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Diphlu River Lodge
Kaziranga National Park

There are few places in India where luxury and wilderness are so seamlessly intertwined as they are at Diphlu River Lodge, the quiet jewel of Assam’s Kaziranga National Park. Hugging the banks of the river it’s named after and enveloped in dense, green jungle, this soulful safari lodge feels like a secret whispered only among those who know. It’s no surprise, then, that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose Diphlu during their royal tour of India, a quiet testament to the lodge’s understated taste, deep privacy and effortless connection to nature.

With just 12 thatched cottages built from bamboo and reclaimed wood, Diphlu River Lodge offers a kind of barefoot luxury where nothing is overdone and everything is gently intentional. It’s a design-forward space (as featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue, Condé Nast Traveler and The Guardian), yet it never feels self-conscious. Four cottages gaze straight over the river; eight look out across paddy fields that blaze gold in the early morning light. Inside, the rooms are cool and soulful, softened with Assamese textiles, hand-carved furniture and quietly luxurious touches, while wide verandas are perfectly poised for watching kingfishers dart or water buffalo wade.

At the heart of the lodge is the Machan, a high-perched dining pavilion open to the breeze, filled with floor cushions, books and views that dissolve the line between inside and out. Meals here are organic, local and deeply rooted in the land; lentils rich with spice, mustard greens from the garden, breads pulled warm from the fire. As the river darkens to indigo, the sounds of the forest take over - the whoop of a langur, the rustle of wings, the low, rhythmic hush of water.

This is a place that believes in doing good as much as looking good. Diphlu is deeply rooted in its community, employing local staff, growing its own produce, and working through the ABN Foundation to support education and conservation. Its eco-footprint is feather-light, but the sense of care runs deep.

The true luxury here, though, is the access. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to two-thirds of the world’s remaining Indian one-horned rhinoceros, as well as wild elephants, swamp deer, tigers and over 500 species of birds. Game drives are intimate and exhilarating, led by passionate naturalists who read the jungle like a book. For the curious, there are also tribal village visits, riverfront walks and long boat rides through this rich, unspoilt corner of India.

Evenings are candlelit and quietly romantic. Cocktails are poured by the fire pit as the river murmurs below, followed by lovingly prepared Assamese cuisine served under the stars. The mood is gentle and considered, it's a place to exhale, reflect and reconnect with the natural world.

Diphlu River Lodge doesn’t shout, it hums. More than just a safari lodge, it’s a retreat for the conservation-minded, for those drawn to India’s wilder, quieter corners. Royals have stayed here. Tigers have padded past. But what lingers most is the rare feeling of being not just in nature, but a part of it.

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I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
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Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
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Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
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I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
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I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
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- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
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Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
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