Sarai at Toria
Khajuraho

Spread over 9 acres of unspoilt land in Bundelkhand and surrounded by history and natural beauty, Sarai at Toria is the perfect place from which to explore the Panna Tiger Reserve.

Comprising of 8 identical cottages set amongst the verdant garden, Sarai at Toria was built using traditional methods combined with modern architectural design. This means that the cottages and main house blend into the landscape, allowing India’s wildlife and jungle to take central stage. The large dining and lounge area (where a tiger was once found sitting in the morning sun!) are perched on the highest point of the land thus commanding fantastic views over the colossal Ken River. This makes it the perfect location to relax, enjoy the scenery and watch the sunset. The garden is carpeted with wild mint giving the compact resort a homely, yet untamed atmosphere.

The focal point of any stay is centred around day safaris into the reserve in search of the resident tiger population. These are organised in conjunction with the resort. Dawn boat trips on the river Ken are rewarding for even the most elementary of ornithologists as kingfishers, storks and eagle owls are all common parts of this wild landscape. If a break from wildlife is desired then it is just a half hour drive into Khajuraho to see the infamous eponymous temple complex.    

Owners Joanna and Raghu have unparalleled knowledge of the local wildlife populations. Joanna is a conservationist and wildlife photographer, featured in National Geographic, and Raghu is a conservation biologist who has conducted pioneering research on tigers in the Panna reserve. Simply put – there are no better hosts to have!

Homemade meals are prepared by Joanna and Raghu and local flavours as well as international options and can be enjoyed in the dining room or alfresco throughout the grounds. Guests often eat together after a days exploring the area and familial story exchanges take place. Sarai at Toria is both charming and wild and the only place from which to explore this lesser known side of India.

It is important to note that Sarai at Toria is closed in monsoon season.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson