Pugdundee Safari- Denwa Backwater Escape

We spent a few days at Denwa Backwater Escape and had a beautiful time! The room was beautifully decorated with a wonderful view over the water. The entire lodge is fantastic. The dining room has a fabulous view over the water and the Satpura national park too. The staff were all super nice and professional. The lodge naturalist, Acharay, who took us on safari in the national park, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, as well as attentive, offering us a great experience. A big thanks to everyone at Denwa Backwater Escape!

Lovely tranquil spot in the backwaters of the Denwa river, gorgeous sunrise and sunset over the river. The treehouse was comfortably appointed. Our guest experience was superbly organised with the safaris, the refreshments before and after, and varied and healthy food in the restaurant. A special mention to the waiting staff Saroj Kumar and Sameer who were attentive and helpful at all times. Our two allocated naturalists Rhea and Saumya were also excellent ambassadors for the lodge, keen and knowledgeable and also humble. We had some unforgettable safari experiences in Satpura with their company.

My husband and I stayed at the Pugdundee Denwa Backwater lodge for 3 nights as part of the Best of Central Highlands tour that Pugdundee offers. This was our first time in India and the Pugdundee staff were a beautiful, warm representation of India. We felt their genuine care and kindness throughout every aspect of our time with them. The hospitality here is the best we have ever experienced. This made this a standout, exceptional experience. We did one boat safari, two morning jeep safaris, one evening jeep safari and one night jeep safari. We enjoyed every single one! Our naturalist provided insightful information and accommodated to our every need on safari and at the lodge. We really enjoyed the meals, coffee and tea also provided on safari - a lovely touch. We saw tigers, sloth bears, the Indian giant squirrel, amongst many other animals - we believe birdwatchers would absolutely love Satpura! The property is beautiful and serene. We enjoyed walking around during the day and night. Our naturalist gave us a tour of the garden and we love the garden to table dining experience that was provided. We enjoyed every meal thoroughly. I am vegan and they had no problem accommodating to my dietary needs - in fact, it was some of the best vegan food I have ever had! We also enjoyed the style of dining - multiple dishes so we could try many dishes local to India. We will be talking about our time at this lodge, with the amazing staff for a very long time. We highly recommend Pugdundee for all nature & wildlife enthusiasts! You truly feel in the heart of nature, while still enjoying a luxury travel stay.

Denwa Backwater Escape (DBE) was a fantastic experience. It was a magical place and perhaps one of the best safari park visits that we have been to so far, and we've been to many! Starting with our pick up at Bhopal airport, in a clean and very comfortable Toyota with a safe, friendly and helpful driver, the entire 3 nights stay was a super holiday. DBE is located in the midst of jungles and is very picturesque. Our room was spacious, very tastefully done up, clean and very well equipped with very good amenities. The bed is huge giving you a good nights sleep. The WiFi worked efficiently and the coffee - tea making set up was terrific! A coffee press with delicious, freshly ground coffee powder and an excellent selection of teas with plenty of home made cookies! It was a real treat! What was also exciting was a family of wild boar who made their home in the clump of bamboo trees just outside our cottage! That was truly the icing on the cake! The food at DBE is outstanding and the dining room staff are meticulous and caring. Our chef was quite the master of the kitchen with a huge variety of delicious cuisines that left us astonished at his repertoire. The service staff were very kind, courteous and most helpful, catering to all our demands with a smile. Sameer, who served us, made us feel at home and very welcome. They are all assets to Pugdundee Safaris. Of course, the visits to the Madhai Gate of the National Park were superb. Our Naturalist, Ms Saumya Thakur, was so knowledgeable that for a young person to be so well informed was amazing. She was also very caring, energetic and always had a smile dealing with us, super senior citizens. The drivers of DBE jeeps were very attentive and ready to give a helping hand whenever we had to clamber in and out of the jeeps. We went on the boat cruise one morning, which was delightful, and saw lots of birds as well as crocodiles. The breakfast on the boat was terrific with a large variety of food and as much freshly made coffee or tea as you wanted! The 2 trips into the forest were awesome as we saw tigers, gaurs, wild boars, sloth bears, antelopes, deer and a host of birds and butterflies. It was truly impressive to see so many animals and birds in the wild, untouched beauty of the forest. This is what makes Satpura National Park so special. Finally, Mr Prashaant Seegu, the master of this team of wonderful people, was first class. All his guidance and help before our visit and while we were there was super. We can't thank DBE enough for making this an exceptional holiday for us! Keep up the good work DBE!!!

Luxury in the midst of the Satpura Jungle. Very Friendly staff , The GM Prashant is a great host. The chef and kitchen staff are excellent. The food is the high point. The curated menu is superb and the new year dinner they hosted was very subtle and as per the jungle environment.

Well trained team kept the rooms and resort super-clean, the chef and kitchen crew served well curated dishes and gave me gluten-free meals, the naturalist was knowledgeable and passionate, and the beautiful waterfront location was teeming with birds. Saw tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, nilgai, sambhar deer, chital, crocodile, jungle cat. Notable birds included asian paradise flycatcher, scarlet minivet, changeable hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, pied kingfisher in the well-run Satpura national park / tiger reserve.