Pashan Garh – Panna

Pashan Garh (meaning ‘Stone House’) is located about 7 miles from Panna National Park, in 190 acres of private jungle wilderness. Located in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, Panna National Park is situated in the Vindhya hills along the tranquil Ken River, one of the cleanest rivers in the world. The park itself is a vast plateau dominated by lush tropical forests, deep ravines, cascading waterfalls and thick teak forests.

The Pashan Garh lodge features a cluster of stone cottages huddled atop a small hill, offering magnificent views across the top of the forest and a large nearby watering hole, which has been host to resident antelope sightings. The lodge is a mere 50 kilometres from Khajuraho, one of the best-known tourist attractions in India, renowned for its 85 sandstone temples and sculptures that date back a thousand years.

Lodge is not operational from 1st July onwards till 15th October, as the national parks are closed due to monsoons. While it boasts of 12 luxury stone cottages spread out along a small stream, surrounded by 200 acres of private jungle wilderness. Each individual cottage showcases leather furniture made in Delhi, with massive black and white photo canvasses of the dramatic Panna landscapes. If one looks closely enough, subtle references to the erotic stonework at nearby Khajuraho, based on the Kama Sutra, become apparent.

The lodge draws inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of the local Panna region. These houses differ from other Madhya Pradesh styles, with dramatic roofs constructed from massive slabs of irregularly shaped slate. Although the structures are rough, chunky and stony on the outside, the interiors are sleek and sensual.

The guest areas celebrate Haveli design, with a spacious central courtyard. The interiors are a contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cottons and cotton lace chandeliers. The crocodile, which inhabits the nearby Ken River is a delightfully recurring motif.