Ken River Lodge

We have been regularly visiting Panna and staying at Ken River lodge since 2022 at least once and sometimes twice a year. It is now like a second home. The property is beautiful - comfortable log huts and cottages nestled amidst lush greenery. Dining hall stop a large tree on the bank of the Ken River. Every bit worth a visit.

The hotel is badly maintained, the grounds are unkempt, rats ran across the bar and perched on the glasses while we were having drinks and drinks glasses in the bar were coated with dust & grime & heaven knows what else. I thought Pugdundee prided themselves on the quality of safari but guides kept giving wrong information! Would never return.

We have been travelling in India for 2 weeks and have stayed in some excellent hotels. However these hotels have all been in cities so it was a pleasant change to be out in the countryside with the sound of birds and away from the traffic. Ken River Lodge as the name suggests is on the southern side of the Ken River. Our accommodation was a large lodge perched 15 feet above ground level (the river floods in the wet season) with a large bedroom complete with a huge bed adjoining dressing room, a bathroom and a lovely balcony/ terrace overlooking the river. Breakfast is served at your table in a large tree house restaurant as is dinner after you have eaten your starters in front of your own fire pit. The video which plays each night is not great especially after the first viewing but is apparently due to be replaced. We had an excellent early morning boat ride (3,500 for 1.5 hours ) for 2 people. The river was like a mirror in every direction with lots of birds so bring binoculars. We did a safari in the Panna Safari Park which was ok. There are apparently Tigers but we didn’t see any but did see a Sloth Bear. The walk around the lodge grounds is very pleasant if you have an hour or two to spare.