Diphlu River Lodge – Kazaranga (Assam)

Kazaranga National Park is one of the less-known wildlife parks in India, covering some 430 square kilometres and set within the flood plain of the legendry Brahmaputra River. It has the largest population of rhino in India, and also is home to a sizable population of Bengal tiger and wild elephant (although tiger sightings are pretty rare due to the long grass that the park is famous for, and the tiger’s ability to hide exceptionally well!) You can expect to find these extensive grasslands leading to a multitude of interconnecting streams and small lakes making the park exceptionally beautiful and remarkably different to the other parks in Central India. It is also renowned for its birdlife, with over 400 species resident in the park.

Operating successfully since 2008, the Diphlu River Lodge is the ideal destination for those seeking a unique communion with nature. Located on the banks of the Diphlu River and overlooking the Kaziranga National Park, the Lodge melds unparalleled comfort and service with the excitement of a wilderness experience.

The best way to access Kazaranga is to fly to Guwahati which is the most connected airport and has flights from Calcutta, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangkok followed by a four hour drive to the lodge. If you are flying from Calcutta, there are flights to Jorhat and Tezpur, which are much closer to Kazaranga in terms of the final transfer time, being only one or two hours away. Some guests like to combine with a river cruise down the Brahmaputra, a visit to Bhutan or Sikkim.

The Machan : Raised along and above the river is the charming common area called The Machan, which means ‘jungle platform’. This is an air-conditioned sitting and dining area, which opens onto two verandahs. The larger verandah, with a high thatched ceiling, wooden flooring and well-equipped bar, overlooks the Diphlu River and the Park beyond. This is the perfect place to watch for birds or to scan the opposite bank for wild animals. The smaller verandah overlooks lovingly tended farmland and is an appealing location for al fresco breakfasts.

Embellished with fascinating handicrafts and artefacts, The Machan is where the day’s jungle stories are swapped between guests over drinks or delicious meals. Feel free to browse through television channels in the television room or to sink into luxuriant sofas with a book from the library. The Machan is connected to the cottages by grassy paths and bamboo walkways over our private farm.

Diphlu River Lodge stands by the very essence of hospitality; that no one be left out. This finds expression in the cuisine with daily meals being planned keeping different nationalities and varying tastes in mind. They serve continental, North Indian and Assamese cuisine made with fresh, locally produced ingredients whenever possible. They organically grow their our own rice, mustard and some vegetables too.