tree trunk forming its centre. The
upper deck carries the bar and is aptly called 'Watering Hole'. As with
the tree houses the dining hall too is entirely made of natural
materials.
The
tree houses present a great view of a water hole frequented by wild
animals. One can spot wild life from within the privacy of the rooms.
A
short drive away from Bandhavgarh National Park is Kings Lodge.
Surrounded by Sal tree forests, it is spread across 12 acres of forest
in Rancha village. Comprising four cottage and eight stilt rooms, The
lodge is a spacious abode set amidst emerald greenery.
The
main building holds a large dining hall which is furnished with
interesting pieces of furniture. Chairs are made of natural formations
of wood. The huge dining table, a classic piece, is a polished vertical
section of a tree trunk. This innovative furniture heightens the sense
of ruggedness and 'wild' living of the place. The interiors are done up
entirely of natural materials like wood and stone, while the soft
furnishings are ethnic. View of the wild grasslands can also be enjoyed
from the wide corridor that runs along the hallway.
The
stilt rooms are make-believe tree houses, resting on columns. As with
the cottages, these rooms have en suite bathrooms and open verandahs.
Openness in design and use of natural materials are two key designing
elements here. Earthy tones and wood dominate the interiors in both the
cottages and stilt rooms. The bedrooms are tastefully furnished with
solid wood furniture. Wide windows with comfortable love seats complete
the picture in each bedroom.
The
en suite bathrooms are well provided with modern facilities like
bathtubs. With the use of polished branches as handle bars and towel
holders, nature seeps in unobtrusively and establishes uniformity in
design.
The
library is a sanctuary for those seeking peace and comfort. As in the
dining hall, the library too has a vertical split table and wooden
chairs. It also includes a cozy fireplace and a cozier window seating.
An antique fan and diffused lighting recreates the charm of colonial
times. So if you prefer reading in the midst of nature, this is the perfect retreat for you.
Verandahs,
an inimitable feature of Indian homes, are well used in both the
cottages and stilt houses. With comfortable seating, the verandahs
offer some of the best views of the Sal forested hills around Kings
Lodge. And for those who prefer to go a step beyond there is also al
fresco dining on the grassy turf around the cottages. Kings Lodge also
offers a swimming pool, an elevated massage deck and 'Gol Ghar', which
is an informal dining area.
With
abundant use of wood and natural materials and the exceptional
architectural designs, Tree House Hideaway and Kings Lodge blend with
the milieu, while offering true experience of living in the jungle. So
if you want to live on the wild side, Bandhavgarh is the place for you.
And the Tree House Hideaway and Kings Lodge will ensure that you are
'at home' with nature. |
